Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour + Cheese Making Class

If you’re a foodie eager to taste the very best of Tasmania’s culinary scene, the Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour + Cheese Making Class offers a well-rounded, flavorful experience. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and enthusiastic feedback suggest it’s an authentic, immersive day for those who appreciate quality food, excellent wine, and stunning landscapes.

Three things we love about this experience are how it combines hands-on activities like cheese making, the variety of regional tastings, and the scenic drives through lush Huon Valley. A potential consideration might be the price point, especially if you’re on a tight budget, as lunch isn’t included. However, for lovers of local produce and well-curated tastings, this tour seems tailored to those wanting depth, not just surface-level sightseeing.

This tour is perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and travelers craving an authentic taste of Tasmania’s best produce. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative, and delicious day out, this experience might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Authentic regional tastings include wine, cider, honey, and cheese, showcasing Tasmania’s diverse food scene.
• Hands-on cheese making adds a memorable, educational element to the day.
• Stunning views and scenic drives through the Huon Valley enrich the tasting experiences.
• Visit to local producers offers insights into Tasmania’s artisanal food and beverage craft.
• Variety of stops provides a well-rounded day, balancing learning, tasting, and sightseeing.
• Group size limited to 7, offering personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive into Tasmania’s Food Scene

Stop 1: Hartzview Vineyard — A Warm Welcome with Wine and Cheese

The tour kicks off at Hartzview Vineyard, where your first impressions are likely to include the welcoming, rustic charm of this family-run spot. Here, you’ll enjoy tastings of Fortified wines, Pinots, Rosé, and Chardonnay—each offering a glimpse into Tasmania’s burgeoning wine reputation. The vineyard’s recent addition of gins, brandy, and whisky barrels is an exciting bonus for enthusiasts interested in spirits.

One standout from reviews is how the breathtaking view of the Hartz Mountains on a clear day elevates the wine tasting, making it more than just about the flavors. The tasting is complemented by a hands-on cheese-making workshop, which many visitors find particularly engaging. You’ll learn how to craft artisanal cheese, gaining skills to recreate the experience at home. Guests have raved about the award-winning cheeses paired with gluten-free crackers, which add a gourmet touch to the tasting.

This stop lasts about 2 hours, giving ample time to savor the wines, participate in the workshop, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a fantastic start that combines education, relaxation, and a scenic backdrop.

Stop 2: Cygnet — A Creative Coastal Charmer

Next, the tour takes you through Cygnet, a small town famous for its alternative vibe and creative community. It’s a perfect spot for a quick stroll, and visitors often recommend grabbing some French pastries from a local bakery—a treat you might want to take back to your hotel. The town’s charm is in its quirky cafes and artistic spirit, making it a delightful breather between tastings.

While time here is limited to about 20 minutes, it’s enough to soak in the vibe and maybe purchase a pastry or two. Reviewers mention that the town’s laid-back charm is a highlight, and some even suggest planning to explore further on your own if time permits.

Stop 3: Pagan Cider — Sampling the Orchard’s Bounty

The next stop is Pagan Cider, a lively cider producer renowned for using local Huon Valley fruit. Here, you’ll taste a selection of pear, strawberry, cherry, and apple ciders, each with distinct flavors that reflect the region’s fruitfulness. This tasting is described as “fun” and “refreshing,” and many reviews highlight the variety of flavors available, showcasing Tasmania’s cider-making talent.

This 30-minute stop is more than just a sip and go; it’s an opportunity to understand how local growers influence Tasmania’s beverage scene. If you’re a cider fan, you’ll appreciate the authenticity of tasting real Huon Valley fruit, straight from the source.

Stop 4: Home Hill Winery — A Taste of Fine Dining and Fine Wine

Perhaps the most celebrated part of the tour, Home Hill Winery offers a delicious lunch and wine experience with views over the lush vineyards. The winery is rated as one of the top restaurants in southern Tasmania, and it’s easy to see why. Expect a carefully curated menu with dishes designed to complement their wines, which range from crisp whites to full-bodied reds.

Guests often rate this as a highlight, citing the beautiful setting and quality of food. While lunch isn’t included in the tour price, many choose to purchase a meal here, adding value to their day. If the restaurant is fully booked, the tour switches to Captain’s Table in Huonville, ensuring no one misses out on a quality meal. The 1 hour 30-minute stop provides plenty of time to relax, dine, and enjoy the scenery.

Stop 5: The Honey Pot — Sweetness from the Hive

No food tour in Tasmania would be complete without tasting its famed honey. The Honey Pot in Huonville offers an engaging beekeeping talk and a chance to see worker bees in action. The highlight here is tasting over ten different flavors of honey, each reflecting Tasmania’s floral diversity.

Reviewers mention the passionate staff and the variety of honey products available in their shop, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. The 30-minute stop gives you a sweet finish, paired with insights into how bees contribute to Tasmania’s food scene.

Final Stop: Huonville — Relaxed Drive and Scenic Views

The journey concludes with a scenic drive through the rolling hills and orchards of Huon Valley, giving you time to reflect on the day’s flavors and sights. The drive from Hobart takes about 45 minutes initially, with the return trip being around 40 minutes. The landscape—with its cherry farms and lush greenery—is a calming end to a busy day.

Practicalities & What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size: Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, the small-group limit of 7 ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The small group size means fewer crowds and more engaging conversations.

Timing & Pacing: Starting at 9:30 am, the tour lasts roughly 6.5 hours. It’s well-paced, mixing activities, tastings, and scenic drives, so you won’t feel rushed. The itinerary offers a balance of active participation (cheese making, tastings) and leisure (scenic views, café stops).

Cost & Value: At $230.79 per person, the price covers multiple tastings, the cheese-making workshop, and transportation. While lunch and some purchases are extra, reviews suggest that the quality of experiences and the chance to connect with local producers justify the cost.

Accessibility & Dietary Needs: Gluten-free options are available, and vegetarian meals can be accommodated at the winery. However, the cheese platter may contain allergens like nuts, so it’s good to communicate dietary restrictions beforehand.

Cancellation & Weather: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it flexible for travelers. The tour relies on good weather; poor conditions may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

Why This Tour Works

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they’re after authentic tastes, behind-the-scenes insights, and a chance to learn about Tasmania’s artisanal industries. The combination of education (cheese making, beekeeping), delicious tastings, and stunning scenery offers a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s foodie scene.

The small-group format makes it intimate and engaging, allowing for personalized attention from guides like Ingrid, who is praised for her passion and knowledge. Reviewers mention the “professional and on-time” nature of the trip, which adds peace of mind.

While the tour isn’t cheap, the variety and quality of experiences—especially the cheese making, the extensive honey tastings, and the wine and cider selections—make it a worthwhile investment for food lovers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Food and wine enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse tastings and behind-the-scenes insights. Couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed, engaging day will find plenty to enjoy. It’s also perfect for those interested in local craftsmanship and scenic drives.

If you enjoy interactive experiences like cheese making or are curious about Tasmania’s agricultural industries, this tour offers an authentic, hands-on opportunity. It’s equally suitable for first-time visitors wanting a broad taste of the region’s culinary treasures.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch at Home Hill Winery is paid separately, but the experience of tasting their acclaimed wines and enjoying a meal with scenic views makes it worthwhile.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour runs for approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am and concluding back at Hobart.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, gluten-free options are available, and vegetarian meals can be arranged at the winery. However, the cheese platter may contain nuts and allergens, so it’s good to inform your guide beforehand.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 45 days ahead, as the tour is popular, and spots fill up quickly.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour + Cheese Making Class offers a thoughtfully curated day of regional delights, scenic beauty, and engaging activities. It’s a lovely mix of tasting, learning, and sightseeing that showcases Tasmania’s artisanal spirit. Whether you’re passionate about wine, cheese, honey, or just want to enjoy a relaxed, flavorful exploration, this tour delivers a memorable experience.

Ideal for those who value quality and authenticity, it’s a great way to connect with local producers and walk away with new tastes—and maybe new skills. Just remember to plan ahead, come hungry, and be ready to savor every moment of this tasty adventure.

Note: Based on reviews, the tour receives high praise for its professionalism, the quality of tastings, and the passionate guides like Ingrid. It’s clear that this experience leaves visitors with not just tasty memories but also a deeper appreciation for Tasmania’s culinary craftsmanship.