Pipers Brook: Where Tasmanian Pinot Noir Began

In 1974, Andrew Pirie - Australia's first Ph.D. in viticulture - established Pipers Brook Vineyard when Tasmania was considered too cold for wine. He proved everyone wrong. Today, Pipers Brook produces some of Australia's finest Pinot Noir and sparkling wines from red volcanic soils in a Champagne-like climate.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Locate the 1974 Original Planting Site History · Free

   Find where Andrew Pirie first planted Tasmania's Pinot revolution.

   In 1974, Andrew Pirie proved that Tasmania's 'too cold' climate was actually Pinot Noir's natural home by planting the first vines in red volcanic soil that would redefine Australian wine. At the vineyard entrance, ask a staff member or check the property signage for the location of the original 1974 vineyard block. Walk to the marked section (or ask directions to Block 1) and take a photo at the boundary or founding plaque if one exists.

   Backup: If specific 1974 block isn't marked, the vineyard manager at the cellar door can point you to historical plantings or the original stone marker.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Visit the Original 1974 Vineyard History · Price: moderate

   Walk the vines that started Tasmania's Pinot revolution.

   This is where Tasmanian Pinot Noir history began — Andrew Pirie's original 1974 plantings in volcanic red soils that distinguish Pipers River from the Tamar Valley. Book at pipersbrook.com.au for daily cellar door tastings, then take a guided tour or self-guided walk through the vineyard blocks to see the founding site.

   Backup: If specific tour unavailable, the tasting room staff can explain the 1974 founding story and soil composition.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Taste the Estate Pinot Noir Wine · Price: moderate

   Delicate red fruits, enchanting perfume, sleek tannins.

   Pipers Brook's estate Pinot Noir showcases delicate red fruits, floral aromas, and dried herb notes with sleek tannins that defined Tasmania's style. At the cellar door tasting bar, order a flight and compare to their sparkling wine (Pipers River is Tasmania's fizz capital), asking the pourer to describe the vintage differences.

   Backup: If estate Pinot unavailable, try the winery's reserve or current vintage release.

   Log Memory
4. 4 Understand the Champagne Climate Wine · Price: moderate · Optional

   The cool, Champagne-like climate makes Pipers River ideal for fizz.

   Pipers River has a 'Champagne-like climate' — making about half as much wine as Tamar Valley but excelling at sparkling due to red volcanic soil versus Tamar's gravel creating distinct Pinot styles. In the tasting room, engage the sommelier or cellar door staff about terroir — they love explaining these distinctions.

   Backup: Read the vineyard's website or tasting notes for climate/soil information if staff unavailable.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Andrew Pirie was Australia's first Ph.D. in viticulture - he now makes wine under his own Apogee label

• Pipers River = red volcanic soil, Tamar Valley = gravelly soil - different Pinot styles

• The region makes about half of Tamar Valley's volume but is considered Tasmania's sparkling capital