Tasmanian born, raised in Italy, Massimo Mele (pictured) has travelled the world, but still calls Tassie home. These days he divides his time between Hobart and Sydney, and recently ventured to Tasmania’s North West coast to host Graze The Region, where his explorations made a lasting impression. An intimate dinner in Circular Head, Graze The Region showcases the area’s best produce – it is an event created solely for the purpose of enjoying great food and bringing together the people behind the produce. In the lead up to the dinner, Mele followed the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, and it was here that he discovered the quality and variety of produce available in the area. Mele says, “It was a real luxury to hunt for truffles, source olive oil and select wine, then just days later present it all at the Graze The Region dinner. The Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail (from Cradle Mountain right along the north west coast) is an experience like no other, and with friendly people and a diverse landscape, there is a sense of community and pride that makes the region a really special place to visit.”

At Cradle Coast Olives (‘Ark Rest’, 574 Castra Rd, Abbotsham), owners Carol and Tony O’Neil planted the rst olive trees on the 15-hectare property over 15 years ago. Since then, they’ve won multiple awards, and it shows. “My pick of the oils is the Sevillano, it has just the right amount of pepperiness,“ says Mele. Be sure to grab some oil and crusty bread for the drive home.

If you are after a fluffy omelette for breakfast, beautifully baked savoury treats or perhaps hot-smoked Tasmanian salmon with potato dauphinoise and wasabi mustard (above), The Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory (9 Conservatory Rd, Sassafras) is for you. Bringing the best of the region together on a plate, owners Vonda and Brielle Mason are relentless in their pursuit of quality local ingredients, and are very proud of their offering. Housed in an old greenhouse, the restaurant has a great feel. “There’s a grand piano in the corner, staff with excellent knowledge and to cap it all off, really good coffee,” says Mele.

Truffle hunting is an essential on the tasting trail itinerary, with a visit to the Truffles of Tasmania (110 Trickett Road, Needles). Farm manager Mark Bowerman and chief truffle dog Bundi will be your guides among the English and French Oak trees as they show you how they find these amazing nuggets. The farm has a magical vista with sweeping views down the Meander Valley. Take Mele’s lead and go on a tour to learn the ins and outs of growing, hunting and grading truffles, then treat yourself to truffles, at Farm Gate prices.

Come beer o’clock, detour off the highway to Seven Sheds (22 Crockers St, Railton). In 2008, Willie Simpson and Catherine Stark established Seven Sheds, so-named, according to Simpson, simply because, “We’ve got seven sheds in the backyard”. With a tasting room, brewery tours, gardens and a relaxed outdoor setting, it’s a xture for dedicated craft beer lovers following the Trail. Mele’s pick of the beers is the Kentish Ale, but they also produce mean seasonal brews including a beetroot-infused lager made especially for the annual Dark Mofo Winter Feast in Hobart.

When cruising down the Bass Highway, the ideal pit stop is Ashgrove (6173 Bass Hwy, Elizabeth Town), which has the best produce straight from the source. Owned and operated by the Bennett family and known for its English county- and farmhouse-style cheese, Ashgrove, which is perched on a hill, surrounded by lush paddocks filled with dairy cows, is now getting recognition for its premium milk, cream and butter products. Stop by the farm store for Mele’s snack choice – a no-fuss toastie with thick crusty sourdough laced with aged cheddar and smoked local ham from nearby Deloraine. Mele highly recommends their signature range parmesan, which is hand-crafted the traditional way. “It’s a little softer than traditional Italian parmesan but with a depth of flavour and a beautiful and delicate creaminess,” says Mele.

Colin and Cate Arnold established Ghost Rock vineyard (1055 Port Sorell Rd, Northdown) in 2001, specialising in chardonnay and pinot grapes, “It’s a great place for a tasting as well as basking in the warm Tassie hospitality,” says Mele. Over the years the business has grown, winning multiple awards, and recently added Hundred Acres at Ghost Rock, a cooking school and function centre run by their winemaker son Justin and his wife Alicia Peardon. Together the pair have created a beautiful space, which transforms from event space to cooking school and restaurant.

Heading to the far North West, Mele recommends staying overnight in Stanley, a fishing village and historic town located at the end of a peninsula heading out into the Bass Strait. The town radiates character and is the home of Stanley Nut, the core of a massive extinct volcano. @VDL (16 Wharf Rd) is a luxury hotel in Stanley’s wharf district. Dating back to 1843, the bluestone building contains rustic-chic suites and apartments with exposed stone accents, loft style bedrooms, free-standing baths and fully equipped kitchens. For a fantastic breakfast, Mele’s hot tip is nearby Moby Dicks Breakfast Bar (5 Church St), for good coffee and generous serves.

Not your average pig farm, Mount Gnomon Farm (886 Ironcliffe Road, Penguin) has a restaurant, on site smallgoods sales and guided farm tours available most of the year. “The food is all about using seasonal produce from our farm and supporting other local producers,” says owner Guy Robertson. The smallgoods selection is extensive- Mele’s top pick is the pork and fennel, “they are as tasty as the ones my mum takes, which speaks volumes,” he says.

At the end of a long day, Mele suggests following the advice of local octopus farmer Martin Hardy to book a table at Xanders on Church (25 Church St, Stanley) for dinner. With friendly staff and good value for money, the menu includes Tasmania’s freshest seafood and vegetables, and indulgent desserts. Head Chef and owner Janey-Lee Arnold shucks local oysters to order, and serves impeccable and hearty Cape Grim steaks.

If you like your whisky, gin and clean spirits, visit Sam Humphries and Louise Payne at The Angel’s Share (14 Church St, Stanley). First tastings are served at midday, offering their range of Tasmanian spirits to anyone that is ready. Sam and Louise can help you with advice and tasting notes, and it’s a great place to settle in and while away an afternoon or evening.