As the festive season approaches and Aussie travellers reminisce about their European summer adventures, Tasmania emerges as the perfect destination for a Christmas escape.
Known for its world-class cool-climate wines, Tasmania offers wine enthusiasts a chance to celebrate the holidays with out-of-the-ordinary vineyard stays in a true summer wonderland.
The island state is a hub for world-leading cool-climate wines – sparkling and Pinot – and is home to the world’s most awarded sparkling wine outside of Champagne: House of Arras, under the stewardship of winemaker Ed Carr, who has also just been recognised as Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the IWC Awards.
In addition to places to stay on and around vineyards, Tasmania is home to plenty of new and exciting cellar doors for blossoming sommeliers to visit in Tasmania, with a new opening in the Tamar Valley at Westella Vineyard, and Holm Oak’s renowned sensory garden wine-tasting experience reopening for summer in December. Across the state, Pressing Matters in the Coal River Valley, Derwent Estate in the Derwent Valley, and Bream Creek Vineyardson the Tasman Peninsula all opened in 2023.
Tourism Tasmania has compiled a guide to the best accommodation amongst the vines for a front-row seat to budburst this spring. Or, if you’d like to speak with someone about Tasmania’s wine industry, Ed Carr is available to share his secrets to perfecting his sparkling and why Tasmania is the ideal destination for wine lovers.
Vineyards
Lisdillon Estate, HERE.
Hidden within Lisdillon Vineyard, five historic cottages sit ready to welcome wine lovers. The intersection of working farmland and coastal serenity, Lisdillon is the ideal East Coast base for any Pinot lover. Spend your days sampling cool-climate drops or exploring Lisdillon’s three privately owned beaches.
Glendale Cottage at Glendale Estate, HERE.
Nestled in Tasmania’s largest wine region, the Tamar Valley, Glendale Cottage offers an idyllic retreat for wine enthusiasts seeking romance and relaxation. This charming 1920s country cottage has been thoughtfully restored, providing an elegant escape amidst 140 acres of lush farmland and vineyards. It’s the perfect setting for any wine-loving couple to unwind and savour the beauty of their surroundings.
Domescapes at Swinging Gate, HERE.
For travellers on the hunt for out-of-the-ordinary stays, Domescapes Geodesic Dome Experiences is an exclusive luxury glamping experience. A quarter of the dome is clear to allow for sweeping vineyard views in the renowned Tamar Valley and stargazing in the night sky. After a day wandering Swinging Gate’s historic vines, unwind in an outdoor clawfoot bath.
The Pickers Hut – Invercarron, HERE.
Perched dramatically atop the Jordan Valley, one of Tasmania’s newest vineyards, Invercarron, is home to the Pickers Hut. Warm up by the cosy stone fireplace while enjoying a quintessential cool-climate Pinot Noir, taking in the property’s historic charm.
The Vineyard House, Ghost Rock, HERE.
With panoramic views across the Bass Strait, The Vineyard House at Ghost Rock gives budding sommeliers a home base for discovering the emerging north west wine region. This warm homestead has been thoughtfully furnished to pamper up to six guests.
Close to vineyards:
Prospect House, HERE.
In the heart of the Coal Valley wine region, Prospect House stands as a pillar of 5-star luxury. With more than two centuries of history within its walls, this boutique accommodation offering has 11 unique, restored rooms. Across the road, tour the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Winery of the Year, Pooley Wines, before enjoying afternoon tea in the conservatory, and dinner in the historic dining room.
Piermont Retreat, HERE.
Amidst Tasmania’s wild east coast, Piermont Retreat emerges as an elegant oasis. From architecturally designed homes to historic refurbished cottages and elegant spa suites, the contrast of the property and the region’s raw and rugged beauty will dazzle any wine lover as they return from the east coast’s boutique wineries.
Relbia Lodge, HERE.
Just 10 minutes from Launceston, this lakeside retreat offers tempting views across to Josef Chromy’s vines. Perfect for a romantic getaway, take your pick from two self-contained apartments, or open them up to make the most of a group trip, complete with Sparkling moments.
Gleneagle, HERE.
Divert slightly from the North West Wine Trail and discover Gleneagle’s two premium glamping domes. Designed with sustainability and accessibility at the forefront, plan your foray into the aptly-named local town of Penguin, or soak the day away in an outdoor bath as you look across the Dial Range.
Peppermint Ridge Retreat, HERE.
Within the Huon Valley, an eco-traveller’s paradise awaits at Peppermint Ridge Retreat. The two self-contained eco studios offer guests uninterrupted views of Bruny Island. Savour the stunning vistas before meeting the region’s makers and growers, and observing the friendly local wildlife.
Low Head Beach House, HERE
Sleek and modern, Low Head Beach House is an architecture lover’s dream. Journey through the Piper River’s iconic sparkling vineyards and grab a bottle of House of Arras’s award-winning sparkling, before retreating to the rugged beauty of Low Head, where the fertile banks of the Tamar River blend into the Bass Strait.
