Southern Tasmania’s Coal River Valley might be the best wine region you’ve never heard of. Renowned for pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling, its dozen-or-so wineries are dotted around the historic towns of Richmond and Cambridge, which is an easy 25-minute drive north-east of Hobart, and all within striking distance of one another.
“The first thing people usually notice about wines from this region is the acidity – it’s bright, but not aggressive,” says Bogdan Mihalache, beverage manager at Regent Seven Seas Cruises®.
The chardonnay from Coal River Valley is known for its easy versatility at the table. “It works just as well with oysters or grilled fish as it does with chicken or richer sauces because the acidity keeps everything in check. It’s also great with dishes that are a bit rich or spicy such as lobster with butter or something curried. The freshness maintains the balance,” says Mihalache.
On the other hand, matching the region’s pinot noir with Asian-inspired food is always a pleasant surprise, notes the wine expert. “The wine’s savoury edge clicks with the flavours of dishes such as soy-glazed tuna tataki or the five-spice duck and watermelon salad served onboard. It’s a winner because it’s gentle enough for lighter dishes but features enough depth to complement duck or mushroom-based recipes.”
Here are the best wineries to visit in the Coal River Valley:
Slow down in the afternoon at the newly opened tasting room of Stargazer Wines. The space has been built into the eastern side of a hill on the property to give 180-degree views over the chardonnay and pinot noir vines. The owner and winemaker, Samantha Connew, refined her skills at McLaren Vale’s Wirra Wirra Vineyards before starting her own vineyard and devoting herself to producing award-winning wines. The Stargazer riesling is a showstopper, with plenty of lemon sherbet and lime zest notes.
