After months of arduous planning and preparation by Vice-Chancelier Sande Saulsman, 14 members and their partners travelled to Tasmania to experience the local wines and culinary delights.

Visiting more than 10 wineries in the southern region of Tasmania was a challenge to the taste buds for even the most experienced connoisseurs. Accommodation in three renowned hotels provided a chance to taste their excellent cuisine matched by local wines.

To enhance the experience, our local tour guide and driver par excellence gave us highly informative and knowledgeable information on each vineyard, together with the growers and winemakers. It became clear that this region is determined to challenge the more established wine regions in Australia.

All credit to small family enterprises which are struggling with cool climate, lack of rain and rather difficult soil conditions to produce excellent wines, albeit in small quantities.

Our final dinner in Hobart, capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania, was officiated by Thurston Saulsman, Bailli of Western Australia. The dining room of the famous Henry Jones Art Hotel provided the appropriate forum to have an excellent tasting dinner paired with seven wines from the region.

The paintings on display represented an exclusive insight that the arts foundation has been honouring over the years, including exquisite works by a West Australian artist, Nigel Hewitt.

In conclusion, all participants thoroughly enjoyed this explorative tour of Tasmania and further visits are envisaged.

Many thanks to Steliano Cusmiani from Stela Vino for compiling a comprehensive schedule of wineries.

Folker Krueger
Conseiller Gastronomique Honoraire