Stillwater Tasmanian wine list runs deep

Visiting Tasmania? Keen to seek out the best wine lists in the state that showcase local drops? 

You might want to take a look at the results of the 2025 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year awards.

The winners were announced this week with the Judges' Choice Award for the Best Tasmanian Wine List going to Launceston dining institution Stillwater (above).

Category winners were also announced, with Stillwater collecting another award (Best Tasmanian Wine List - Hobart or Launceston), Stanley Wine Bar being recognised by both the judges and the public (Best Tasmanian Small Bar Wine List and People's Choice Tasmanian Wine List) and The Branch Swansea (Best Tasmanian Wine List - Regional).

Black Cow Bistro, which hosted the awards, was highly commended by the judges for its Tasmanian wine list.

"The record number of 16 finalists reflects the high quality of wine lists featuring local wines from around the island," said Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies.

"We are delighted to see the significant efforts our hospitality venues are making to highlight, promote and support Tasmanian wines.

"We know that people are travelling to Tasmania specifically to experience our exceptional wines and that our wine tourists are staying longer, spending more and travelling into our regional areas to visit cellar doors.

"Being able to enjoy a glass of Tassie wine over a meal is great for both our visitors and supportive locals."

Wine Tasmania also released the new 2026 edition of its Tasmanian Wine Trails publication.

This brochure, concierge map and accompanying online directory serves as the go-to guide for visiting Tasmania’s cellar doors along the North-West, Tamar Valley, East Coast and Southern Wine Trails.

The online Wine Trails can be accessed at https://winetasmania.com.au/wine-trails.

Is this the ultimate Tasmanian gourmet weekend?

Heading for Tasmania over summer?

Stillwater restaurant and Stillwater Seven accommodation has released a new range of packages aimed at discerning gourmets with plenty of disposable income.

One of them sounds perfect for couples wanting to get to know some of the best producers in northern Tasmania   

The Finer Things package is available Wednesday through Sunday and costs $2500 for two guests for two nights.

The deal includes two nights in a deluxe king suite with a guaranteed midday check out and Bloody Marys or Tassie sparkling wine each morning with your a la carte breakfasts.

There is also a private guided tour from Experiential Tasmania with a distillery tour at Turner Stillhouse followed by a tasting and tour at Utzinger Wines.

You are not finished yet. Next up is lunch at highly-rated Timbre Kitchen, followed by a private tasting at Havilah Wines with winemaker Ricky Evans, looking at his Two Tonne Tasmania and Havilah ranges. 

Or, alternatively, you can be dropped at Du Cane Dining and Beer Hall for a tasting of locally brewed beers.

The package also includes dinner at Stillwater Restaurant - consistently among Tasmania's finest - on the first or second evening, including three courses and snacks for two.

But wait. There’s more. There are also gifts to take home, including bottles of Stillwater Memo water; a bottle of Two Tonne Tasmania wine and a gift package from Turners Stillhouse.

For more info see https://www.stillwater.com.au/

Award-winning Stillwater wine list runs deep

Long-time Launceston favourite Stillwater Restaurant has been crowned champion in the 2022 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year awards.

Sommelier James Welsh's impressively detailed list took out the overall Best Tasmanian Wine List in the awards organised by Wine Tasmania.

Three additional categories were awarded this year, including a new category - Best Small Wine Bar List - which was awarded to Launceston venue Bar Two.

The Old Bank of Geeveston took out the award for Judges’ Choice Best Regional Wine List for a second consecutive year and The People’s Choice award, as voted by the Tasmanian public, was awarded to culinary touring experience Eat the Wild.

Stillwater Restaurant’s extensive selection of both current vintage and museum wine coupled with its high standard of customer service earned the venue the prized title .

Stillwater’s co-owner and sommelier James Welsh said the eatery has a philosophy that focuses on combining local produce, beautiful wine and exceptional service.

“The palpable sense of care and community is the best thing about Stillwater and that’s why many of our customers continue to dine with us after 20 years of operation," he said.

"We are privileged to play a part in some of life’s most precious moments - hosting engagements, anniversary dinners and milestone birthdays.”

The judging panel commended all the finalists for their great support of local wine producers.

Judge and wine writer Winsor Dobbin (oops, that's me) said: “I think this is the most impressive list of finalists we have seen so far, and the standard of wine lists featuring local wines is on the rise.”

Wine Tasmania’s CEO Sheralee Davies said: “The entries this year reflect much greater depth and diversity of wine lists across different wine producers, wine growing areas, vintages, varieties and styles than seen before.

"Wine knowledge, training and service is an elevated priority for venues and their staff, with a wide range of additional promotion and activity being undertaken by venues to support local wine producers."

2022 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year award winners:

Judges’ Choice Best Wine List – Stillwater
Judges’ Choice Best Small Wine Bar List – Bar Two
Judges’ Choice Best Regional Wine List – The Old Bank of Geeveston
People’s Choice Best Wine List – Eat the Wild

2022 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year finalists (listed alphabetically):

Alida Restaurant at Penny Royal (Launceston), Aura Hobart, Black Cow Bistro (Launceston), Black Footed Pig (Hobart), Driftwood Restaurant (Lauderdale), Mudbar (Launceston), Mures Upper Deck (Hobart), Peppermint Bay (Woodbridge), Peppina (Hobart), Prospect House Private Hotel (Richmond), Stelo at Pierre’s (Launceston) and The Gorge Restaurant (Trevallyn).