Tim's Ravings

The weather in Mudgee is glorious at the moment; cool, crisp nights followed by clear, sunny days. Winter and Spring is a great time here, invariably green and languid.

For those who haven’t been to Mudgee lately, allow me to paint the scene. Mudgee has rejuvenated its famous streetscape in recent years and is one of the most impressive examples of historic towns in Australia.

Most of the accommodation in Mudgee is B&Bs (there are no large resorts), but these are not like the B&Bs of old. Many are located among the vines, in town or on the river and are more like boutique hotels.

The town itself is a busy one, particularly on Saturday mornings when a dozen or so cafés offer sunny sidewalk breakfasts the way only a pretty, historic country town can.

Following breakfast, a typical Mudgee weekend is likely to have you visiting some of the 30 Cellar Doors, most of which are within a fifteen minute drive. Almost all are family-owned and offer high quality hand-made wines of all descriptions, from delicate whites to thumping, traditional reds.

These are wines that are often little known by all but loyal followers and international critics. The makers are invariably passionate and motivated not by commerce but the desire to produce food-friendly and exquisite wines to their own liking. Service is unrushed, informative, personal and most importantly, friendly.

Following your winery visit, it’s back to base for a read and a nap in front of a log fire.

Next you saunter out to dinner at one of Mudgee’s handful of excellent restaurants that feature our amazing local produce (pork, lamb, rabbit and vegetables in particular), or simply pop into one of the smart country pubs for excellent atmosphere and food. You will sleep well, I promise – they say it’s the pristine mountain air that does it, but I reckon it’s just that you are a world away from the city.

Wake up late the next morning to chirping native birds, another country breakfast, pick up a bit more wine and then reluctantly head back.

Mudgee is a leisurely 3½ hour drive away, but it’s a transformative journey that you won’t regret making.