There’s a special kind of joy in discovering places that feel like treasures, where the connection to the land and its people is tangible in every bite, every interaction. For me, travel is about those serendipitous moments - the ones that lead you to meet incredible people doing extraordinary things. And that’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled across The Pickled Wife.
Christine Fishwick is more than just a talented artisan creating small-batch gourmet condiments; she’s a force of nature. Her passion for the South West region of Western Australia is infectious, and it shines through in everything she does. Chris is a true ambassador for her community, taking second-grade produce and transforming it into something utterly exquisite, bursting with flavour and authenticity. This is why I love meeting people like Chris. They’re the heart and soul of the places we visit, the reason we fall in love with destinations and return again and again. They’re the creators, and connectors, the people who make us feel like we’re a part of something bigger.
Because at the heart of every journey, it’s the locals who make the magic happen. And Christine Fishwick is nothing short of magic.
Where were you born?
Katanning Western Australia. My parents moved to the Great Southern in Albany when I was about 2 years old, so Albany is my hometown.
Where do you live?
Manjimup, Western Australia
What inspires you about the Southwest/Manjimup?
The locality of being so close to so many beautifully rich and diverse pristine forests, to the wild coastline and dreamy beaches that curve their way around the Southwest & Great Southern.
Slower lifestyle, a perfect place to grow and nurture our family and friendships.
Warmth of the community spirit and the abundance of the many vibrant and diverse food communities that make our Southwest and Great Southern regions a world-class destination for all foodies and wine lovers. I guess for me, living in the second largest food bowl in the Southern Hemisphere couldn't be more perfect.
Life is good, and I feel ever so grateful to live in Western Australia.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Friendly / Creative / Loyal
Describe the Southwest/Manjimup in 3 words
Abundant / Unique / Diverse
Tell us about what you do.
I've been operating our small batch gourmet food business now for the past 10 years, value-adding to locally grown second-grade produce that would otherwise be fed to the farmers cattle or produce the markets simply won't take because it's too big, small, or slightly blemished. Though our business is only small, I wholeheartedly believe that small can make a difference. Creating a second market for our local growers by adding value to their produce that's perfectly imperfect shares a real sense of pride for me. I hate waste, and being able to craft products into quality-driven condiments and share a taste of our region is definitely something very special - food memories in a jar!
What does a normal day look like for you?
Most days you'll find me in the kitchen preparing produce, cooking, jarring, and labelling...many days are on REPEAT! Other days I'm not preserving; I'll be visiting our local growers or delivering orders in and around our Southwest and Great Southern regions. I love this aspect of our food business. Getting out of the kitchen is important for myself and nurturing those valued connections with our stockists and customers.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
The gentle warmth of the morning sun with a strong tea & honey as the day slowly awakens, then hanging out with those we cherish exploring the coast, feeling the ocean breeze and the saltiness on our skin. Beach BBQ, crack a beer or wine, feeling the squeaky soft sand between our toes, and ending the day with a lazy, no-fuss shared platter at home in good company... blissful.
Favorite places in Manjimup / Southwest and the World for:
Coffee: Geez, there are so many. Local coffee roasters (Manjimup) Southern Roasting Co, great coffee. Albany (my other hometown): The Naked Bean Cafe, amazing coffee, simple menu, delicious food, wonderful service.
Favourite meals: Always with family and friends, of course, sharing conversation, good food, and local wines around our table. Though I have many favourite meals, I really do love the simplicity of a shared meal like tapas, grazing boards, and canapes for the sense of ease, togetherness, and interactions those meals evoke.
Dancing: Another love of mine is to dance. Growing up in Albany, I danced my way through tap, ballet, and jazz for over 10 years, with Mum sewing all of my costumes for dance concerts. I was known for my home performances when visitors came over. The dancing continued when we had children, with us regularly dancing in the lounge room to loud music...good simple fun! I'm a bit of a fidget, always have been, so if there's music, then my feet are tapping, and I find it incredibly hard not to stay still. The need to dance is still strong, though my body isn't as agile as it once was, but I'll still give it a darn good crack if the music flows.
A sunset drink: Anywhere on the Western Australian coast with family and friends. Overseas, I'd have to say Spain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Tarragona; that's rather special too.
Farmers Market: Locally, though I'm often working weekends, so I don't get to them as often as I'd like, Manjimup Farmers Markets and Bridgetown River Markets. I tend to frequent our region's roadside stalls dotted across the Southwest more so. We truly do have some wonderful pickings on offer, like Galloway Springs (regenerative growers) on the Southwest Hwy in between Manjimup & Bridgetown, both Bella & Bryns and Walker Farm on the outskirts of Manjimup/Palgarup. A little further down the road back home in Albany, I love to visit the Boat Shed Farmers Markets on a Sunday.
Culture & Music: Big fan of music. I'm always singing. Tunes are constantly playing when I'm pickling in the kitchen! Music, like the love of food, will always play a big part in our lives. Currently listening to a mix-up of Alana Del Rey, The Smiths, The Jungle Giants, The Pogues, The Rolling Stones and loving Royel Otis at the moment.
Nature: Locally, our backyard dishes up so many unique and biodiverse natural wonders. We're so fortunate to have some of the world's most unique flora, fauna, and landscapes in our region. We're spoilt for choice when it comes to adventuring in West Australia. We really do have it all. Also my garden, my therapeutic getaway, my happy place. I love the feel of the earth on my hands, growing our own produce and a garden to enjoy throughout the seasons.
Favourite getaway: Recently we holidayed in Vietnam. What an incredible place. The people are so warm (as was the climate) and always happy, I love how the simple pleasures bring them so much joy. The food, oh the food, was fresh, vibrant, and simple. We'd go back to Vietnam in an instant. Jumping continents, I love Spain. The Mediterranean coast still fills me with a genuine love of their great culture and buildings. The many wine bars, simple tapas, arid countryside, and the climate really agreed with me. Locally, anywhere on our West Australian coast, north or south, never disappoints with so many incredible places.
What are your 3 favourite restaurants in the world?
We've eaten at many incredible restaurants around the world in our years of travels, with the most recent on our Vietnam holiday dining at a local family-owned restaurant, Na Gia in Hoi An. We found this local restaurant by chance on one of our many walks. The restaurant's street appeal instantly drew us into her warm ambience, with outdoor rooms filled with lush tropical ferns creating a calm haven to sit and feast on an uncomplicated, simple, fresh, locally sourced menu created and cooked by the husband and wife team. Undoubtedly the best food we ate whilst in Vietnam. Secondly, an ongoing favourite when visiting Perth undoubtedly would be Manuka Woodfire Kitchen in Fremantle WA. Love the influence of local seasonal shared food and the ever-revolving menu to reflect the seasons, exceptional service, and a cosy place to settle in and nourish your food cravings. One of my favourite dishes would have to be the in-house labneh with char heritage tomatoes and olive oil with their oven-baked Turkish bread, simply divine.
Top tip for travellers to the Southwest?
Slow down and take it all in; there is so much on offer to fill your days, and tap into the local knowledge. Locals always know the best places to visit. We've always found real gems off the main tourist route and down those winding roads to the smaller wineries, restaurants, or hidden camping spots.
An interesting fact about Chris Fishwick?
My middle name Rose has been passed down through the generations, so when we had our beautiful Mia, the naming tradition was bestowed upon her. Dare I break family tradition, I'd be cursed through the ages!
Your motto to live by… Kindness. Always be kind.