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The Coal River valley lies fifteen minutes from Tasmania’s capital of Hobart. The drive from the city takes you across the Tasman bridge from which you have a picturesque 360-degree view of the stunning city. The Coal River Valley wineries are some of the best wineries near Hobart. Whether you want to jump on a Coal River Valley Tour or create your own destiny and have the flexibility to check out the Coal River Farm or the oldest bridge in Australia at Richmond Village, either way, you’re bound to experience a day of adventure.
How to get to the Coal River Valley
The Coal River Valley has the closest wineries to Hobart, which makes for a perfect day trip. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by car, but it depends if you want to sample more than one wine then we suggest a designated driver or wine tour.
By Car
It’s just a fifteen-minute drive from the city via the Tasman Hwy/A3 and B31; take the exit towards B31/Cambridge/Seven Mile Beach/Richmond, take the second exit at the roundabout, proceed until you see Richmond Road (B31) that will take you into the Coal River Valley.
By Bus
To get to the Coal River Valley by bus, it will take you approximately 50 minutes. Buses to the Coal River Valley leave on the hour from the Inner City bus link stop D4.
By Plane
The Hobart Airport is just 10 minutes drive from the Coal River Valley. Drive along Holyman Avenue that turns into Kennedy Drive, until you get to Richmond Road (B31) this will take you into the Coal River Valley.
The Coal River Valley Wine Region
The region is best known for creating cool-climate wines from the brisk wind blowing in from the southern ocean and down from the surrounding Meehan Ranges. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Reisling are the most popular grape varieties in the Coal River Valley wine region; working well with the crisp, fresh attributes of a cool-climate wine.
The Coal River Valley wine region is still quite young with the first winery popping up in the 1970s, since then a handful of boutique cellar doors have opened up. There aren’t too many wineries to choose from, but each is a personal experience showcasing the great flavours of Tasmania.
The weather conditions can be harsh in Tasmania, especially in the winter, but the surrounding hills of the Valley provide shelter from the westerly winds. Though winter brings its own aspects of beauty, the best time to visit the Coal River Valley is around January to March. The valley takes on a stunning summery vibe, and the energy is infectious.
Every hill, bridge, rock and vineyard in the Coal River Valley has a story to tell, and the best way to retain that knowledge is by allowing an experienced wine tour guide to take you down the rabbit hole and beyond.
The Best Wine Tours in the Coal Valley
The best thing about a wine tour is that you don’t really need to know where you are going, just what wine you are going to try next. But here are some great wine tour in Hobart you can choose from.
Drink Tasmania
Drink Tasmania is a salt of the earth wine tour company based in Hobart, they have built great relationships with local producers, and their tours are incredibly informative and friendly.
Ageing Barrel Wine Tours
Ageing Barrel Wine Tours showcases the premium side to wining and dining; they offer over 10 different wineries that you can choose to visit alongside a quick cheese tasting at Wicked Cheese. This wine tour has a great historical focus informing participants about not only the impeccable cool-climate wines of the Coal River Valley but the rich history and humble beginnings.
The Best 5 Cellar Doors in the Coal River Valley
Pooley Wines
Pooley Wines is one of the most jaw-dropping estates you will come in contact with. Driving up to Pooley Wines feels like an episode of Downton Abbey. The Sandstone Estate has so much history flowing through the floorboards you can feel it in the atmosphere as you enter.
The cellar door showcases all of Pooley’s elite wines, and you can also find a great selection of wood-fired pizzas on the menu.
Pooley Wines have so many award-winning wines with 18 medals and two trophies at the Tasmanian Wine Show. Their primary wine focus coincides with Tasmania’s cool-climate structure; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Reisling alongside an intricate range of Pinot Griso.
Their sister vineyard Coinda Vale, which is only 10 minutes away, focuses predominantly on the same three varieties but also showcases Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Make sure you add Pooley Wines to your to-do list for a full day of great food, wine and in-depth historical experiences.
Reviews
4.5 ⭐️ Google Review from 274 reviews
4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 117 reviews
Frogmore Creek
Frogmore Creek is one of the first wineries you see on your journey through the Valley. Its vineyard is extremely reputable around Tasmania and even Australia wide for making premium Pinot Noir and Reisling.
The award-winning restaurant peers over the vineyard and the rest of the valley, so you can enjoy the experience of Tasmanian fine dining and stunning views at the same time.
The wine tour at Frogmore Creek Winery is a riveting experience to say the least. The knowledgable guides take you upstairs through to the first leg of the tour, where the history of Tasmania and winemaking is painted on the walls in mural format. As you move around the room, the guide takes you on a journey through time, each chapter presented with a new tasting of quality vino. This wine tour is an experience that every wine lover must partake in.
Reviews:
4.4 ⭐️ Google Review from 415 reviews
4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 882 reviews
Puddleduck Vineyard
Puddleduck Vineyard is a boutique vineyard, family-owned and operated. Darren and Jackie Brown have so much experience and considered an integral part of the wine industry in Tasmania. The estate’s dining area seeps out over the dam where little ducks spend there days, though you’re not encouraged to feed them, it does provide great entertainment while dining.
Puddleduck Vineyard has a reverse BYO policy which means you bring the food, and they will supply the wine. This style of dining was the first of its kind in Hobart, and the locals love it! Sometimes food can be expensive at wineries, good, but expensive. Puddle Duck offers the freedom to spend what you want; within reason, you can’t just go there to eat your B.Y.O. sanga and leave without a purchase.
If or when you get to Puddleduck Vineyard make sure you try the Bubbleduck 2017, it’s one of their best wines on offer. The Bubbleduck is made from a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, making it the ultimate showcase of cool-climate wine. As well as the Bubbleduck, there are some exquisite Rieslings to taste and some quality Rosè to try.
The best way to taste the premium wine and get the full experience is the Puddle Duck wine tour that takes you through the history and the making of Puddleduck wine. The wine tour includes two free wines, a cheese board and a whole lot of expertise for just $50.
Reviews:
4.5 ⭐️ Google Review from 391 reviews
4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 364 reviews
Coal Valley Vineyard
Coal Valley Vineyard is a pooled combination of all the wineries mentioned above; it has it all. Firstly, the architecture is breathtaking; it portrays a certain elegance that one pictures when they daydream about visiting wineries. Well, daydream no longer.
The Coal Valley Vineyard clambers up the hill until the vines reach where the restaurant is situated, peering over the valley. The restaurant has an amazing seasonal menu incorporating the fresh flavours of the valley. They are also known for their elaborate charcuterie boards.
The earth on which the grapes are grown is a dark sandy loam over clay to rich Jurassic Dolerite giving the wine a mature complexity only found in certain parts of the Coal River Valley Wine Region.
Reviews:
4.4 ⭐️ Google Review from 109 reviews
4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 201 reviews
Nocton Vineyard
Nocton Vineyard is 34 four hectares of sheer beauty situated in the heart of the Coal River Valley. They base their mantra on hard work and determination to show the world that the Coal River wine region is one of the greatest cool-climate regions in the world.
The vineyard sits over dolerite and Triassic sandstone, these ancient formations contribute to the complexities of Nocton grapes. The first vines were planted in 1973 which is quite early for such a young wine region. The wine makers have been working hard ever since, perfecting their craft and serving delicious vino to the locals.
The cellar door is a personal and homely vibe. You’re instantly mates with the staff and they aren’t afraid to go in depth about the wines you’re tasting. One of the perks of the Nocton Vineyard cellar door is no wine is off limits including their estate and reserve labels.
Reviews:
4.8 ⭐️ Google Review from 35 reviews
5.0 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 7 reviews
Visiting the Coal River Valley Wine Region
The wine trail through the Coal River Valley is forged with epic views, high-quality cool-climate wines, and world-class dining. Though the predominant focus through the valley is on wineries, there are some incredible activities to choose from to give you a little break from the grape.
Things to do in the Coal Valley
Richmond Village
Richmond Village is an old historical town in the Coal Valley. It’s made up of old cottages, sandstone building, cute little gardens and boutique gift shops. You’ll have to check out the Richmond Bridge, its the oldest bridge in Australia made by the convicts back in 1825. The Bridge crosses the Coal River and just next to it is a perfect picnic area, for the crew to rest and recharge.
Stop at the Richmond Bakery for some delicious gourmet pies and finish of the day with a naughty visit to the infamous Richmond lolly shop, it’s best to go in there with a budget. Drink and be merry, but most of all, safe travels on your adventure through the Coal River Valley Wine Region.
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