Tasmania is known for its world class home-grown beers, wines and spirits. Here we uncover some of the best wineries, distilleries and breweries close to the city of Launceston, perfect for a day-long tipple trail.
James Boag Brewery
Want to dive a little deeper into the local history, while enjoying some Tasmanian brews along the way? The James Boag Brewery is a great place to start. James Boag has a firm place in Launceston’s history, opening in 1881 along the Esk River. Their beers have long been known for their exceptional quality. They’re a fine example of the use of Tasmanian ingredients, the pure water (which to this day is still sourced from Tasmania) and local brewing talent.
Get the most out of your visit and sign up for a 90 minute tour where you will learn about the James Boag story and see how these award-winning beers are made. Beer samples are included in your tour along with some delicious local cheeses.
Some sections of the brewery aren’t operational over the weekend, so if you want to see as much of the facility in action as possible, plan to visit on a weekday. Bookings are advised.
Jansz Wines
Jansz is the birthplace of Tasmania’s very first sparkling, produced using the traditional method, or as they call it, Méthode Tasmanoise, making it a very special spot to visit on your Tasmanian tipple tour.
Believe it or not, one of the reasons Jansz Wines settled in Tasmania was due to the climate, which is not too dissimilar to the Champagne region in France.
Visit the Jansz wine room to discover just how fine Tasmanian sparkling can be. Sample the Vintage or Premium Cuvee, or for something a little different, try the Premium Rose NV or Single Vineyard Chardonnay. In the Jansz spirit, don’t forget to purchase a few bottles to take home with you so you can share those special moments with a glass of fine Australian sparkling in hand!
Bay of Fires
A short 15 minutes from Jansz Wines you’ll find Bay of Fires wine. The cellar door is open every day except for Christmas and Good Friday, so no matter when you’re in the area you can add a pit stop at Bay of Fires onto your itinerary.
Enjoy picturesque views of the vines and Pipers River as you’re guided through the range of wines, all made from hand-picked, local Tasmanian fruit.
This particular part of Tasmania, known for its cool climate is ideal for producing sparkling, so make sure you try the Sparkling Tasmanian Cuvee Brut and Sparkling Tasmanian Cuvee Rose. You’ll also discover white and red varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Tamar Ridge Cellar Door
Tamar Ridge falls underneath the famous Brown Brothers banner. The cellar door is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Launceston, so it’s easily accessible even on shorter trips. The northern Tasmanian terroir and climatic conditions make Tamar Ridge creations some of the state’s best.
On your visit you’ll have the opportunity to taste wines not only from Tamar Ridge, but also from two of Brown Brothers’ other labels, Devil’s Corner and Pirie Wines. Our top pick would have to be Tamar Ridge’s two Pinot varieties, the Pinot Noir and Reserve Pinot Noir. The Reserve is a standout, with achievements including a score of 92 from James Halliday Australian Wine Companion and placing in competitions such as the 2016 International Cool Climate Wine Show.
Feeling peckish? Order a platter of Tasmanian cheese and terrine to nibble on while you enjoy a glass of your favourite Tamar Ridge wine, or picnic out on the lawn as the sun shines.
Hellyers Road
If you’re staying in the area for a few extra days, make time in your schedule for a drive to Hellyers Road Distillery. Located just under two hours from Launceston, this is a distillery well worth visiting.
Take part in the Whisky Walk Distillery Tour, an immersive and interactive experience that will allow you to smell the ingredients, taste the product and witness distilling firsthand. You may also like to pour and seal your own bottle with wax, with a certificate of authenticity as a special souvenir of your visit.
Spoil yourself or a loved one by purchasing one of the limited edition bottles of Hellyers Road whisky that are only available for purchase direct from the cellar door.
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