Winemaker opens wine bar - and it is a ripper

Tamar Valley winemaker Ricky Evans is a glutton for punishment.

The former Bay of Fires winemaker, now out on his own with Two Tonne Tasmania Wines, recently opened a wine bar in downtown Launceston.

While Covid-19 has made life difficult in terms of numbers, l’m pleased to be able to report that Havilah - which he operates with partner Chanel Parratt - is a triumph.

There’s a terrific list of wines by the glass including Hughes & Hughes and Small Island Wines - and many more by the bottle - featuring names like island locals Chatto and Stargazer; interstate standouts like Timo Mayer and Ravensworth and worthy imports from sustainable producers in Europe.

The food is simple but delicious: a range of domestic and imported cheeses; some excellent charcuterie sliced on a unique pink machine, and some hot dishes like marinated crunchy eggplant and lamb polpette.

There is a lot of wine knowledge on offer to guide the beginner - and a buzzy friendly vibe.

Havilah is at 178 Charles St, Launceston. It is open Wednesday-Sunday from 4pm. A