Dine and Wine + Cheat's Pannacotta - The Hobart / Launceston Magazine

Dine and Wine + Cheat’s Pannacotta

by Stephanie Williams

LARK DOMINATES AT TASMANIAN AWARDS

Judging in the inaugural Royal Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Awards was held recently in Hobart.

The trophy for Best Overall Whisky in Show went to LARK Distilling Co for their Sea 08 – Antarctica Edge whisky. It also took out the trophy for Best Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky and Best Tasmanian Whisky. The trophy for Best Gin in Show went to Three Cuts Gin for their Distiller’s Release gin, as well as the Best Tasmanian Gin. The Best Other Spirit was taken out by Captain Bligh’s Bristol Fashion Rum and Best Vodka went to McHenry Distillery’s PUER Vodka. That’s a whole lot of new drinks to try!

The Royal Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Awards are a collaboration between the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Association. Chief Whisky Judge for the inaugural Awards was Christopher Coates, who travelled to Tasmania from Scotland; and Chief Spirits judge was Tash McGill from New Zealand.

POOLEY’S SWEET VICTORY

Congrats to Tasmania’s Pooley Wines for winning the Sydney Royal Wine Show: the oldest and most prestigious wine award in Australia. The 2024 Pooley Syrah was judged Best in Show out of more than 1,500 wines by a panel of 31 judges. Here’s cheers to that!

*L-R: Steve Ferguson – PW Vineyard Manager, Tristan Jones – PW General Manager, Matt Pooley – PW Wholesale Manager & Brand Ambassador*

A special milestone year, marking 200 years since wine was first included in the 1826 Agricultural Society of NSW Show. Winners were announced at a celebratory lunch, with Tasmanian wineries performing exceptionally well, claiming five major trophies including the highly coveted and prestigious Best Wine of Show to the 2024 Pooley Syrah. This wine also took home the Best Red and Best Shiraz trophy, marking the first time a Tasmanian Shiraz has won this category against its warmer climate competitors.

Also taking home major trophies were Bream Creek Vineyard, awarded Best Pinot Noir for its 2025 Bream Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Pinnacle Drinks (producer of Josef Chromy) claiming Best Sparkling White or Rosé for its 2020 Josef Chromy Brut Finesse. An additional eight Tasmanian wineries were awarded gold medals.

Cheat’s Pannacotta

Looking for a quick and easy high protein dessert? Look no further!

METHOD

Place the jelly crystals in a heatproof bowl or glass container. Add boiling water and stir until crystals are dissolved. Add the yoghurt and gently stir until well combined, you don’t want to create bubbles. Place in the fridge for 3 hours or until set. Serve with berries.

INGREDIENTS

1 packet jelly, flavour of your choice
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 cup Greek Yoghurt

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Extras

Hobart Happenings

by James Marten

Bits and Pieces – August 2026

Hobart Happenings

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Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!