Vintage 2022

No two vintages are ever the same in Tasmania. With half of the State's major wine-growing districts separated from the other half by more than 200km, growing conditions are seldom likely to be anywhere near replicated across the industry. That was certainly the case in vintage 2022. 

There was considerable variability in seasonal factors. Significant slow-moving low-pressure systems near the East Coast in the new year resulted in cooler than average conditions across nearby vineyard sites as well as across those in the south east. Unseasonal rain brought challenging growing conditions and unwelcome disease pressure. 

Meanwhile, wine-growing districts further inland and to the south experienced warmer than average temperatures with limited rainfall.

Despite the variable weather across the island's seven major wine-growing areas, harvest brought excellent fruit quality, albeit with lower yields. 

Overall wine grape production of 12,548 tonnes was down by around 13 percent on vintage 2021. Average grape value this vintage achieved a record $3,237/tonne, more than five times the national average of $630/tonne.

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 and Chardonnay remain the State's two most important wine varieties. The former is likely to account for around 47 percent of Tasmania's 2022 harvest, with Chardonnay accounting for 25 percent. Sauvignon Blanc (almost 9 percent of the total harvest) was the next most productive variety, followed by Pinot Gris (8 percent) and Riesling (6.5 percent).

More than a third of all fruit harvested (37 percent) was directed to sparkling wine production. Vineyards in the Tamar Valley grew 39 percent of all Tasmanian fruit harvested in 2023. The Coal River Valley (21.7 percent) and North East Tasmania (14.3percent) also made sizeable contributions to this year's total crop.

The 2022 Tasmanian vintage was a season of 'great quality, limited quantity,' defined by cool, damp weather conditions associated with a La Niña event. 

Spring 2021 rainfall was 18 percent above average for Tasmania overall, but the fourth wettest on record for Hobart. The city's October rainfall was third-highest on record. 

The exceptionally wet October throughout the State hampered flowering and fruit set. A cool summer and higher-than-average humidity followed, delaying ripening and lengthening the growing season. This extended period allowed for intense flavour development and high natural acidity.

The Bureau of Meteorology notes Tasmania as a whole had its fourth driest summer in 122 years.

Regional snapshots:

North West Tasmania

North West Tasmania saw cool, maritime conditions with spring variability that moderated yields and vine growth. A long spell of warm, dry settled weather after Christmas included mean January temperature maxima that were well above average. Ultimately favourable conditions lead to optimal ripening despite the cool start.

Tamar Valley

In the Tamar Valley, a very wet start to the season was followed by warm and very dry growing conditions over summer. Some very cool nights in February slowed veraison, but the small crops that were eventually harvested included some of the best fruit characters seen in years. The quality of Pinot Noir table wine – and red wines more generally – should be outstanding.

North East and East Coast

The North East and East Coast were the two districts in the State to be most adversely affected by the season's north-easterly low pressure systems. They experienced the industry's coolest and wettest conditions, with an unusually wet March challenging harvest timing and fruit quality. Yields on the East Coast were reduced by as much as 40 percent on some sites.

Mean January temperature maxima, however, were well above average. Meticulous canopy and disease management combined with a warm, dry spell in early April to bring a successful end to the season. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir look promising.

Coal River Valley and Derwent Valley

The Coal River Valley and Derwent Valley experienced record October rain that affected flowering and fruit set, but warm and dry late summer/autumn conditions enabled delayed harvesting to take place according to well-planned schedules. Cool growing conditions slowed ripening but saw fruit retain excellent natural acidity. The resulting wines are likely to be lower in alcohol than normal with genuine finesse.

Huon Valley/D'Entrecasteaux Channel

The Huon Valley/D'Entrecasteaux Channel was wet then dry, with good early canopies, close to average yields and a warm and sunny late season that was telegraphed in advance by mean January temperature maxima that were well above average. Excellent fruit quality was accompanied by crop levels close to normal.

Last page update: August 2025