Born and raised in Sydney, now living with her family on their farm just outside Orange in country New South Wales, Sophie Hansen trained in journalism and has over 20 years' experience as a features writer.

She has contributed to Australian Country Style and Outback magazines; she was an editor for Slow Food International's English website, lived in Italy for 3 years and is fluent in Italian.

In 2013 she set up her blog, Local is Lovely, and her podcast My Open Kitchen is going into its third season. Sophie has been awarded Australian Rural Woman of the Year in recognition of her commitment to rural communities. She believes in simple, tasty and seasonal food made with love and shared generously.