Tasmania does drinks like no one else. This full-day tour lines up wine, whisky/gin, cider, and beer into one smooth, guided day around Southern Tasmania.

You get guided tastings at four premium venues, plus time to reset at lunch (on you) while the scenery slips by in an air-conditioned van. It’s a practical way to sample a lot of Tasmania’s craft scene without spending your whole day driving between producers.

What I love most is the good pacing: it’s not wall-to-wall transit, and the stops feel spaced for tasting, asking questions, and actually enjoying the venues. I also like the story-driven guides—you’ll hear the why behind what you’re drinking, not just facts dumped at the table. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get one of the guides who’s especially funny or detail-focused (Tim, Ben, Peter, Emma, Gino, and Kat have all led days).

One drawback to plan around: lunch isn’t included, and alcohol isn’t allowed in the vehicle. Also, the day isn’t a fit for everyone (it’s not suitable for children under 18, pregnant travellers, or anyone with mobility impairments).

Key highlights I’d bet on

• Four guided tastings across wineries, distilleries, cider houses, and a beer brewery
• Air-conditioned van with scenery time built in, without feeling like you’re racing all day
• Bottle purchases available at every location if you find a bottle you want to bring home
• Lunch stop on the way with typical menus from $20 to $60 (you choose what suits you)
• Willie Smiths is a common highlight, with the Apple Shed atmosphere and apple-museum time if it’s on your day
• A real Hobart finish, with options to return to bars or get dropped at the waterfront

How the Drink Tasmania Signature Tour runs: 10am start, four producers, eight hours

The day starts at 10am sharp at the base of the ramp at Brooke Street Pier in Hobart. You’ll spend about 8 hours total on the tour, traveling by an air-conditioned van and moving through a tight circuit of drink-makers in Southern Tasmania.

The core format is simple: you’ll visit up to four premium venues, and at each one you’ll get guided tastings. The tour is designed around craft beverages—award-winning wines, world-class whiskies and gin, small-batch ciders, and craft beer—so you don’t have to pick one theme and miss the rest.

For me, the value piece is that tastings are included as part of the experience. You’re paying for access and interpretation, not just a few sips. You’re also not stuck figuring out who’s open, what to book, and which place is actually worth the detour.

Getting set for the day: where to meet and what to wear

The meeting point is very specific: Brooke Street Pier, base of the ramp, 10am. Show up a few minutes early so you can get your bearings and settle into the group.

Because Tasmania weather can swing fast, bring comfortable shoes (you’ll be on and off vehicles and standing for tastings). Pack warm clothing too—even in seasons that feel mild in Hobart, the countryside can cool down.

One more practical note: don’t plan on drinking alcohol in the vehicle. That keeps things civil, and it also means you’ll arrive at each stop ready to taste what you came for.

The tasting strategy: how four guided stops build a real picture of Tasmania

This is the kind of tour that helps you build a “mental map” of Tasmania’s drinks scene. Instead of bouncing between random tasting rooms, you’re guided through a sequence that usually mixes categories—so you can compare styles and methods as you go.

Each stop is built around guided tastings (all included), and the tour keeps moving so you spend more time tasting and less time staring at a schedule. You also have the option of buying bottles at all locations, which is great if you’re the type who wants souvenirs that are actually drinkable later.

If you like talking to staff—asking how a cider is made, how a gin profile is built, or why a whisky ages the way it does—this format supports that. You’re not just receiving pours; you’re getting explanations while you taste.

Willie Smiths at lunch: apple shed energy and a menu you can actually choose

Lunch is the one big variable in the day. It’s not included in the tour price, but you’ll stop at a favourite local venue where you can relax and choose a meal. Typical menus run about $20 to $60, and you can often find options like share plates, farm/ocean-to-plate meals, and wood-fired pizzas.

A common highlight is Willie Smiths. When it’s on your itinerary, you’ll likely get the Apple Shed experience plus time around the apple museum area. That makes lunch feel less like a rushed meal and more like a proper break in the middle of the tasting loop.

Practical tip: if you’re planning to taste at every stop after lunch, don’t go too heavy on the biggest dish. I’d aim for something satisfying but not sleepy-inducing. Share plates or a pizza are often a sweet spot—you get variety without committing to a full sit-down food coma.

Wine stop possibilities: what to expect from Moorilla, Kate Hill, and similar venues

Wine is part of the tour’s mix, and on some days you might visit places like Moorilla Winery or Kate Hill (plus other wine stops that vary by season and day of week).

When wine is on the table, the guided tasting usually helps you pay attention to things you might otherwise miss: how producers handle fruit character, how the style shifts with site, and how the lineup fits into Tasmania’s broader drink profile.

Here’s how to get more out of the wine portion: taste, then ask one good question. For example, ask what they consider their signature style, or what a person should drink if they usually prefer something fruit-forward versus something more savoury. The tour structure is ideal for that kind of conversation, because you’ll keep moving and comparing.

Distillery days: Spring Bay Distillery, Battery Point, and Callington Mill style tasting

Whisky and gin distilling are major parts of the signature day. Depending on your day, you could stop at Spring Bay Distillery, Battery Point Distillery, or Callington Mill (Hobart). Sometimes gin-focused stops pair well with cider and beer, because they sharpen your palate and reset your sense of sweetness and spice.

A distillery visit is also where guided explanations matter most. You’ll typically get a tour or industry-style context along with tastings. The real win is learning how the ingredients and process show up in the glass.

Practical tasting tip: between categories, take a breath. If you start with wine, then hit distillery spirits, your tongue may feel “jumping.” Let the tasting guide you into the next step—taste small, compare, and don’t force a choice too early. You’ll often find your best match after the second or third tasting category.

Cider and beer breaks: Pagan Cider, Lost Captain, and Cascade Brewery Bar

Cider and beer are where the tour gets extra fun and a little more laid-back. On certain days you might visit Pagan Cider, Home Hill, Lost Captain, or Cascade Brewery Bar. Depending on the lineup, you may also see other cider producers or cider-house stops.

Cider is a great bridge between wine and spirits because it often highlights fruit character and acidity in a way that makes it easy to compare. Beer does something similar through bitterness, malt sweetness, and carbonation.

What you should do at these stops: don’t just chase strength. Ask for a tasting order. Many tastings feel better when you start lighter and work toward bolder flavours, especially if you want to enjoy everything without feeling overwhelmed.

What makes the guides matter: Tim, Ben, Peter, Emma, Gino, and Kat

The guides are a huge reason this day can feel smooth instead of chaotic. Different guides bring different styles—some are playful, some are intensely detail-focused, and some are great storytellers who connect drink-making to local farming and production.

From the names I’ve seen lead these tours, Tim has a reputation for very solid knowledge and good pacing. Ben Andrews has a background that shows in the way he explains local production, and he’s also brought a welcoming, humorous tone to the group. Peter is another guide people mention positively, along with Emma, Gino, and Kat—each bringing a personality that keeps the day moving and the stops feeling intentional.

If you want to maximize what you get from the guide, pick one thing you care about and ask about it at the first venue—like what styles Tasmania producers are experimenting with right now, or what makes their method different from what you’re used to. That one question gives you a thread to follow all day.

Lunch isn’t included: how to eat well on a $20–$60 menu

Since lunch is on your own, treat it like a planning moment, not a stress point. You’ll have a stop at a local venue with menus typically ranging from $20 to $60, and the food options can include share plates, farm/ocean meals, and wood-fired pizza.

Here’s a practical approach:

• If you’re planning to taste hard later, go for something balanced.
• If you’re not a big drinker, you can treat the meal as the main event and let your tasting portion stay lighter.
• Either way, drink water. It keeps you sharper for the next guided tasting.

Also remember: you’re on a schedule. Choosing the quickest option that still tastes good can help you enjoy the venue instead of feeling rushed.

The value check on $204: what you’re paying for (and what you can control)

At $204 per person, this tour isn’t a budget whim—it’s a one-day splurge. But it can be good value for what you receive.

Why it can be worth it:

• You get all tastings included across multiple beverage types
• You’re using an air-conditioned van to cover the driving between producers
• You’re paying for a guide who helps you understand what you’re tasting, not just where to stand

What you should control:

• Your lunch spend (plan for $20–$60)
• Any bottle purchases (available at all locations)

So the real decision is how you want to spend your limited time in Tasmania. If you only have a day and you want variety—wine, whisky/gin, cider, and beer—this format is efficient. If you’re the type who already knows the exact bottles you want from one or two producers, you might prefer a smaller, more focused day elsewhere.

Who should book, and who should skip this drink-filled day

This tour is designed for adults and for people who can move around the venues comfortably.

It’s not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. If those apply, you’ll want to choose a different day experience that matches your needs.

Who it suits best:

• Adults who like tasting across multiple beverage categories
• Anyone who wants guidance and context, not just a list of tasting rooms
• First-timers to Southern Tasmania who want to see several producers in one day without doing logistical homework

Also note: the tour requires a minimum of four guests, which can affect which days run.

Should you book the Drink Tasmania Signature Full Day Tour?

I’d book it if your priority is variety plus guided tastings in one efficient day. You’ll get a structured route through Tasmania’s craft drink world, and the format makes it easier to compare styles without turning your day into a DIY driving test.

I’d think twice if:

• You want lunch included in the price
• You can’t manage a full day out of Hobart, or the vehicle/venue movement doesn’t work for you
• You only care about one category (like only wine) and would rather keep things narrow

If you do book, come with warm layers, comfortable shoes, and a light lunch plan. Then lean into the guide’s stories and ask one thoughtful question at each stop. That’s how you turn a good tasting day into a memorable one.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It meets at the base of the ramp at Brooke Street Pier at 10am sharp.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get visits to wineries, cider houses, whisky/gin distilleries, and a beer brewery, plus all tastings, an industry tour guide, guided experiences, and air-conditioned van transport.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is purchased on the day, and menus typically range from $20 to $60.

Can I buy bottles during the tour?

Yes. Bottle purchases are available at all locations.

Is alcohol allowed in the vehicle?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or children under 18.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Shrine of Remembrance Cultural Guided Tour in MelbourneDiscover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus TourOuter Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure in Airlie BeachHot Air Balloon Flights in Perth (Avon Valley) with breakfast