1 May 2013
More than 25 Tasmanian gourmet food and beverage suppliers will be providing passengers who travel on Spirit of Tasmania in May and June with a free tasting experience from around the island as part of a Flavours of Tassie showcase.
The Flavours of Tassie showcase, launching on 5 May, will provide Tasmanian-based suppliers with an opportunity to showcase their unique products on board the vessels.
The select list of Tasmanian gourmet food and beverage suppliers includes cheese samplings from Ashgrove Farm Cheese and Grandview Cheese, whisky tastings from Lark Distillery, Heyller Road Distillery, Old Hobart Distillery and William McHenry and Sons Distillery and wine tastings from Janz Tasmania, Pipers Brook Vineyard, Hartzview Vineyard, Gryphonwood Vineyards Josef Chromy, Leaning Church Vineyard, Domaine A, Stefano Lubiana, Clover Hill, Goaty Hill and Three Wishes Vineyard.
Cider and beer lovers can enjoy tastings from Spreyton Cider Co, Moo Brew, Seven Sheds Brewery and Morrison Brewery.
Tastings will also be provided by the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company, Tassie Taste Buds (preserves), Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Ashbolt premium Elderberry, Elderflower and Olive Oil, 41 Degrees South Tasmanian Salmon and chocolate from the House of Anvers.
"You can eat and drink Tasmanian produce in the world's best restaurants and now we are bringing those world-class products to our passengers, so they can enjoy a special tasting experience on board our ships before they arrive in Tasmania," Spirit of Tasmania Retail and Hospitality General Manager Nick Harriman said.
"The tasting experiences are spread out over two months so those who miss out on their forward journey may be able to enjoy a tasting experience on their return trip.
"And not only will passengers get to sample free tastings, but they'll get to meet passionate Tasmanian producers and often the people who hand-pick and hand-make their products using local ingredients.
"All of these Tasmanian suppliers have a great story to tell and a large number come from family-owned businesses who have been producing quality Tasmanian products for many years."
Mr Harriman is also sourcing a new range of Tasmanian wines for Spirit of Tasmania's wine list which will feature on board the ships in May.
"You can travel through France, Italy, or Germany and you wouldn't find the same mix of geographical characteristics that you'd find in Tasmania's wine regions," Mr Harriman said.
Mr Harriman said 95 per cent of the wines on the new wine list would be Tasmanian - an increase from 92 per cent on the previous wine list.
Belgian-born chocolatier Igor Van Gerwen, from House of Anvers in Latrobe on Tasmania's north-west coast, said he was thrilled to be able to participate in the Flavours of Tassie tasting experience.
Mr Van Gerwen and has team have already produced a House of Anvers tasting plate of supreme chocolates and fudge for Spirit of Tasmania's seasonal menu in The Leatherwood Restaurant. He also has created a range Anvers fudges made with Ashgrove cream for passengers to purchase in The Lavender Café on board.
For more information on each of these suppliers including blog posts and exclusive behind the scene videos with Tasmanian suppliers who will be providing tastings on board, visit the Flavours of Tassie interactive calendar at: spiritoftasmania.com.au/flavours-of-tassie
*Videos will be available to view from 5 May.
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Contact: Soniya Fernandez
Communications Manager
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
