A visit to Tasmania isn’t complete without experiencing its legendary spirits and scenic charm, and this Premium Tour and Lunch Package for Two offers just that. For around $125.37, you’ll spend roughly three hours exploring Dysart House in Kempton, tasting four different spirits, and enjoying a locally sourced antipasto platter paired with a bottle of Tasmanian wine. The guided element, combined with personal touches like a shared lunch and the option for more tastings in the Cask Lounge, makes this a well-rounded, authentic experience.
What we love most about this tour are two key aspects: the comprehensive insider perspective from your guide, and the opportunity to savor premium Tasmanian spirits and wine in a relaxed, intimate setting. You’re not just watching a show; you’re part of a curated experience with flavors and stories that bring this part of Tasmania to life.
A potential consideration is the disappointment expressed in one review about the guide’s level of knowledge and organization, which might make the experience feel less polished for some. However, most guests seem to enjoy the laid-back vibe and the chance to enjoy premium tastings at a reasonable price.
This tour is ideal if you appreciate quality local spirits, engaging storytelling, and a touch of history, all within a manageable three-hour window. It suits travelers looking for a mix of culinary delights and cultural insights with a small, private group atmosphere. If you’re after a more personalized, relaxed way to get a taste of Tasmania’s distilling heritage, this tour hits the mark.
Key Points
- Authentic Experience: Guided tour of Dysart House, grounds, and distillery process, with a personal touch.
- Tasting Focus: Includes four spirits and additional tastings in the Cask Lounge.
- Local Flavors: Features a Tasmanian antipasto platter and wine, showcasing regional produce.
- Time & Value: About 3 hours at a fair price for a memorable, intimate experience.
- Private Group: Only your group participates, making for a more relaxed, personalized outing.
- Potential Drawback: Some guests felt the guide’s knowledge could be more comprehensive.
A Deep Dive into the Kempton Experience
When you arrive at the meeting point—Dysart House at the Green Ponds Hotel—you’re stepping into a setting that combines history with the promise of a tasting adventure. The tour begins with a fully guided exploration of Dysart House, including its grounds, stables, and the bond store, which, due to safety upgrades, is currently closed. Even so, your guide will lead you through the property, sharing stories and insights about its past and its distillation process.
One of the standout features is the guided tasting of four spirits from Old Kempton Distillery. These tastings offer a genuine look into Tasmania’s distilling prowess, with each spirit representing a different aspect of regional flavor. We loved the way your guide explained each spirit’s unique characteristics, grounding the tasting in both history and the distillery’s craft.
After the spirits, the experience transitions to a delicious antipasto platter made with local Tasmanian produce. The platter is generous and thoughtfully curated, featuring regional cheeses, meats, and accompaniments—perfect for pairing with your included bottle of Tasmanian wine. You’ll appreciate how much effort goes into sourcing local ingredients, adding authenticity to the meal.
The tour also offers the chance to visit the Cask Lounge for more tastings, allowing you to sample additional spirits and deepen your understanding of the distillery’s offerings. If you’re a wine or spirits enthusiast, this segment might be particularly appealing, giving you an edge to compare different flavors and styles.
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What’s Notable?
One of the main perks is the personalized nature of this experience. Because it’s a private tour for just your group, you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed by crowds. Instead, you get the chance to ask questions and enjoy a more intimate setting. Plus, taking home souvenirs or a bottle of wine adds a tangible memory of your trip.
However, the experience isn’t without some critique. As one reviewer pointed out, the guide’s knowledge may sometimes be limited or the organization appear a bit unpolished, which can slightly diminish the overall impression. Still, most guests find the relaxed pace and quality tastings more than compensate for this.
What’s Included?
- Meet at Dysart House at the Green Ponds Hotel
- Guided tour of Dysart House, grounds, stables (bond store closed)
- Tasting of four spirits
- A bottle of Tasmanian wine and antipasto platter
- Additional tastings in the Cask Lounge
- Private group experience
Timing & Practicalities
Starting at 11:00 am, the tour lasts about three hours, making it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity. It’s easy to fit into a day of exploring Tasmania’s countryside and heritage sites. The mobile ticket makes access straightforward, and the meeting point at the historic Green Ponds Hotel adds a charming local touch.
Why Choose This Tour?
This experience suits adventurous food and drink lovers who want more than just a tasting—they want context, stories, and a sense of place. It also appeals to history buffs interested in Tasmania’s colonial and distilling past, with its blend of heritage and regional flavor. If you’re a couple or small group seeking a private, relaxed outing with excellent wine and spirits, this tour offers a good balance of value and authenticity.
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Final Thoughts
The Premium Tour and Lunch Package for Two provides an engaging, flavorful glimpse into Tasmania’s distilling heritage, set against the backdrop of historic Dysart House. The inclusion of a shared lunch with local produce and wine makes it a well-rounded experience for those who want to indulge a bit without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. While the guide’s knowledge might vary, most find the personal touches, quality tastings, and lovely setting to be a highlight.
For anyone seeking a taste of Tasmania’s craftsmanship in a relaxed, intimate environment, this tour offers genuine value. It’s particularly suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a curated experience with delicious regional flavors.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s designed to be accessible, though the tour involves walking around Dysart House and grounds.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours, starting at 11:00 am, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
What’s included in the price?
You get a guided tour, tastings of four spirits, a bottle of Tasmanian wine, an antipasto platter, and access to additional tastings in the Cask Lounge.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, ensuring flexibility.
Is the guide knowledgeable?
Most guests find the guide friendly and informative, but one review noted that the knowledge could be more comprehensive. Expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere regardless.
Can I take souvenirs home?
Yes, you have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs or a bottle of wine as a keepsake of your experience.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Dysart House, Green Ponds Hotel, and concludes there as well, offering a seamless experience.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, which enhances the intimacy and allows for more personalized attention.
Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a history lover, or simply in search of a memorable Tasmanian experience, this tour offers a balanced mix of education, flavor, and charm. It’s a taste of Tasmania that’s both enjoyable and authentic—an outing that leaves you with stories, flavors, and a few souvenirs to remember your trip by.