Q &A
INTERVIEW
OCCUPATION ENTREPRENEUR & FOUNDER, JOSEF CHROMY WINES
COUNTRY AUSTRALIA (BORN CZECHOSLOVAKIA, 1930)
You say you weren’t a wine connoisseur before you started investing in local wineries in the 90s. For a wine novice, what would you suggest starting with to get to know Tasmania’s cool climate wines? The best way to get to know cool climate wines is to match them with great food while you are dining out or enjoying a home cooked meal. Riesling with its lemon-lime flavours typically goes well with fish and seafood like oysters, Sauvignon Blanc with its grassy flavours cuts through the strong flavours of spicy Asian dishes, Chardonnay has more weight but is also mellow and goes well with chicken and pork, Pinot Noir is best paired with heavier poultry and light red meats such as duck and lamb, while heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are more suited to beef dishes.
INTERVIEW: EMILY HUMPHREY. PHOTOS: ROB BURNET T; C H RIS C RERAR
NAME JOSEF CHROMY OAM
INSPIRED TO VISIT TASMANIA? Check out our tours here
It’s well known how much you have done for Tasmanian food and wine. Have you had a chance to explore other parts of Australia? I try to travel both within Australia and overseas at least once a year and have joined two dozen wine study tours with my friend and viticulturist Dr Richard Smart where we have visited wine regions around Australia and the world. 36 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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If you had 48 hours to show first-timers around Launceston, where would you take them? Stillwater Restaurant make a great breakfast. Then head to nearby Kings Bridge and walk up Cataract Walk to the You started Josef Chromy Wines at the tender Cataract Gorge. On your return via Cataract Walk, or the Zig young age of 76 – your fourth wine venture in this Zag Track if you are energetic, drop by Alida Restaurant at region of Tassie. What’s special about the terroir Penny Royal for lunch. Alternatively, spend the afternoon and conditions around here? on the river with Tamar River Cruises. Great restaurants to The vineyard is located inland from the Tamar River which visit in the evening include Black Cow in the city for means it has warmer days and cooler nights with less steak, Hallam’s Waterfront for seafood, and Mud moisture and disease pressure than vineyards closer Bar & Restaurant overlooking Seaport marina for to the river and coast. These conditions and the rich delicious fusion meals. LOVE WINE? black soils are ideal for growing cool climate grapes On your second day, Blue Café at Inveresk Check out that have great varietal character at commercial offer a great breakfast and they are also next Inspiring Vines yields with minimal disease. to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery which has interesting displays. Nearby City What can people expect when visiting Park is a great place to spend time and look Josef Chromy Vineyard? over the Albert Hall before walking up Cameron Our winery is one of the premier wine experiences in Street to see dozens of historic buildings including the Tamar Valley with an award-winning cellar door and the Post Office and Town Hall in Civic Square. Finally, you restaurant that overlook a picturesque lake and vineyard. should definitely head out to Josef Chromy cellar door and We are also a founding member of the Ultimate Winery restaurant for a wine tasting and lunch. Experiences of Australia that offers both winery tours and behind the label experiences where visitors can blend Most memorable meal…ever? their own sparkling wines. Having lunch on a private table at the Albert Hall with Her Majesty The Queen and Australian WATCH OUR What does a day in your life at the Cricket Captain Ricky Ponting. FACEBOOK LIVE vineyard look like? WITH JOSEF CHROMY WINERY Firstly, I try to meet up with the vineyard PR E S S PL AY manager and drive around the vineyard before PR E S S PL AY catching up with the general manager and chief winemaker to inspect the winery and bottling operations. After tasting the latest wine batches from the tanks and blends in the laboratory, I move on to the cellar door and restaurant and often stop for lunch with business associates or take time to greet some of the visitors.
