Wine Tasmania and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) have partnered to recognise and reward Tasmanian venues that support the local wine sector.
Now in its third year, the Tasmanian Wine List of the Year Award was launched as part of the THA’s 2016 Awards for Excellence.
Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies said the Tasmanian Wine List of the Year Award aimed to both recognise and encourage licensed premises to feature the island’s outstanding wines as part of their overall offering.
“The latest tourism figures show that more than 207,000 visitors called in to a cellar door during their stay in Tasmania over the past year, 17 percent of all visitors. Promoting local wines through our venues contributes to the overall visitor experience, showcasing our local produce.”
The Tasmanian Wine List of the Year judges will select their winning venue as well as a number of finalists. Finalists will then be widely promoted, with members of the public encouraged to visit the finalist venues and vote for their favourite to be awarded the People’s Choice.
Tasmania Hospitality Association general manager, Steve Old, said “The THA is once again excited to be working with Wine Tasmania for the third year running, on this year’s Tasmanian Wine List of the Year. Providing a varied wine list featuring a good selection of Tassie wines, has never been more important for our state’s hospitality venues. This award is all about publicly recognising those venues for all that they do in supporting and promoting the state’s wine sector.”
The Tasmanian Wine List of the Year Award examines the wine offering of licensed venues, with Tasmanian wines to represent at least one-third of wines offered by the glass. Applicants are also asked about any features of their wine list, such as the depth and diversity of the Tasmanian wine offering, and any staff training or education programs that support wine knowledge and professional service. The Award is open to all licensed premises that are members of the THA.
The 2015 winners were Henry’s Restaurant at the Henry Jones Art Hotel (Judges’ Choice) and the Ball & Chain Grill (People’s Choice).
Nominations for the 2016 Tasmanian Wine List close on 13 May 2016. Nomination details and applications are available on the THA website.