2024 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year Winners
From the island’s famed wilderness to its country villages and lively cities, the comestible map of Tasmania is dotted with a diverse array of artisan produce, wine and food alike.
Travellers come to Tasmania seeking a sample of its bounty, tended by locals who dedicate their careers to capturing the essence of this island in their produce. For the most part, this love for Tasmania is brought together by those who proudly champion the island’s culinary wares – carefully sourcing, preparing and then generously sharing with their guests. Their taste is impeccable and their finesse for the perfect nuanced pairing is undeniable. Together, the experience that they offer is truly something else.
We present to you Tasmania’s champions of 2024 – the best places to enjoy Tasmanian wine (and food, which comes highly recommended) in all its glory.
Black Cow Bistro
2024 Judges’ Choice Tasmanian Wine List of the Year
When it comes to ‘must-visit’ Tasmanian dining venues, Black Cow Bistro has surely been included in nearly every list of the past 15 years (and if not, it could be argued that you’re looking at the wrong list). As the name suggests, this long-serving Launceston institution’s claim to fame is delectable Tasmanian beef. Served from its repurposed butcher shop home, Black Cow Bistro’s philosophy revolves around a commitment to excellence and meticulous sourcing of only the best local ingredients.
You’d be forgiven for calling this a steakhouse, however the menu heroes vegetable dishes to complement the beef and Tassie’s famed seafood gets a worthy showing too – think house-made kimchi all the way to baked half-shell scallops. The venue’s 2024 champion wine list is an options game of by the glass selections (including extra-special Coravin pours), bottles and magnums with an appropriately heavy weighting of Tassie sparkling and Pinot Noir.
Whatever your flavour, intrigue and careful consideration fills each page from cover to cover, calling out vegan, biodynamic and sustainable pours along the way. You’ll find a few of the classics, however the variety on offer makes the chance to sample something new the metaphorical finishing sauce on the Black Cow experience. Whether asking advice or choosing your own adventure, you’re in the absolute best of hands with sommelier Ethan and his team.
Read more and make a reservation at blackcowbistro.com.au.
Stanley Wine Bar
2024 Judges’ Choice Tasmanian Small Wine Bar List of the Year
If the prospect of exploring the north-west edge of Tassie isn’t enticing enough on its own, visiting the Stanley Wine Bar in this gorgeous tiny town is a quintessential Tasmanian drive journey must. All memorable wine bars are about the experience as much as the vino, and this ode to Stanley’s history – rolled into a lively speakeasy/steampunk package – has ‘experience’ in carafe loads.
Proprietor Mike is arguably one of the main attractions and his enthusiasm for great Tasmanian wine is contagious to say the least. Within this eclectic Victorian cottage you’ll find food for nibbling, grazing and sharing (check the evolving and seasonally inspired blackboard menu) as well as a sensational selection of wine from across the island in all directions, featuring some small and lesser-known producers alongside more familiar names.
Read more and make a reservation at stanleywinebar.com.au.
The Old Bank of Geeveston
2024 Judges’ Choice Regional Tasmanian Wine List of the Year
As you journey through the Huon Valley toward Tasmania's Southern edge, you may have been prepared to leave the island's restaurants behind in Hobart's lively CBD. However, as the meandering roads of the island's deep south deliver you into the forest village of Geeveston, you’re about to chance upon one of the island's best.
The Old Bank of Geeveston's menu tells a story of attention to detail. Utilising sustainable local producers, there is a weighty focus on nose to tail eating, with many a sumptuous and hearty dish showcasing Tasmanian game meats and responsibly sourced ingredients. Each menu item is designed to be paired perfectly with wines from a selection of often small and hard-to-access Tasmanian vineyards, many nearby in the Huon Valley.
Come with room to try at least a few dishes (not forgetting the cakes, which are as good as any village grandmother's, or maybe better). If you have the time to stay a while, don't miss the Saturday night Gamekeepers' Feast dinners.
Read more and make a reservation at theoldbankofgeeveston.com.au.
Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village
2024 People’s Choice Tasmanian Wine List of the Year
Located in a stunning yet remote part of the island, Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village is evidently as popular for its wine list as the popular tourist location is for its natural beauty. Taking out the hotly-contested People’s Choice Award, the diverse and carefully selected wine list focuses on exclusively on Tasmanian producers.
The team at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village pride themselves on offering something for everyone, from vintage selections to wines that complement the locally sourced seasonal menu. Such a variety means the ability to cater to all preferences, from bold and full-bodied to light and refreshing (even better after one of the region’s famed hikes).
“This seamless connection between the wine, the land, and the people is what makes our wine offering so special—a true journey from the source to glass”.
Read more and make a reservation at cradlevillage.com.au.
Highly Commended
T42 Hobart, Hobart
The Agrarian Kitchen, New Norfolk
Grain of the Silos, Launceston
Congratulations to each of the category winners in the 2024 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year competition. If you’re looking for more great venues for enjoying Tasmanian wine, we recommend taking a look at the full list of finalists or the 2023 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year Winners.