Food and Wine
The Tamworth region is bursting with an abundance of local produce on offer from some of the finest livestock and cropping areas in Australia.
As one of Australia's agricultural hubs, the Tamworth region has a strong focus on traditional farming such as beef, sheep, poultry (the district is the largest poultry producer in NSW), grains, dairy and pastures. Recently Tamworth has experienced growth in niche agricultural ventures such as olives, nuts, fish farming, honey, alpacas, hydroponics and berries. Many local operators have now expanded to export produce, satisfying an international demand for all things Australian. Whilst many industries have grown exponentially and the local economy has diversified, agriculture continues to be the backbone with a gross production value estimated at over $75 million.
The Tamworth region's abundance of top quality local produce doesn't stop in the paddock, with a number of restaurants and businesses using it to create a wide range of delicious dishes. There are more than 50 restaurants in the Tamworth Region as well as many other eateries from five-star, award winning fine-dining to outdoor cafes and steakhouse; there are more than enough places to satisfy any hunger. Be surprised to learn that Tamworth is home to a three-star Michelin Chef and a Culinary Olympics winning Chef. Exquisite fine-dining, blends of tasty local produce teamed with true-country hospitality and a wide array of alfresco dining cafes and restaurants will leave you satisfied, surprised and wanting a second helping.
Boutique wineries do wonders for the palate with a variety of blends available to tempt; they also showcase a variety of grape blends from local boutique vineyards. Wineries to the north that hug the Peel River have recently been classified as Australia's newest wine region: New England. To the west the varieties of red and white wines produced simply must be tasted to appreciate the potential of viticulture in the region.
Some of the numerous wineries to explore include Banalasta along the New England Highway, the Kitty Crawford Estate situated in the beautiful Dungowan Valley, the Lazy Poet Vineyard at Piallamore and Tangaratta Vineyards in the tranquil Peel Valley, plus many more.
There's much to see, taste and smell across the Tamworth region, and in this case catch, at the Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm nestled in the mountains of Hanging Rock, a 20 minute spectacular drive from Nundle. It is famous for its fine Rainbow Trout and travellers are invited to take a guided tour or try a hand at catching a plump trout. If trout isn't fishy enough for you then you can take a visit to the Tamworth FinFarm. Be intrigued and see how they grow the barramundi to harvest, processing, smoking and packing.
To Tempt your Tastebuds, discover the great dining options in the region.
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The Tamworth region is bursting with an abundance of local produce to temp gourmands so contact the Visitor Information Centre for further information to satisfy your palate.
Boutique wineries do wonders for the palate with many varieties available to taste. Visitors will also find meat, chicken, trout and barramundi farms across the region. Local operators are also producing into olives, honey and assorted condiments, berry liqueur, coffee and pasta plus there is a eucalypt and a lavender farm.
Numerous touring options are available to many of these local produce operators or alternatively, you can sample the produce that is used at a number of restaurants across the region.
Contact the Visitor Information Centre for further information.