North West – click to enlarge

North West – click to enlarge

The North West wine region is one of Tasmania’s seven unofficial wine regions. It is centred around Devonport, which lies on the Bass Strait on the island’s north-western coast and is one of the emerging viticultural areas. While Tasmania’s wine industry is primarily concentrated in the north-east (including regions like Pipers River and Tamar Valley), the north-west is gaining attention for its unique terroir and cool-climate wines.

Devonport is known as the gateway to Tasmania for travellers arriving by ferry from mainland Australia and is about 100 km northwest of Launceston and approximately 280 km from Hobart. The region also includes the towns of Burnie and Sheffield.

The region’s cool maritime climate is influenced by its proximity to the Bass Strait and the surrounding coastline.

The average January temperature is around 22°C, moderately warm during the day and cool at night. The region receives moderate rainfall, with an annual average of around 800-1,100 mm, with the wettest months occurring in winter.

The modern wine industry in northwest Tasmania began gaining momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, although the region was previously home to small-scale, experimental plantings. Much like other parts of Tasmania, the North-West began to be recognized for its unique terroir and the quality of its cool-climate wines.

While the region is still small compared to places like Tamar Valley or Pipers River, the North-West is beginning to attract wine enthusiasts, with some wineries offering cellar door experiences and wine-tasting tours.

The North-West wine region of Tasmania is quickly gaining recognition for its cool-climate wines. With its maritime influence and diverse terroir, this region produces exceptional wines that reflect its uniqueness.

The cool, temperate climate of the North-West is perfect for growing Pinot Noir, one of the most celebrated cool-climate red varieties. These wines are known for their elegance, with vibrant red fruit flavours such as cherry and raspberry, often complemented by earthy and floral notes. The North-West’s Pinot Noir is particularly prized for its finesse, smooth tannins, and fresh acidity, making it an excellent match with a wide range of dishes, from roast meats to mushroom-based dishes.

The region is also home to some of Tasmania’s most refined Chardonnay. With the cooler growing conditions, the variety expresses itself through crisp acidity and bright citrus flavours, such as lemon and lime, with subtle hints of green apple. The region’s Chardonnay can develop more complex stone fruit and buttery notes in warmer years, making it an ideal choice for fresh and oak-aged styles.

Pinot Gris is another standout variety in the North-West region known for its delicate aromas and refreshing taste. These wines are often aromatic, with notes of pear, apple, and citrus and a soft, smooth texture. With the cool maritime influence of the North-West, Pinot Gris offers a crisp, dry finish that pairs beautifully with lighter dishes like salads and grilled vegetables.

Riesling thrives in the North-West, where the cool climate enhances the grape’s natural acidity and aromatic profile. Expect fresh, lively wines with notes of lime, green apple, and floral undertones, often with a hint of minerality. The region’s Riesling can range from dry to off-dry, offering versatility to suit a wide variety of foods. It’s a perfect match for spicy dishes and Asian cuisine.\

While Merlot is not as widely planted as some cooler-climate varieties in Tasmania, it is gaining traction in the North-West region. Known for its smooth texture and approachable style, Merlot from this region offers rich blackberry, plum, and cherry flavours, often with subtle notes of chocolate and herbaceous undertones. The cool maritime climate helps preserve the grape’s natural acidity, resulting in balanced, soft, and easy-drinking wines with soft tannins, making it a versatile choice for pairing with dishes such as pasta with tomato-based sauces or grilled vegetables.

Source:  www.wineaustralia.com, Vintner Project