Set to air on 7TWO at 11am on Saturday 4 May, Unbottle Tasmania will present the illustrious world of Tasmania's boutique wineries, inspiring winemakers and alluring  touring options to a national television audience. Hosted by the charismatic Ed Halmaygi, Unbottle Tasmania takes viewers on an intimate journey, exploring a collection of the island state's most highly-acclaimed cool climate wineries, meeting some passionate characters along the way who share some fascinating insights into their innovative and often adventurous wine-making techniques.  

Tasmania's wine sector is one of the world's best examples of boutique wine production and, like so many other things on the island state, the focus is firmly on quality. Although producing less than one percent of the nations' total wine yield, Tasmanian wines consistently receive high acclaim from critics and wine buffs around the globe. With the vast majority of the island's 160 licensed wine producers only offering their wines within Tasmania, the best way to experience the quality and diversity of the state's wine offering is to plan a trip and explore the beguilingly beautiful wine touring routes.

The quality of Tasmania's wines is matched only by the friendliness and accessibility of the experts who craft them. One of the local specialists featured in Unbottle Tasmania, Sheralee Davies, CEO of Wine Tasmania, the peak body representing the island's wine producers explains that a wine tour of Tasmania is a truly hands-on experience, offering intimate encounters and expert insights and says, "More often than not, visitors will find themselves talking to the winemaker or being offered a tasting by the winery owner".  

Unbottle Tasmania features down-to-earth wine producers from around the island, offering a glimpse of the expertise and passion behind Tasmania's acclaimed wine industry. Jeremy Dineen, Chief Winemaker at Josef Chromy shares insights into the winery's processes and reveals the secret ingredients behind their multi award winning Botrytis Riesling, described by host Ed as being "like a mouthful of nature". At Frogmore Creek, Chief Winemaker Alain Rousseau decants a secret or two about their techniques and approach that is designed to "let the fruit do the talking".

Viewers will also be taken on a revealing exploration of Moorilla Estate, Tasmania's second oldest vineyard, which has been paving the way for Tasmania's growing wine sector for 50 years. Winemaker Conor van der Reest, from Canada, combines the best of old and new world techniques to make complex and structural varietal wines. Visitors can come for the wine and stay for the art with Moorilla just one part of the MONA experience which includes a subversive art gallery, restaurant, café, brewery and luxurious accommodation in The Pavilions. 

Unbottle Tasmania lifts the lid on an exciting world of elegant flavours, cutting edge innovation and friendly characters, all shrouded in enchanting scenery. It's a recipe that leaves the audience wanting more.    

An essential starting point for anyone planning to unlock the secrets of Tasmania's boutique wine industry is Wine Tasmania's wine routes brochure.   Vineyards featured in Unbottle Tasmania include Frogmore Creek Wines, Holm Oak Vineyard, Josef Chromy Wines, Moorilla Estate, Pooley Wines, Riversdale Estate and Tamar Ridge.

To arrange an interview with any of the winemakers and experts featured in Unbottle Tasmania, please contact Zoe Fairweather on 0411 106 602 or zoe@mediamoguls.com.au.

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Qantaslink, Tiger Airways, Sharp Airlines or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

Background Notes

Tourism Tasmania's role is to maximise the contribution of tourism to Tasmania's economic growth. Tourism Tasmania is a Statutory Authority operating under the Tourism Tasmania Act 1996, and is part of the Tasmanian Government's Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts.

Media Contact

Zoe Fairweather
Mobile: 0411 106 602
Email: zoe@mediamoguls.com.au