Road Trip - Wine Taster

Are you ready to taste your way through Tasmania’s best cool climate wines? Get the journey started at Moores Hill at Sidmouth in the Tamar Valley near Launceston. The wine tasting is free, so be sure to try the award winning Riesling and Pinot Noir, from winemaker Julian Allport, or take a walk through the vines to stretch your legs.

Josef Chromy is one of our big guns down here - Joe fled his war-torn Czech village in 1950 as a 19 year old, and found himself in Tasmania where he used his butchery skills to start again. Switching to winemaking in 1993, he has owned and developed some of our biggest names in wine ever since - Jansz, Bay of Fires, Heemskerk and Tamar Ridge. Enjoy lunch in the restaurant, with matched wines of course.

Head back in to Launceston for the night, or stay local at Woodbridge Farm (a stroll from Josef Chromy) or at Wines for Joanie in their cute cottage.

 Josef Chromy Tasmania (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett)

Today you’re expanding your culinary skills with a cooking class at Red Feather Inn. You can choose from a range of classes like sausage making, meat curing, pasta making or a trip to the market for fresh produce. Stay overnight in the Georgian cottages and suites and enjoy dinner in the restaurant, matched with local wines of course.

If you have time, visit the historic Woolmers and Brickendon Estates in Longford, you can do guided or self-guided tours or stay overnight at both, in their restored cottages.

Overnight Hadspen or Longford

Red Feather Inn (Photo: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett)

Explore the wineries of the Pipers River region today, an area pioneered by local wine hero Andrew Pirie, who established Pipers Brook in 1974, and where much of Tasmania’s premium sparkling wine is produced. You’re spoilt for choice with wineries such as Bay of Fires, Clover Hill, Dalrymple, Delamere, Jansz and Pipers Brook. Be sure to fill the boot with stunning wines to take home and ensure you have a designated driver on hand.

Head to Barnbougle Dunes to enjoy a treatment at the Lost Farm Spa. Completely immerse yourself in wine with a Pinotherapy session, from your therapy bed overlooking the limestone cliffs and out to the ocean. Golfers will enjoy a round at one of the two world-class golf courses here. Say goodbye to the day over a glass of wine at the clubhouse then retire to the Lost Farm Lodge overnight.

 Pipers Brook Vineyard (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Sean Fennessy)

Today you’re going to have a foraging good time on the drive from Bridport to St Helens. Starting at Bridestowe Estate Lavender farm, try the lavender ice-cream and chocolate and pick up some heavenly lavender oil (perfect for sleep, but so is wine!). Travel on to Pyengana Dairy Company to try their incredible cheddar - maker Joe Healey is kind of a big deal in the world of cheese - and pair the cheddar with a sweeter Riesling and you’ll understand why. At Goshen, find Lease 65 Oysters and grab a dozen or two to takeaway, then explore 50 kilometre stretch of beaches known as the Bay of Fires.

Enjoy your foraged picnic at Binalong Bay - there’s a picnic table waiting just for you on the rocks. Retire to your accommodation, preferably with a big bath with your lavender oil added.

Overnight Binalong Bay

Bridestowe Estate (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett)

Make your way to White Sands Estate at Ironhouse Point to try the unpastuerised brews at Iron House Brewery. Try a tasting paddle daily from 8:30am or take a tour on Saturdays at 11am.

Continue on the coastal road toward Coles Bay - stop in to Priory Ridge Wines where the granite rich soils make perfect Pinot Noir, then indulge in some of Tassie’s best seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm on the way in. Join Freycinet Adventures for a twilight paddle, or if you want to stay dry, enjoy a wine or whisky tasting in the bar at Freycinet Lodge, the perfect place to watch the sun set.

Overnight Coles Bay

Ironhouse Brewery (Photo: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett)

Is your palate ready for a big day of tasting? The East Coast is home to big names like Spring Vale, Freycinet Wines, Gala Estate, Milton Vineyard and Devil’s Corner. Stop at the Devil’s Corner Cellar Door to take in the view from the new lookout, designed by Cumulus Studios, or Spring Vale, a small 5th generation winery with a delicious seafood restaurant.

Walk off the wine tasting at Lake Leake - there’s a few short walk options, like Meetus Falls and Lost Falls to enjoy.

Overnight Campbelltown

Devil's Corner Cellar Door (Photo: Pete Harmsen)

This morning, enjoy a coffee and pastry at the Ross Bakery (they’ve been firing bread here since the 1860’s), then explore the antique stores of Ross, Campbelltown and Perth.

Call in to the historic village of Evandale, especially on a Sunday when the local markets are on. If you have the time, pick up a few extra wines to take home from the boutique wineries around Relbia, then make your way back to Devonport. Celebrate the end of a week of wine tasting with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling at Mrs Jones, overlooking Bluff Beach.

Depart for Devonport to board Spirit of Tasmania home.

Ross Village Bakery (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Adrian Cook)