For those who appreciate the fine art of a good grazing plate - where creamy brie, sharp cheddar and handcrafted accompaniments take centre stage - this guide is your golden ticket.
Whether you're swirling a glass of cool-climate Pinot or diving into a Reuben stacked with melted Swiss, these destinations know how to treat cheese with the reverence it deserves. From eco-conscious wineries to eclectic cafés and breezy bistros, we’ve tracked down the most deliciously indulgent spots where cheese and its companions shine.
Tamburlaine Organic Wines - Pokolbin, NSW
Set in the heart of wine country on McDonalds Road, Tamburlaine Organic Wines is more than just a vineyard - it’s a statement in sustainability. With sprawling views of the Hunter Valley and a name drawn from Marlowe’s famed character, this pioneering winery delivers a refined yet approachable tasting experience. Organic to the core and proudly vegan-friendly, Tamburlaine is leading the way with wines that are as pure as they are flavourful. A visit here feels like stepping into a dialogue between nature and craft, backed by years of eco-conscious innovation.
Tamburlaine’s wine flights come thoughtfully paired with boutique cheese - an experience that’s as elegant as it is inclusive. Expect bold, low-sulphur reds like the Point 65 Malbec with its earthy richness and hints of cherry and dark chocolate, standing tall beside creamy vegan brie or nutty cashew cheese. Meanwhile, the Reserve Noble Riesling - bursting with lime and sherbet - is an after-dinner delight, especially when served with blue cheese and tropical fruit. It’s a grazing experience designed to elevate the simple pleasure of sipping and snacking into something altogether sublime.
Tucked beneath the leafy canopy of Hastings Street, Rococo pulses with a magnetic energy that defines Noosa cool. With its alfresco vibe, live music and tables perfect for people-watching, this modern Italian bistro blurs the lines between laid-back luxury and festive flair. The menu struts from day to night with seamless sophistication - ideal for that spontaneous long lunch that turns into dinner.
Rococo’s take on the grazing plate - aptly titled Formaggio - is a minimalist ode to cheese done right. This curated selection offers artisanal wedges alongside seasonal fruit, tangy pastes and perfectly crisp crackers. The balance of texture and flavour makes for an effortless match to Rococo’s deep wine list, or even one of the cheeky cocktails. It’s a scene-stealing starter or a solo indulgence that whispers dolce vita with every bite.
Worn-Out-Wares Café - Singleton, NSW
Worn-Out-Wares is part café, part florist and part treasure trove - a Bohemian escape wrapped in vintage charm. Set in a character-filled building with rustic brickwork and French doors, this Singleton institution offers more than just great food; it delivers an experience. Wander through its European-style courtyard filled with blooms and antique finds before settling into a meal that fuses farmhouse comfort with gourmet flair.
The café’s seasonal grazing plate is a journey in rustic indulgence. Expect a rotating array of local cheeses paired with juicy roasted olives, tangy pickled zucchini, housemade relishes and slabs of crusty ciabatta. Generous slices of ham off the bone and tender corned beef bring a hearty edge, turning this plate into a feast. It's the kind of lunch that lingers, best enjoyed with a fresh-pressed juice or a cheeky glass of wine under the dappled light of a country afternoon.
Wombat Forest Vineyard - Denver, Vic
A hidden gem nestled at the edge of Wombat State Forest, this boutique vineyard in Denver offers a serene, bush-fringed escape just minutes from Daylesford. Family-run and utterly unpretentious, Wombat Forest Vineyard blends sustainable viticulture with a deeply local approach to food. Native birds chirp overhead as guests gather at the cellar door, sip under gum trees or cosy up fireside with a glass in hand.
The seasonal platters are the stuff of country luxe dreams - cheese and charcuterie sourced from nearby producers, elegantly arranged to reflect both the terroir and the moment. Aged Merlot, matured in French oak, complements rich triple cream brie or smoky blue; while a zesty 2020 Pinot Gris makes a clean partner to sharp cheddar and crisp pickled vegetables. Whether you're lounging on the deck or curled up in the courtyard, this is forest-to-fork indulgence at its finest.
Cheese may be timeless, but how we enjoy it is ever-evolving and these venues are leading the charge. Whether it’s organic wine with vegan cheese in the Hunter, rustic boards in a country café or a luxe Italian platter by the beach, the ultimate grazing experience awaits. So grab your crew (or fly solo), raise a glass and prepare to indulge - because the world looks a little brighter with cheese on your plate.
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