The first lines on Tamar Ridge's website are "Inspired by the beauty of our craft. Fuelled by our passion for Pinot Noir." There are four wines on the first page of the site, and all four are pinot noirs. Click on 'our wines', and you get this quote: "All you need is love (and Pinot Noir)".
Sensing a theme here? The winemakers at Tamar Ridge are passionate about a particular cool-climate varietal, and they're not shy about saying so. It's practically the law that pinot fans who find themselves in northern Tasmania make the pilgrimage to Tamar Ridge, to sample drops from the Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir ($35 a bottle) up through the Single Block Pinot Noir ($100 a bottle). Every bottle is carefully considered, the perfect balance of science and art to get the most out of the grape varietal.
Still thinking pinot noir isn't your vibe? Tamar Ridge also turns pinot noir and chardonnay into sparkling, under the Pirie label. Pirie makes Australia's most awarded non-vintage sparkling wine, in everything from rosé to cuvée.
Whatever you choose, make sure you take it out on the balcony to do a tasting or enjoy a glass, if the weather is clement (or even if it's not; didn't your mum ever tell you to always pack a jumper?). The views out over bushland and the Tamar River are almost as good as the wine, and you can get a cheese platter or other nosh to enjoy with your drink. The venue also hosts events, from summertime gatherings on the lawn to cosy fireside roast meats, so check the website to see what's on.
