Derwent Valley
The Derwent valley follows the course of the Derwent river running to the northwest of Hobart and in fairly close proximity to the capital. Vineyards are being planted on the alluvial benchlands of the river and in the western hills, where north-facing slopes allow for maximum exposure to the sun. This is a cool climate region, dominated by clean, crisp whites, and it is developing a reputation as a potential source for very high quality Pinot Noir. Time will tell. A small number of large producers are responsible for 75% of the region's output and plantings are continuing at a brisk rate. The similar, and technically distinct, Coal River Valley is also being developed just to the east along the similarly oriented Coal River.