The Hawkesbury has been known as Sydney’s Food basin for centuries due the regions history in food production that continues today. The bonus of being known as Sydney’s food basin means that we have award standard winning products! From beverages to hatted restaurants there is bound to be something that you can enjoy with the added bonus of some accolades!

1. Karu Distillery

Based in Grose Vale, Karu Distillery is small distillery specialising in boutique gins, rum and vodka. Their first product ‘Affinity Gin’ was released in 2018, during that time the distillery has made a name for itself with over 140 awards across all their ranges. While they currently do not have a cellar door to visit you will often find them at different markets and food festivals around Hawkesbury and greater Sydney, or order direct from their website!

2. Munro’s Quality Meats

Located in Wilberforce and a new premises in Glossodia, the team at Munro’s Quality Meats are well renowned in the world of meats on a national and international level! Recently being crowned Australia’s Champion Butcher only adds to their collection, consistently winning awards for their leg of ham, bacon, and chorizo and even placed third at the International Smallgoods Awards that took place in Germany.

No matter what kind of meat whether it’s a Sunday Roast or an afternoon BBQ Munro’s Quality Meats has you covered!

3. Restaurant Amara

Located in Bowen Mountain and a part of the Spicers Retreats, Restaurant Amara has a focus on seasonal fresh quality food using local producer Harvest Farms. Their focus is on reconnecting guests with the best that the land around them has to offer and to surprise its guests with its originality. Restaurant Amara has been awarded “a hat” each year from 2023-2026 in the Good Food Guide. Inspired by the fresh ingredients featured at Amara? Harvest Farms' vegetable box subscriptions provide direct access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce, so you can try your own hand at creating delicious dishes using Hawkesbury's finest ingredients.

4. Hillbilly Cider

Based in Bilpin, Hillbilly Cider prides itself in being the only cider that uses the Julie apple which was the first commercial apple created right here in the Hawkesbury! With multiple varieties including 'crushed pear' and berry ('Summer cider') and non-alcoholic options, there is something for everyone! Hillbilly has been recognised multiple times at the Australian Cider Awards not only in specific varieties but also as “Most Successful Large Producer”! So why not head up to their cellar door where you can enjoy a tasting of their range as well as some woodfire pizza!

5. Cricca

Tucked away in the heart of Windsor Mall this self proclaimed ‘Italian-ish’ restaurant is well loved by locals and visitors alike!

The intimate restaurant occupies a shop purpose-built as a pizzeria, complete with its original 20-year-old wood-fired oven and charming brick-arched front window. Longtime friends Chef Alessio Nogarotto and Head Chef Giles Gabutina have created a welcoming dining destination. They pride themselves in using fresh local produce within their cooking and are able to represent the Hawkesbury with pride.

Cricca was awarded Windsor's first “hat” in the 2025 Good Food Guide (and backed it up in the 2026!). So, if you are wanting to experience a taste of the Hawkesbury in an elevated experience why not try Cricca!

6. Bilpin Cider

Located along the historic Bells line of Road, Bilpin Cider has a wide range of flavours both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Bilpin Cider has been recognised multiple times at the Australian Cider Awards both in specific varieties but also receiving “Best Single Varietal Cider” for their Bilpin Blush. Bipin has combined flavours such as raspberry, ginger, lemon and orange with their apple base.

To taste all their delicious ciders head to their cellar door and enjoy some lunch with the added bonus of some farm animals to really get the full experience!

7. Bligh Park Butchery

Located in Bligh Park the Bligh Park Butchery are a well-loved producer within the Hawkesbury.  Having taken out District Champion Butcher at the Hawkesbury Show for the last two years their BBQ options live up to local reviews! With a wide range of options available in store why not pop in to plan some home cooked meals for your stay!

8. Gypsy Fox Brewing Co.

Based in North Richmond the Gypsy Fox Brewing Co. is a local brewery with a focus on creating high quality beers with unique flavour combination. If you personally prefer English Beers then Gypsy Fox has you covered having won Gold in 2021 and 2022 in the Royal Queensland Food and Wine show with their ‘Rougey’ which is a Red Ale. If you are not sure which type of beer you are looking for, why not head to their cellar door in North Richmond and try their range!

9. Goose on the Loose

Based in Richmond Goose on the Loose is an artisan salami producer who started out right in the Hawkesbury. Since starting the business in 2014 they have gone on to win and place at many prestigious food events including Sydney Royal Fine Food, Royal Tasmanian Fine Food, Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, Royal Hobart Fine Food and the Australian Food awards. With a wide variety including kangaroo, venison, beef, pork and duck just to name few you can find them at a variety of food festivals and markets (including popping into the Richmond Good Food Market!) or order them online.

10. Wild Hibiscus Flower Co

A Hawkesbury based company, the Wild Hibiscus Flower Co. is an internationally recognised business that distributes to over 50 countries. Wild Hibiscus Flower Co has a variety of products and also includes Kurrajong Native Foods and Gingle Bells Gin which utilise local produce such as finger limes. No matter what you like they have something for you from jams to teas, gin, hibiscus flowers in syrup to butterfly pea extract.

If you wish to extend your stay so that you can try all of the amazing food and drinks the Hawkesbury has to offer, make sure to pop into the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre to pick up some maps and find out about some more local favourites from our staff.