Our port of call was Hobart, Tasmania, and we had selected this less active shore excursion (History Hobart, Countryside & Winery) because my eldest sister was joining us. It was a good thing we chose this one because my sister was experiencing back and foot pain and was scheduled to have a massage on board that evening.
Our coach bus drove us past the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which we would visit later, and across the bridge over the River Derwent to Cambridge's Coal Valley Vineyard. I was amazed how this coach bus effortlessly negotiated the unpaved vineyard road up to the Tasting Room. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the stunning property and views before settling down at the vineyard's tasting table.
We were seated at a community table with two wine glasses (one for white and one for red) and a list of Coal Valley Vineyard's five varieties in front of us, as the host gave us background on the vineyard, the types of grapes grown, production, and more. He went around pouring tastes and even threw in a few "Dad Jokes" to lighten the mood. It was interesting to watch others' facial expressions during each pour as most agreed he saved the best for last (TGR Riesling and Pinot Noir).
It was a bit odd that this tasting didn't offer any savory palate-cleansing snacks alongside each pour, aside from plain water to rinse your glass and mouth, as at other vineyards. But, oh well, we still managed to purchase two bottles of wine to pair with at least two gourmet dinners onboard our ship. read more