We love having the Hunter and its many vineyards so close to Sydney. But travel a bit further up the Valley to Muswellbrook and you’ll find plenty of other exquisite tastes to explore.
We start at Hunter Belle Cheese, a cheese factory and café on the northern side of town. Here Jason and Annie Chesworth make their famous Blue Moon cheese.
Our favourite on the day was the Black Magic, a triple cream brie with a centre made from fermented black garlic. Jason reckons it’s the gourmet equivalent of a vegemite and cheese sandwich.
Make sure you stay for lunch at the café. Chef Tavia uses the menu to showcase Hunter Belle Cheese, but also heaps of other premium produce from around the Hunter.
On the other side of town is Pukara Estate, where Steve and Racquel Goodchild have been making top class olive oils and vinegars for the past 20 years. You can try the full range of oils, vinegars, dukkahs and condiments in the tasting room, and while you’re there, you can also check out the range of Earth & Grace skin care products that Racquel has developed.
If you’re hungry for culture, drop in the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre home to the annual Muswellbrook Art Prize and the Max Watters collection. Feed your belly and your soul – take a trip to Muswellbrook!
