Tasmania is the 'Island State' of the 'Island Continent', and the most southerly state of Australia. It lies 150 miles (240km) off the coast of Victoria, on the opposite side of the Bass Strait – a relatively shallow channel which separates the Great Australian Bight from the Tasman Sea. The climate here is markedly different from the mainland, and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate the vineyards, making light, elegant still wines and some of Australia's best sparkling wines.