To celebrate this year’s exceptional delicious. Produce Awards winners, we teamed up with our proud partner, Tamar Valley Dairy Greek Yoghurt, to offer one lucky reader the chance to experience the best of the Tamar Valley region. So if you want to experience the best of what the Tamar Valley has to offer, but only have a few days to do so, we've got you covered.
Just a five-minute stroll from the Design Centre of Tasmania, the boutique Hatherley Birrell Collection is your ideal resting place in Launceston. Once you’ve checked in, unwind with a welcome drink at the Saint John Craft Beer Bar – unpacking can wait. There are 14 brews on tap boasting the best of Tassie, Australia and beyond.
A quick refresh and it is time for dinner at Stillwater. The menu draws inspiration from the seasons and local producers – think Tasmanian octopus and fermented Korean chilli with sesame seeds or Cape Grim hanger steak, black pepper jam and chimichurri. A quick nightcap later and it’s time to rest your wearied head.
Wake to the sound of birds in age-old lemon and apple trees. No need to rush to get dressed – breakfast will arrive at your door, hot coffee included.
Take a stroll around the delicious. 2017 Produce Awards-winning Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market and sample some of the region’s best. There are handmade organic cheeses and yoghurts from Elgaar Farm, meat from Braefield Prime Lamb, the latest harvest from Lees Orchard, Tasmanian Butter Co’s cultured butters, and more.
Save room for lunch – it’s at the picturesque Josef Chromy vineyard. Soak up views of the lake and grapevines and sample head chef Nick Raitt’s menu, including local oysters shucked and flipped on site, and chicken with brioche and Tamar Valley truffles. A glass of Josef Chromy pinot gris is mandatory.
Speaking of truffles, it’s time for your own private truffle tour of the Tamar Valley, where Tasmania’s Black Perigord winter truffles reign supreme. Don’t forget to stock up at the Truffle Shop where Tassie truffled cheddar and butter await.
It’s time for dinner at the Black Cow Bistro. It’s run by the Stillwater folks, but this time steak is king. The menu shows off premium, dry-aged, free-range, grass-fed beef from the state’s best producers including Cape Grim and Robbins Island Wagyu. A punchy wine list also favours local vineyards, with plenty of help on hand to guide you.
Recharge with breakfast at Sweetbrew. Sample the house-made pastries and a killer brew by way of Five Senses Coffee’s Dark Horse. An express checkout later and it’s time for a trip to Rowella for a light lunch.
Holm Oak Vineyards is home to some of the state’s best drops, but it’s pinot noir that steals the show. After a tasting of their best, relax with a picnic of local cheese, terrines and salmon products among the fabulous trees.
Still hungry? Finish off with a taste.walk.talk tour of Launceston. The bespoke tours are the best way to experience the local flavours, from wine and beers to Tassie coffee, chocolate, honey and charcuterie.