Tasmania's Wine Industry

Tasmania's modern-day wine industry is 50 years old.

Vines were first planted in the colony of Van Diemen's Land in the 1820s. Critical acclaim for its Champagne-like sparklings and European-inspired table wines soon followed.

By 1842, Marchington - six miles from Launceston, according to a newspaper of the period - was producing 5 tonnes of wine grapes a year. Its vineyard was described as 'one of the finest on the island.'

However, in the late 1800s, consumer tastes changed to fortified wines and sherries. Success seemed short-lived.

Today, our industry's 200 growers and 55 licensed vineyards have turned that history full circle. Tasmania again has a growing reputation for fine wines and quality viticulture.

We toast its achievements.