Reigning ‘Excellence in South Australian Food Tourism’ prize holder Udder Delights has achieved a rare industry double by again winning the category at the 2014 South Australian Tourism Awards.
For the first time this award category feeds into the National Tourism Awards and Udder Delights Cheese Cellar will now represent South Australia in the inaugural competition category
Announcing the winner at the SA Tourism Industry Council’s Night of Nights at the Adelaide Convention Centre last night (November 14, 2014), the judges noted the company’s boundless commitment to food tourism as evidenced by a number of new initiatives at its Udder Delights’ Cheese Cellar operation in Hahndorf and the launch of new cheese products.
The ‘Excellence in SA Food Tourism’ category recognises and rewards excellence among organisations that highlight and use regional produce.
In the eyes of the judges, Udder Delights is now a major contributor to the vibrant main street of Hahndorf (which is increasingly renowned for good food and wine) and can be credited with taking food tourism excellence in SA to exciting new levels.
The Adelaide Hills-based artisan cheese company’s new cellar door manager and brand ambassador, Ashley Dent, said perhaps the most exciting development over the year was the launch of delicious cheese fondues.
“Our Udder Delights Cheese Fondue has been celebrated by local and visiting cheese lovers alike, drawn to an inviting environment where groups snuggle up in our cosy underground cellar to escape the chill of winter or beat the heat of summer – all the while savouring a smorgasbord of yummy morsels,” Mr Dent said.
“The spread includes local kabana, baby gherkins, mini balsamic pickled onions, Hills pears and lots of hot freshly baked baguettes – all dipped into a mouth-watering, molten cheese lava and suggestively enjoyed with local Adelaide Hills ciders, beers and wines.”
Mr Dent added that the whole Udder Delights team had been working hard at continuing to offer diverse products and experiences; while concentrating on a cheese centric and, most importantly, customer centric focus.
Over the past 12 months, the Udder Delights Cheese Cellar has also showcased a number of new and exciting handcrafted cheeses produced by the company’s cheese factory in Lobethal.
These, according to Sheree Sullivan, who runs the company with husband Saul, includes the history-making Udder Delights King Saul Raw Milk Blue which is available exclusively at the cellar door for $300 per kilo, and will be posted out to customers around Australia.
“It’s absolutely amazing to have again been recognised for our distinctive tourism initiatives; where a customer can do so much more than just try and buy – they can be immersed in our food culture and cheese passion,” Ms Sullivan said.
“It again recognises our efforts to position Hahndorf’s historic main street as a food and wine mecca; a local hangout and a must visit destination for interstate and international visitors.”
The comprehensive Udder Delights Cellar Door experience encompasses tastings and sales and a licensed café and providore. What’s more, it is home to King Saul Raw Blue, the Adelaide Hills Cheese & Wine Trail, the Easy Cheesy Home Cheese Making Class, the Udder Delights High Tea, and the Udder Delights cheese wedding cake service.
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