Food Heroes: Graham Linke
Linke’s Central Meat Store
Graham’s ancestors landed in South Australia in 1838 to build a new life. They succeeded with Linke’s Central Meat store opening in Nuriootpa in 1928. Today it remains an unassuming icon of the region’s food culture.
Graham follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, using family recipes to cure and smoke traditional Barossa smallgoods. Linke’s ham, bacon, mettwurst, and lachschinken are revered flavours in the region, with locals lining up in the store each day to fuel their addiction.
Graham is a quiet hero, diligently going about his work without interest in recognition or fanfare. His recipes are secret – seriously secret – and he guards them zealously.
The Product: Ham, bacon, mettwurst, lachschinken and other wursts. Also, fresh meat and poultry.
Tracing the Hands: All smoking is done by Graham using the traditional methods of a wood fired smokehouse behind the shop…his recipes really are secret.
Why Barossa: Graham and his family have always lived and worked in the region.
Availability: Linke’s Central Meat Store is open 5 1/2 days a week.