food&wine
Fast Fact
Most grapegrowers
can't get cabernet sauvignon
consistently ripe in southern
Tasmania, but former business
executive Peter Althaus produces
stunning cabernets in one little
microclimate in the Coal River
Valley (Domaine A and
Stoney Vineyard
labels).
dogs; the funky Westend Pump House, a gastronomic
pub and restaurant offering boutique beers on tap and
shared plates; and Charcoal, a wine and tapas bar.
All three wine regions are within a 30- to
40-minute drive, albeit in different directions. Key
names to look out for include Pooley, Clemens Hill,
Frogmore Creek/Meadowbank, Domaine A, Coal
Valley Vineyard, Home Hill, Hartzview, Panorama,
Stefano Lubiana, Derwent Estate, Moorilla Estate,
Pressing Matters, Puddleduck and Two Bud Spur.
Moorilla is part of the Museum of Old
and New Art (MONA) complex built by local
multimillionaire David Walsh and is also home
to fine-dining restaurant The Source, a wine bar
and a microbrewery. Every Saturday afternoon in
summer MONA hosts a produce market curated by
foodie Kirsha Kaechele that concentrates on what
she describes as "fancy food, special picks and fresh
produce from community growers". There is also
live music each week, often featuring former Violent
Femmes base player Brian Ritchie.
Other popular markets include Tasmanian Farm
Gate, the Hobart growers market, where you can
savour fresh mussels, wine and other delights each
Sunday morning, and smaller markets such as those
hosted by Cygnet on the first and third Sundays of
each month in the Huon Valley.
Off the beaten track, towns such as Cygnet, which
is 45 minutes south of Hobart, are worth seeking out.
The hamlet boasts two award-winning eateries
37
