Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour

An Authentic Taste of Tasmania: Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour

This full-day tour offers a delightful peek into Tasmania’s vibrant food scene, exploring the scenic Huon Valley, one of the island’s most acclaimed gourmet regions. Starting from Hobart, you’ll spend about 6.5 hours visiting boutique vineyards, cideries, a bakery, and a honey producer, all while enjoying a mix of tastings, stories, and stunning views. Priced at around $257 per person, this experience is designed for those who love authentic local flavors, scenic countryside, and small, personalized groups.

What really draws us in are two standout features: the chance to sample award-winning wines and spirits at Hartzview Vineyard and Pagan Cider, and the opportunity to learn about local honey production directly from beekeepers. These moments allow for genuine connections with producers and genuine tastes that reflect Tasmania’s dedication to quality.

A potential consideration? The full-day itinerary means a fair bit of driving and walking, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a relaxed pace and some outdoor exposure. If you’re after a bespoke, high-quality food experience that offers both scenic beauty and local storytelling, this tour hits the right note.

This tour is perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers who want a balanced mix of tasting, learning, and scenic views. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy small-group experiences where personalized attention and authentic conversations enhance the journey.

Key Points

Incredible local wines and spirits from boutique vineyards and distilleries
Hands-on honey and cheese experiences that connect you to local producers
Scenic drive through Huon Valley, showcasing rolling hills and lush landscapes
Gourmet lunch options and seasonal ciders for a true taste of Tassie
Intimate group size (max 7) for personal attention
Free cancellation for peace of mind

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Hartzview Vineyard: A Warm Welcome to Tasmanian Wines

Our first stop, Hartzview Vineyard, is a highlight. Known for their fortified wines, Pinots, Rosé, and Chardonnay, this boutique winery offers a cozy, rustic charm that feels like visiting a friend’s countryside home. Tour guide Ingrid’s passion is contagious, making the tasting all the more enjoyable. We loved the recent addition of gins, which added a fun twist to the usual wine tasting.

Guests often note how professional and punctual the experience is, with reviews praising the venue as “brilliant” and the opportunity to sample varieties of wines and spirits as a real treat. The one-hour visit allows enough time to enjoy the wines without feeling rushed, and the inclusion of spirits and fortified wines broadens your tasting experience.

Cygnet: Artistic Charm and Culinary Creativity

Next, the tour heads to Cygnet, a quirky township often called “Australia’s last before Antarctica” — a nod to its remote, windswept location. Known for its alternative vibe and vibrant arts scene, Cygnet has become a magnet for creative chefs and food writers. While you only spend about 20 minutes here, you’ll get a quick taste of its charm, perfect for those who love small-town character and colorful street scenes.

Pagan Cider: A Flavorful Stop for Apple and Fruit Ciders

Pagan Cider is a highlight for cider enthusiasts. Here, you can taste a variety of apple, pear, strawberry, and cherry ciders—all crafted from local Huon Valley fruit. Guests rave about the flavor diversity and the fun atmosphere. It’s a 30-minute stop where you can sample some of Tasmania’s best ciders, ideal for those wanting to explore local fermentation craftsmanship.

Summer Kitchen Bakery: A Hidden Treasure for Food Lovers

A real gem on this tour is the Summer Kitchen Bakery, renowned for its organic sourdough, gourmet pies, and flaky pastries. The small-batch approach means every item is fresh and full of flavor. Visitors often mention it as a must-visit for bakery aficionados and appreciate its local, handmade feel. You’ll sample delicious baked goods, providing a comforting and tasty break during the day.

Home Hill Winery: Fine Dining and Picturesque Views

Our last main stop, Home Hill Winery, offers a delicious winery lunch or taphouse meal, depending on the day, with views that make every sip even better. Located at the foothills of Ranelagh, the restaurant’s large windows frame lush vineyards, creating a perfect backdrop for savoring local wines. This 1.5-hour visit combines culinary delights with scenic beauty, making it a fitting climax to a day of tasting.

The Honey Pot: Connecting with Nature

Finally, the tour visits The Honey Pot in Huonville, where we learn about the crucial role bees play in food production. The live bee display and tasting of raw, locally harvested honey provide a fascinating look at Tasmania’s apiculture. Guests consistently praise the informative talk and the chance to sample pure honey, making it a sweet ending to the day.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

The tour runs from 9:30 am and includes pick-up and drop-off services in Hobart, making logistics smooth and hassle-free. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the approximately 45-minute drive to the first stop and the return journey of about 40 minutes.

With a small group size capped at 7 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and conversations. The entire day is designed for passionate food lovers who appreciate local stories and high-quality tastings.

Price-wise, at just over $250 per person, the experience offers good value considering the multiple tastings, a gourmet meal, and guided insights. The inclusion of alcohol tastings, cheese and honey experiences, and local snacks enhance the value, especially for those interested in more than just a quick tasting.

Considerations:

• The tour isn’t a sit-down full restaurant meal; the lunch is a winery or taphouse plate, so if you prefer a large sit-down meal, you might want to plan accordingly.
• Given the full-day schedule, comfortable shoes and a readiness for outdoor elements** are recommended.
• Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, but it’s good to specify dietary needs in advance.

Authentic Experiences that Matter

Guests often comment that the tour’s intimate size allows for richer conversations and authentic stories from local producers. The tastings are well-rounded, giving you a real sense of Tasmania’s commitment to quality in wines, ciders, and honey.

The blend of scenic landscapes with gourmet delights makes this a perfect day out for travelers wanting to combine nature and gastronomy. Many reviews mention the delicious wines and ciders and the beautiful views—these are what make the experience memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a foodie eager to sample Tasmania’s best, this is a perfect fit. It’s also excellent for wine enthusiasts wanting to explore boutique vineyards or cider lovers interested in local fruit-based drinks. The small-group format suits travelers who prefer a personalized, relaxed experience with room for questions and conversation.

Travelers who enjoy learning about local production methods will find the honey and cheesemaking sessions particularly engaging. Those wanting a beautiful drive, scenic views, and delicious tastings will leave satisfied and with a deeper appreciation for Tasmania’s culinary creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off services from Hobart, and transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am.

What’s the group size?
This tour is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I get gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Yes, gluten-free food is available, and vegetarian options are offered at the winery restaurant. It’s best to specify dietary preferences when booking.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers multiple tastings of wines, spirits, ciders, honey, and cheeses, a cheese-making class, beekeeping talk, snacks, and air-conditioned transport.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the lunch at the winery is purchased separately, and any extra snacks or supplies are also paid for individually.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a hat or sunglasses for outdoor time, and an open mind for tasting and learning.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Final Word: Who Is This Tour For?

This Taste of Southern Tasmania tour offers a balanced blend of scenic drive, local storytelling, and genuine tastings that will appeal especially to culinary adventurers and small-group enthusiasts. If you cherish authentic flavors, beautiful landscapes, and personal connections with producers, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking a relaxed day that highlights Tasmania’s premium local produce—perfect for those who want to combine education and enjoyment in a friendly, intimate setting.

Whether you’re a wine lover, an aspiring cheesemaker, or simply curious about Tasmania’s food culture, this tour promises a memorable day with plenty of flavor—and the chance to take home some delicious souvenirs.