Tasmania Dysart House: Distillery Tour with Lunch & Tasting

Summary

Distillery stories, Tasmanian flavors, and a slow afternoon at Dysart House

Step inside Tasmania’s Dysart House for an unhurried distillery tour led by locals who know every story behind those sandstone walls. Taste four Old Kempton spirits after exploring behind-the-scenes, then share an antipasto lunch and Tasmanian wine overlooking old stables. You’ll leave with new flavors (and maybe souvenirs) lingering long after you head home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed the turnoff to Dysart House because I was too busy arguing with my partner about whether “antipasto” is supposed to have olives or not. The sign’s easy to miss if you’re distracted, but once you pull up, the old sandstone building just kind of sits there in the mist like it’s been waiting for you. Our guide — I think her name was Claire — waved us in with this big grin and immediately started telling us about how the house used to be a coaching inn. She had this way of talking that made me want to ask more questions than I usually do on tours.

The distillery part was actually cooler than I expected. There’s this faint smell of wood smoke and something sweet — maybe barley? — hanging around the stills. Claire let us peek behind the scenes (she kept apologizing for some boxes stacked in the corner, which honestly just made it feel more real). She explained how Old Kempton Distillery runs day-to-day; apparently, they’re always tweaking things depending on the weather. At one point she handed me a tiny glass of something that burned in my nose but tasted like Christmas cake after a second. I probably made a face.

Lunch was in this sunny room with creaky floors and windows looking out over what used to be stables. The antipasto platter was all Tasmanian stuff — smoked trout, pickles, cheeses I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried). We picked a bottle of local Pinot Noir to go with it; honestly, sharing that wine felt like half the reason to book this day trip from Hobart. After eating way too much cheese, we ended up in their Cask Lounge for a guided tasting of four spirits. The whisky had this peppery thing going on that surprised me — not sure if I liked it or just wasn’t expecting it.

I wandered through their little shop at the end while my partner ordered coffee (the kind that smells strong before you even taste it). Picked up some fudge and a tiny bottle of gin as souvenirs. It wasn’t one of those tours where everything feels rehearsed — more like being invited into someone’s home where people actually care about what they make. I still think about that first sip in the distillery sometimes when it rains back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dysart House Tour and Tasting

• Guided tour of Dysart House and grounds
• Tasting of 4 Old Kempton Distillery spirits
• Enjoy antipasto platter with Tasmanian wine
• Relax with tea or coffee in Cask Lounge
• Browse Cellar Door for local products and souvenirs

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Dysart House distillery tour?

No, pickup is not included; guests need to arrange their own transport to Dysart House.

What food is served during lunch at Old Kempton Distillery?

The lunch includes an antipasto platter made with local Tasmanian produce and a bottle of Tasmanian wine to share.

Are children allowed on the distillery tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams and strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available.

Is Old Kempton Distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and facilities at Dysart House are wheelchair accessible.

How many spirits are tasted during the tour?

The guided tasting includes four different Old Kempton Distillery spirits.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a fully guided tour through Dysart House and its distillery with a local guide, an antipasto platter made from Tasmanian produce, a bottle of Tasmanian wine to share over lunch, a guided tasting of four Old Kempton spirits in the Cask Lounge, plus time to browse their Cellar Door shop and enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea before heading out again.