Fantastic Food Classes and Tours in the Shoalhaven

Food, glorious food – it’s something that can make or break a well-earned break. Luckily for you, not only does NSW’s Shoalhaven region feature a wealth of delicious and highly regarded restaurants and eateries, but it has an exciting range of options for foodies wanting to learn more. Including everything from rustic farm visits to gourmet treats, our smorgasbord of tours and classes offer a mouth-watering selection – and a great addition to your next stay!

Hampden Deli, Dining & School

Located in the impossibly idyllic hidden Kangaroo Valley, Hampden Deli puts the “oh!” in oasis with its highly acclaimed 2-hour cooking classes from Wednesday to Sunday each week. Presented by acclaimed, hatted chefs, everything is provided, with an ever-changing selection of classes on offer all year round including using seasonal produce, baking and breadmaking, charcuterie, coffee skills, wine-pairing and more. And when you’re done with the learning, you can enjoy their delicious deli or relaxing wine lounge!

The Treat Factory, Berry

Here’s a venue that will be just as popular with kids as it is with adults. Yes, it’s Berry’s The Treat Factory – offering their popular ‘bean to bar’ chocolate workshops for kids – always a (sugar) hit during the holidays! These workshops are specifically for the little ones, showcasing chocolatier knowledge and bringing that Willy Wonka fantasy to reality with practical demonstrations and hands-on fun. The factory also features a Dairy Bar for artisan gelato, sundaes and more, plus tours of the facility on request – the ultimate in sweet talking!

Foodscape Tours

The team at Foodscape Tours offers gourmet food and wine day tours showcasing the best of South Coast’s bountiful natural pantry. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride as you visit specialty retailers, vineyards, farms and growers, and discover the best of local produce and artisan products. You’ll also get to meet the passionate producers at the heart of these establishments and get a true behind-the-scenes look at this region’s fantastic fare. There are a range of tours on offer, including full day, just wineries, or shorter Berry walking options!

Curated Cooking Classes with Creative Escapes

The team from Creative Escapes don’t do just one thing – in fact, they’re experts in providing you with unforgettable and unique holiday experiences. This includes a range of creative, off-to-beaten-track ideas such as learning how to bring Spanish flair into your repertoire with chef Edoardo from The Guild restaurant in Milton. This workshop is full of European flavour, where an experienced northern Italian chef will guide you through all the ins and outs of making a Spanish Paella, plus fun extra lessons. There’s always something new and unique to try.

Milk Haus, Milton

Milk Haus is a garden-to-plate eatery in Milton that proudly runs regular cooking workshops. In particular, their classes focus on anti-inflammatory recipes that you’ll actually want to eat! The team also runs regular raw food and vegan cooking classes (to impress even your most cynical of meat-eating mates!) and their popular BakeClub workshops teaching everything from bread and cake making to winter pies, tarts and even hot crossed buns! The kitchen garden is a delight and centre to everything they do – a great place to be inspired!

Jervis Bay Food and Wine Experience

Based in Huskisson, Jervis Bay Food and Wine tours cannot wait to showcase the award-winning wines and sumptuous local produce of this abundant and beautiful region. Sip on cheeky Chardonnays, vibrant Verdelho, smooth Shiraz or try a taste of Tempranillo or other new and exciting drops as you tour local cellar doors. Along the way, your taste buds will also be tempted by plump marinated olives, creamy cheeses, juicy jams, sweet chocolates and boutique beers all with a gorgeous backdrop. An experience for all the senses!

Chocolate Cottages Workshops, Milton Country Retreat

If you want the ultimate experience, put the treat into ‘retreat’ with a chocolate workshop that combines a getaway in the same package. That’s what’s on offer at Milton Country Retreat – the ideal destination for a special occasion and unique experience. Chocolate classes on offer include a Decadent Night Time workshop, a Learn How to Temper class and even kids lessons – with each workshop giving you a whole new appreciation for the art of chocolate making. You can visit just for the classes or of course, stay in the B&B accommodation for the complete retreat!

Jim Wild’s Oyster Service

From sweet foods to sea foods, take a drive out to Greenwell point to find Jim Wild’s Oyster Service – operating for more than 40 years on the foreshore of the Crookhaven River. This is a working Oyster Farm and you’ll have the opportunity to watch them work and learn about the process, before sitting out right on the water and enjoying some of the freshest shucked Sydney Rock Oysters or Pacific Oysters around. Alternatively, purchase them to take with you – with fresh Australian Prawns also on the menu!

Indigenous Inspired Masterclass

Mark Olive, aka ‘The Black Olive’, has been a chef for over 25 years and has become a well known Australian celebrity with his charismatic style and creative approach to food. Mark has a passion for fusing native food and culture with contemporary lifestyle cooking, and this has led to a huge international profile specialising in gourmet Australian Indigenous cuisine. 

Extra course: Buena Vista Farm

Also worth a special mention and located at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in Gerringong, Buena Vista Farm is a former dairy farm lovingly transformed into a sustainable wonderland of laying hens, bees, grass-fed beef, a market garden, a kitchen garden, free range pigs, geese and ducks, coffee grove and a commercial kitchen. Celebrating 10 years of running cooking workshops, their passion is wholefood cooking – with classes including ‘from scratch’ pantry staples, sourdough baking, cheesemaking, fermentation and more! Well worth the extra drive.