This time last week I was running around like a crazy woman trying to get out the door and on the road to Mudgee for the weekend for the Wild Spark event being run by my mate Miss Chardy. It’s always tricky to line up a weekend away from the family, moreso when we had to pack up our shop to take on the road for the first time and try things like eftpos payments on the road etc and line up the kids for Rob who had been OS for the week.
So when we finally did hit that road it was sweet relief to crank up the tunes, open the windows and let the sunshine and warmth in and then enjoy an ice cold rose at our first stop: Lowe wines. What a slice of paradise that place was with the cool shade of their huge wisteria vines, a happy dog at your feet hoping to get a scrap from their fabulous local grazing platters and the beautiful kitchen garden and vines to look at. Absolute paradise. I could have spent a very long afternoon there…shame I was driving.
We then checked into our AirBnb (which was a bit shite tbh) a grand old house but for the amount of money we paid outrageous for the amenities that we had. After NZ when we paid far less than what we did here I just didn’t get it. Australia is SO expensive when it comes to accomodation. After a drink on the verandah in the sunshine we headed out to our local friend who was with us (Annie’s) mates place for drinks and dinner: Alby and Esthers. What a slice of heaven in Mudgee with amazing local food and wine…we had the best time ever!
The next morning we were up early to head out to Burnbrae wines for the event. We met so many wonderful women who all shopped up a storm and it was a great success for us for our first ever attempt at Add to Cart out in the Wild.
We were hit with a dust storm as we were packing up – with a few pathetic drops of rain thrown in but it was like it was raining mud if that’s possible. A reminder for us that the drought is still in full force out there and we must try and support those businesses out there.
It was early to bed as we were exhausted and then up, packed up and off to breakfast at Pipeclay Pumphouse where I had the most delicious breakfast: BACON & EGG GNOCCHI. How good is that?!
As few more stop ins along the way finishing at Logan Wines which was the prettiest place ever. Again, I could have spent a little time on that terrace enjoying many a glass of their sparkling rose that is absolutely delicious. Lucky for me I got to take two home…
We meandered home through the mountains determined to come back to this great region to enjoy all on offer (without having to work!). Loved it here – hope you guys head out to enjoy sometime too.
What are your top picks in Mudgee?
I’m curious (ok nosey) what was the best seller at your pop up shop and is that different to your online best seller?
I’ve never been to Mudgee so have no clue what to do there, but that laneway dining setting looked gorgeous.
cheers Kate
Thanks Kate – I think it was the table linen – hard to see the quality of it online its truly stunning. So that was the best sellers! And country women love an apron (so do I!) x
So glad you enjoyed Logan Wines, their wine labels are the prettiest ever.
They really are! Their cellar door was next level gorgeous!
gosh I must have had my period yesterday,sound a cranky old cow, forgot to mention I enjoyed the podcast
love Mudgee glad your trip was successful
Thanks Lynn!
I’m so pleased Mudgee was such a success for you. I absolutely love Mudgee and get there whenever I can. The Pipeclay Pumphouse is one of my favourites and their 5 course meal is amazing value. Love Elton’s as well.
I will definitely be back!
Thanks so much to you and Lucy (and your road trip gang) for coming along for our Wild Spark Ladies Day. You sure did manage to jam lots into such a short time, way to go. Oh Lowe Family Wines…. we spent the whole afternoon there on the Sunday and it was the best day ever, what a spectacular winery. We also loved Alby and Esthers and so glad you had such a wonderful night there. What a shame your house wasn’t as fabulous as the wineries and cafes!!! Thanks again for making the massive effort to come up with Add to Cart. This time last week it was all systems go and now I am back up here, seems like a lifetime ago.
I so wish we had more of a chance to catch up and have a wine…next time! Congrats on creating such a great event it was fab and we had a ball! x