Hobart turns into a tasting trail in one day. This tour strings together wine, gin, and whisky tastings around Hobart and South-East Tasmania, with a comfortable door-to-door style pickup and drop. You also get a later cheese-focused stop, which makes the day feel more like a slow food crawl than a rushed highlight tour.

Two things I like right away: the small group size (max 6) and the mix of stops that actually match different spirits, not just repeat tastings. I also like that it includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle plus bottled water, so you can focus on sampling instead of logistics.

One consideration: lunch is a stop, but lunch costs aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan about $20 for your meal. If you’re watching your total spend, that’s the only “extra” that can sneak up on you.

Key highlights you’ll feel from the start

• Pickup and drop within 5km of Hobart CBD makes the day low-stress
• Max 6 travelers keeps the pace easy and the guide’s attention personal
• Wine + gin + whisky means you’re not stuck in one category
• Distillery tour included at Old Kempton adds context beyond tastings
• Two cheese moments: Derwent Estate platter start, then Wicked Cheese Co.
• Order can change with weather/availability and substitutions may happen

A 7-hour spirits-and-cheese loop from Hobart CBD

This is a long-ish day that still feels manageable. You’ll start around 9:30am (pickup from your hotel or accommodation within 5km of Hobart CBD). Then you’ll move through multiple tasting stops, before returning close to the city around 4:30pm.

The big advantage for you is rhythm. The day isn’t just “drive, taste, leave.” It’s structured with time blocks for each venue—about an hour at the first winery, another hour for gin, two hours at the whisky distillery, then shorter stops for wine and cheese later. That spacing matters because tastings can blur together if you’re pressed for time.

Also, the tour builds in a practical comfort layer: air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are included. When you’re sampling multiple drinks, that little bit of water and comfort can make the difference between a fun afternoon and a fuzzy one.

One more thing: the actual order of venues may vary depending on availability and weather, and the operator may substitute a similar venue if needed. Translation for you: expect a consistent tasting theme, not a rigid schedule that ignores real-world conditions.

Pickup timing and the vibe of a max-6 group

With a maximum of 6 travelers, you’re in a small bubble for most of the day. That tends to mean less waiting, fewer “where are we?” moments, and more easy conversation with your guide. It also usually helps with pacing at tastings—some places are more comfortable when groups are small and quiet.

Your pickup is offered for accommodation within 5km of Hobart CBD. That’s close enough that you won’t waste half your day crossing the city, but not so far out that you’re dealing with a long commute before your first pour.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. If you like knowing things are lined up, this is the kind of setup that keeps the day smooth.

And here’s a personal detail worth noting: the guide is Ross, and the way he’s described is very reassuring—friendly, makes arrangements ahead of time, and checks that you feel comfortable and taken care of. For a day that includes multiple tastings, that kind of hosting style matters.

Stop 1 at Derwent Estate: wine tasting plus a cheese-platter start

The day kicks off at Derwent Estate Vineyard in the Derwent Valley. Your first block is about one hour, and it includes a wine tasting plus a cheese platter.

Why this start works: getting set up with wine and food together helps you taste more clearly. Cheese and wine are a classic pairing because they balance each other—salt and fat can make certain flavors pop, and you don’t end up tasting only sweetness or only acidity.

Derwent Estate is described as family-owned, and that kind of background often shows up in how venues handle your visit: you’re more likely to get a personal feel for the place than a generic factory-tour setup. You’ll also be starting your day in the right mode. Instead of rushing into spirits right away, you ease into the region through wine first.

A small drawback to keep in mind: since you’re starting with wine and cheese, if you prefer to keep things light at the beginning, take it slow in your tastings. Pace yourself early so you can enjoy the later gin and whisky stops without feeling overfull.

7K Distillery for gin: a one-hour tasting that shifts the day

Next up is 7K Distillery, where your stop is about one hour and includes a gin tasting.

This is where the tour gets interesting for you if you like variety. Gin isn’t just another drink to sample—it changes the whole tasting experience because of the botanical profile. In practice, that means you’re tasting aromas and plant-driven flavors, not just grapes.

The value here is time. Gin tastings can stretch depending on how much explanation a guide offers, but you’re given about an hour. That’s long enough to compare styles and pick up what makes each pour distinct, while still keeping the day on track.

The main consideration: gin tasting is still alcohol-forward, so it helps to pace your wine from the first stop. If you’re driving yourself, this tour does include transport, but you’ll still want to be sensible about how much you taste.

Old Kempton Whisky Distillery: tour, whisky tasting, and lunch on-site

Then you hit the centerpiece for a lot of people: Old Kempton Whisky Distillery. This stop runs about two hours and includes a whisky tour and tasting, plus lunch at the distillery.

The fact that the distillery tour is included is a big deal. Tastings are fun, but a tour adds the “why” behind what you’re drinking—how the place operates, how the whisky fits into the production story, and what makes the flavors make sense. You’ll come away with a better mental map, not just a list of things you tasted.

Lunch is the only catch: the tour includes the stop for lunch, but lunch costs are not included. The information provided suggests budgeting around $20. Plan for it, and it won’t feel like a surprise.

Two practical tips if whisky is your priority:

• Sip water between pours (bottled water is included on the tour).
• If you’re buying anything to take home, consider your energy level after lunch, since you’ll still have more tasting time later.

Pooley Wines in Coal River Valley: a second wine stop with shorter timing

After lunch, the tour makes its way to Pooley Wines in the Coal River Valley. This is a 45-minute wine tasting stop.

This second wine chapter is valuable because it changes the palate again. You’ll be able to compare how another venue approaches wine—often the differences show up more clearly when you’ve already tasted earlier that day. Even with shorter timing, 45 minutes is enough to sample and focus on what you like rather than trying to drink everything.

Because the overall tour order can change with availability and weather, Pooley Wines might land slightly earlier or later depending on the day. Still, the tasting duration stays relatively short, which keeps you from feeling stuck in one place too long.

One consideration: if you’re already full from the whisky tasting and lunch, the wine portion may feel like it’s “in the middle” of a heavier day. Pace your whisky tasting and keep your palate refreshed with water.

Wicked Cheese Co.: the cheese tasting that rounds out the day

Later in the day, you’ll stop at The Wicked Cheese Co. for about 30 minutes of cheese tasting. This is included.

This final cheese focus is a clever way to balance the heavy alcohol sampling. Cheese gives you a different kind of tasting experience: texture, aroma, salt, and fat. It’s also a fun “reset” when you’ve had wine, gin, and whisky already.

Also, you’ll likely find that the cheese platter at Derwent Estate plus this later cheese tasting creates a consistent theme. If you’re the kind of person who likes pairing food with drink, you’ll appreciate the way the tour spreads that experience across the day instead of stacking it all at the beginning.

If you don’t eat dairy (or you’re sensitive), this is a point to ask about in advance. The tour data says cheese tasting is included, and the stops are built around it.

Transport, bottled water, and comfort: what’s included for your day

What you’re paying for goes beyond just tastings. You get:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Pickup and drop within 5km of Hobart CBD
• All tastings (wine, gin, whisky) and the cheese tastings
• Distillery tour at Old Kempton

These inclusions matter because they reduce decision fatigue. You’re not trying to map distances, find parking, or coordinate rides between far-flung venues. Instead, you spend your mental energy on tasting, asking questions, and enjoying the day.

With max 6 travelers, you also benefit from a more personal pace. It’s the difference between shouting over noise in a larger group versus having an easier time hearing your guide’s explanations.

And since the itinerary can swap stops based on weather and availability, the transport and included tastings help protect your day. Even if the exact venue order shifts, the theme—wine, gin, whisky, cheese—stays intact.

Price and value: is $251 a fair deal for this Hobart day?

At $251.04 per person for about 7 hours, you’re buying a packed tasting route plus transport. The best way to judge value is to look at what’s included: all wine tastings, gin tasting, whisky tasting, a whisky distillery tour, and both cheese experiences, plus bottled water and air-conditioned transport.

Lunch is the one clear extra: it’s a lunch stop, but lunch costs aren’t included, with guidance around $20. Budgeting for that still keeps the total reasonable for a day that moves between multiple specialty venues.

Where this price can feel especially worthwhile for you is if you’d otherwise pay separate admission tickets, arrange rides, and add up tasting costs at multiple locations. Doing it as a single tour usually saves time and keeps you from underestimating travel time between venues.

When it might not be the best match: if you’re not comfortable with alcohol-focused experiences, or if you’d rather visit just one or two places at your own pace. This is a structured tasting day by design.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want to sample wine, gin, and whisky in one go
• Like organized days where transport is handled for you
• Enjoy food pairings, especially cheese
• Prefer small groups, since max is 6 travelers
• Appreciate a guide who sets things up well and keeps you comfortable (Ross is described this way)

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re avoiding alcohol tastings
• You need a fully flexible route with no substitutions (the tour can change order and may substitute a similar venue)
• You don’t want to plan for lunch spending

For most people, though, it’s a fun format: a day where you get variety, you learn as you go, and you return to Hobart without juggling rides.

Final verdict: should you book?

I’d book this if you’re planning a short trip to Hobart and you want more than one style of drinking culture in a single day. The small group size, the included distillery tour, and the combination of tastings plus cheese make it feel like a complete experience rather than a quick bus ride of samples.

I’d hesitate only if $251 feels tight after adding lunch, or if you prefer a slow, self-guided itinerary with fewer tastings. But if you’re happy to taste, compare, and enjoy a food-and-drink theme, this is a solid, practical day out.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and finish?

Pickup is offered around 9:30am, and the tour drops you back at your accommodation within 5km of Hobart CBD around 4:30pm.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations within 5km of Hobart CBD.

How many travelers are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What tastings are included?

Wine tastings, a gin tasting, a whisky tasting, and cheese tasting are included, along with a whisky distillery tour.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is at the Old Kempton Distillery stop, but lunch costs are not included. The information provided suggests budgeting around $20.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.