Winemaker of the Year opens Stargazer Tasting Room in Tasmania

Experience a taste of Tassie terroir under the tutelage of acclaimed winemaker Samantha Connew.

It’s not everyday you can sip small-batch wines while overlooking the undulating hills of Tassie’s Coal River Valley. Rarer still is the chance to do it from a glass-walled, intimate space set on the very site where those wines were made. Rarer again to experience it all under the guidance of Australia’s official Winemaker of the Year.

Acclaimed small-batch winery Stargazer Wines – owned and run by pioneering wine professional Samantha Connew – has opened a new tasting room in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley. Located just 30 minutes’ drive from Hobart, the winery is known for its experimental drops that showcase the remarkable diversity of Tasmania’s cool-climate viticulture.

The tasting room frames the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines at the Palisander vineyard, celebrating the landscapes that shape this distinctive Tasmanian terroir. Inside the refined shed-like construction, up to 12 guests at a time can enjoy a selection of current release wines during guided sessions that, for the foreseeable future, will be guided by Samantha Connew herself.

Winemaker of the Year 2025

stargazer wines — Stargazer Winery is known for showcasing the diversity of Tasmania’s viticulture. (Image: Adam Gibson)

In November, Connew was named the 2025 Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology Winemaker of the Year for 2025 at the ASVO Awards for Excellence. The award, judged by industry peers including winemakers, viticulturists and scientists, recognises Connew’s outstanding contribution to the culture and innovation of Australian wines.

Connew was the youngest judge and first woman to serve as Chair of Judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and is the current Chair of Judges at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show. She tutors and sits on the Board of the Len Evans Tutorial, and has previously served on the board of Wine Tasmania and the advisory board of the Australian Women in Wine Awards.

The evolution of Stargazer Wines

stargazer wine vineyards — Stargazer Wines was founded in 2012. (Image: Adam Gibson)

The Palisander site itself started modestly in 2004 as a single hectare planted by Norm and Jan Gangell. Since taking stewardship of the site in 2012, Connew has expanded and re-imagined the vineyard, coaxing it to its current 11 hectares and broadening its palette of varietals. She was driven by a strong conviction that Tasmania’s Coal River Valley had the potential to produce world-class wines, owing to its unique soils and cool climate.

Alongside the estate’s hallmark Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plantings now include Gamay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, which reflects Connew’s interest in testing the limits of what Tassie’s soils can produce. Now, the winemaker is iniviting visitors into the belly of the beast.

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The Stargazer Tasting Room

Dreamt up by Maguire + Devine Architects and realised by J & M Construction of Hobart, the Stargazer Tasting Room is simple yet striking – all macrocarpa timber, stone and glass. It was designed to emulate the atmosphere of a friend’s home or refined shed embraced by a rural landscape.

“From the outset, I wanted to create a space that reflects what Stargazer is all about: considered, thoughtful and grounded in this place," Connew says.

The room centres around a large communal table with 12 seats, each offering sweeping views of the surrounding vines thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that replace three of the four walls. A wood fire provides warmth at the head of the table and, overhead, a sculptural light reminiscent of the valley’s rolling contours hangs from a stunning timber panelled ceiling.

The Stargazer Tasting experience

Stargazer Tasting Room tasmania — Stargazer Tasting Room is just 30 minutes from Hobart. (Image: Adam Gibson)

At the table, visitors share a bespoke guided tasting experience with just a handful of other guests. The 90-minute tasting costs $35 per person, while Wine Club members enjoy complimentary access.

For the foreseeable future, the tutored session will be hosted personally by Connew, allowing guests to engage meaningfully with her winemaking philosophy and expertise. Expect a curated selection of current-release wines, with occasional surprises drawn from the cellar.

“The Palisander vineyard has grown alongside my winemaking journey, and this tasting room brings everything together. It’s a place where guests can see where their wine was grown, feel the story of the landscape and taste the results in the glass," she says.

Stargazer Tasting Room session — Take a tutored sessing with Stargazer Wines. (Image: Adam Gibson)

The small-group format, limited to 12 per session, encourages discovery in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. At the end of their tasting journey, guests have access to a generous porch overlooking the beautiful valley to complete the experience.

“What began as a dream back in 2020 has finally become reality," Samantha Connew explains. “I can’t wait to share the beauty and character of the Coal River Valley with everyone who visits. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, we hope you’ll enjoy discovering the wines and the place that inspired them."

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The details

Experience: Stargazer Tasting Room

Location: 37 Rosewood Lane, Tea Tree, Tasmania

Booking times: 10:00am, 12:30pm or 3:00pm, Friday through Monday

Length: roughly 90 minutes

Price: $35 per person, complimentary for Wine Club members

Guests: Up to 12

Accessible: Yes, but recommended to notify venue in advance

Book: Stargazer Wines (by advance only)

Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.

The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.

The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.

Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.

sitting on the lawn of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door — Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.

Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.

Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.

Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.

Location

roaring fireplace inside Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.

Style & decor

interior of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.

Wine experiences

The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.

Come for a taste, stay for an experience.

PIRIE & Oyster Experience

A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.

As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.

Pinot Noir Blending Experience

For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.

Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.

Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.

Supreme Indulgence

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door — Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.

Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Start planning at tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.

Winemaker of the Year opens tasting room in Tassie’s Coal River Valley

Experience a taste of Tassie terroir under the tutelage of acclaimed winemaker Samantha Connew.

Winemaker of the Year 2025

The evolution of Stargazer Wines

The Stargazer Tasting Room

The Stargazer Tasting experience

The details

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What to expect from the Tamar Valley’s newly renovated cellar door

Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.

Location

Style & decor