A Food Lovers Weekend In Griffith

Where long lunches, local wine and warm hospitality collide

There’s something undeniably special about eating and drinking your way through the Riverina. Maybe it’s the way the late-afternoon sun washes over endless vines, the quiet generosity of the makers behind every bottle and plate, or that unhurried rhythm of country towns where time feels like an ingredient in itself. If you’re craving a weekend built around flavour, connection and pure indulgence, set your sights on Griffith and Leeton — the beating heart of Australian food and wine.

FRIDAY

Start your journey at Whitton Malt House near Leeton, ideally arriving just as the sun begins to slide behind the citrus orchards. This lakeside stunner distils the very essence of the Riverina, celebrating local grain, beer, spirits and produce in a way visitors consistently describe as polished yet deeply welcoming. Order a whisky or gin tasting flight, settle into the lakeside deck, and pair it with a charcuterie board packed with locally cured meats and pickles. It’s the perfect slow landing into the region, where the pressure and pace of the highway melt away instantly.

From here, it’s a smooth drive into Griffith to check into The Gem Hotel — modern, calm and known for its friendly, fuss-free service. It’s a favourite among travellers who want comfort without pretension, making it an ideal base for a weekend built around long lunches and vineyard afternoons.

Dinner on your first night has to be Limone Dining, Griffith’s architectural and culinary jewel. Made almost entirely from reclaimed materials and led by a deeply seasonal, farm-to-fork philosophy, Limone delivers one of regional NSW’s most memorable dining experiences. Every dish feels like a love letter to the region’s growers, from citrus farmers to market gardeners. Diners consistently rave about the tasting menu, describing it as elegant, thoughtful and grounded — the kind of meal where conversation slows because everyone’s too busy savouring what’s in front of them.

SATURDAY

Ease into Saturday with espresso and a bite from La Piccolo Deli, a European-style café beloved for its pastries, perfectly balanced coffee and bustling morning energy. Take your time wandering Griffith’s art trail and through the boutique-lined Banna Avenue, making sure to pick up treats from Bertoldo’s — the famous bakery known for its biscotti, cannoli and Italian staples.

When the vineyards call (and yes, they will), follow them. Start at Calabria Family Wines, a cellar door that pairs generations of heritage with true country warmth. Visitors often mention how approachable the team is — the kind of place where you might end up talking to someone from the winemaking family without even realising. From there, head to De Bortoli Bilbul Estate and sip the celebrated Noble One under the shade of gum trees. Tasting it here, where the story began, feels like a rite of passage. If you’re after something boutique and contemporary, finish at Yarran Wines, known for its stunning deck views, friendly team and small-batch releases that often sell out.

Dinner back in Griffith should be something comforting and celebratory, and ZECCA delivers just that. . Handmade pasta, a menu rooted in regional Italian traditions, and an exceptional selection of small Italian and local wines make this place an absolute crowd favourite. The pappardelle is often mentioned by travellers as “worth the trip alone.”

SUNDAY

On Sunday, take your time easing out of town. If your visit aligns with the Rotary Markets, it’s the perfect place to stock up on edible souvenirs — citrus, olives, honey, preserves and other treats that taste like Riverina sunshine. If the markets aren’t on, the Griffith Regional Art Gallery is a calm and culturally rich stop, known for its textile exhibitions and local talent.

Before you hit the road, make the short trip up to Hermit’s Cave Lookout. The view stretches across vineyards, orchards and the township, offering one last sweeping reminder of the region’s beauty. It’s the kind of moment that makes you linger, breathe a little deeper and promise you’ll be back.

Because in the Riverina, meals aren’t just meals — they’re experiences. Conversations stretch longer, flavours carry stories, and everywhere you go, someone is proud to share the fruits of their land.

This is a place that feeds you in every sense of the word. And once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find yourself wanting another bite.

Our tip? Plan your return visit to coincide with one of the town’s iconic events - A Taste of Italy in August, the Easter Party, or Spring Fest in October — because there’s always more to discover, more to sip, and more to savour.