Evening

Cassandra Cadorin, a local of Italian descent, will lead you on a culinary tour of the Bella Vita Riverina. Cassandra Cadorin’s experiences are tailored to suit your needs, but she regularly visits wineries and plum farms like Calabria Family Wines as well as boutique producers Mino + Co. She grew up in a vineyard, so she has a wealth of knowledge about the best producers.

The Aisling Distillery is open for tours and tastings on Saturdays. Mark and Michelle Burns, owners and distillers of the Aisling Distillery, invite you to sample small-batch Riverina Rum, single malt whiskey tawny, or pepper berry gin.

Afternoon

Zecca’s co-owner and chef, Ben, prepares family Italian recipes, relying on local suppliers. The food is generous and honest in true regionale cucina style. You’ll want to bring some home, thanks to Zecca’s on-site provider.

Bertoldo’s Pasticceria has been serving gelato, biscotti, and cannoli since 1952. The family-owned establishment is old-school, with the owners likely to be found in the kitchen and behind the ice cream bar.

The drive to Yarran Wines, which is located on the outskirts, is well worth it. The patio is a sight to behold, with tables just meters away from the vines. The vintners bottle sparkling wine and Shiraz, as well as Italian varietals such as Durif and Nebbiolo. Enjoy the view with a cuvee blanche and cheese platter.

Evening

Luke Piccolo worked in Michelin-starred Italian restaurants for many years. Luke Piccolo was attracted back to his hometown by his family’s farm and the delicious produce they grow. Luke turns this bounty into delicious dishes such as ravioli with nettle and burnt butter or local Glendale hazelnuts.

Quest Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. You can also drive 50 km to Whitton Malt House and stay in one of their self-contained cottages.

DAY TWO: MEET THE MAKERS

DAY TWO: KEY FACTS

food I am can be found at:

• 29 Kunzea Place, Springvale, NSW 2650
• Two-hour drive (190km) from Griffith

Evening

Come to Wagga Wagga on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, surrounded by fields of canola, and get your hands dirty with an I Am Food class. Learn the art of smoking meats or preparing dim sum. The course ends with a glass or two of wine and a tasting session.

Borambola Wines has 50 hectares that are transformed into a variety of wines, from sparkling to Shiraz. Each vintage is accompanied by a label that has been designed specifically for the estate and a story.

Afternoon

The menu is modern Australian, with plenty of snacks – don’t worry, there will be more to come – including merlot-soaked sourdough and Wollundry Grove olives. There are plenty of modern Australian snacks on the menu, including Wollundry Olives and merlot-soaked bread.

Junee Chocolate and Licorice Factory is a magical place north of town where you can create chocolate freckles or stock up giant chocolate pizza wheels.

Coolamon Cheese Co . is located along the Canola Way, a dreamy road. Everything is made in small batches by hand. The semi-hard range of cow’s milk is infused with lemon myrtle, river mint, or native alpine powder.

Drop by the Thirsty Crow Brewing Co. before dinner for a refreshing Jaffa Nut Stout or Steamed Rice Ale.

Evening

What’s more important: formal or casual? Take your pick between dinner options. Roundabout Restaurant offers innovative tasting menus, which may include miso-roasted mushrooms and confit Murray Valley Pork Belly. Try Magpies’ Nest on 8 hectares of olive groves, veggie gardens, and grape vines. The focus is on sustainability, with many of the operations being off-grid. Produce is also sourced locally.

There are also a variety of accommodations available for tonight. You can walk to Wagga’s main street for a drink. The ten suites, each with their design and layout, are arranged around a lush courtyard.

Drive 15 minutes to Belisi Farmstay Cottage, which is a converted shipping container that has been transformed into an elegant retreat. It features a firepit outside and views of a working horse estate, where you can take part in horse therapy sessions.

Day Three: Dine, drink, and then eat some more

DAY THREE: KEY FACTS

Meccanico Espresso & Wine is located at:

• 171 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
• Houston is within walking distance, and Belisi is a 15-minute drive away

Evening

The days at Meccanico Espresso & Wine begin with delicious coffee and toasties. (Try the jamon, truffle, and provolone combination). The restaurant is located in an old mechanic’s workshop, which is part of the buzzing lifestyle precinct Cadell Place. Explore to save room for lunch.

At Nimbo Fork Lodge, a sprawling estate between Gundagai and Tumut. You can enjoy a butterflied Nimbo Trout or a mushroom risotto with a view of the lush, emerald-green fields.

Afternoon

Try the With or Without You Red Irish ale or the spicy Ginger Ninja at the Tumut River Brewing Co. Visit the brewery and sample some of its best offerings.

If you prefer to sample a wine instead, Cathy Gairn and Brian Gairn will be your warm hosts at Courabyra Wines, located in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. The pinot gris is a must-try.

After you’ve tasted the best of the region, it’s now time to get in the car and drive the five hours back to Sydney.

How to get there

It takes approximately 6.5 hours to drive from Sydney up to Griffith. The road trip is scenic, passing through the Southern Highlands before skirting around the Snowy Mountains. You can also reach the Riverina by plane. Both Qantas Airlines and Rex Airlines offer daily flights from Griffith. You can hire a vehicle at the airport once you arrive if you decide to take this route. There’s a great deal of ground you want to cover during your long weekend.