If you've got a car, make sure to visit Pooley for a fantastic introduction to traditional…read moreTasmanian winemaking. The tasting experience was lovely and the winery is really very picturesque. It was such a lovely day!

Pooley Wines was the first stop for my friends and me on our DIY wine tour of the area, and what a…read morebar it set for the rest of the day! Our wine tasting guide was friendly and fun, and no wine question of ours was too silly for an answer. All three of us left with a different bottle and a chunk more knowledge about the wines of the region, and I left with a bonus craving for Thai curry (after picking up a bottle of late harvest riesling). The site itself is quite picturesque, with gorgeous stone buildings sitting on the side of a hill. We steered past the cafe corner and hid in the little showroom, but I wouldn't mind a return visit perched on the cafe deck in the sun with a nice glass of Margaret Pooley Tribute (of course my palate likes the more expensive bottles, curse it).

Our port of call was Hobart, Tasmania, and we had selected this less active shore excursion…read more(History Hobart, Countryside & Winery) because my eldest sister was joining us. It was a good thing we chose this one because my sister was experiencing back and foot pain and was scheduled to have a massage on board that evening. Our coach bus drove us past the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which we would visit later, and across the bridge over the River Derwent to Cambridge's Coal Valley Vineyard. I was amazed how this coach bus effortlessly negotiated the unpaved vineyard road up to the Tasting Room. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the stunning property and views before settling down at the vineyard's tasting table. We were seated at a community table with two wine glasses (one for white and one for red) and a list of Coal Valley Vineyard's five varieties in front of us, as the host gave us background on the vineyard, the types of grapes grown, production, and more. He went around pouring tastes and even threw in a few "Dad Jokes" to lighten the mood. It was interesting to watch others' facial expressions during each pour as most agreed he saved the best for last (TGR Riesling and Pinot Noir). It was a bit odd that this tasting didn't offer any savory palate-cleansing snacks alongside each pour, aside from plain water to rinse your glass and mouth, as at other vineyards. But, oh well, we still managed to purchase two bottles of wine to pair with at least two gourmet dinners onboard our ship.

Such a pretty property... but the young, shaggy headed guy running the wine tastings was a complete…read morejoke. I should have just bought a glass of wine and bypassed the tasting - might have had a better experience. Tiny pours - tasting pours are supposed to be small but these were about a quarter the size of a standard tasting pour. No explanations on what he was pouring. He couldnt really answer any questions we had. We were the only ones in there and he kept leaving the tasting area to mess with a delivery that was brought in. Most the time I was there, I was standing there with a empty glass waiting for him to pour the wine. My husband (who got a glass instead of a tasting) says he was proud of me for not completely losing it on him while I was in there cause he would have. I showed some patience today. They need to get someone behind the bar that knows what their doing. If you go there... don't do a tasting!!! Just get a glass of wine. Save yourself aggravation.

We were headed to the MONA and decided to book a wine tasting as well. They gave us a menu of all…read morethe options and let us choose the path we wanted to take. I loved the red and big flavors and Husband doesn't like wine (whaaa, weird, I know) so he will be a trouper and go with the whites and bubbly options. Works for me because I get a sip of them all too. Our wine guide was great. Knowledgeable about the wines and fun to chat with. The grounds are beautiful and the tasting room had lovely view of the area as it's on the second floor. Great stop

Moorilla is the winery on the same grounds as MONA. It's a lovely set up and we enjoyed a glass of…read morewine while we waited for our ferry and just soaked in the sun and the views.

Excellent tasting session! This was my favorite tasting experience during the trip. Largely it was…read moredue to the fact that the winemaker himself hosts the experience and you really get an intimate and in-depth experience. It's by appointment only and I was there solo and really enjoyed learning more about Tassie wine, Tasmania at large, and his craft. Highly recommended if you're a wine lover!

Omg I can not rave about the food here enough. This is by far one of the best meals I've ever had…read more The wine is amazing. The food is amazing and the presentation and staff are first class

John was super helpful in the beautiful tasting room. What an incredibly beautiful parcel of land!…read moreThis winery is one of the most beautiful I have seen on any continent with the incredible water views in the back! It is majestic. The winery has spared no expense on the furnishings and upkeep of the buildings where one would taste, have a meal or an event. John shared a variety of fantastic wines and then we chose the Syrah to sip on. It was mesmerizing to sit on the couch facing the winery where we sipped and took in the beauty. If you are interested in wine tasting in the region, this is a very "personal touch" vineyard where you will get an intimate and memorable experience. Too bad they do not ship to the US! :(

What an adorable place!…read more My nickname is 'Puddleduck', so of course on the way back to Hobart from visiting Richmond I had to stop in and visit this winery. And I'm so glad we did! The first thing that welcomes you is a giant sign letting you know you're welcome to 'Reverse BYO' - that is that you bring the food and they'll provide the wine. A great idea and muchly appreciated, as if you're on a budget you'll have more to spend on wines! The setting for this winery can only be described as idyllic - the main building sits on the edge of a dam and has a deck outside. We happened to visit on a perfect day and sat for a while in the sunshine on the deck watching the various water birds. There's a beautiful grassed area with chairs and tables and even a children's playground and a big area for the kids to run around and let off steam. There were a few families enjoying lunch and a few drinks and I love that they cater to families so well. We opted for the $5 wine tasting at the bar - there is also an option for a $15 sit down tasting or a $25 one which includes a cheese platter. All of those costs are deducted if you choose to purchase a bottle. My favourite was the Pinot Noir which smelled and tasted amazing. They also have all these options available as a cider tasting too! The guy who was serving welcomed us enthusiastically when we arrived and told us a bit about tastings etc. He also apologised and told us that the service may be a little slower because he was running the show on his own. This is a family business and his mum had an appointment so was unable to help out that day. I appreciated the forewarning and preemptive apology but it was not needed - the service was great. When we went to pay for our tasting he even offered them for free as he felt like he had not been able to be as attentive to us as he wanted to be! I absolutely loved my time at Puddleduck and will endeavour to visit whenever I am back in Hobart. It's well worth the drive from the city!

I absolutely love Puddleduck to bits. My first visit was their first weekend open with essentially…read morejust a little hut by the pond and the paint still drying - I've been coming back ever since and watching the place grow into the wonderful business it is now. The 'shop' is still a fairly small building by the pond (major extension coming this year) but with a lots of outdoor seating around the water either under umbrellas on the grass or under the marquee. The Puddleduck wines are great (do NOT miss out on trying Bubbleduck) and you can kick back whilst working through the wine list with a cheese platter made up of 'wicked' cheeses produced just down the road. Don't want cheese? No problem! Puddleduck allows 'reverse BYO'. You bring whatever picnic food you want and they supply the wine! Puddleduck makes a great wine tasting stop along the Coal Valley route, but if the weather is good I recommend putting aside an afternoon and relaxing - the whole business is a family affair and it feels like it, with warm friendly service that makes you feel instantly like old friends. Other important notes about Puddleduck; you can meet internationally famous 'wine dog' Basil and his cohorts Polly and Sybil. You can also meet Lucky the duck (and all of his friends if they are feeling sociable and you can adopt your very one vine!

Great spot. Make sure you go there in season, as they are closed during the cooler months. We have…read moretried to get there a few times and every time we drive passed they were closed. Maybe too early in the week? Not sure. Our host was the son of the owner and he allowed us to have a small taste of all the list they have with a few more expensive selections. Our Favourite is the Sparkling Merlot and it's the only one produced in Tassie. Bought 1/2 dozen and love it. It's an interesting place as they have a reverse BYO policy. How many people know about that?. We will definitely do it next time. The idea is you can bring in your own food and buy their wines to sit out the back in a nice area and enjoy!

Travel books gush about the boom in distilling and brewing in Tasmania. I had to try some whisky…read moreduring a brief stop in Hobart. Without any prior planning, I stumbled into Lark Distillery. The location of the distillery makes it ideal for stumbling into-- it's right by the water surrounded by various tourist hot spots. I ordered the whisky flight and was promptly served 3 small pours. I remember the price feeling a bit high but generally reasonable. What really struck me was the lack of introduction or explanation about what I was about to drink. I had to ask for a bit of information at which point I was told the history of Bill Lark and the uniqueness of each pour. It was quite interesting and helpful but I wish it had been offered as default. I sat outside and had a quiet and relaxing few moments.

Let it be known that I am not traditionally a whiskey drinker (unless it's been beaten with an egg…read morewhite and lemon or served in a shot glass) however I knew, on this particular trip to Hobart, that today was the day. Lark Distillery is home to Lark Whiskeys - a Tasmanian born and bred, very fancy and very delicious whiskey. But what this venue is better known for is it's whisky tasting tray. For 20 clams you can try three of their best whiskeys and get a whiskey educational all-the-while sitting in a delightfully cosy space. For some extra dollars, you should most definitely get yourself a cheese platter to go with. It features locally made cheeses and quince with freshly baked bread. I promise you, Whiskey Tasting + Cheese Platter = match made in heaven. You CAN do a tour of the distillery and get a more serious educational, which will take up a few hours of your day, but really, all you need to do is get a chair at the bar and chat to the incredibly knowledgeable staff.