The Best Of Tasmania: Wine, Accommodation & Food

Tasmania is a region of spectacular beauty, with a stunning natural environment and a wide range of fresh, local produce sourced from the land and sea.

Located off the south coast of Australia, Tasmania experiences a unique climate influenced by its island topography and cooling ocean breezes, lending to lower annual temperatures compared to other regions of the country. This cooler climate is ideally suited to winegrowing and there are a number of exceptional vineyard areas around state including Tamar Valley, the East Coast, Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley and Huon Valley, to name a few.

These vineyard regions exhibit specific microclimates perfectly suited to grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. The unique climate and soils here are also exceptional for the production of sparkling wine, something which Tasmania is now world-renowned for.

Our Connection to Tasmania

Fogarty Wine Group founder and owner, Peter Fogarty, has a very special connection with Tasmania, and the family’s passion for the region has led them to establish their Tasmanian wineries: Lowestoft, Thalia and Strelley Farm Estate, as well as the ANON and Terra Verde ranges. With fruit sourced from only the best vineyard sites in the region, these wines exhibit incredible precision and unique terroir, perfectly capturing the essence of Tasmania.

To celebrate this incredible region, this blog will explore some of the best food, activities and places to stay in Tasmania – as well as pairing them with our ideal wine for the occasion!

Things to do in Tasmania

1. A trip to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart with an incredible array of artwork and fun events.

After your trip to MONA, enjoy a glass of the ultra-premium Lowestoft La Maison Pinot Noir, handcrafted from fruit sourced just a few kilometres away on the Lowestoft Estate vineyard.

2. Visit Barilla Bay Oysters in Cambridge, just a short drive from Hobart, and take a tour of the farm gate to see how they grow and harvest their oysters and abalone.

Be sure to take some freshly shucked oysters with you when you leave to pair with a cold bottle of the Thalia Rosé NV sparkling.

3. You cannot miss a detoxifying sweat session in the only floating, wood-fired sauna in Australia (The Floating Sauna) located on the shores of Tasmania’s very own Lake Derby.

Cool down after your sauna session with a glass of refreshing and delightfully fruity Sandy Bay Estate Riesling.

4. Pick up some fresh local delicacies from one of the numerous farmers markets across Tasmania: Harvest Launceston Community Farmers Market in Launceston; Salamanca Market in Hobart; or Providore Market in the north west.

Once you have sourced the perfect local ingredients for a delicious homecooked meal, pair with the ANON Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir, two delicious, vibrant wines to complement your food.

5. Hop on a boat to explore the best of the Freycinet National Park coastline, stopping off at the famous Wineglass Bay, Cook Beach and Bryans Beach, spotting hidden caves and sea life along the way.

After a fun-filled day out in nature, relax and unwind with a juicy glass of the Strelley Farm Estate NV Pét Nat.

6. Take in the majestic sight of Cradle Mountain and a multitude of other beautiful Tasmanian landscapes from the air with a scenic helicopter ride.

Celebrate this incredible flight with a glass of the elegant Thalia NV Reserve Cuvée.

Places to Stay in Tasmania

1. For a home away from home in Hobart, stay in one of the eleven rooms in the Islington Hotel – a former stately home, now a luxury urban lodge with impeccable décor.

This hotel needs a wine to match its elegance and style; enjoy a glass of the Lowestoft Single Vineyard Pinot Noir surrounded by the lush interior of the hotel’s library or conservatory.

2. Discover Tasmania’s East Coast with a stay on a private island off the idyllic Freycinet Peninsula. Picnic Island is a ten bedroom architecturally designed lodge set in the midst of wild nature.

Watch the sun set in front of an open fire on the balcony with a bottle of the stunning Strelley Farm Estate NV sparkling wine.

3. The ultimate boutique hotel escape in Launceston, Hotel Verge is a contemporary space with trendy industrial finishings.

This sophisticated hotel needs a likeminded wine; try the Lowestoft La Meilleure Chardonnay for the ultimate pairing.

4. Eagles Nest Retreat is the ideal place to relax after a long day exploring the raw beauty of Tasmania. Offering four self-contained ‘nests’, each with a hot tub and a view over the majestic Cradle Mountain range.

Unwind in the spa and watch the twinkling stars with a glass of the Lowestoft Grand Reserve sparkling wine.

5. The Explorers Lodge is a Hamptons-inspired BnB set in the heart of Derwent Valley. Set up for a day of visiting nearby attractions with a generous breakfast overlooking the landscaped gardens.

Only 20 minutes away from Richmond and the Strelley Farm Estate vineyard, enjoy a delicious glass of the Estate Chardonnay beside the cosy indoor fireplace.

6. The Granary is a converted historic sandstone building tucked away overlooking the Macquarie River in North Tasmania. With exquisite views of the countryside and the option to go trout fishing on the property, you may end up not wanting to leave.

Pair your freshly caught trout with a divine glass of Lowestoft Chardonnay.

What to Eat in Tasmania

1. A trip to Tasmania would not be complete without a freshly caught crayfish cooked over a barbecue.

Dine al fresco and open a bottle of the Strelley Farm NV Rosé while you savour this delicacy.

2. Tasmanian shellfish is world famous, think Pacific oysters, mussels and abalone.

Pair these delectable morsels with the Thalia NV sparkling.

3. For the meat lovers, try the free-range Robins Island Wagyu beef.

The Dalwhinnie Three Valleys Pinot Noir would be a beautiful wine pairing for dinner.

4. A visit to the famous Coal River Cheese Factory to taste their wide range of artisanal cheeses is a must.

Take some cheese back to your accommodation with a bottle of the delicious Strelley Farm Pét Nat Rosé.

5. After a busy morning exploring, grab a steaming hot Tasmanian scallop pie on your way through Richmond (if they're not already sold out that is!).

The perfect wine to accompany your lunch is the zesty Strelley Farm Sauvignon Blanc.

6. Fresh, wild salmon is also synonymous with incredible Tasmanian seafood.

Try some locally smoked salmon rillette with a glass of Lowestoft 2017 Rosé sparkling.

Browse all our Tasmanian wines online here.