Tasmania's one of Australia's premiere food and wine regions, however many people are yet to visit this sumptuous destination. Don't be one to miss out - take the time to sample the flavours of this island state's culinary masters.
Here are some starting points to get you inspired and excited for your flavoursome journey to Tasmania.
Indulge in world-class wine
There's nothing like sampling a destination's drop and discovering it's all you had hoped for and more. The island has been growing grapes for winemaking since the 1840s, with its cool climate producing spectacular Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.
One of the must-visit wine regions for tasting these wines is the Tamar Valley. The renowned wine route here stretches for 170km, with the opportunity to explore more than thirty cellar doors.
Begin somewhere like the Winter Brook Vineyard, which is a boutique establishment located in the hills of the West Tamar Valley. Its cellar door is open from Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., so you can visit and sample its award winning Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and more.
Another great destination is the Stoney Rise Winery, which grows grapes from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gruner Veltliner. This establishment also follows and environmentally conscious philosophy that you will encounter regularly throughout your travels in Tasmania. That is, they are as 'hands off' as possible, keeping the process of winemaking natural and allowing the grapes and wines to express themselves.
You'll also find wonderful vineyards in the regions of the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys, in addition to Tasmania's east coast.
Work on your culinary finesse
Tasmania is as passionate about its food as it is its wines. This is evident in its array of popular bars, cafes, restaurants and cooking schools.
Why not try taking a turn in the kitchen yourself when you venture to Tasmania, and perhaps pick up some new skills?
You could visit the Sally Wise Cooking School, located in the lush Derwent Valley, and learn about everything from the art of slow cooking to how to master preserving jams, cordials and chutneys. Here, classes focus on cooking naturally, so you're bound to be let in on a few great tips and tricks for relying less on additives, artificial colours and flavours.
You may also want to try Tranquilles Cooking Classes, located in Port Sorell in the north west part of the island. From lessons on how to cook Arabic dishes to whipping up your favourite winter warming meals, they're a mouthwatering delight.
Fill up on fresh produce
If you're getting the sense that Tasmania is all about fresh, wholesome and natural foods, you're on the right track. With such a diverse and abundant natural environment, there's no shortage of locally grown, caught and produced food to try.
Take Huon Valley Mushrooms, for example. At 850 Main Road, Glen Huon, you can visit a mushroom growing farm that produces more than five tonnes a week of a variety of mushrooms - from white to shiitake and more. Take a guided tour and explore the dark growing rooms, and of course get a substantial taste of the vegetable, too.
Once you've whet your appetite trying mushrooms, you could visit another foodie hot spot, such as the Wicked Cheese Company. This is located in Richmond and has won awards for its hand-made delectables such as brie, camembert, cheddar and more, all made from milk free from chemicals and added hormones. When you visit, you can watch how the cheese is made through special viewing windows.
Does this kind of tantalizing and tasteful foodie holiday in Tasmania sound like you? If so, contact us by email or call 13 70 71 to begin planning your dream getaway.
