Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour

If you’re heading to Burnie and looking for a way to indulge your senses beyond just scenery, this Tasting Trail Tour promises a mix of sweet, savory, and spirited experiences. It’s a six-hour journey through some of Tasmania’s best local producers, designed to give you a taste (literally) of the region’s culinary craft. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a whisky connoisseur, this trip combines a variety of stops that highlight Tasmania’s artisanal spirit.

What really stands out about this tour is its variety — from handcrafted Belgian-style chocolates to boutique wines and award-winning ciders, plus a premium whisky tasting at one of Australia’s top distilleries. Second, the personal touch of visiting small, family-run farms and vineyards makes it feel authentic and intimate. That said, it’s a fairly structured tour with set timings, so if you prefer unhurried, flexible exploring, it might feel a bit tight.

One possible consideration is the cost — at $215.17 per person, it’s not exactly a bargain, but when you factor in multiple tastings, transportation, and guided insights, it could be seen as good value for a full day’s culinary exploration. This experience is best suited for travelers who genuinely enjoy food and drink, and who appreciate learning about local producers in a small-group setting.

Overall, if you’re into discovering Tasmania’s food scene and want a well-rounded, curated tasting experience, this tour could be right up your alley. It combines delicious bites with engaging stories from the people behind these products, making it more than just a tasting but a cultural glimpse into Burnie’s thriving artisanal scene.

Key Points

• Diverse Tastings: Includes chocolate, truffles, wine, cider, and whisky, appealing to varied tastes.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to family-run farms and boutique producers offer genuine insights.
• Structured Timeline: The tour is well-organized with specific stops and timings, ideal for those who like a planned day.
• Value for Food & Drink Enthusiasts: Multiple tastings and guided insights make the price worthwhile if you love culinary experiences.
• Limited Flexibility: The set itinerary might feel a bit rushed for travelers wanting a more relaxed pace.
• Good for Connoisseurs: Especially suited for those interested in expanding their knowledge of Tasmanian spirits and local delicacies.

A Deep Dive Into the Tasting Trail

The Start at Anvers Chocolate Factory

The tour kicks off with a visit to Anvers, Tasmania’s most renowned chocolate destination. The drive from Devonport to the factory takes about 40 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and maybe chat with your guide about what’s ahead. Once there, you get to witness chocolatiers in action — a real treat if you’re into watching craftsmanship unfold.

Sampling at Anvers is definitely a highlight. They serve up rich, handcrafted Belgian-style chocolates that are some of the best in Tasmania. The factory setting is lively, and watching the chocolatiers work adds an extra layer of authenticity. It’s a sweet start, literally, and sets a high standard for the day. Since the admission is included in the tour, it feels like good value for the quality of the experience.

The Truffledore: A Truffle Farm Visit

Next, you’ll head for about 20 minutes to The Truffledore, a boutique truffle farm owned by Ina and Tino. Their enthusiasm for truffles is contagious, and the farm itself offers a lovely contrast to the chocolate stop — earthy, rustic, and full of natural charm. It’s quite a different experience, and the sensory tasting session really emphasizes the deep flavors of truffles.

Since entry here is free, it’s more about the experience and learning than a paid attraction. We loved the way the owners share their passion and how they teach visitors about how truffles grow and are harvested. It’s a short stop but packed with info and tastings that appeal to foodies wanting to understand this gourmet ingredient more.

Sampling at House of Hargreaves Vineyard

A quick 5-minute drive takes you to House of Hargreaves, a small, family-run vineyard. Here, Coral and Savannah, the mother-daughter duo, share their love for winemaking in their cool-climate vineyard. The hour-long visit includes tasting their handcrafted wines, paired with a local platter.

This stop is notable for its personal touch — you can really tell they care about what they produce. The wines are well-chosen, and the pairing makes the tasting more memorable. The quiet, small-scale setting gives it an intimate feel, and the friendly hosts make it easy to ask questions and learn about winemaking in Tasmania.

Cider Tasting at Spreyton Cider Co

From grapes to apples and pears, the tour moves on to Spreyton Cider Co, a family orchard with roots stretching back to 1908. It’s just a quick 10-minute drive from the vineyard. Here, you learn about their tree-to-bottle process and taste a variety of award-winning ciders.

Cider tastings are always fun, especially when they’re made locally with such history behind them. If you’re not into alcohol, they also offer a non-alcoholic option, which is thoughtful. The orchard setting and the crisp ciders make for a refreshing break in the middle of the tour.

The Final Stop at Hellyers Road Distillery

Returning to Burnie, about a 40-minute drive, the tour wraps up at Hellyers Road Distillery, one of Australia’s top boutique distilleries. Here, you get a comprehensive whisky tasting, with a flight of premium spirits. The guided tasting session offers insights into the distillation process, which many whisky fans appreciate.

This spot is quite popular, and the distillery is known for producing internationally renowned spirits. Visitors have mentioned that the tasting is a highlight and that the staff are knowledgeable. It’s a fitting end to a day of exploring Tasmania’s beverage craftsmanship.

Practical Tips & Observations

The transportation aspect is worth noting — the tour provides a comfortable vehicle that covers all the stops efficiently. Group size ranges up to 50 people, but most likely it’s smaller, making for a more personal experience. The timing is tight enough to fit everything in comfortably but might feel rushed if you like lingering at each spot.

The price point of $215.17 per person includes all tastings and transportation, which is a fair deal considering the variety and quality of experiences. It’s a good pick for anyone who enjoys learning about local producers, tasting good food and drinks, and having a guided day out. If you’re not into spirits or alcohol, you might want to check if non-alcoholic options are available at each tasting, but generally, the focus is on tasting and learning.

Some reviews mention that the wines and ciders are particularly well-selected, and the delicious tapas-style platter at the vineyard stands out. These are small details but really add to the overall value, making the experience more than just a tasting — it’s a chance to appreciate Tasmania’s artisanal food scene.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for food and drink enthusiasts eager to broaden their knowledge of Tasmania’s local producers. It suits travelers who enjoy guided tours with a set itinerary, as the schedule is structured and includes informative stops. If you’re interested in wines, ciders, spirits, and chocolates, this tour offers a good variety and a chance to sample some of the best products Tasmania has to offer.

While it’s not aimed specifically at families or children, the stops are generally engaging for older kids or teenagers interested in food. However, younger children might find the activities less appealing unless they’re particularly interested in tasting or learning about food.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation, with a comfortable vehicle that takes you between all the stops efficiently.

Are all tastings included?
Most tastings — including chocolates, truffles, wine, cider, and whisky — are included, with some stops offering non-alcoholic options.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts around 6 hours, from start at 13 Wilmot St in Burnie to the end back at the same point.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of tasting and walking at each stop. It’s best suited for those who enjoy food and drink experiences.

How big are the groups?
The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, but it’s likely smaller and more personal in practice.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is focused on tasting alcohol, so it’s best for adults. Children might enjoy the scenery and some of the food-focused stops but should be prepared for the tasting nature of the experience.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, older children and teenagers interested in food and drink could find it enjoyable, but younger kids may not find it as engaging.

What is the overall value?
Considering the variety of tastings, guided insights, and transportation, it offers good value for those keen on Tasmania’s food scene, especially if you appreciate small-batch, artisanal products.

Final Thoughts

This Burnie Tasting Trail Tour offers a thoughtfully curated day that highlights Tasmania’s craftsmanship in chocolates, wines, ciders, and spirits. It’s perfect for anyone eager to taste their way through local producers with expert guidance. The stops are well-chosen, and the personal stories behind each product make it more meaningful than just a collection of tastings.

While the price might be a barrier for some, the inclusive nature of the experience, good-quality products, and the chance to learn from passionate owners make it worth considering if you want a comprehensive taste of Burnie’s food and drink scene. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a structured, educational tour with plenty of sampling and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

If you’re after a day trip that combines scenic drives with high-quality tastings and a little bit of Tasmania’s culinary soul, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

(Note: All the information is based on the tour details provided, and actual experiences may vary depending on the day and guide.)