Say Salut At Tasmania’s Best Wine Bars
By Josie Rozenberg-Clarke
Tasmania produces some of the best wine in the world, with its silky Pinot Noir, crisp Riesling, and vibrant sparkling. If you’re after a spot to enjoy a glass (or - let’s be real - a bottle), pull up a stool at one of southern and northern Tassie’s best wine bars.
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SONNY
Blink and you might miss this tiny, hole-in-the-wall CBD pasta and wine bar – in fact, the queue of thirsty folks lining up at the door might be its only giveaway! Sonny seats just 20 or so lucky guests, but it’s worth the wait for the delish pasta made (literally) in front of your eyes, eclectic wine list and banging tunes.
120a Elizabeth Street, Hobart
Thursday-Monday, 4pm-late
INSTITUT POLAIRE
Institut Polaire’s wine list has twice snagged the title of Australia's Best (in 2019 and 2024) and, given it’s roughly the length of War and Peace, you can see why. Featuring 100 wines with a hearty helping of local labels, there’s something for every budding sommelier. Just be careful not to spill on the very white, very chic interiors if you opt for a cheeky red…
7 Murray Street, Hobart
Thursday-Sunday, 4pm-late
WILLING WINE BAR
In the buzzy foodie enclave of North Hobart you’ll find Willing, Hobart’s OG neighbourhood wine bar with a focus on emerging Tasmanian producers. With around 300 bottles on the list, it’s safe to say they know their grapes at this joint. Get in early enough to make the most of the 4pm-6pm happy hour, and order off the French bistro-style bar menu for dinner.
390 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
Wednesday-Saturday, 4pm-late
LUCINDA
Lucinda was intended to be a waiting area next to popular fine dining restaurant Dier Makr, for punters to chat and sip while hanging out for a table. It’s now become a destination in its own right, with a unique list stacked with natural wines and more-ish share plates on the menu.
123 Collins Street, Hobart
Wednesday-Saturday, 4pm-late
REGGIE
Reggie is one of Launnie’s most beloved late-night spots, slinging starry-eyed cocktails – think the Elton John and the Barbra Streisand – and serving up locals-only wines with a few exceptions from South Australia.
63 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Wednesday-Saturday, 3pm-late
HAVILAH
Chic and serene, Havilah is an award-winning spot in Launceston that operates as both a wine bar and cellar door for the owners’ Havilah, Two Tonne and Woodlawn wine labels. But the list isn’t stocked with exclusively in-house drops – there’s plenty of other Tassie and mainland names on offer, too.
178 Charles Street, Launceston
Wednesday-Sunday, 4pm-late
STILLWATER RESTAURANT
Stillwater is one of Launceston’s best restaurants, but you don’t need a lunch or dinner booking to enjoy the venue’s award-winning wine list. Pop into the laidback wine bar to take your pick from a local or international drop and feast on some bar snacks – and that gorgeous view of the Tamar River.
2 Bridge Road, Launceston
Monday-Saturday, 11.30am-late
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