Noir Noir marks the Winter Solstice in style

 

While Hobart has the Dark Mofo winter festival, the Tamar Valley in the north of Tasmania has Noir Noir. 

Pinot noir, whisky and stargazing collide for a one-night-only celebration - on the longest night of the year - with Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse returning with their annual Winter Solstice event, Noir Noir. 

To be held on Saturday, June 20, from 6-10pm at the Tamar Ridge cellar door, the event will showcase cool-climate pinot noir wines, newly released spirits, bonfires, live music and guided stargazing beneath the Southern Hemisphere sky.

Guests will gather around outdoor fire pits while tasting red wines from Tamar Ridge alongside spirits from Turner Stillhouse, including the distillery’s newest whisky release.

Throughout the evening, local astronomer Chris Arkless will guide guests through the winter sky, sharing stories of constellations, celestial movement and the significance of the Winter Solstice.

Tamar Ridge chief winemaker Tom Wallace says Noir Noir has become a much-loved winter tradition in the Tamar Valley. 

“There’s something incredibly special about Tasmania in winter; the darkness, the stillness, the cold air, the stars overhead," Wallace said. "Noir Noir brings all those elements together in a way that feels uniquely Tasmanian. 

“Pinot noir and whisky are both incredibly expressive drinks. They’re layered, textural and deeply connected to place, and this event gives people the chance to experience them in a completely different setting."

Tickets are $45 per person and include tastings of new-release wines and spirits, live music and stargazing session. 

Guests can also enhance their experience with an optional Southern Skies Tasmanian Cheese Box ($30), featuring water crackers, aged cheddar, truffled cheddar and soft fetta.

Tickets are available at tamarridge.com.au/events/noir-noir-winter-solstice

Tasmanian stargazing, wine and the Winter Solstice

Two of Tasmania’s leading drinks producers: Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse are joining forces to host a one-off Winter Solstice stargazing event: NOIR NOIR.

This one-night-only event will take place at the Tamar Ridge cellar door on Saturday, June 21, from 6:30pm.  

The collaborators are inviting wine lovers, whisky drinkers and budding astronomers to sip, savour and stargaze under Tasmania’s bright winter sky - and be among the first to taste some new releases, including Tamar Ridge's 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir and Turner Stillhouse's inaugural whiskies, which includes Tasmania’s first ever Bourbon-style whisky: Rosevears Three Grain Whiskey and Rosevears Single Malt Whisky, matured in old Tamar Ridge pinot noir oak barrels. 

Guests at Tamar Ridge cellar door will be guided through a stargazing session by local astronomy expert Chris Arkless.

Arkless says the event will provide insights into Tasmania’s unique location in the Southern Hemisphere and the stellar beauty of Tasmania's night sky on the longest night of the year.

“Stargazing is a powerful way to connect with the natural world and ignite a sense of wonder. As we gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice with exquisite, locally made pinot noir and whisky, we will embark on a celestial journey, discovering the stars that have guided humanity for millennia.”

NOIR NOIR is being promoted as a “rare opportunity to connect the earthly pleasures of our Tasmanian landscape with the vastness of the universe”. 

Huddled around outdoor fire pits, guests will get a tasting of all new releases and can add the option of a cheese and charcuterie platter.

"NOIR NOIRis a chance to celebrate not only these two exciting new releases, but also theincredible natural beauty of Tasmania," said Tamar Ridge winemaker Tom Wallace.

"We're thrilled to partner with Turner Stillhouse to create a truly memorable night that showcases thebest of our cool-climate pinot noir and their exceptional new whisky, and to share the magic of a Tasmanian winter with our guests. 

Tickets for NOIR NOIR are $45 per person including a tasting of new releases, meeting Tamar Ridge winemakers, live music and stargazing session. Guests can add a cheese and charcuterie platter for $35 (for two people).

Tickets at tamarridge.rezdy.com/709946/noir-noir-winter-solstice.