Ten food and wine experiences you can't miss in Port Macquarie

The Port Macquarie region, on the Mid North Coast of NSW is a food and wine lovers paradise waiting to be discovered with hinterland vineyards, hatted coastal restaurants and unique food and wine experiences. Home to over 80 producers, seven wineries, three boutique breweries and an enviable events calendar, Port Macquarie will impress all foodies and wine buffs.

Here are ten food and wine experiences not to miss in Port Macquarie.
With a relaxed environment and a seasonal menu featuring fresh regional produce, Fusion 7 is a local favourite and a great way to taste the best of the region. Led by Chefs Lindsey Schwab (ex Bathers Pavilion) and his partner Frea, Fusion was recently awarded a hat in the 2016 Australian Good Food Guide

Head to the charming village of Laurieton for the ultimate seafood experience. Located on the Camden Haven River, enjoy locally harvested oysters from family owned and operated Armstrong Oysters. Don’t leave without trying their famous Sydney Rock Oysters

Port Macquarie isn’t just for the wine lovers. Head to boutique brewery Black Duck Brewery for a beer tasting, and a bite to eat, or tour of the working brewery. The Brewery offers eight beers on tap, food platters and pizzas

Pick your own strawberries at the iconic Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberry farm gate. Grown on vertical latticed racks in igloo-style greenhouses, all you’ll need is a bucket and the willpower not to eat your pickings! The onsite café is a great place to enjoy an afternoon tea or to peruse the local jams and preserves from their store

It’s festival season all year around in Port Macquarie which hosts three key foodie events. Whether it’s Slice of Haven food and wine festival in May, Tastings on Hastings in October or Oysters in the Vines in November at Cassegrain Wines, the best of local produce and vino is on show

Combine a winery and NSW’s largest hedge maze and you have a whole heap of fun ahead of you. Bago Vineyard appeals to both the kids and the young at heart with its impressive two metre high hedge maze. Meanwhile the adults can sit back and enjoy Bago’s signature Sparkling Chambourcin or Tannat

Surrounded by water in Port Macquarie, the best way to fully take in the region is by water. Port Venture runs a fantastic river cruise and winery experience tour. The half-day cruise includes a sparkling high tea on the Hastings – you may even spot a dolphin or two. Following the cruise guests are taken to Cassegrain Winery for a tour of the winery, gourmet lunch and wine tasting

Award-winning The Stunned Mullet is a must on any Port Macquarie itinerary. Holding a Chef’s Hat and awarded in Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice, you’ll be impressed with their modern Australian menu and comprehensive wine list looking out over iconic Town Beach

The Little Fish Café is a special place that overlooks the lush vineyards of the Innes Lake Estates led by French born head Chef Steve Delandemare. With a menu that changes with the seasons, they offer an excellent range of local wines, best enjoyed on their veranda taking in the stunning views

A visit to Port Macquarie is not complete without visiting the award-winning Cassegrain Wines. Overlooking rolling vineyards and magnificent rose gardens, a visit to the cellar door is best followed by a meal at Seasons Café-Restaurant, which offers a French-inspired menu focusing on seasonal and regional produce.