Taste of Summer returns to the Hobart waterfront

For food and wine lovers in Hobart over the holidays a trip or two to the Taste of Summer festival is de rigueur.

With a range of new experiences locked in for the fifth edition in its current guise, the Taste showcases dishes and drinks from around the island state, along with a range of entertainment.

Held at Princes Wharf 1, next to where the Sydney-Hobart yachts finish, the event formerly known as the Taste of Tasmania is one of Australia's longest-running gourmet festivals, spanning four decades.

The Taste starts on December 27 and runs through to January 3. It is always a great event with a fun, family vibe. New Year's Eve festivities often sell out.



Over 30% of the stallholders will be making their debuts, says food and wine co-ordinator Jo Cook, who predicts this year's event will be the best yet.

Stalwarts including Clover Hill sparkling wines and Willie Smiths cider will be joined by several innovative new operators.

Among the highlights will be Season & Fire, a new restaurant showcasing indigenous seafood dishes, including abalone, and the barbecue spectacle at The Smokeyard.

The new Winemaker Series will offer booked guided wine tasting sessions with local winemaking stars including Nick Glaetzer from Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers, Keira O'Brien from Rivulet Wines and Alice Davidson from Aunt Alice Wines.

For spirits lovers. &K Distillery will offer bookable VIP tasting experiences.

Other wineries involved include Beautiful Isle, Clover Hill, Derwent Estate, Haddow and Dineen, L'Appel, Ponting and Meadowbank and Sonnen, along with star brewers, cider producers and distillers.

Food highlights will include dishes from around the globe: from Ethiopia to Chile. And I hear there might be some free taste treats when you enter the gates. 

For bigger plates think the likes of Bruny Island Cheeses, Formosa Bites seafood, Katsu burgers by Lilly Trewartha and Tantuni Turkish cuisine. 

There will also be a new sports bar. 

For full details, times and tickets see https://www.tasteofsummer.com.au/