Coal River Valley

The Coal River Valley lies just north-east of Hobart in southern Tasmania, and it is one of the island's warmest, driest wine regions, sheltered by the rain shadow of Mount Wellington. It is also Tasmania's second-largest region, with almost a quarter of the island's crush. The grapes to know for a coal river valley wine are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Tasmania's two most planted varieties, and the valley is the source of some of Australia's most admired Chardonnay. For anyone who wants Tasmanian Pinot and Chardonnay from a single, closely watched site, this is a category worth a look.

What do Coal River Valley wines taste like?

In our range, expect Pinot Noir with boysenberry and mulberry fruit, a touch of spice and soft, velvety tannins, and Chardonnay that pairs lemon citrus with a crisp, fresh, mineral finish. The region is not one-note, though: alongside Pinot and Chardonnay you will find long-lived, full-bodied red blends and oaked Sauvignon Blanc here, and Riesling specialists too. If your usual red is a lighter, perfumed style, the Pinot will feel familiar.

Our Coal River Valley wines

Our sommeliers chose two producers. The one to start with is Decades, the single-vineyard project of winemaker Steve Flamsteed and his Roseworthy College classmate Brad Rogers in the Tea Tree area of the upper valley, on black cracking clay over calcareous sandstone. Their Chardonnay scored 95 from The Wine Front: lemon, nougat and grilled grains, a briny edge and a crisp, fresh finish, fermented in 500-litre French oak puncheons with only 10% new wood. The Decades Pinot Noir (The Wine Front 93) gives boysenberry, mulberry and a hint of orange Campari spice with soft tannins. The other name is Giant Steps, the Yarra Valley winery where Steve made his name, named Winery of the Year in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion. We stock its Single Vineyard Coal River Valley Pinot Noir in two vintages, 2024 and 2025, a good way to see how one site changes from year to year.

What to eat with it

Our suggestions: the Decades Chardonnay with roast chicken, crab, scallops or pork with apple; the Pinot Noirs with duck, mushroom risotto, seared tuna or a simple roast of lamb.

Where is the Coal River Valley?

In southern Tasmania, just north-east of Hobart. It is one of the warmest and driest parts of the island, thanks to the rain shadow of Mount Wellington.

What grapes grow in the Coal River Valley?

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Tasmania's most planted grapes, are the focus of our range. The valley also makes long-lived, full-bodied red blends, oaked Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, and was pioneered by Domaine A, a Bordeaux-centric estate founded in 1973.

Who makes Decades wines?

Decades belongs to winemaker Steve Flamsteed, formerly at the helm of Giant Steps, and brewer Brad Rogers, college friends who bought a small vineyard in the Tea Tree area of the upper Coal River Valley.