Andrew Calabria introduces presenter Luke Jacobz to Griffith wine. Photo: Sydney Weekender Facebook.
The crew from the popular travel-themed TV show Sydney Weekender were in Griffith this week and will showcase the Riverina town on a program that airs on Sunday (25 May).
The Seven Network’s Sydney Weekender team visit the best destinations across NSW and highlight places where people may want to stay, eat or explore attractions.
Former Home and Away and McLeod’s Daughter heartthrob and now presenter Luke Jacobz visited Griffith and checked out Calabria Family Wines, Bertoldo’s bakery, Pioneer Park Museum and Hermit’s Cave, among other locations.
Executive producer Jenny Forsyth told Region why the town was chosen.
“Griffith is a hidden gem in regional NSW with a unique blend of culture, history, food, and community spirit,” she said.
“We were drawn to the region’s rich Italian heritage, vibrant food and wine scene, and its reputation as a powerhouse of Australian agriculture. It’s a place with authentic stories and passionate locals, which makes for great television. Sydney Weekender is all about celebrating the best of NSW, and Griffith absolutely fits that bill.”
Luke Jacobz at Pioneer Park. Photo: Sydney Weekender Facebook.
In a promo for the show, Mr Jacobz said he was impressed by Calabria Wines, a family-owned business that was established in 1945 and features three generations of winemakers.
“At Calabria we produce over 45 grape varieties; our Italian heritage really shines through our cellar door,” marketing director Andrew Calabria told him.
Ms Forsyth said the Weekender team explored the wine museum, ‘sensory wall’ and met with winemakers too. They then moved to Bertoldo’s for dessert.
“Bertoldo’s Pasticceria is a town icon in Griffith, churning out home-made Italian sweets, bread, and savoury items too. There’s house-made nougat, biscuits, gelati, and one of Italy’s best-loved desserts – cannoli,” she said.
Luke sees the sights from Hermit’s Cave. Photo: Sydney Weekender Facebook.
Mr Jacobz also visited one of Australia’s most unusual attractions – Hermit’s Cave, a series of rock shelters, terraced gardens, a chapel, steps, paths and murals built by the reclusive but brilliant Italian immigrant Valerio Ricetti. He lived there by himself for much of the period between 1929 and 1952. It’s one of the few known hermit dwellings in Australian history.
The presenter then took a tour of the open air museum Pioneer Park, which features both replicas and original monuments of the town’s early history, including the Bagtown ‘Old Griffith’ main street, The Italian Museum and the Wine and Irrigation Building, which details the local wine industry and irrigation story that transformed Griffith into the NSW ‘food bowl’ that it is today.
“What we loved most was the warmth and hospitality of the people, the pride they take in their craft, and the incredible variety of experiences in such a tight-knit community,” Ms Forsyth said.
“Viewers can expect a vibrant, mouthwatering, and heartwarming journey through Griffith. From behind-the-scenes looks at family-run businesses to scenic vineyard backdrops and hands-on experiences with local artisans, we’re giving audiences a taste of what makes Griffith so special. It’s a mix of delicious food, stunning landscapes, and inspiring stories — the perfect weekend away inspiration.”
You can see Griffith on Sydney Weekender at 5:30 pm Sunday on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
