The perfect climate for wine is cold. But Tasmania’s wine bars are hot!
For a small state, Tasmania sure does pack a punch when it comes to wine. The same can be said for their dedicated wine bars. Thanks to Young Gun of Wine and their 2019 Wineslinger Top 50 Venues list, we now know the top five wine bars in Tasmania for you to enjoy.
Wineslinger is an annual award for venues where wine is the hero, and where it’s served with a sense of fun and adventure. A panel of 100 wine and hospitality experts – comprised in equal parts of winemakers, sommeliers and journalists – has voted on the top 50, from which the trophy winners will soon be decided.
“This list provides the insider’s guide to the places that the toughest critics in wine choose to have a ripping time. They’re restaurants, bars and pubs that bring energy, adventure and approachability to wine enjoyment,” says Young Gun of Wine founder, Rory Kent.
“These are places defined by fun, not formality. The size of your wine list isn’t what gets you onto the Top 50. It’s the sum of the parts. It’s the wine concept, the food, the staff, the setting, and that special something.”
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open to the public, with all voters receiving a $50 voucher* to premium wine broker Langton’s. Also, everyone who votes goes in the draw to win prizes that wine lovers’ dreams are made of. Think a tour and taste with the Henschkes at the Hill of Grace vineyard, or even a stay at the luxury Mitchelton Hotel including a winemaking experience in the historic cellars of Tahbilk. There’s even an opportunity to determine the final blend of the 2019 Ocean Eight Pinot Noir with winemaker Mike Aylward on the Mornington Peninsula.
Those keen to vote on the People’s Choice can head to younggunofwine.com/wineslinger. Voting will close on Monday 28 October at midday. Winners to be revealed at the Wineslinger Awards ceremony on the evening of Monday 28 October.
You can view the full list of top 50 wine bars around Australia by visiting Young Gun of Wine. For now, we’re looking at the five best wine bars around Tasmania.
Let’s get tippling!
Ettie's Bar & Bottle Shop
Ettie’s is the epitome of simple European design, which feeds effortlessly into their wine menu and dishes. As you weave your way through the wine menu, match your selection with a hearty meal that celebrates local produce and flavours. The wine menu features a range of local suppliers as well as special curations from overseas.
Franklin Restaurant and Bar
When you seek exquisite fine dining in Hobart, look no further than Franklin. Their wine menu is curated by their sommelier Forbes Appleby and served by a knowledgeable collection of staff. Their selection traverses France, Italy, Austria, Spain, Georgia and of course, Australia. Keep an eye out for their upcoming events to make it a grand evening.
Lucinda Wine
Lucinda Wine is a very recent establishment, brought to Hobart by the owners of Dier Makr. It’s got a rustic feel, matched harmoniously with decadent dishes and beverages. The wine menu holds 35 bottles that are served nearly year-round, but the owners hold 100 or so more that are deemed lo-fi yet premium. A bespoke beauty.
Tom McHugo's Hobart Hotel
Pub lunches have that quaint style where it’s hard to picture it being lavish, but Tom McHugo’s Hobart Hotel makes it look easy. To match their stylish dishes is a wine list that is sure to please. There are around 65 bottles on-premises, with 15 of them being served by the glass. A perfect afternoon snack.
Willing Bros. Wine Merchants
Willing Bros. Wine Merchants have one of the largest wine lists in Hobart, sharing a whopping 300 different bottles. On top of this, they serve 15-20 of these bottles by the glass, which changes quite regularly and with the seasons. It’s a small restaurant and bar, with a classic collection of dishes, including their signature steak frittes.
