Sip, Savour, Celebrate: Why Stonefruit Bar is the Toast of Tenterfield
Think a country escape means giving up great food and wine? Think again. When you unplug from the world with a stay in Tenterfield, you’ll find that you’re not short on fantastic — and even award-winning — places to eat and drink. At the heart of it all is Stonefruit, the stylish wine bar and café that’s made a serious impression on visitors and locals alike.
Owners Karlee McGee and Alistair Blackwell know a thing or two about good wine. Just over two years ago, the former Sydneysiders made a bold leap, swapping the bright lights of Sydney for the slower pace of Tenterfield. "It was a bit of a shot in the dark," Alistair laughs. "We were trying to get out of the city and looking at what move we could do to make that happen — and we ended up discovering Tenterfield." Their dream of owning a wine bar finally came to life in the birthplace of Australian music legend Peter Allen.
Fast forward to today and their venture has paid off in the most spectacular way. Stonefruit was recently recognised in the 2025 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, including a nod for its Drinks List of the Year. That’s no small feat — and when you visit, you’ll see why.
The wine list at Stonefruit is nothing short of a global adventure. Hand-selected by Alistair (who previously worked in marketing for a wine wholesaler), it features over 200 bottles — from rare, small-batch international finds to some of the best local Granite Belt wines. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a casual sipper, there’s a glass here waiting to surprise and delight you.
And it’s not just about what’s in the glass. The food menu leans heavily on seasonal, locally sourced produce, evolving constantly based on what’s available. "It’s never been a set menu for a period of time," says Alistair. "We just change it with what we’ve got and what we know." Expect thoughtful, beautifully plated dishes that champion the region and make the most of its incredible bounty.
Stonefruit proves that you can have it all — wide open spaces, slower days, and the kind of hospitality and quality you might expect from a top Sydney address. Only here, you can enjoy it at your own pace, maybe with the fireplace crackling and the high country stars just outside.
Stonefruit is located at 204 Rouse Street, Tenterfield, and is open Sunday to Tuesday from 10am–3pm and Thursday to Saturday from 10am until late. Please always check hours on their Instagram Page.
Trust us — your Tenterfield escape wouldn’t be complete without a visit.
https://www.instagram.com/stonefruit.bar/