Top five winery restaurants
With spring comes budburst, as tiny green shoots sprout with the promise of vinous delights to come. No better time to head to a winery for lunch, suggests Nola James. She’s picked five to try.
Devil's Corner - Apslawn, East Coast
This multimillion-dollar cellar door has weatherproof seating for 300+ guests and multiple wine-tasting options alongside resident eateries Tombolo Freycinet (wood-fired pizza) and Fishers of Freycinet (locally sourced fish, oysters and mussels). Lush surrounding lawns are kid- and dog-friendly.
Credit: Prime Perspectives
Bangor Vineyard Shed - Dunalley
Bangor ticks a lot of boxes: great for families, kids, dogs, celebrations and budgets big or small. The best seats are outside, either on the deck or lawns, with sweeping views across four hectares of vines. The menu features lots of snacky things – arancini, dips, oysters – alongside larger wine-friendly plates.
Credit: Dearna Bond
Osteria Vista - Stefano Lubiana, Granton, Derwent Valley
Luxuriously long Italian-inspired meals are the order of the day at Osteria Vista. Chef Jeff Workman’s $95, four-course set menu changes monthly. Depending on the season, that might mean handmade cavatelli, rabbit sausage and Felds Farm cavolo nero, or wagyu oyster blade with baked polenta.
Credit: Two Birds Social
Frogmore Creek - Hobart and Cambridge
Bask in breathtaking Coal River Valley views in Cambridge, or dine overlooking Hobart’s waterfront at The Lounge at MACq 01, the winery’s Hunter Street locale. From chicken dumplings in lemongrass broth to pepperberry-rubbed wallaby, each dish is matched to superb cool-climate wines.
Credit: Ness Vanderburgh
At just 10 minutes’ drive from Launceston, share a cab to Josef Chromy, one of Tasmania’s top sparkling-wine houses. Go casual with antipasti and cheese on the deck or settle in for a multi-course lunch of Euro-leaning bistro fare. Think Scottsdale pork belly with macadamia cream or Moreton Bay bug risotto. Bookings essential.