19/08/2026
As we farewell the 2026 truffle season, a few take-homes for us.
These weekends run on fab company, the finest food, wines worth the road trip, and a decent dose of mischief.
To everyone who shared in it with us — the lovely folks who turned up with smiles and curiosity, including our back-to-back couples — thank you. Huge thanks too to our truffle aficionado Kate and her canine companion Jim , unearthing our old-socks-and-sweat-scented treasures, and to our salt-of-the-earth Wallingford team, headed up by Christopher and his deft touch in the kitchen.
We were bedazzled by Julz Brogden and Chris & Laura , who poured their know-how into every glass and took us on a journey through their everyday.
To Lauraine and Murray, who travelled the length of the country to be with us — you left us with adjectives we've screenshotted and will save to reread at night, when life seems a little less bright: "exquisite dinner," "superb pastries," everything "made from scratch."
Roll on next truffle season — winter 2027, if you're counting.
Described as "possibly the most welcoming place in the world", discover the charm of Wallingford Homestead, where history meets luxury in New Zealand’s countryside. Award-winning hospitality, gourmet dining by Chef Chris Stockdale and Jeanette Woerner, and attention to detail make your sta