Craigie Knowe: We had an amazing experience at Craigie Knowe

Our friends reserved lunch at ‘Flora’s’ for us to enjoy a meal and a wine tasting. We arrived on a blustering day just as the rain was starting to come down. Flora’s is outside of the Cellar Door at Craigie Knowe, under a tent. There are tables all set up for meals, along with bar tables. On the day of our visit, Glenn Travers, the owner, was not only waiting tables and conducting wine tastings, he was bussing too! This post shares our experience at Craigie Knowe Vineyard, Tasmania.

Background

The East Coast Wine Region is on the eastern coast of Tasmania. It’s one of the states most scenic regions. From beautiful beaches to amazing stretches of vineyards you do not want for beautiful places to see and visit. There are around 22 vineyards producing almost 100 unique wines across this region. One of the warmest areas in Tasmania rainfall is low and indeed has seen a decline in the last many years.

Currently 1500 ha of land in Tasmania are under vine with the majority being white varietals and the remainder red. Approximately a 55% to 45% split. The focus in Tasmania is on quality less so than quantity. Of note, just point one percent (0.1%) of Tasmanian wines are exported worldwide. The focus in Tasmania is on light bodied Pinot Noir’s; grapefruit flavoured Chardonnay’s; structured sparkling wines; and, refined and aromatic Rieslings.

Climate

Tasmania‘s cool maritime climate is the result of being cooled by prevailing winds off southern ocean.

Lunch at Flora’s

Outside in a marquee, cool, drizzly day.  But, we were dry, and looking forward to the meal. Our table enjoyed the meal, which included:

• Schouten Island Calamari
• Local Line Caught Fish – Gummy Shark
• Dry Aged Duck Breast – Braised & sliced
• Vegetarian Parmigiana – deconstructed

Very well presented and very tasty!

Wine Tasting at Craigie Knowe Vineyard

The wine tasting was conducted while we enjoyed our lunch. It was a selection of 5 different wines. Three of us completed a wine pairing for the tasting.

2022 Craigie Knowe White Label Sparkling Rose

Yummy!!! Made from 87% Pinot Noir grapes, this light and refreshing sparkling wine is a winner. Left on skins for two hours, the sparkling has a beautiful mouthfeel to it. Aroma and palate of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry, with lots of yeast and butter notes. The delicate mousse persists and the finish is long. An outstanding bubbly.

2024 Craigie Knowe Estate Label Riesling

This pale gold white wine is a great example of Tasmanian riesling. Pronounced aromas of citrus blossom, kaffir lime leaf and lemon. On the palate dry, high acidity with a well balanced pronounced finish. A very good riesling.

2024 Craigie Knowe White Label Pinot Gris

Again, another amazing Pinot Gris! Aromas of banana, pear, apples, and spice.  These same notes repeat on the palate – this is a fruit bomb! A dry, vibrant white wine with medium plus acidity and a lovely long finish. A very good pinot gris.

2023 Craigie Knowe Estate Label Pinot Noir

A dark ruby coloured red wine. Aromas of red berries, raspberry with a hint of mint and chocolate. On the palate more pronounced red and black berries. A dry, medium acidity, medium tannin pinot with a velvet texture. It has aged 18 months in the bottle and could easily age another 10-15 years. A very good pinot noir.

2022 Craigie Knowe White Label Cabernet Merlot

Oh my, another yummy red wine. Deep garnet in colour with aroma and palate of red and black fruits. Dry, fine balanced tannins, high acidity. Further notes on the palate of vanilla and spice. The blend here is 15% Merlot and 85% Cabernet. Pronounced flavour and a long persistent finish. An outstanding Cabernet Merlot.

Summary of Wine Tasting and Lunch at Craigie Knowe Vineyard

The winemaker Matt Wood has done a superlative job with the wines here at Craigie Knowe. Add to that excellent food from Flora’s including local fish and produce and you have a stellar presentation and experience. If we lived in Tassie we would be here frequently – not to mention ordering cases of the wine! A great experience.

For more wine experiences, check out our Wine Page!