New South Wales based businesses have never been so delicious…

We don’t need to tell you how important it is to support local business. However, as we venture out less and we’re also putting the safety of ourselves and those around us first, it can be a little harder to encounter those innovative, artisan local businesses to support in our neighbourhoods and beyond. 

Introducing the inaugural #AussieArtisanWeek (Monday 17 – Sunday 23 August 2020), designed to promote the creative and entrepreneurial businesses around us with everything from oyster farmers to cider makers and milliners. In partnership with Destination NSW, we’re here to tell you about some gorgeous New South Wales artisans doing business near you, and who you can still support, even if you’re staying at home.

So if you’re feeling hungry, here’s 14 gorgeous foodie artisans in New South Wales which you should have on your radar.

Bodalla Dairy Shed, Bodalla: Producing milk, cheese and ice-cream out of the iconic dairy town of Bodalla, Bodalla Dairy Shed is a micro-dairy where milk is hand-bottled by locals in small batches at very low temperatures to keep the produce alive and brimming with grassy goodness. If it’s a bit of a drive for you, make sure to make a trip of it by stopping in at the Dairy Shed & Milkbar for a milkshake or even staying overnight in the onsite accommodation. Children can even get stuck in with feeding the animals – the perfect opportunity to teach them where their food comes from. 

Burnt Honey, Copacabana: At this local secret, you can pre-order handmade pastries, sourdough bread and even a delicious coffee or two. All products are made with love using high quality, locally sourced and ethically made produce that’s available.

Cocoa Nib, Hunter Valley and Newcastle: With shops situated in two of the state’s most idyllic locations, Cocoa Nib produces award-winning handmade chocolates in small batches. If you’re in the Hunter region, be sure to stop in at the beautiful cellar door for a tasting and a pre-chocolate lunch at Muse Kitchen.

Coolamon Cheese Company, Coolamon: Located in the Riverina region, Coolamon Cheese Company is a community backed dynamic artisan cheese maker producing award-winning cheeses. Whether you’re after a mild cheddar or a double brie, you’ll be sure to find something here – or you can shop the store online.

East 33, Sydney: Are you a seafood connoisseur? Then acquaint yourself with East 33, purveyor of Sydney rock oysters sourced from boutique producers along the entire coast of New South Wales from Merimbula to Nambucca. You can order from the online East 33 shellar door to experience all the tastes, textures and delights the Sydney rock oyster has to offer.

Honorbread, Bermagui: An artisan sourdough bakery in Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast, this is a one stop shop for all baked goods. Their occasional bread making classes are the perfect excuse to stop in and pick up some tricks of the trade.

Li Sun Exotic Mushrooms, Mittagong: If you like your tastes a little more acquired, look no further than Li Sun in the Southern Highlands. They’ve been at the forefront of the exotic mushroom industry in Australia for over 20 years. The mushrooms are all grown in a disused railway tunnel, and key varieties include enoki, chestnut, oyster, shitaki and king brown to name a few. You can even tour the tunnel a few times a year with Highlands Foodie Connection.

Macenmist Black Truffles and Wines, Bredbo: If truffle season is your favourite holiday of the year, why not go the whole hog? In Bredbo, you can join the truffle hunt yourself with truffle dogs Fahren and Tawdiffu, and find your own black perigord truffle. It is a real paddock to plate experience that is not to be missed. 

one more, Petersham: If you’ve got a sweet tooth which cannot be satisfied, then this boutique chocolatier should be on your radar. Specialising in small batch artisan chocolates and confections, they only use select and quality ingredients to produce decadent bites of goodness.

Pepe Saya, Caringbah: It’s likely you already recognise this artisan butter line, but if you don’t already know it, Pepe Saya is a favourite among many Sydney-based fine dining restaurants. Set up by the founder of #AussieArtisanWeek, Pierre Issa, the line is renowned for incredible cultured butter, and a line of dairy products including cream and ghee. They use milk sourced from Country Valley Milk in Picton, New South Wales.

The Saffron Kitchen & Cafe, Rylstone: Foodies, get a load of this. Specialising in quality saffron and saffron infused products, this is the only company in Australia infusing locally-grown saffron to produce their signature products. Highlights include caramelised Saffron White Wine Vinegar, Saffron Dukkah, Granola and Saffron Onion Jam. 

Wins Creek Honey, Murrumbateman: Producing delicious honey from the native Australian wildlife, Wins Creek relies on unusual species such as yellow box, spotted gum, red stringybark and tea tree. They pride themselves on their natural honey, made with minimal processing, and with a taste of New South Wales like no other. 

Zecca Handmade Italian, Griffith: Nestled in a 1930’s art deco building that was previously a bank, Zecca is the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta. It’s the perfect spot to purchase some authentic, and traditionally-made pasta. Simply choose from tagliatelle, pappardelle or rigatoni and enjoy the Zecca experience at home.

Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation & Roastery, Newrybar: Zentveld’s prides itself on producing a real sweet chocolatey coffee, free of pests and diseases. They put environmental concerns centre stage too, so their products are naturally spray free, and they prioritise real organic principles, keeping bee friendliness and biodiversity in mind. 

Looking for more delicious inspiration for supporting local business? Learn how not to plan a trip to one of New South Wales’ thriving wine regions, or check out these 5 regional artisan chocolate shops.