Proudly holding the mantle of the Taste of Tasmania's longest-running stallholder, Bream Creek Vineyard will be back for its 31st year at the event that welcomes the new year in Hobart.
A cool-climate vineyard on the state's East Coast, Bream Creek does not have a cellar-door outlet so Taste of Tasmania is the only time vigneron Fred Peacock and his staff get to speak with customers.
Passing three decades as a stallholder means Fred has watched the palates of Taste patrons mature as we move away from riesling and chardonnay to pinot grigio and pinot noir.
He has even started to see a younger wave of customers coming through the doors at Princes Wharf 1, Salamanca Place.
"We're seeing the second generation now, with our customers bringing their children in their early 20s to see us," Fred said.
"There's quite a community that has built around the event.
"Taste is very much an event about the combination of food and wine... people come to the stall with a high degree of food and wine knowledge.
Taste of Tasmania runs between December 28 and January 3, keeping locals and tourists topped up with good food, wine, cider, spirits and beer as the Sydney to Hobart yachts make their way to Constitution Dock.
For Fred it's an opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and show off Bream Creek Vineyard's repertoire.
"We've had lots of people coming to see us over the last 20 years - in most cases it's the only time of the year we see each other.
"For us it's one of the only opportunities to show our whole range and talk to people about our style, the changing styles and the season.
"I really enjoy getting to talk to people about the wines, the industry and how the season is shaping up. It's also an opportunity to talk about new wines."
This year Bream Creek is bringing along a sparkling wine, made using the traditional Champagne-style method and bottled for 4-6 years.
Taste of Tasmania visitors can also sample Bream Creek's pinot noir, which has been "achieving well on the world stage", winning medals in Europe and Asia.
All 93 Taste of Tasmania producers are from around the state, with many familiar brands but also a significant number of new names.
The event is held at Princes Wharf 1 between 11am and 11pm each day.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit thetasteoftasmania.com.au or call (03) 6238-2410.
READ MORE: The Tassie gin revolution
READ MORE: Grange Hermitage stolen from home
