Nestled along the serene Tamar River in northern Tasmania, the Sidmouth Trail offers a delightful driving experience for wine enthusiasts. This picturesque route connects several distinctive wineries, today we will focus on three of those wineries: Moores Hill Estate, Glendale Estate Vineyard, and Grey Sands Vineyard – each showcasing the region’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Moores Hill Estate
Located in Sidmouth, Moores Hill Estate stands out as Tasmania’s first 100% solar-powered winery. Established in 1997, the vineyard spans 5.6 hectares and produces a range of cool-climate wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The winery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of solar energy and on-site water collection systems.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings accompanied by local cheese and charcuterie platters while taking in panoramic views of the vineyard from the cellar door’s verandah. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, Moores Hill offers a welcoming atmosphere for both seasoned wine lovers and casual visitors.
Top Tip: Don’t miss their signature dry Riesling, known for its crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes—a true reflection of the Tamar Valley’s terroir.
Glendale Estate Vineyard
Tucked away in the heart of the Tamar Valley, Glendale Estate Vineyard offers a unique blend of history and winemaking. Established in 1892 as an apple orchard, the estate was transformed into a vineyard by current owners Chris and Cassie Payne. The rustic 1920s apple-packing shed now serves as the cellar door, providing a charming setting for wine tastings.
Glendale produces small-batch, handcrafted wines with minimal intervention, allowing the fruit’s natural character to shine. Their range includes Blanc de Noir sparkling, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The cellar door is open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, offering visitors a chance to experience the vineyard’s serene ambiance.
Top Tip: Try their Blanc de Noir sparkling wine, which beautifully captures the essence of the region’s cool-climate viticulture.
Grey Sands Vineyard
Situated in Glengarry, Grey Sands Vineyard is a family-owned estate specializing in intensely flavored wines suitable for cellaring. Established in 1989, the 3.5-hectare vineyard employs close-planted vines to produce a diverse range of varietals, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The vineyard’s approach focuses on low yields to achieve maximum concentration in their wines.
Tastings at Grey Sands are by appointment only, ensuring a personalized and exclusive experience. Visitors can enjoy their wines in a tranquil garden setting, with the option to explore the extensive gardens that are part of the Open Gardens Australia scheme. The vineyard is open Friday through Monday from 12 pm to 5 pm during December to March.
Top Tip: Book a tasting in advance and consider ordering a platter (with 48 hours’ notice) to complement their complex, cellar-aged wines.
Explore More
The Sidmouth Trail offers a captivating journey through Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, blending scenic landscapes with exceptional wine experiences. From the sustainable practices at Moores Hill Estate to the historic charm of Glendale Estate Vineyard and the boutique allure of Grey Sands Vineyard, each stop provides a unique glimpse into the region’s viticultural excellence. So, start your engine and embark on this delightful trail – each glass tells a story of passion, tradition, and the rich terroir of Tasmania.
To discover more about the venues on this trail and the others around the Tamar Valley visit http://app.gourmakers.com/trails/tamarSidmouth