Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of our exceptional produce and stunning scenery, and go on a road trip to fill up your Esky. Apart from being prepared when you come across a road-side stall set up by a local farmer, keeping an Esky in your car means that you don’t have to rush as you explore some of the fine producers and cellar doors in Devonport, and as part of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.
Taking advantage of the pure waters surrounding Tasmania, Peter & Una Seafoods in East Devonport, stock their very own grown Ocean Trout and Atlantic Salmon plus a full range of specialty products. They also stock a variety of fresh wild fish and fresh and frozen shellfish, gift hampers and a gourmet deli.
Southern Wild, a small distillery in Devonport’s CBD, produces internationally awarded premium Dasher + Fisher gins, created around the pure water, fresh ingredients and passionate growers of Tasmania. With a selection of classic gins that feature native pepperberry, lavender and wakame, they are uniquely Tasmanian. Southern Wild’s limited editions utilise ingredients such as saffron, sloe berries and strawberries that tantalise the taste buds.
Not far from the CBD, at the Leaping Goat Coffee Co. in Quoiba, you can select your beans from the finest coffees from around the world, watch them roast in the mini roaster and leave with your own special bagged blend. A magnet for home-based baristas, Leaping Goat sells quality coffee-making equipment as well as the best beans around. The Coffee Bar is open Tuesdays to Saturdays to taste blends prior to your purchase.
Blustery Banks Vineyard is a small farm gate shop at Squibb’s Apple Orchard in Spreyton. They sell their own grown apples, pears & quinces, along with other Tasmanian grown fruit and vegetables. The also boast other Tasmanian produced products such as jams, sauces, pickled onions, mustard, honey, fudge, chocolates, cheeses, pepper berries, and more, in their little shop of Tassie goodness.
From there, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to The Spreyton Cider Co. They are proud to use 100% Tasmanian apples and pears. From their Cellar Door you can view into the factory and on production days, see the finished product being bottled up. You can enjoy a cider tasting in relaxed indoor and outdoor areas, have some coffee and cake or a light lunch accompanied by ginger beer made from an old family recipe. With ample green space around the cidery and a wonderful view onto working apple orchards it is an ideal spot for the weary traveller to rest up, before moving on to the next gastronomic adventure.
Also in Spreyton, the grapes at La Villa Wines are lovingly grown, hand pruned and hand-picked before being crafted into premium wine. The Cellar Door is open from Wednesdays – Sundays (11am-4pm), from October to April on the Italian-inspired vineyard. Known for pinot noir, chardonnay, sparkling nebbiolo and savagnin, La Villa Wines also hosts a Wine Club for those who would like the artisan, cool climate wines delivered to their door.
If you’re looking for some delicious morsels for your gourmet picnic, you’re planning a menu for a special occasion, or looking for treats for yourself or as a gift, take your Esky. With an abundance of fine fare, you’re sure to end up with more than you expected.
