Nestled along the western banks of the Tamar River, the Legana Trail offers a delightful driving route through Tasmania’s cool-climate wine country. This picturesque trail connects a number of wineries, including Utzinger Wines, Bellebonne, and Vélo Wines. Each winery showcasing the region’s commitment to quality and sustainability in a unique way.
Utzinger Wines
Founded by Swiss winemaker Matthias Utzinger, Utzinger Wines is a boutique vineyard located in Legana, Tasmania.The estate spans 6.8 hectares, with 1.6 hectares dedicated to cultivating clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. Utzinger employs organic farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Tamar Valley.
Visitors can enjoy guided tastings that pair Utzinger’s wines with Swiss and Tasmanian cheeses. The cellar door is open from Thursday to Saturday, and visits require prior booking through their website.
Top Tip: Book a guided tasting session to experience the harmonious pairing of Utzinger’s wines with curated cheese selections.
Bellebonne
Bellebonne is a sparkling wine producer in Tasmania, founded by Natalie Fryar, known as Australia’s ‘Queen of Sparkling’. After crafting sparkling wines at renowned houses like House of Arras, Fryar established Bellebonne to focus on creating exceptional Tasmanian sparkling wines that capture the island’s beauty.
Bellebonne’s offerings include the Vintage Rosé, made from 100% Tasmanian Pinot Noir, and the Vintage Cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These wines are noted for their delicate bubbles and complex flavors, reflecting the cool-climate elegance of Tasmania.
Top Tip: Try the Bellebonne Vintage Rosé to experience a sparkling wine that showcases Tasmania’s cool-climate characteristics.
Velo Wines
Vélo Wines, located in Legana, Tasmania, is home to some of the state’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1966 by wine industry pioneer Graham Wiltshire. The vineyard produces a range of wines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Shiraz, all crafted with traditional methods like handpicking and basket pressing.
The cellar door is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, offering tastings of their diverse wine portfolio. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site Timbre Kitchen, which pairs seasonal Tasmanian produce with Vélo’s wines.
Top Tip: Plan your visit around lunchtime to enjoy a meal at Timbre Kitchen, enhancing your tasting experience with locally sourced dishes.
Explore More
The Legana Trail offers a captivating journey through Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, blending scenic landscapes with exceptional wine experiences. From the organic practices at Utzinger Wines to the sparkling excellence of Bellebonne and the heritage charm of Vélo Wines, 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/tamarLegana