Utzinger Wines
Utzinger Wines at Legana – just outside Launceston – is the passion project of Swiss winemaker Matthias Utzinger and his Tasmanian wife, Lauren. Utzinger left Zurich in 2015 seeking the ideal cool-climate location in which to grow grapes and make wine.
After meeting in Iran, the couple spent six months travelling together before arriving in Launceston in time for Christmas with Lauren's family. Two years later, they were establishing 4ha of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Syrah on a north-easterly slope overlooking the kanamaluka/River Tamar.
Planting density is around 6,500 vines/ha.
Now 5ha, the vineyard lies on deep brown dermosols, rich in ironstone gravel and dolerite pebbles. A heavy clay sub-soil facilitates water retention, reducing vine stress over summer.
The site has been managed organically from the outset and gained ACO certification in 2023.
Recognition of the couple's quality viticulture soon followed. In April 2024, the Utzingers were shortlisted for the mantle of Vineyard of the Year at the 4th Annual Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Award.
Almost 20 percent of the couple's landholding has undergone revegetation to promote sustainable wildlife habitat and enhance vineyard biodiversity.
Growing seasons here are characterised by long, cool ripening conditions. Late afternoon sea breezes and very cool nights prior to harvest favour wines with elegant structures and fine natural acidity.
Winemaking practices first acquired in northern Europe focus on small-lot ferments from hand-picked fruit. Gentle handling and minimal intervention in the winery allow vineyard terroir to find its voice.
Rewards have been swift and richly deserved by the couple. Utzinger Wines was a finalist in the 2024 and 2025 Young Gun of Wine, winning the 2024 event trophies for Winemaker's Choice and Danger Zone. The latter award acknowledged winemaking innovation.
The Utzinger Roter Satz is a present-day iteration of that innovation. It melds together seemingly disparate parcels – Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir – to create one harmonious wine.
Remaining wines in the portfolio focus on what the Tamar Valley does best. Chardonnay, Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc), Riesling, Pinot Noir and Syrah. These can be tasted and purchased at the vineyard's very attractive cellar door facility above the river.
The views are far-reaching. The distance from town just 15 minutes.
Key details:
- Matthias Utzinger: owner/vigneron
- Lauren Utzinger: owner/vigneron
Vineyard/cellar door address:
5 Upper McEwans Road, Legana TAS 7277
Telephone:
+ 61 (0) 474 847 308
Email:
info@utzingerwines.com
Website:
www.utzingerwines.com
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Growing conditions in the Tamar Valley fall under the moderating influence of the river itself. Consider: Eversley Vines (MJT 17.7°C; 1065 GDD) and Evenfall (MJT 18.4°C; 1230 GDD). Coolest vs warmest sites.
Vineyard sites on the Australian mainland are far warmer than those in Tasmania.
South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) in Victoria are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.
Climate data* for Upper McEwans Road, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 851mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 393mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 188mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.5°C
- Growing degree-days: 1021 GDD
- Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 0
- Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 28
*Source: My Climate View, utilising past data from the Bureau of Meteorology and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Funded by the Australian Government.
Last page update: January 2026