Taste the Tamar 2026

The Tamar Valley was a great food and wine destination long before Launceston was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021. Indeed, it became home to the Tasmanian wine industry's first vineyard cellar door when Mark and Marion Semmens (pictured) began welcoming visitors to Marions Vineyard way back in 1983.

The Deviot property soon became a popular community hub, hosting some of the valley's earliest food and wine events, jazz concerts and exuberant vineyard weddings. 

More than 40 years later, the legacy of wine pioneers like Mark and Marion Semmens lives on in the form of the Taste of the Tamar, which takes place at the Exeter Showgrounds on 14 November 2026. The tiny West Tamar township (pop. 759) will be 'taste central' that day.

Organised by Tamar Valley Wine – with partnership and support from the West Tamar Council and Visit Northern Tasmania – the annual showcase event offers visitors a curated voyage of discovery through a region that's rich in food, wine and creative talent.

Tickets can be bought in Exeter on the day or pre-purchased HERE.

Event details

• Saturday, 14 November 2026
• 11:30am – 6:30pm
• Exeter Showgrounds, 2 Winkleigh Rd, Exeter TAS 7275

Ticketing details

• General Admission: $20 + booking fee
• Youth (16–18 years): $10 + booking fee
• Children under 16: Free

"After a successful inaugural event in 2025, we are thrilled to present Taste the Tamar and create another way for people to connect with everything our valley has to offer," says Tamar Valley Wine executive officer Louise Nunn.

"Bringing a springtime event into the calendar complements the other fantastic festivals and celebrations held in Northern Tasmania. It's the perfect way to roll into the warmer months, connect with friends, and enjoy quality food and wine together."

More than 20 vineyards, cider makers, distilleries and craft brewers will be on hand to quench dry palates and those with a thirst for industry back stories:

• Bradys Lookout Cider
• Bridport Brewing Co/Little Rivers
• Bundaleera Vineyard
• Cimitiere Point Estate (home of Valour Wines)
• Clover Hill Wines
• Dalrymple Vineyards
• Eversley Vines
• Grey Sands Vineyard
• Highclare Estate
• Hinton Bay Vineyard
• Jansz Tasmania
• Launceston Distillery
• Moores Hill
• Pirie Tasmania
• Russell and Suitor Wines
• Small Wonder Wines
• Tamar Gold (home of McCormack Wines and Middle Arm Vineyard)
• Tamar Ridge Tasmania
• Turner Stillhouse
• Velo Wines
• Westella Vineyard

Forget the polite sipping and spitting. The relaxed, carnival atmosphere will ensure everyone has an opportunity to let their hair down and cruise through the day's festivities with a generous glass in hand.

A reusable $5 tasting glass can be purchased as a handy drinking companion and Tamar Valley festival memento.

These hardy valley folks will be cooking up a storm throughout the day:


• Grassy on the Go Pizza
• Hillwood Fresh Food Co
• Jim's Lebanese Kebabs
• Malvinas Paellas
• One Sweet Day
• Pig and Chook Thai
• Rosevears Farm
• Stasberry
• The Potato Bar

Three excellent wine master classes are being offered.

Session 1. 12:00 midday: Launceston Gastronomy presented by Andrew Pitt

Launceston identity Andrew Pitt will lead the 2026 event into its first master class at 12:00 midday. Arguably best known for his key role in the family's Neil Pitt Menswear business – or maybe for his leadership of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Harvest Launceston Community Farmers Market – Pitt was a driving force behind the city's bid for its remarkable UNESCO designation.

As one of only 66 cities internationally with this recognition, Launceston blends tradition with innovation, showcasing the skills and experience of northern Tasmania's world-class winemakers, distillers, farmers and food artisans. Join this human dynamo with a glass of the Tamar's best as he shares his thoughts and aspirations for promoting the region's culinary identity. Sustainability, responsible food practice and reduction of food waste are just the beginning.

Limited to 40 tickets. Price $15 per person.

Session 2. 1.00pm: Food & Wine Pairings presented by Mud Bar Head Chef, Kristian Davey

Located on the site of the Old Launceston Seaport, Mudbar Restaurant figures among the city's most popular fine dining establishments, with head chef Kristian Davey (pictured above) continuing to develop the groundbreaking Asian-influenced cuisine first created there by owner/chef Don Cameron more than a decade ago. Its bold waterfront dining experiences are supported by a carefully hand-picked wine list that includes one of the largest offerings of Pinot Noirs in the State.

Take a moment to experience a delectable selection of savoury canapés prepared by Davey, paired with specially chosen Tamar Valley whites and reds. Discover first-hand how successful food and wine pairing can enhance dining at home as well as at your favourite Tassie eatery. Learn what to serve with this and that, and why.

Limited to 30 tickets. Price $70 per person.

Session 3. 3.00pm: Pinot Noir & Chocolate presented by Tamar Valley Wine Route

Burgundy's revered Pinot Noir has found a new home in Tasmania, accounting for almost 50 percent of all wine grapes harvested in the State in 2026. Often called the heartbreak grape, its vineyard and winemaking requirements can be especially challenging. One American winemaker famously stated 'God made Cabernet Sauvignon, whereas the Devil made Pinot Noir.'

Tamar Valley producers say, 'Bah, humbug to that.' Some will tell you Pinot Noir and chocolate is a marriage made in Heaven. Taste of the Tamar's masterclass presenters will take you on a journey of indulgence, pairing four different glasses of Pinot Noir with an interesting selection of sweet and savoury chocolate bites. Experience what works and why. Will it be all wonder and no blunder? Figure it out for yourself.

Limited to 30 tickets. Price $40 per person.

The following live acts are on the program:

• 12:00pm – 12:30pm: Stella Gearman
• 12:40pm – 1:10pm: Noah Fraser
• 1:20pm – 1:50pm: Amery Miller-Booker
• 2:00pm – 2:30pm: Briley Crossin

Briley Crossin (pictured above) is a 16-year-old singer-songwriter who has grown up surrounded by country music. She first performed on stage at the age of four.

Nowadays a Tasmanian Independent Country Music Award winner, the Hobart school student regularly performs live around the State. In September 2026, Crossin released her debut original single, "Cowgirl Cryin' Blues." It's already been streamed 17,000 times by Spotify users.

Exeter High School Showcase:

• 2:40pm – 3:00pm: Inertia
• 3:10pm – 3:30pm: Exit 36
• 3:40pm – 4:00pm: Palm Theory
• 4:10pm – 4:30pm: The Confessional
• 4:40pm – 5:20pm: Burnout
• 5:30pm – 6:30pm: Tideriders

Taste of the Tamar tips:

Bring a picnic rug or a chair, find a sunny spot, and settle in for a fun day out. Do remember your 'slip, slop slap' and pack a sun hat and sun umbrella for maximum comfort. 

The venue offers space aplenty. Invite a friend or two.

You can leave the car behind. Bus services from Launceston (via Riverside and Legana) as well as from Georgetown (via Hillwood and Deviot) are available on the day.

These convenient return services cost $10 per ride.

Further information and ticket sales can be found HERE.  

Last page update: 29 October 2026