Gourmet Guide to the Hunter Region
The Hunter Region is proudly known for great wine, it’s also home to an abundance of gourmet producers, from bakeries, to chocolate, cheese and more. We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite spots for those moments that demand only the best for a decadent picnic or a restaurant quality meal at home. Here’s some of our favourite artisan producers that the Scarborough family love to visit and support – go on and visit them, you’re in for a real treat!
Pokolbin and Cessnock:
You’ll be spoilt for choice at this specialty butcher and smokehouse. They carry some of the best products from local producers, selling fresh cuts, house-made charcuterie and a range of smoked meats. And if you haven’t picked up enough while you’re there, pop next door and grab a burger from Burgers by HMC shop – they are seriously good, and “just might be the best in Australia”.
47 Maitland St, Branxton
Located right across the road from our Scarborough winery on Hermitage Road, this is a chocolate lovers heaven. These handmade chocolates are some of the best (and most beautiful) you will come across. The year-round highlights include Macadamia Buttercrunch, Roasted Almond and Sea Salt, with extra special seasonal collections adding extra cheer to special times. Pop by for a hot chocolate to start your day, you’ll also find many of the range are gluten-free so there’s something for all types of chocolate lovers to enjoy. We are so lucky to have such a talented chef as Aymee on our doorstep.
989 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin
Located at Peppers Creek Pokolbin Village in Central Pokolbin you can taste and buy some of Australia’s finest olive oils, vinegars and food products sure to be the heroes on your dinner table. Choose from a range of dukkah, mayonnaise, pesto and relishes - the perfect take home souvenir.
1946 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Specialising in soft cheeses such as marinated feta, triple cream brie (we serve this at our cellar door) or delicious labna, there is so much to love about these local cheese makers. While at the Dairy, you can also check out the cheese making facility, or enjoy a little platter of their wares in their café.
25 Lodge Rd, Lovedale
This fabulous little providore was established to provide farm fresh and organic produce delivered straight from the farm – supporting local farmers. Stop by and fill the esky to support our local Hunter Region farmers.
80 Wollombi Rd, Cessnock
Greater Hunter Region:
Venture a little further afield and there’s also lots to discover as the greater Hunter region becomes well known for artisan producers galore. These two producers are definitely two of our favourites.
Baked Uprising began with the amazing Alice as a micro-bakery in 2010 and is now found in multiple locations in Newcastle. You’ll find amazing sourdough, sweet treats and drool worthy pies. Worth the detour!
21/25 Downie St, Maryville or Harris Farm Markets, Cooks Hill
This is Newcastle’s home of gourmet foods. Walk into this little deli to be transported to the markets of Paris or Rome, with some of the best smallgoods and cheeses from across the globe. Sam and her team will guide you through their gorgeous selection of goods, so you get exactly the treat you’re looking for, and perhaps a new favourite.
144 Maitland Rd, Mayfield
There are plenty more foodie adventures to be had in the Hunter Valley, find more ideas here:
· Top Places to Eat in the Hunter Valley