The brainchild of local foodie Brigid Kennedy and an initiative of the Moss Vale Chamber of Commerce, the clusters highlight regional food and wine attractions in each of their unique localities.

The launch was held across several of the cluster members’ sites last Friday and Saturday with hundreds of guests enjoying the hospitality and delicious foods and wines on offer.

Guest of honour, Minister Pru Goward said tourism was important to the Southern Highlands as visitors wanted a different experience when they travel to the area.

“New South Wales is proud of its regional diversity and tourism recognises the importance of regional NSW, its towns, people and businesses.” Ms Goward said.

Wingecarribee Mayor, Larry Whipper greeted assembled guests at Yelverton Trufferie, where Barb and Ted Smith put on a grand show and display of how their truffles are cultivated and the evolution of their business.

Owner of Yelverton Truferrie, Ted Smith, said Robertson was perfect for creating these elusive and sought-after delicacies and that Yelverton had enjoyed great success since their first truffle harvests five years ago.

“We were lucky enough to find the largest black truffle ever unearthed in Australia last year, and that has put us on the map,” Mr Smith said.

“Now being part of this group of food and wine businesses means we are all able to draw attention to Robertson as a provider of unique produce and venues.”

The Robertson Hotel showcased all the different members of the Robertson Cluster later that evening with displays, demonstrations and tasting of what is on offer from the region.

A dinner using the various growers produce was laid on the hotel for all the guests and many visitors overnighted at the hotel before enjoying a breakfast at Rockabellas’s Diner and experiencing a ‘crop swap’ outside the venue.  

The crop swap enables local growers to exchange produce from their gardens or farms for other produce from the area.

Robertson Cheese Store and the Robertson Pie Shop were next on the list for what proved to be an exciting launch of the regions gourmet delights.

The Robertson Cluster is the third of nine clusters around the Southern Highlands to be launched.