Friday afternoon
Check into your accommodation at Hunter Studios or Quest Serviced Apartments in Central Maitland and go to The Pourhouse. With the great selection of craft beers on tap, this pub is a local favourite. Enjoy a pint inside in their newly renovated space. Meander through Central Maitland to The Levee, where you will find multiple options for dinner, including CJ’s on The Levee for Spanish style tapas, Acacia Dining for a menu filled with local growers and suppliers, or Beud Korean and Japanese Cuisine for an authentic feast.
After dinner, wander through Maitland Taste at The Levee to see the city come to life with vibrant, interactive lighting. Listen to live music as you meander through the precinct and enjoy a nightcap at The Whistler or The Belmore Hotel before a good night’s rest ready for day two of the festival.
Saturday morning
To enjoy a peaceful outlook for breakfast, go to The Kitchen at Waterford, with views overlooking farmland or Heritage Garden Nursery Café, nestled within the quaint nursery. Each menu is filled with character and beautiful flavours. From there you can take a short drive through Tenambit, stopping at Donarch Fine Chocolate on your way to Morpeth.
Couple your chocolate with a wine tasting at Boydells Cellar Door and Restaurant or at Morpeth Wine Cellar and Moonshine Distillery, where you can try Morpeth Moonshine which is made onsite. Afterwards, make your way to Morpeth Brewery for a beer tasting followed by lunch upstairs at the Commercial Hotel Morpeth featuring stunning views of The Hunter River.
Saturday afternoon
From Morpeth, take the scenic drive through the luscious farmlands of Phoenix Park, Largs and Lorn, on your way to the festival. After returning to Maitland Taste, immerse yourself in an afternoon of insightful demonstrations. At the Garden Stage watch some demonstrations on how to get your backyard thrivingly self sufficient. Make your way to the Kitchen Stage to watch a demonstration made by one of our local chefs, and be sure to grab yourself some delicious food from one of the many food stalls along the way.
For dinner, visit Duke’s Restaurant and Bar in East Maitland. This restaurant offers mouthwatering modern Australian cuisine within a stunning heritage building. Although if you prefer a relaxed, classic pub option, try Hunter River Hotel or The Windsor Castle Hotel, also located in East Maitland.
Sunday
Have an early breakfast at Lavenders Cafe or The Orange Tree Café at The Levee with beautiful views of the Hunter River before heading to Maitland’s only working vineyard, Tranquil Vale at Luskintyre for a wine tasting. This multigenerational, family owned and operated vineyard will give you a truly unique experience.
Still not ready to leave? Head over the historic Luskintyre Bridge back to Maitland Taste for lunch from one of the delicious food trucks or pop up eateries. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the gourmet food and artisan markets whilst listening to live music.
