A Guide to Mudgee ....
What to do:
Cycle
Mudgee is fairly flat and many of the best cellar doors are only a few kilometres away from each other. The distances are still a little too far to walk (unless you have the time and energy), but perfect for cycling. There is no bike hire unfortunately so it is BYO.
Hike
The Mudgee region is surrounded by national parks perfect for hiking but nothing beats the weir walk and long cave circuit for stunning views which will be approximately a two hour round trip.
Go to the markets
The Mudgee Farmer’s Markets are located in the picturesque grounds of St Marys Church every third Saturday of the month. There are up to 50 stallholders here with a range of food all of which have been grown, baked or smoked all within a 100 mile radius of the town.
Wine tours
There are plenty of nice people willing to take you on a personalised wine tour including Mudgee Wine Tours. Make sure you add these cellar doors to the list:
Cellar Doors
Logan Wines is the perfect place to start or end your trip to Mudgee as it located a few kilometres out of town on the road to and from Sydney. The cellar door itself is stunning and has a huge glass façade making it perfect any time of year with views of rolling vine covered hills. Must try wine: Hannah Rose.
Lowe Family Wine Co. is an institution in Mudgee and has been squeezing grapes since 1815. You can tell it is a family run business thanks to the warm hospitality and the welcoming cellar door. When the sun is shining there is no better place to be than in their garden. Must try wine: The sparking red.
Di Lusso Estate
Di Lusso Estate is more than a cellar door, it's an adult's playground and the perfect place to settle into an afternoon drinking and playing a game of bocce. Must try wine: Sangiovese
Where to eat:
The Butcher Shop Café
The Butcher Shop Café is unsurprisingly located in an old butcher shop dating back to 1875 but is now a modern, bustling café that does the best breakfast in town.
High Valley Wine & Cheese Co. As the name suggests, this historic little cottage has been transformed into a delightful little haven of cheese and wine. Go here for breakfast, a lazy lunch or an afternoon grazing board filled with their hand made cheese. They will happily allow you taste them first.
Sajos:
Located in the heart of town Sajo’s is the perfect dinner spot before exploring Mudgee’s pub and bar scene. The menu is modern Australian and made from all local produce. There are set menu specials and a great list of local wines and cocktails.
Where to drink:
Mudgee Brewing Co. not only make their own craft beers, they have a wine list full of local wines and a menu featuring tasty bar snacks made from local produce like the chilli and peanut chicken wings and fries lathered in bacon, mozzarella and ranch dressing. Wash them all down with a Mudgee Mud or a Pale Ale, both made in-house.
Roth’s Wine Bar is a local watering hole as well as a hot spot for visitors. This is the perfect location for some atmosphere with live music playing every Friday and Saturday night.
The Orient Hotel is a must-visit, good old fashioned country pub. With live sport inside and plenty of outdoor dining, it is perfect for any occasion whether is a afternoon drink or a big night out on the country-town, there is always a bustling atmosphere at the “ori”.
Getting there:
Drive, from Sydney. It can feel like a slow drive at time so I suggest either leaving early or planning a lunch in the Blue Mountains en route.
Where to stay:
28 Rocky Waterhole Road is a lovely little self-contained cottage a few minutes out of down with unrivalled sun set views and a tennis court. Sleeps 4. The Tannery is a quaint little guest house that epitomises country shabby chic located in the heart of town.
Oink oink,
Truffle Pig.