Vintage 2021

American writer William A. Foster was bang on when he wrote: 'Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution.' Add in 'favourable weather' and he could have been summarising Tasmania's 2021 vintage.

Producers have described it as a 'once in a decade' vintage, combining exceptional quality with a welcome return to average crop yields.

Growing and ripening seasons were significantly influenced by a La Niña weather pattern. This phenomenon brought cooler-than-average temperatures, plenty of soil moisture via winter and spring rains, and steady, slow ripening that enhanced flavour and defined the vintage's fine natural acidity.

Overall, around 14,478 tonnes of wine grapes were processed by Tasmanian wineries. A record average grape value was set – $3,146/tonne – way above the national average of $701/tonne (across all varieties).

That noted, the financial investments required to fund vineyard establishment and annual operating costs are very significant in Tasmania. A guide to growing wine grapes published way back in 1991 by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry stated that a minimum of $700,000 in equity would need to be invested in a 10ha vineyard and winery during the first five years of development if the venture were to be debt-free within 15 years.

Meanwhile, the median price for a typical home in the Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay in 1991 was $161,500.

Industry sources suggest vineyard establishment costs alone are now of the order of $70,000-$80,000 per hectare.

Pinot Noir (48 percent of crush) and Chardonnay (25 percent) were the standout varieties – for both sparkling and still table wines. Aromatics also performed especially well. Pinot Gris accounted for 8.7 percent of the 2021 harvest, while Sauvignon Blanc accounted for 7.1 percent and Riesling just 6.0 percent.

More than a third (36 percent) of all processed wine grapes will find their way into sparkling wine.

The Tamar Valley produced just over a third of the State's 2021 crop. The Coal River Valley was the next major player, accounting for 25 percent. North East Tasmania and the East Coast each brought in close to 15 percent of the 2021 harvest.

Regional snapshots

North West Tasmania

Vineyards experienced wet winter and spring conditions with wind at flowering resulting in low bunch numbers. A drier, cooler than average summer limited disease pressure. Markedly lower than average autumn rainfall provided an ideal close to the season, with concentrated Pinot Noir and superb sparkling base wines being the vintage highlights.

Tamar Valley

Cold soils combined with damp winter and spring conditions to provide a slow start to the 2021 vintage in the Tamar Valley. About a third of the way through the season, weather conditions improved substantially and warmer temperatures quickened ripening. An 'Indian summer' with much lower than average autumn rainfall helped keep pickers happy. The season's highlights include classic Tasmanian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with strong varietal characters.

North East

All varieties developed exceptional flavour and balance, legacies of a very cool year in the vineyard. A wet spring began proceedings with slightly less than average summer rainfall complementing the much cooler temperatures. It was the coolest summer in a decade. Mean January temperature maxima in the district were at least 0.5°C lower than the long-term average. A burst of warm weather around Easter accelerated late season ripening and helped bring vintage to a successful conclusion.

East Coast

The central East Coast was hit by a significant rain event mid-way through harvest, creating considerable concerns for producers. Fruit quality at the end of a long slow vintage – with growing season rainfall as much as 60 percent higher than normal – appears strong. Chardonnay looks the standout variety. Producers further south – around Bream Creek and Dunalley – experienced a much drier than normal summer. Periodic autumn rain brought concerns with regard to disease pressure but skilful management averted outbreaks. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatic varieties performed well in these southern parts.

Coal River Valley and Derwent Valley

Both districts experienced a cool wet spring and cool to mild conditions that extended into summer. Lower than average rainfall across the summer was accompanied by drying north-westerly winds that affected flowering and fruit set. Vine balance was close to deal for the development of physiological ripeness across the season. Refreshing short showers came with an Indian summer that closed the season with picking dates close to average. Fruit shows excellent depth of flavour and persistence. Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir look strong.

Huon Valley/D'Entrecasteaux Channel

The journey to harvest was a wild rollercoaster ride. Growers in the district are used to cool damp starts, but the spring of 2020 brought early challenges with rainfall for the season somewhere between 50 and 60 percent above the long-term average. The tables were turned in summer, with rainfall being at least 60 percent lower than normal. Mid-season warmth enabled ripening to proceed at a steady pace with reduced disease pressure. In a season marked by highs and lows, the State's warmest day in all of 2021 was experienced at Dover on 11 January. A balmy 38.0°C. Absolutely heroic in this small coastal township. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as ever are the district's standout varieties.

Last page update: August 2025