Hilltops Food & Drink

Sip your way through the delicious Hilltops wine region, pick juicy stone fruit at picturesque orchards and explore gourmet markets on an indulgent foodie escape. This region is brimming with tasty experiences, from olive groves and honey producers to award-winning wine and culinary delights.

Cherry capital of Australia

Known as the cherry capital of Australia, the Young region is home to rich red soil, high altitude and distinct seasons, ideal for growing stone fruits. You’ll find family-owned orchards where you can pick your own fruit between October and January, and pick up delicious jams and sweet treats to take home.

A food-filled events calendar includes the famous National Cherry Festival, a three-day celebration in December, complete with a cherry pie-eating contest. Mark the start of Spring at the Cherry Blossom Long Lazy Lunch. Taste farm produce at the Young and Region Farmers Market, held on the first and third Saturday of the month.

Hilltops region vineyards

The Hilltops wine region is known for its premium red wines, produced from outstanding cool climate wine grapes. Taste a curated selection of local wines at Hilltops Region Wine Cellar, located in the historic Railway Station building.

You can also visit wineries directly, such as Grove Estate Wines and Chalkers Crossing Winery, or join a winery and orchard tour. Between Young and Harden you can enjoy a slice of Italy at Freeman Vineyards. Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door also offers jams and sauces.

Gourmet treats

You’ll find great cafes, restaurants and country pubs throughout the gorgeous villages of Young, Boorowa, Harden-Murrumburrah and Jugiong. Browse gourmet food shops that sell local treats, such as Harden’s House of Honey and the Long Track Pantry.

With a cafe and views of Young, the Bluestill Distillery produces hand-crafted Australian spirits, including bourbon, gin, rum and cherry port. For more cherry treats, head to Wilders Bakery in Young and grab an award-winning cherry pie, along with other baked goods.