SOME of Australia's most promising hospitality professionals are in Tasmania this week to sample the state's best produce.
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The national finalists in the Appetite for Excellence awards have been visiting wineries, farm gates and eateries.
Appetite for Excellence project director Phee Gardner said the rigorous application process ensured only the best of the best young chefs, waiters and restaurateurs made the finals.
``They've been selected because not only are they professionals, but they're committed to their careers,'' she said.
``They really want to make a difference and an impact, and they really are passionate about what they do.''
Seven chefs and six waiters are taking part in the tour of Tasmania, with an age range between 21 and 28 years.
Tasmanian finalist Alice Chugg, from Ethos Eat Drink in Hobart, said the produce tour offered her the opportunity to meet producers and visit places not usually on her radar.
``I work a fair bit, so getting the chance to come up North is quite rare . . . it's quite a special thing for us to do.''
Yesterday the finalists visited Josef Chromy and Stoney Rise vineyards. Today they will head to Mount Gnomon Farm, before a visit to the Pyengana Dairy Company tomorrow.