LOCAL FLAVOUR: The Mudgee Tourist Information Center boasts a wide range of the local produce that is on offer in the area. Photo: Isaac McIntyre

Mudgee was recently crowned the number one food destination in the entire country, and Mudgee Region Tourism CEO Cara George believes it was because of the region’s authenticity.

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Walking into the Tourist Information Center on Market Street, the produce arranged around the room certainly gives a clue as to why the region was so strongly endorsed by travel booking website Booking.com.

“I think that with a consistent message in the market about our sophisticated country setting with sophisticated food and drink offering, we are really starting to make the Mudgee region top of mind for foodie lovers,” Cara said of one reason behind the region’s recent honour.

“It’s becoming quite the bucket list destination.”

Cara speaks of authenticity of the product, and a willingness for the entire region to support each other when it comes to promoting and sharing the local produce.

“I think that a fine source of products in the area, accompanied by some amazing restaurants and cafes that are billing our best is resonating with visitors,” she said.

“The authenticity of the produce is really connecting with our audience. It all works so well [here] because some people can travel to different destinations and perhaps enjoy the food and wine but its not necessarily authentically from that region, and what Mudgee does very well is that it represents its region on a plate.”

Part of the allure of the region and its produce is the wide varieties that Mudgee and the surrounding area can bring to the table.

Although Mudgee is well known for the wine industry that has blossomed here, and has surpassed other food and wine destinations like Orange, Adelaide and Hobart in that respect, variation is also key.

“We have honey, different olive oils, saffron products, local indigenous produce, Hello Lovelies cordial, teas, pistachios,” Cara says of the selection that is available right off the front counter of the Tourist Information Center.

“In the summer months we even have cherries because they’re in season and they’re delicious. I feel like there’s so many that I am missing too.”

Again, authenticity, says Cara, who speaks proudly of the ever-growing range that comes through the center’s doors.

“When we talk about our local produce, and what we sell in the Visitor Information Center, gone are the days of cheap souvenirs, people want to engage with what is from the region,” she said.

“We are proud to present at least 90% of what we sell in the center is locally produced. It all highlights Mudgee, and that’s what really resonates with the audience and it gets us increased visitation.”

“There’s a ‘brag-ability’ about the quality of our produce that is going out into the regions where our visitors are from.”

I guess you want people to brag a little when you take out the top spot.