A Sweet and Spirited Day: My Honest Review of the 2025 Devonport Area Wine and Chocolate Tour

A Sweet and Spirited Day: My Honest Review of the 2025 Devonport Area Wine and Chocolate Tour

Beautiful vineyard in Tasmania at sunrise

First Impressions and Kicking Things Off

Small group of tourists boarding a minibus for a day tour

So, you know, the morning air had that sort of crisp, promising feeling to it, the kind that hints at a really good day ahead. We were, basically, meeting at a little central spot in Devonport, and it was just a small group, which I honestly prefer. It’s, like, way better than being herded around in a giant crowd, you know. Our guide, a very cheerful local named Sarah, had this big, welcoming smile, so that was a pretty great start. As a matter of fact, she made everyone feel at ease right away, just by telling a few funny stories about the area as we waited for the last couple of people. It’s almost like the day had begun before we even got on the bus, with everyone already chatting. You can actually find a lot of similar small-group experiences if you check out local guides for yourself.

Anyway, once we were all settled into the minibus, which was, like, surprisingly comfortable, we started making our way out of the town proper. Honestly, the scenery began to change almost immediately, shifting from streets and houses to these big, open rolling green hills. Sarah was, you know, pointing out different farms and telling us what they grow, which was really interesting stuff. You kind of got the sense that everything here is connected to the land in some way. It’s really something to see how the landscape opens up once you leave the coast. I was, like, glued to the window the whole time, pretty much just soaking in the view. To be honest, finding a tour that gives you that kind of local context is a huge plus, and you can see a variety of them if you look into regional scenic trips available.

First Stop: The Hidden Charm of ‘Stony Creek Vineyard’

Charming boutique vineyard with a rustic cellar door

So, our first destination was a place called Stony Creek Vineyard, and honestly, you would probably drive right past it if you didn’t know it was there. It’s kind of tucked away down this long, gravel road, and it feels very personal and private. The vineyard itself is, like, not huge, but it’s set in this absolutely beautiful little valley. As a matter of fact, the moment we stepped off the bus, the owner, a man named Mark, came out to greet us himself, which was just a really nice touch. It wasn’t, you know, some big corporate affair; it felt more like we were visiting a friend’s incredibly scenic home. For people who appreciate this kind of personal experience, you might want to explore other family-owned wineries in the region.

Okay, so we went inside the tasting room, which was basically this cozy, rustic space with a big wooden bar and views right out over the vines. Mark started us off with their Pinot Noir, and you know, he explained that the cool climate here is sort of perfect for that grape. He, like, walked us through the whole process, from how they pick the grapes by hand to how they age the wine. He wasn’t just reciting facts, you know; he was telling us his family’s story through the wine itself. The taste was, seriously, so smooth and full of these cherry and earthy notes. You could just tell a lot of care went into it. Exploring these types of unique local flavors is really rewarding; you can often discover your next favorite wine that way.

I mean, what really made it special, though, were the stories Mark told. He talked about his grandfather planting the first vines and, like, the challenges they’ve faced with weather over the years. You could honestly feel his passion for the place. He was answering all our questions, you know, no matter how basic they were, and he just seemed happy to share his world with us for a little while. At the end of the day, it’s that human connection that makes a tasting memorable, not just the drink in your glass. It’s pretty clear that understanding the stories behind the products can change your whole perspective, something you’ll find if you read about other local artisans.

A Delightful Detour to ‘The Cocoalove Cottage’

Cozy artisan chocolate shop with displays of handmade chocolates

Alright, so after the lovely wine, our next stop was for chocolate, which, you know, is a pretty much perfect combination. We drove for maybe twenty minutes to this tiny little place called ‘The Cocoalove Cottage’. Honestly, the name says it all, it was literally a cute cottage that had been converted into a chocolatier’s workshop and shop. The second you walked in, I mean, the smell was just incredible. It was this rich, warm, and deeply chocolatey aroma that was, like, completely intoxicating. You just knew you were in for a real treat. Looking for these kinds of unique food spots is a great vacation activity, so you should check for local artisan food makers near you.

The owner, a woman named Elodie, had a little tasting plate ready for each of us, and it was, you know, beautifully arranged. There was a piece of dark chocolate with sea salt, a milk chocolate truffle, and a white chocolate with some kind of berry in it. She, like, explained where she gets her beans from and how each type of chocolate has its own character. She encouraged us to let it melt on our tongues instead of just chewing it, and seriously, it made such a difference. The flavors were so much more complex than your average candy bar. This kind of guided tasting really opens your mind, and you can get similar ideas to try some fun tasting pairings at home too.

By the way, Elodie then took us into her small workshop in the back, and we actually got to see her tempering a batch of dark chocolate on this big marble slab. It was, like, mesmerizing to watch, sort of like a craft and a science all in one. She explained that controlling the temperature is the secret to getting that perfect snap and shine on the finished product. To be honest, seeing the work that goes into each tiny piece gives you a whole new appreciation for it. At the end of the day, it is about more than just the taste; you can find a tour that shows you the process and it really adds to the experience.

A Picturesque Lunch at ‘The Vintner’s Table’

Restaurant patio overlooking a vineyard with a platter of food

So, after the chocolate, everyone was, you know, ready for something a bit more substantial for lunch. Sarah drove us to a restaurant that was actually part of another vineyard, called ‘The Vintner’s Table’. It was pretty much the perfect spot, with a big, wide verandah that looked right out over rows and rows of grapevines disappearing into the hills. Honestly, the view alone was worth the trip. We all just sort of stood there for a minute, taking it all in. Choosing a place with a great view makes any meal better, which is why it is smart to research places with amazing scenery beforehand.

Instead of, like, a formal sit-down meal, they brought out these huge platters for us to share, which was a really great idea. It was basically a showcase of all the best local stuff. There was a selection of Tasmanian cheeses, some cured meats from a farm down the road, fresh-baked bread that was still a little warm, olives, and some house-made pickles. You know, it was just simple, high-quality food that spoke for itself. I mean, eating food that was grown and made just a few miles from where you’re sitting is a really special experience. If you’re a food lover, you might want to find information on local farm gates to visit.

Of course, there was wine with lunch, too. Sarah and the restaurant staff had, you know, picked out a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to go with the platters. It was, like, a really good choice because its zesty flavor cut through the richness of the cheese and meats perfectly. We all just sat around, passing the platters, pouring wine, and chatting away like old friends. At the end of the day, that communal, relaxed atmosphere was one of the best parts of the tour. It’s often the simple moments that make a day great, so learning more about how to pair food and wine simply can improve your own meals.

Grandeur and Tradition at ‘Launceston Estate Vintners’

Grand historic winery estate with manicured gardens

Our final stop, basically, was a complete contrast to the little boutique place we started at. ‘Launceston Estate Vintners’ was, you know, a much larger and older establishment, with this grand, stately building and perfectly manicured gardens. It felt very historic and, like, impressive as we drove up the long driveway. As a matter of fact, you could tell this place had a very long and storied past. The sheer scale of the operation was really something to see, from the vast fields of vines to the imposing stone buildings. People interested in this kind of history should definitely look into other heritage properties in the area.

Here, the focus was on their sparkling wines, which, honestly, was a fantastic way to round off the day. We were led to a beautiful tasting room with high ceilings and chandeliers, and we sampled their brut and their rosé sparkling. The host was very polished and, you know, gave us a lot of information about the traditional French method they use to make their bubbles. The wines were elegant and crisp, just full of life. It felt like a very celebratory way to end our tasting adventures. For those who enjoy sparkling wines, it might be worthwhile to learn about other top regions for bubbly.

After the tasting, we got a brief tour of their underground cellars, which was, like, super cool. It was just a little bit chilly down there, and you could see thousands of bottles stacked up, quietly aging. You know, walking through there, you could almost feel the history of the place. The guide pointed out some really old vintages, which was pretty amazing to see. It’s this kind of behind-the-scenes access that really makes a tour feel special. If that interests you, you should search for tours that offer cellar access because it’s a great experience.

A Few Friendly Pointers Before You Go

Person taking notes in a notebook with a glass of wine

So, if you are thinking about doing this tour, which I obviously think is a great idea, there are just a few things to keep in mind. Basically, it’s a full day of eating and drinking, so you definitely want to be prepared. Honestly, my best advice is just to relax and enjoy the ride. It’s all about savoring the experience, you know. Preparing for a full-day excursion can be easier if you read up on some simple travel tips. Here are some of my personal thoughts:

  • Pace Yourself: You’re going to be trying, like, a good amount of wine and chocolate. Seriously, you don’t have to finish every single sample. Just have a little taste of each, especially at the beginning, so you’re still feeling good by the end of the day, you know.
  • Ask Questions: The people running these places are, as a matter of fact, incredibly passionate and love talking about what they do. So, don’t be shy. Ask about the grapes, the beans, their story. You’ll, like, get so much more out of the experience.
  • Dress Comfortably: You’ll be getting on and off a bus and, you know, walking around vineyards. I mean, wear comfortable shoes and probably bring a light jacket, as the weather can kind of change quickly and cellars are often cool.
  • Stay Hydrated: They will almost certainly provide water on the bus, but it’s not a bad idea to, like, drink some between stops. It really helps, especially with all the wine tasting. This is a simple trick you can learn about in guides to smart and responsible tasting.
  • Bring a Little Extra Cash: You are definitely going to want to buy a bottle of that amazing Pinot or a box of those incredible chocolates to take home. Honestly, I wish I’d bought more.