Strathlynn is one of Tasmania’s most spectacular vineyard sites. It is close to the Tamar River and there are low mountain backdrops and 100 year-old tree avenues. It is a wonderful place to settle back with a glass of local wine and enjoy lunch or morning and afternoon tea.

We drove through the vineyards to the central public area where there is a restaurant, gourmet food and wine gift shop, and wine tasting facilities. Wines from the well-known Pipers Brook vineyard, and Ninth Island wines and Vintage PIRIE are available. The day was bright and sunny and the scene was stunning. The restaurant and vineyard has panoramic views over the Tamar Valley.

This is Tasmania’s major cool-climate wine producing region and the area specialises in Pinot and Riesling varieties. Some of the wines are superb. The 1999 Pipers Brook "Reserve" Chardonnay is outstanding, however, at A$44 it is not cheap. Many people would be quite satisfied with the 2000 Ninth Island Chardonnay or Riesling, both priced around A$20.

The extensive lunch menu (open daily noon -3pm) features quality, seasonal Tasmanian produce in a style designed to reflect the wines of Pipers Brook Vineyard and Ninth Island Winery. You would be difficult to please if you couldn’t find something on the menu that appeals. Braised neck of venison on minted parsnip mash sits happily alongside baked fillet of salmon with proscuitto. Strathlynn's own bread and a selection of Tasmanian cheeses is available as an anytime snack or as an alternative to dessert delights like slow poached apples on toasted brioche.