Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour

Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour

Thinking about making the most of your day in Burnie? This Tasting Trail Tour offers a delightful journey through some of Tasmania’s best food and drink producers. For about $202.40 per person, you get around six hours of tasting, sightseeing, and learning about local craftsmanship, all with a small-group vibe that keeps things personal. The tour includes visits to a renowned chocolate factory, a boutique truffle farm, a family-run vineyard, a cider orchard, and a boutique whisky distillery. It’s a sampler platter of Tasmania’s culinary riches — perfect for those who love a good story behind their food, and who enjoy tasting truly local flavors.

Two things we particularly love: First, the chance to watch chocolatiers craft Belgian-style chocolates at Anvers, and then sample their rich creations — it’s a treat that feels both decadent and authentic. Second, the variety of experiences packed into one day — from learning about how truffles grow to swirling wine in a glass at a family vineyard, each stop offers something genuine and memorable.

A possible consideration is the tour’s focus on tasting, which means it’s less about sightseeing and more about food and drink. If you’re after a scenic day with panoramic views, this might not be your only stop. Also, since the tour is popular (booked 164 days in advance on average), planning ahead is essential.

This experience suits travelers who love finding out how local products are made, enjoy tasting new spirits and wines, and are eager to learn from passionate producers. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Tasmania’s culinary scene and want a balanced mix of education and indulgence.

Key Points

• Authentic Tastings: The tour features genuine visits to well-regarded producers, with opportunities for hands-on experiences.
• Diverse Flavors: From chocolate and truffles to wine, cider, and whisky, the variety keeps the day lively.
• Educational: You’ll learn about the process behind each product, from truffle harvesting to spirit distillation.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 50 travelers, it’s intimate enough to ask questions and get personalized attention.
• Scenic Drive: The journey includes scenic coastal views, making the trip visually enjoyable.
• Value: Combined, the tastings and visits offer more than just a day out — they provide insight into Tasmania’s local food culture.

An In-Depth Look at the Tasting Trail Tour

Starting at Anvers Chocolate Factory

We begin our day at Anvers, Tasmania’s most iconic chocolate destination. A 40-minute drive from Devonport brings us to this celebrated chocolatier. Watching the expert chocolatiers at work is a highlight — they craft Belgian-style chocolates right before your eyes, turning simple ingredients into edible art. You’ll get to sample rich chocolates and feel the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. The factory’s reputation for quality means you’re likely to find chocolates that are smooth, well-flavored, and satisfying.

The admission ticket to Anvers is included, ensuring you don’t need to worry about extra costs for entry. Reviewers often comment on the quality of the samples, with one noting, “the chocolates were so good I had to order more before leaving.” It’s a perfect start, setting a tone of indulgence while giving you a glimpse into Tasmania’s sweet side.

Visiting The Truffledore

Next, a short 20-minute drive brings us to the Truffledore, a charming boutique farm specializing in truffles. Here, owners Ina and Tino share their passion for these earthy delicacies. What makes this stop special is the hands-on tasting experience. Instead of just sampling pre-packaged truffles, you’ll get to learn how they’re grown, harvested, and processed.

The sensory experience allows you to appreciate the aroma and texture of fresh truffles — an immersive experience not often available to casual food lovers. We loved the way the owners’ enthusiasm made the farm feel personal and welcoming. Many visitors comment on how educational and enjoyable the tasting is, with one saying, “I never knew how much effort goes into harvesting truffles, it really opened my eyes.” The free admission doesn’t include the tasting, but it’s well worth the time.

Exploring House of Hargreaves Vineyard

Just a quick 5-minute drive takes us to the House of Hargreaves, a boutique vineyard run by a mother-daughter team, Coral and Savannah. The cool-climate setting is ideal for producing handcrafted wines, and you’ll love the intimate atmosphere here. The wine tasting is complemented by a local platter, making it more than just sipping wine — it’s a chance to enjoy locally sourced produce with your drinks.

We appreciated how the hosts shared stories about their winemaking philosophy and the challenges of small-scale viticulture. Reviewers have praised the “excellent wine selection” and the “friendly, genuine hosts.” Since this stop is uncharged for admission, it’s a relaxed part of the day that feels more like visiting friends than a commercial tasting.

Sampling Cider at Spreyton

Next, after a short 10-minute drive, we arrive at Spreyton Cider, an orchard with roots going back to 1908. Here, you’ll learn how local apples and pears are transformed into award-winning ciders. The guided tasting showcases a variety of ciders, including options that are non-alcoholic, so everyone can enjoy the crisp flavors.

What we loved is the educational aspect — the staff explains the tree-to-bottle process clearly, making the tasting more meaningful. Reviewers frequently mention the deliciousness of the ciders and commend the orchard’s longstanding tradition. It’s a true local family business that takes pride in their product, which comes across during the visit.

Ending at Hellyers Road Distillery

The final stop is back in Burnie, about 40 minutes from Spreyton, at Hellyers Road Distillery. This respected boutique distillery produces some of Australia’s top spirits, especially whisky. The included tasting flight provides a chance to sample several premium spirits and learn how they’re crafted, from fermentation to aging.

We enjoyed the relaxed environment, and many visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides who make the spirits’ complicated processes accessible. The whisky tasting is a fitting end to the day, rounding out the flavors with a smooth, warming finish. This stop is free for participants, offering excellent value considering the quality of the spirits.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour departs from 13 Wilmot St in Burnie and lasts about six hours. The group size is capped at 50, ensuring a comfortable experience without feeling crowded. Transportation between stops is included, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery rather than worry about navigation.

Since most travelers book 164 days in advance, it’s clear this experience is popular. Planning ahead is recommended, especially if you want to secure a spot during peak tourist seasons.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind it involves some walking at each stop. The tasting experiences are generally accessible, but if you have specific dietary restrictions, it’s worth noting that non-alcoholic options are available at Spreyton.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food and drink enthusiasts who enjoy discovering the stories behind local products. It’s an excellent choice for couples, small groups, and curious travelers who want a relaxed, engaging day — not just sightseeing, but tasting and learning. If you’re a fan of chocolates, wines, ciders, and spirits, this tour offers a deliciously authentic taste of Tasmania’s craftsmanship.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate small-group tours with a personal touch, as opposed to large, noisy busloads. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who loves culinary adventures, this could be one of your favorite Burnie activities.

The Sum Up

The Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour combines a well-curated selection of Tasmania’s finest food and drink producers into a manageable six-hour experience. You’ll enjoy the chance to see artisans at work, sample a variety of authentic products, and learn about Tasmania’s culinary heritage firsthand. The mix of chocolates, truffles, wine, cider, and whisky ensures a diverse and engaging day that appeals to many tastes.

While the focus is on tasting rather than sightseeing, the scenic coastal drives add a visual layer that enhances the experience. The affordability is reasonable given the quality and variety of the tastings, making it a good value for those wanting a deeper dive into Tasmania’s flavors.

If you’re looking for a lively, authentic food journey with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy genuine hospitality, this tour makes a compelling choice. It’s especially suited for curious, inquisitive travelers eager to connect with local producers and savor Tasmania’s best-loved delights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is primarily focused on food and drink tastings suitable for adults, children who enjoy sampling non-alcoholic drinks and learning about food production may find it interesting. Please check with the provider about specific age restrictions.

What is included in the price?
Your tour includes transportation, visits to all five stops, and tastings at each location, with some stops offering additional items like a local platter.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from about 20 minutes at the truffle farm to an hour at the vineyard. The total time spent at each varies slightly depending on the flow of the tour.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Non-alcoholic options are available at Spreyton Cider. For other dietary needs, it’s best to contact the tour provider directly.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle are advisable. Tasting glasses and samples are provided, so no need to bring your own.

Can I buy products during the tour?
Yes, many stops have shop areas where you can purchase chocolates, wines, ciders, or spirits to take home.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between stops is part of the tour, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 164 days ahead, reflecting its popularity. Booking early secures your spot.

What if I have a late arrival or need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Late cancellations may not be refunded.

Is this tour active?
It involves some walking at each stop but is generally accessible to most travelers. No strenuous activity is involved.

All in all, the Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour offers a balanced, flavorful way to experience Tasmania’s artisan food scene, making it an excellent addition to any cruise itinerary or regional exploration.