Stu Gibson
When you think of Tasmania what springs to mind? For us, it’s regional restaurants, boutique wineries, and local farm gates set against a backdrop of rugged coastlines and pristine views. The abundance of rich culinary experiences travellers can only find down under makes the island state a coveted destination for any foodie. Inspired to plan a last-minute spring holiday? Take note of our top tasting spots in Tasmania.
No trip to Tasmania is complete without a vineyard visit, and La Villa Wines is a great place to start.
(Image: Kelly Slater)Venture to vineyards
If you have a penchant for cool-climate wine, you’re in the right region. Surrounded by dolerite-capped mountains, Tasmania’s wine areas are abundant with crowd-pleasing grape varieties, from pinot noir to sauvignon blanc.
Set on five hectares, this boutique vineyard brings la dolce vita to Tasmania’s north west coast. Inspired by their time living abroad in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, La Villa Wines owners Gail and Marcus produce a variety of delicious wines from low yield premium fruit. Saluti!
“Tasmania is special because it’s surrounded by ocean,” says winemaker Anna Pooley. “We have some really exciting and diverse areas for producing wine in Tasmania, where even slight differences in climate equate to a fabulous spectrum of wines.” Burrowed in the heart of the Coal River Valley, this historic cellar door is open every day for wine tastings.
The only thing more impressive than Mayfield Estate’s cool-climate wines is their majestic view from Tasmania’s east coast. With their cellar door opening in 2022 at Little Swanport, the boutique winery looks north to Dolphin Sands and south to the Tasman Sea. This vineyard visit is as much a visual feast as a drinking joy.
Discover dining destinations
With a reputation as a flavour-filled, foodie lover’s heaven, Tasmania boasts some of the country’s hottest restaurants. From design-savvy interiors to innovative menus, here are our top three.
Freshly shucked Tasmanian Pacific oysters, grass-fed eye fillet, abalone from the surrounding sea, and heirloom vegetables planted by small growers in Launceston… have we piqued your interest (or appetite) yet? Based at Piermont Retreat near Swansea on Tasmania’s east coast, Homestead Restaurant celebrates the region’s diverse flavours in a seasonally inspired menu.
If you’ve an appetite for romance, list this intimate dining experience on your itinerary. The interiors pair warm Tasmanian oak with panoramic views, while everything on the set menu is “cooked over coals or kissed with fire in some way,” according to head chef Timothy Hardy. Designed to stand in harmony with the Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula landscape, this small-scale restaurant sources seasonal produce from organic farmers or their onsite orchards and vegetable gardens.
Housed in an art deco butchers shop in Launceston, this inviting bistro specialises in grass-fed Tasmanian beef. Each dish is crafted around fresh, local produce and seafood, while the working cellar is stacked with cool-climate Tassie drops and rare bottles from around the world.
A different way to discover Tasmania: Wilderness, a sense of discovery and unparalleled taste on an Unearthed Chefs Tour.
(Image: Tourism Australia)Country road trip
Adopt Tasmania’s slow pace of life and indulge in an immersive country experience. Think stopping at roadside stalls with homegrown fruit, meeting local makers, taking a cooking class or embarking on a foraging tour.
Cook and forager Mic Giuliani takes the paddock to plate philosophy to new heights. Join one of his foraging tours to learn how to identify local flavours and handpick ingredients for a long-table, six-course dining experience overlooking Frederick Henry Bay (just east of Hobart).
Return home from your trip across the Bass Strait with a new recipe. Hinton Bay Kitchen’s cooking school offers private classes at a beautiful home overlooking Hinton Bay (just north of Launceston). Surrounded by water views of the Tamar River and vines of Hinton Bay vineyard, the setting is just as charming as the kitchen itself. Learn about Tasmania’s food culture in a light-filled kitchen.
Looking for an incredible experience in Tasmania’s north west? Join a full day of explorations on the ‘Tasting Trail Cradle to Coast’ — a food and drink trail designed to showcase the region’s finest produce and artisanal producers. On the Unearthed Chefs Tour, explore a saffron farm, enjoy wine tasting, visit a truffle farm, indulge in a long lunch, and much more.
Brought to you by Tourism Tasmania.
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