The_CEO_Magazine_ANZ_-_December_2016

the homegrown and locally sourced

movement that really does seem to have

taken over the food and wine scene here. I’ll

admit it’s a little disconcerting to see the

gorgeous plump free-range pigs wander past

the windows as I tuck into my breakfast of

crispy bacon and farm-fresh eggs, but this is

the country after all.

In 1838, Robert’s ancestor Johann Stein

brought in the first Rhine Riesling cuttings to

survive the journey from Germany to

Australia. In keeping with tradition, the

winery today produces a few very fine

award-winning iterations of Riesling,

including a Gewurztraminer that has more

than a touch of lychee on the palate that

makes it the perfect pairing for Asian and

Indian dishes.

At this point, you’ll be happy that you have

your car with you, as the boot becomes a

treasure chest of wine-filled glass jewels that

will become fabulous souvenirs of your trip

and extend its pleasures for months to come

once back at home.

All this indulgence doesn’t stop with the

food and wine scene either: for a small

country town, Mudgee has some surprisingly

luxurious places to rest your head. Housed

in the historic Mechanics Institute building,

the Perry Street Hotel has had a modern

makeover, dividing the building into thirteen

generous suites. There’s not a hint of

country kitsch here, the décor taking its

cues from the architecture of Berlin, with

striking charcoal walls, natural linens and

timbers and more than a hint of urban

sophistication. The luxury is amped with

vintage kimonos, complimentary

Whittaker’s chocolate and other snacks,

T2 teas and a Nespresso machine.

It’s also a short stroll from Mudgee’s most

happening strip: Market Street. Peppered

with wine bars, cafés and restaurants, it’s got

a great buzz as locals mingle with out-of-

towners, all enjoying the local food and wine.

One very special place is a little hard to find,

but well worth the effort. Tucked away

through a small cobblestone laneway off

Market Street are the two rustic indoor

dining spaces and a pretty vine-shaded

courtyard that make up Alby and Ester’s.

By day it’s a café serving up locally sourced

produce and incredibly good coffee.

The cakes and tarts adorning the counter

are a huge temptation, but I spy a jaffle on

the menu and am overcome with nostalgia.

Alby and Ester’s ‘famous’ version of the

toasted sandwich is crisp and packed with

locally smoked ham, Dunedoo eggs — with

All this indulgence doesn’t stop

with the food and wine scene

either: for a small country

town, Mudgee has some

surprisingly luxurious places

to rest your head.

G O U R M ET GETAWAY