Award-winning winery Bird in Hand is set to bring its exceptional food and wine experiences to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, starting in early 2025. The South Australian-based brand will take over the Gardens’ hospitality operations, offering a tasting room, exclusive culinary events, and managing the on-site restaurant and kiosk. Additionally, Bird in Hand will host weddings and bespoke events, creating a fine dining experience that mirrors its acclaimed LVN Restaurant in Woodside.
As part of the Gardens’ revitalisation project, Bird in Hand’s involvement will showcase Tasmania’s vibrant local produce, flora, and fauna, alongside the winery’s signature cool-climate wines. The upcoming tasting room will debut Bird in Hand’s new Tasmania range, launching later this year, along with a selection of locally crafted beverages.
Andrew Nugent, co-founder of Bird in Hand, expressed excitement about the new venture: “With our winemaking expanding in Tasmania, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase our spectacular varietals in one of Australia’s most stunning locations. Our culinary vision and service style align beautifully with the ethos of the Gardens.”
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, a 14-hectare heritage site, has been a hub of native and rare plant species for over two centuries. The partnership with Bird in Hand reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and connection to the land, a value rooted in both the Gardens and Bird in Hand’s operations at their Woodside estate in Adelaide Hills.
Daniel Leesong, chair of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Board, praised the collaboration: “Partnering with Bird in Hand during this time of revitalisation promises exciting developments for both locals and visitors. Together, we’re poised to enhance Tasmania’s reputation as a leader in eco, wine, culinary, and agri-tourism.”
Bird in Hand’s expansion in Tasmania is a strategic step in its growth, which also includes the recent acquisition of a long-term winery lease in Rowella, West Tamar Valley, and wine production on the east coast.
The hospitality venues’ opening hours are yet to be announced, but the Gardens remain open 365 days a year, located at 11 Lower Domain Road, Queens Domain, Hobart.
For more information, visit gardens.tas.gov.au or birdinhand.com.au.
