‘Tis the season for ye olde festive tipple! Talk about spoilt for choice, there are many of cellar doors to visit in Southern Tasmania, with some amazing wineries, distilleries, cider houses, and classic pubs. Here are a few of our favourites to try out over the holidays. Cheers!
Redlands Distillery is one of Australia’s premium single malt whisky distilleries. The distillery and cellar door are located at Dysart House, a historic 1840s coaching inn at Kempton, in the Southern Midlands. Visit them for tours and tastings of both Redlands products and other Tasmanian and Australian boutique spirits. While you’re there, it’s only responsible to treat yourself to something tasty from their fresh, home cooked menu.
Image: @czechingoutofhere/Instagram
Pop into Lark Cellar Door and Whisky Bar to taste Tasmania’s finest whisky and other distilled spirits. The bar is located on Hobart’s waterfront and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with over 150 premium malt whiskies to choose from. There’s also a great selection of Tasmanian beer, wine and cider, as well as coffees and cheese platters.
Image: @larkdistillery/Instagram
Home Hill Winery is nestled amidst the rolling hills and sprawling pastures of the Huon Valley. Their Kelly’s Pinot Noir won the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2015. Taste their wonderful range of cool climate wines at their stunning rammed earth cellar door. Relax in the restaurant, indulge in a delicious meal, and enjoy the wines produced from the very vines before you.
More info: Winery Tastings & Tours: Cellar Doors of Southern Tasmania
Image: @homehillwines/Instagram
The Cascade Brewery was established way back in 1824 in the foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington. As the country’s oldest brewery, you can be sure they know what they’re doing! Book a brewery tour to see all aspects of the beer-making process and sample the beer and cider. You can also enjoy a drink and some food in the restaurant.
Image: @franken.fish/Instagram
Domaine A / Stoney Vineyard is the oldest vineyard in the Coal River Valley, and their range of incredible wine reflects the ancient soil and extended sunlight hours throughout each long, cool season. Varieties grown include red grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir and the white grape Sauvignon Blanc. The cellar door is open for tastings from 10am to 4pm weekdays, or by appointment.
More info: Winery Tastings & Tours: Cellar Doors of Southern Tasmania
Image: @nic.redfern/Instagram
Moorilla is the winery attached to Mona, making small-batch, cool-climate wines from estate-grown fruit. Drink it at Mona, at its bars, festivals, restaurants, café and luxury accommodation pavilions – and pick up a few bottles to take home! There are several tour and tasting experiences to choose from, including cellar door tastings, a winery tour and tasting, and a Moo Brew tour and tasting (located offsite).
More info: Winery Tastings & Tours: Cellar Doors of Southern Tasmania
Image: @afernand0/Instagram
How does sipping a glass of Tassie bubbles on board a scenic cruise sound? Yep, pretty good! Book yourself on Peppermint Bay Cruises’ lunch cruise, and enjoy the amazing views of the harbour, city, and d’Entrecasteaux Channel. At the Peppermint Bay Hotel, enjoy the fresh local produce, and partake in a delicious Tasmanian wine or locally crafted beer.
Image: @natalie.m.jones/Instagram
The Southern Lights Hotel is perched up on a hill at Kingston, just a short drive south from Hobart. Relax on the comfortable couches and enjoy the view, soak up the sun in their alfresco courtyard, treat yourself to a signature Aura Café dish, and sample their selection of fine Tasmanian beer and wine.
Image: @southernlightshotel/Facebook
Visit the home of Willie Smith’s Cider: the Apple Shed, in the scenic Huon Valley. Taste their wonderful cider varieties, have something fresh and delicious to eat, and perhaps even combine your visit with one of their live music gigs or their weekly Saturday morning market. Learn about the region’s apple growing history in their onsite museum.
Image: @partypennicott/Instagram
Franks Cider Bar & Café is located in a former church hall at the picturesque riverside town of Franklin. Their ciders are made from 100% pure Tasmanian fruit, and many of the trees harvested today were planted by Frank himself, generations ago. Treat yourself to a cider tasting, and indulge in some tasty treats from the café. Learn about the history of the local area with a wander through the onsite museum.
Image: @frankscider/Instagram
You’re spoilt for choice with restaurants and bars at the iconic Wrest Point Hotel & Casino. Enjoy the fabulous water views at the Onyx Bar, get amongst all the action at the Casino Bar, treat yourself to a nightcap in the Birdcage Bar, feel fancy at The Point Revolving Restaurant, or relax with a drink by the water at Pier One Restaurant and Bar.
Image: @mellrob/Instagram
Shene Estate & Distillery is a beautifully restored historic estate, with a distillery onsite, at Pontville. This striking property is home to the award-winning Poltergeist Gin! Pop by their rustic roadside stall (open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm) to have a chat to a family member and pick up a bottle or two. For the full immersive experience, book yourself on one of their fascinating tours.
Image: @daisychainsandpicnics/Instagram
Of course, this is just a few of Southern Tasmania’s amazing local spots to quench your thirst. Other spots to pop in for a cheeky drink and bite to eat around #HobartandBeyond include: Salamanca Inn; The Henry Jones Art Hotel; Hotel Grand Chancellor; and the Salamanca Wharf Cafe. Check out our Eat & Drink page for more inspiration.
Related posts:
Winery Tastings & Tours: Cellar Doors of Southern Tasmania
Eat & Drink Bruny Island: Three Gourmet Tours that Pack a Lot In
Wandering Richmond: History, Picnics, Shopping, Food and Wine
Cider & Wine in the Huon: Four Places to Stop for a Tipple
Tours, Tipples and the Great Outdoors in the Southern Midlands
Header image:
Shene Estate, @natalie.m.jones/Instagram
Words:
Isabel Galloway
