Food, wine and ale trails in regional NSW

Hunter Valley

We all know that the Hunter Valley – Australia’s oldest wine region – makes some seriously tasty drops. And where grapes thrive, so too does other produce. Follow the Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail to discover innovative and esteemed vintners, breweries, cheesemongers and farmers, with tips on where to stay and what to do in between all the consumption.

Tulloch Wines, Pokolbin

Country NSW

From Gundagai, running across the border to Beechworth in Victoria, is the Snowy Valleys Way, an alpine route covering more than 300 kilometres of dazzling high-altitude landscapes through Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba. Along the way there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs on hiking trails, then refuel at cool climate wineries where chardonnay and pinot noir are the stars of the show. Keep an esky in the boot, and fill it with berries, cider, gin and even trout (you can catch your own) from farm gates and producers you pass.

Courabyra Wines, Tumbarumba

The 100 Mile Diet links the wine regions of Mudgee, Orange and Cowra. Between them, there are dozens of cellar doors, truffle farms (come in winter to join a hunt), cheesemongers, olive oil purveyors, beekeepers, farmers… it all adds up to a tasty journey through bucolic countryside. Linger in Japanese gardens, relax in spas and refuel in applauded restaurants. What a way to spend a day (or two, or three…)

Food and drink at Sister's Rock Restaurant, Borrodell Vineyard in Canobolas, Orange

Borrodell Vineyard, Canobolas

Enjoy shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay on the Echuca Moama Food and Wine Trail along the Murray River in the very south of the state. The forward-thinking purveyors in this part of the world also make stellar honey, quince jelly and cheese. This is a route you’ll want to explore at a leisurely pace.

Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate in Corowa, The Murray

Corowa Distilling Co., Corowa

Journey through the Riverina’s golden heartland on the Canola Trail, and linking the towns of Coolamon, Junee and Temora. Make sure you stop for a treat at Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory (you can make your own giant chocolate freckle) and take part in a workshop at Coolamon Cheese.

Coolamon Cheese Co. in Coolamon, Wagga Wagga & Riverina in Country NSW

Coolamon Cheese Co., Coolamon

South Coast

Combine sand and shiraz on the Shoalhaven Coast Winery Trail, a dreamy drive between the likes of Coolangatta Estate, Mountain Ridge Wines and Cuppitt’s Estate – a number of the properties you visit have restaurants; some even have fromageries and breweries. In between glasses, take the 100 Beach Challenge and discover some of powdery coves along this 170-kilometre stretch of coastline.

Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads

Continue south on Australia’s Oyster Coast Trail– get set for a seafood feast. Linger at the Pearly Oyster Bar in Batemans Bay and the SAGE Farmers Market, which takes place every Tuesday in Moruya. If you’re visiting in May, be sure to attend the Narooma Oyster Festival, a celebration of local art, culture and creamy molluscs.