The most wonderful time of the year in Hobart

This is the most wonderful time of the year to be visiting the Tasmanian capital of Hobart.

Not only is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race fleet zeroing in on Hobart, the sun is (hopefully) shining, and the locals are celebrating food and drinks at the annual waterfront festival The Taste of Summer.

Until January 4, the Taste celebrates Tasmanian wines, whiskies, coders and local produce.

Whether you choose to sit on the waterfront with a dozen freshly shucked oysters and a bottle of Tasmanian sparkling, or grab an ice-cold beer and some barbecued meat and watch the kids play and explore in the dedicated children's play area 'Little Hobart', there really is something for everyone.

 There are over 75 food and drink stalls, as well as roving entertainers, with the Hoodoo Gurus the headline act on New Year's Eve, when guests can enjoy prime viewing spots for the traditional firework displays.

I visited on the opening day was impressed by the increased amount of seating spaces and smaller crews. 

Naturally, I took the opportunity to taste from wines with Jeremy Dineen from Haddow and Dineen (above) and Luke Andree from Sonnen (below), as well as enjoying some seriously good seafood and some delightful fresh air.      

From signature seafood and farm-to-table delights to world-class wine and spirits and artisan cheese, every bite promises tells a story of Tasmania’s farms and pristine waters. And food styles range from Ethiopian to Taiwanese and Turkish. It's a top-notch day or night out.

 

Try Ricky Ponting's wine, perhaps with some Bass Strait scallops, or maybe a dram of local whisky.

There is also an eclectic line-up of performers and musicians on the Taste of Summer Stage. Get along, you'll enjoy yourself 

See https://www.tasteofsummer.com.au/