Zooming down the Hume Highway you would be forgiven for not noticing Eling Forest Estate. Set on 180 acres in the Southern Highlands, the Estate, consisting of a vineyard, rolling hills and pretty gardens, is a popular wedding and function venue. The cellar door showcases a range of cool climate wines crafted on-site and the cafe is a lovely spot to take refuge from the rush of the highway – although there’s no escaping the rumble of the traffic. A heritage-listed cottage and homestead offer a variety of accommodation if you prefer to stay awhile. I have timed my arrival to coincide with the cafe’s opening time of 8am. My first concern is that I’m too early for scones However, I’m in luck as yesterdays’ scones sit on the counter (they don’t bake every day). I need not have worried, as the two small scones are so fluffy and creamy, they taste as though they were baked this morning. The generous serving of thick whipped cream is more than I need, but the fruit-dense mixed berry compote barely covers the scones. In fine weather, sit out on the verandah and be sure to drop by the cellar door for a tasting.

Scones:

Jam: 

Cream:

Tea: A decent range of loose-leaf teas served in a small pot.

Price: $$

Overall: The perfect Hume Highway stop to take a break from the bitumen.

Location: Hume Hwy, New Berrima NSW 2577 Ph: 02 4878 9499 elingforest.com.au

Reviewed November, 2017