Discover the Best Wineries and Vineyards Near Hobart
Credit: Tourism Tasmania
Tasmania's cool-climate wines have earned worldwide recognition, and Hobart serves as the perfect base for exploring these exceptional vineyards. Just a short drive from the city centre, you'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and world-class wineries producing some of Australia's finest wines.
From the historic Coal River Valley to the picturesque Derwent and Huon Valleys, each region offers a distinctive wine experience that captures the essence of Tasmania's unique terroir.
What Makes Hobart's Wine Regions So Special?
Tasmania's isolation and cool climate create ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines with distinctive character. The island's winemaking history dates back to the 1820s when some of the first vines were planted by European settlers. After a period of decline, Tasmania's wine industry experienced a remarkable resurgence in the 1970s when winemakers recognised the region's potential for cool-climate varieties.
Today, Hobart's surrounding wine regions are celebrated for their premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and exceptional sparkling wines. The cool maritime climate, extended growing season and diverse soil types contribute to wines with remarkable complexity, natural acidity and intense flavours that rival those from renowned wine regions worldwide.
Tasmania's dedication to quality over quantity sets it apart from mainland wine regions. The island produces less than 1% of Australia's wine but commands significantly higher prices, reflecting the exceptional quality and boutique nature of Tasmanian viticulture.
Explore the Cool-Climate Charm of Coal River Valley
Credit: Tourism Tasmania
Just 20 minutes from Hobart lies the Coal River Valley, the wine region closest to the city. This historic region combines rich colonial heritage with cutting-edge winemaking techniques.
Frogmore Creek Winery
Frogmore Creek is one of Tasmania's most awarded wineries, located just 20 minutes from Hobart. Their Cambridge cellar door offers wine tastings and a restaurant that showcases seasonal Tasmanian produce. The $15 tasting fee includes a guided experience through their wine selection, with the fee waived upon bottle purchase.
The cellar door features panoramic views of the vineyard and surrounding Coal River Valley, with their range including both standout cool-climate varieties and their unique FGR series.
Pooley Wines
Family-owned Pooley Wines, located about 25 minutes from Hobart in Richmond, operates from a heritage-listed sandstone property dating back to the 1830s. As Tasmania's first fully certified environmentally sustainable vineyard, their spiritual home at the historic Belmont Lodge offers tastings of their range, including their award-winning Pinot Noir and Riesling.
For a real treat, their Heritage Range tasting for $40 a head offers first-hand access to some of the best wines you’ll taste all trip.
Puddleduck Vineyard
This family-owned and operated vineyard, located just 20 minutes from Hobart, handles every aspect of production on site — from growing, to crafting, to selling. Using only estate-grown grapes for their end products, the cellar door offers seated tastings of the range accompanied by ‘Pecking Board’ snacks. Be sure to get a seat overlooking their stunning pond!
Derwent Valley: A Scenic Wine Journey
Credit: Tourism Tasmania
The Derwent Valley, following the path of the Derwent River northwest of Hobart, offers spectacular scenery and distinctive wines influenced by its unique microclimate.
Derwent Estate Wines
Located approximately 25 minutes from Hobart, this vineyard is situated on the historic Derwent Estate, with vines planted on north-facing slopes along the Derwent River. Their location on the east bank of the river creates ideal growing conditions, with the water providing a moderating effect on temperature.
Their on-site restaurant ‘The Shed’ features locally sourced produce matched to a selection of their award-winning wines, while their Rathbone Cottage cellar door offers a 12-wine tasting by the fire or on the verandah overlooking the Derwent River.
Moorilla Winery
Established in 1958, Moorilla is one of Tasmania's oldest wineries and is now part of the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) complex, located just 15 minutes from Hobart's CBD. The winery offers a contemporary wine experience alongside world-class art.
The Moorilla cellar door provides tastings of their Praxis and Muse series wines, which include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling varieties. Visitors can book experiences ranging from standard tastings to the comprehensive Wine Meets Art tour, which combines a winery tour, tutored tasting, and museum entry.
Why Huon Valley is a Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
Credit: Tourism Tasmania
The Huon Valley, Tasmania's southernmost wine region, offers a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience for wine enthusiasts. Here, small family-run vineyards create distinctive wines in a landscape dominated by apple orchards and pristine wilderness.
While slightly further from Hobart (about 30-45 minutes), the scenic drive through picturesque countryside makes it well worth the journey.
Home Hill Wines
This vineyard near Ranelagh in the Huon Valley is another of Tasmania's most awarded wineries. Home Hill's Pinot Noir has received numerous accolades, including multiple Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophies.
The estate features a modern cellar door and restaurant with views across the vineyard to the Huon River. Their tasting experiences showcase their famous Pinot Noir alongside a full range of other delicious drops.
Kate Hill Wines
Located in Huonville, about 30 minutes from Hobart, Kate Hill Wines was established by winemaker Kate Hill, who brings experience from wine regions across Australia and internationally. The boutique winery focuses on minimal intervention, small-batch production of Tasmania’s famous cool-climate varieties, with the cellar door offering tasting experiences overlooking the majestic Sleeping Beauty or Hartz Mountains National Park.
Hartzview Vineyard
Established on historic property in the Huon Valley, approximately 40 minutes from Hobart, Hartzview Vineyard produces cool-climate wines as well as heritage berry liqueurs and fortified wines. The property features heritage-listed pickers' huts dating back to the early 1900s.
Along with tastings of their diverse range of products, visitors can take a self-guided heritage walk through the historic site and explore the original huts that have been carefully preserved.
Casual vs. Luxury: What Kind of Wine Day Are You After?
Hobart's wine regions cater to every preference, from relaxed casual outings to premium luxury experiences.
For a laid-back wine day, Puddleduck Vineyard's Reverse BYO concept offers a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a picnic with their wines. The Coal River Valley wineries are clustered relatively close together, making self-guided tours convenient for those with a designated driver.
Several local tour operators like Apple Isle Wine Tours and Boutique Wine Tours offer half-day guided tours that include visits to multiple cellar doors, with transportation from Hobart.
For those seeking luxury experiences, Home Hill’s locally-inspired menu paired with matched wines represents Tasmania's fine dining at its best. Private tours with companies like Ageing Barrel Tours provide customised itineraries, luxury transport and exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
Planning Your Wine Tour: Must-Know Tips Before You Go
Credit: Tourism Tasmania
While Tasmania's wineries welcome visitors year-round, autumn (March to May) offers pleasant weather and the excitement of harvest season. Many cellar doors are busier during this period as visitors can sometimes witness the vintage activities.
Winter visits (June to August) are quieter, with many cellar doors offering a more intimate experience. Spring brings blooming vineyards, while summer provides ideal weather for outdoor tastings and vineyard lunches.
Most wineries charge tasting fees (typically $10-20 per person), often redeemable against purchases. Always check opening hours and booking requirements before visiting, as smaller vineyards may operate seasonally or by appointment only.
Consider designating a driver or booking a guided tour like those listed above, to enjoy your tastings responsibly. Several tour operators offer half and full-day winery tours from Hobart with hotel pickup services.
Book Your Stay
The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart offers the perfect accommodation for your wine country adventure. Located in the heart of Hobart, our hotel provides the ideal starting point for exploring Tasmania's premier wine regions, all within easy driving distance.
After a day touring vineyards, return to our comfortable rooms featuring stunning harbour or mountain views. Our concierge can assist with booking wine tours, restaurant reservations or crafting a personalised itinerary to make the most of your Tasmanian wine experience.
Whether you're a serious wine enthusiast or simply looking to sample the local flavours, book your stay today.