Coal River Valley Wineries: A Food & Wine Trail from Richmond, Tasmania

You don't have to go far from Hobart to find some of Tasmania's best cool-climate wine. Head 25 minutes north-east and you're in the Coal River Valley, where small family vineyards line the road into historic Richmond. Here's how to plan a relaxed wine trail through the valley, with good food along the way and a chocolate and wine pairing to finish.

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Why the Coal River Valley should be on your travel list

The Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania's easiest wine regions to explore. You can visit several cellar doors in an afternoon without long drives between them. The cool climate suits elegant pinot noir, crisp whites and sparkling, and most of the wineries are small and family-run, so the person pouring your tasting is often the person who made the wine. Winemaking here goes back to 1973, when Stoney Vineyard planted the valley's first vines. Add historic Richmond in the middle of it all, and you have a food and wine day that's hard to beat.

How the trail works

Most cellar doors sit along Richmond Road between Cambridge and Richmond. Drive out from Hobart, work your way along the road towards the village, and stop in with us on your way home. Allow a full afternoon for four or five stops, and check each winery's opening days before you go, as many small cellar doors close midweek.

1. Coal Valley Vineyard

The first stop out of Hobart, at 257 Richmond Road, Cambridge. This small vineyard focuses on pinot noir and has lovely views across the water. Visit Coal Valley Vineyard

2. Frogmore Creek

One of the valley's larger producers, at 699 Richmond Road, Cambridge. Frogmore Creek has a cellar door and restaurant looking out over the vines, which makes it a good place for an early lunch. Visit Frogmore Creek

3. Puddleduck Vineyard

A family-run favourite at 992 Richmond Road, complete with a pond full of ducks. Puddleduck sells its wine only at the cellar door, so it's the place to pick up a bottle you won't find back home. Visit Puddleduck Vineyard

4. Pooley Wines

Just outside the village at 1431 Richmond Road, Pooley's tasting room is in the Coach House beside Belmont, a convict-built Georgian home from the 1830s. Their riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay are among Tasmania's best. Cheese and charcuterie boards are available daily, and wood-fired pizza on weekends. Visit Pooley Wines

While you're this close, take an hour to walk across the Richmond Bridge and wander the village. Our guide to the top things to do in Richmond has everything you need.

5. Finish at Every Man & His Dog Vineyard

Heading back towards Hobart, finish your trail with us at 1314 Richmond Road. We make only around 2,500 bottles a year, including rare varieties like Siegerrebe and Ehrenfelser, and we pair them with bean-to-bar chocolate made in our factory a few metres away.

Book the Wine and Chocolate Pairing to taste our wines with chocolates chosen to match, or pour and decorate your own chocolate bar in the Tasmania Chocolate Pour. Add a pizza or cheese platter if you're peckish, and say hello to Jax, our vineyard dog. Find out more about Every Man & His Dog.

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Tips for your Coal River Valley wine trail

• Choose a driver. Tastings add up quickly. Pick a designated driver or join a small-group wine tour from Hobart.
• Check opening days. Many small cellar doors close midweek or open by appointment only.
• Book ahead. Weekends and groups fill up, especially for tasting experiences.
• Stay the night. Turn it into a weekend with our guide to where to stay in Richmond and the Coal River Valley.
• Getting here: see how to find us.

Raise a glass to the valley

The Coal River Valley packs a lot of wine into a short drive: historic estates, quirky family vineyards and cellar doors where the winemaker might pour your tasting. Finish with a glass and a piece of chocolate made just metres away, and you'll understand why so many visitors come back.

Book your Wine and Chocolate Pairing today →