Tasmania’s quality wines are made from grapes grown in climates similar to those of the famous European wines – with mild summers and long autumn days that ripen the grapes slowly and surely.

You can tour the Tasmanian Wine Route easily by car or on a guided tour. The island's Wine Route includes the Tamar Valley, north of Launceston along both sides of the Tamar River and east to Pipers River; the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys (together comprising the Southern Wine Region), an easy drive from Hobart; and the growing wine regions of the north-west and east coast.

Tasmania’s first vineyard was planted at New Town, a Hobart suburb, in 1821. In 1848, its white wine won an award at the Paris Exhibition. Tasmania now produces such elegant cool climate wines as pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, pinot gris and sparkling wines.

Most vineyards and wineries are small with many offering tastings at their cellar door outlets. Several wineries have beautifully situated restaurants offering vineyard or water views.  You can read about some of Tasmania's best cellar doors and vineyard restaurants at NeoNeighbourhood.com.

To learn more about Tasmania’s wine visit the Department of Primary Industries and Water annual vintage report.

• Wine and Food events in Tasmanian vineyards.