breathe issue 25 winter 2010
2010 Hunter Valley Legends & Industry Awards New Vines, New Wines Living Legend Fay McGuigan Olives & Oils What’s On
Friday 8 to Sunday 10 October, 2010 Join the Hunter Valley wine family with a weekend program of simply sensational Hunter Valley semillon lunches, dinners & tastings.
Saturday 9 October, 2010 - Feature Event New release 2010 Hunter semillons for tasting, wine master classes, winemaker challenges, VIP areas, Hunter seafood producers, local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment ... ONE DAY, ONE VENUE!
www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au
www.tyrrells.com.au
news 8
legends 11
profile 20 recipe 33
contents issue 25 winter 2010 In Every Issue 5 President’s Note 6 Letters 8 News 24 Meet the Locals 43 What’s On 48 Out & About
20
Wine Profile: Fay McGuigan
23
In the Winery
28
Wine Reviews
Wine 11 Hunter Valley Legends
Lifestyle 36 Gardening 40 Art
& Wine Industry Awards
15 17
Legends Pictorial New Vines, New Wines
Food 33 Recipe 36 Olives
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS ELFES
Photographs by Chris Elfes appearing in Breathe may be purchased by contacting Chris Elfes, Photography on Hermitage, elfesphoto@bigpond.com.au
charming
regional
rustic
located at spicers vineyards estate 555 hermitage rd pokolbin 02 6574 7229 www.thevineyardsestate.com.au
president’s note
I
n this issue Winter issue of Hunter Valley Breathe, we congratulate the 2010 Hunter Valley Wine Industry Award winners and celebrate the life time contributions made by this year’s Living Legend (page 15). Each year a number of Hunter Valley wine industry members are recognised and thanked for their long-term vision and commitment to the betterment of our Industry. These truly dedicated people are our Living Legends. While the Hunter Valley is world famous for its superb Semillon and Shiraz, there are several other emerging varieties doing extremely well here. On page 17 we introduce you to some great alternative varieties to add to your favourites list. And on page 20 we catch up with Hunter Valley Living Legend Fay McGuigan, who in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s was responsible for launching Hunter Valley wine onto the international export market. The people of the Hunter Valley are vital to making our community a truly fabulous place for us to live and for you to visit. Turn to page 24 to meet some of our friendly locals. The Hunter Valley is the source of so many great primary products and we are happy that olives are one of those crops which are very successful here. On page 36 we take a look at some of the Hunter’s finest olive producers and their 2010 olive harvest. Who would have thought that one little fruit could produce so many wonderfully tasty products? Also in this issue you’ll find all of our regular features; news, recipes, wine reviews, What’s On, gardening, art and much, much more. So, enjoy the read, be inspired to get out there and revisit your Hunter Valley, and let that brisk winter breeze, some great company and, of course, some of the Hunter’s best, invigorate your soul. Happy Huntering, GEOFF KRIEGER, PRESIDENT HUNTER VALLEY WINE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Publisher
Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association Rowena Hawkins p 02 4991 4533 e promotions@winehuntervalley.org.au
graphic design
Sally Sneddon p 02 4934 4781 Sally Sneddon Graphic Design e ssgd@hunterlink.net.au
Photography
Chris Elfes p 0413 805 222 Photography on Hermitage www.onhermitage.com
SUB-EDITOR
Lauren Kennedy e wordhappy@gmail.com
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Melinda Kelly p 02 4991 4533 e events@winehuntervalley.org.au
EDITORIAL Writers Andrew Graham, Rowena Hawkins, Steve James, Melinda Kelly, Suzanne Little, Sean O’Brien, Grant Radford. Printing
Finsbury Green p 02 9662 2600
Publisher DETAILS Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association ABN 15 728 023 119 All correspondence to: PO BOX 352, Cessnock. 2325 © COPYRIGHT This publication may not, in whole or part be reproduced, translated, copied, photocopied to any form without the express written permission of the publisher. While every care is taken in compiling the contents of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for the effects arising there from. The information and figures contained in this publication have been provided to the publishers by the advertisers and their sources. No warranty is given by Breathe Hunter Style Magazine as to the accuracy of these figures and information as they are subject to change without notice. The responsibility or copyright on all supplied material rests with the supplier.
IronBark Hill Vineyard ... a unique Hunter Valley Wine Country experience with family and friends. • Taste our premium wines in the modern Cellar Door. • Relax with a coffee on the lounge. • Available for weddings, conferences or celebrations. • Contemporary design house with pool and tennis court, accommodating up to 14. • Open 7 days – 10am to 5pm • 694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin P 02 6574 7085 www.ironbarkhill.com.au
Photo by Jake Thomas
letters
At Breathe Magazine we love to share your thoughts, your visits to the Hunter Valley and your Hunter Valley wine experiences. Thanks for a great day I had a great day at Hunter Valley Uncorked at Pyrmont in April. Thanks so much to the Hunter Valley winemakers and their teams for bringing your superb wines to Sydney. The weather was perfect, the wine was wonderful and the atmosphere and music was fun. And the boules challenge was a hoot - I even joined in for a few rounds. Well done to the Hunter Valley for a fabulous event. Claire Jones - Pyrmont Thanks for your feedback. If you enjoyed our Pyrmont event then you’ll love Hunter Valley Uncorked at Balmoral, Sunday, November 7, 2010. www.hunteruncorked.com.au. Breathe online Last month a friend sent me the link for Hunter Valley Breathe online. What a great idea. The live links to the web addresses makes contacting the featured businesses so easy. I can now share it with other friends who also love the Hunter. Sarah Kelly - Hornsby
For those of you who haven’t seen it - http://issuu.com/huntervalleybreathe/ docs/hunter_valley_breathe_autumn_ 2010_issue. Each new issue of Breathe will be posted on line via issuu.com For those who prefer a hard copy you can now keep up to date with what’s happening in the Hunter Valley by subscribing to Hunter Valley Breathe and have it delivered to your door four times a year. See page 42 for our subscription form. It makes a great present for wine loving friends. More recipes please Thanks to the Hunter chefs who share their recipes in Breathe. They are always so enticing, and the photography always makes my mouth water. I recently cooked the Margan Restaurant Poached Salmon recipe (Autumn Breathe 2010) for some friends and it was a huge success, especially since we enjoyed it with a few bottles of aged Hunter Valley Semillon. Would love to see more recipes included in future issues. Matt Stevens - Leura We’ll do our best!
Fun times in the Hunter We’ve been coming to the Hunter Valley for a few years now and the events being held there just keep getting better and better. Early this year a group of friends went to a Day on the Green at Bimbadgen Estate, and then went back in May for Lovedale Long Lunch. I’ve just treated my boyfriend to a fantastic winemakers’ dinner during Hunter Valley Wine Month in June and we have plans to return in October for Hunter Valley Semillon & Seafood. You Hunter Valley people really know how to put on a good time. Samantha Peterson - Balmain We aim to please!!! Hope to see you at Hunter Valley Semillon & Seafood. www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au
You can send us your letters/ comments by email to events@winehuntervalley.org.au or by post to Breathe Magazine PO Box 352, Cessnock, NSW 2325.
Celebrating 40 years of making great wines and having fun
Establis hed 1970, a weekend venture for 3 friends Tony Albert, John Beeston and James Halliday
Firs t plan ting s 1971, Jam es Hall iday (sto mpin g in) the firs t Brok enwo od vine s
Wine ry 1975 , ele gan ce in a bus h set ting
www.brokenwood.com.au CELLAR DOOR: Open daily from 9.30am - 5pm (10am on Sunday) ‘The line up of great wines for tasting makes this place a must, and the service here from experienced tasting staff is second to none’ Huon Hooke
brokenwood wines pty ltd 401 - 427 mcdonalds road pokolbin nsw 2320 australia phone 61 02 4998 7559 email sales@brokenwood.com.au sales@brokenwood.com.au
Weddings
OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 12 NOON. LOCATED IN THE MERCURE RESORT, HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS | P 02 4998 2000 | E dining@mercurehuntervalley.com.au
Intimate Garden Ceremonies Unique Reception Rooms Beautiful Guest Accommodation Heart of the Hunter Valley
PHOTO COURTESY D&V PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR WEDDING ENQUIRIES CONTACT OUR WEDDING PLANNER TODAY. | P 02 4998 2000 | E reservations@mercurehuntervalley.com.au | W mercurehuntervalley.com.au
news Diary dates Please join us at our 2010 events: 2010 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show Celebrations Luncheon Friday 20 August 2010, Brokenwood Wines Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood 8th-10th October www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral Sunday 7th November www.hunteruncorked.com.au
Hunter Anniversaries Newcastle-based Wine Selectors celebrates 35 years in business this year. The company initially started in the Hunter Valley, providing up to 25 local producers with a central location to sell their wine. “Since the company’s inception in 1975, our core values have remained unchanged. The very nature of Australian wine has always been of utmost importance, especially the notion of supporting the smaller producers, the boutique growers who we consider to be the backbone of the industry,” said founder of Wine Selectors, Greg Walls. Wine Selectors has now grown to be the largest independent direct marketer of wine in Australia, delivering countless cases of wine to over 200,000 customers. Including the Hunter Valley Wine Society, it works sources from over 60 Hunter producers, such as Tyrrell’s Wines, McWilliams Mount Pleasant, Tulloch Wines, Draytons, Brokenwood and Hungerford Hill. Meanwhile, this year is party year for Brokenwood Wines, who celebrate 40 years producing great wine and a little more than their share of mischief. In October 1970, James Halliday, Tony Albert and John Beeston started Brokenwood. The first vintage was made in 1973, and in 1978, more partners were brought into the syndicate, enabling them to buy the 15ha Graveyard Vineyard. “Now, 40 years on, Brokenwood is still a private syndicate and, although much larger in production, still holds to its mission statement to ‘make good wine and have fun’,” said Managing Director & Chief Winemaker, Iain Riggs. During their celebrations over the October long weekend, Brokenwood plans on opening every bottle of wine they have made between 1973 and 2010.
8 breathe
Hunter Valley Winners Hunter Valley wines have been doing great things overseas. At the International Wine Challenge in London, McGuigans won a gold, three silver and four bronze medals; dlers Creek Sad from y Rile oe Chl Nick Flannagan & Tempus Two took three silver; and Tyrrell’s, Hope Estate, Hunter Wine Services and Allanmere each received a bronze. Wines from over 46 countries were entered. Meanwhile, Mistletoe Wines are celebrating, with their 2009 Reserve Chardonnay receiving a gold and Trophy for the Reserve Wine of Show at the International Chardonnay Challenge at Gisborne, New Zealand. Two Rivers 2009 Reserve Chardonnay also won gold. This year, The International Chardonnay Challenge had over 400 Chardonnay entries from around the world and awarded only 14 gold medals. And, on the national front, there has been plenty to smile about, with the following Hunter Valley wines awarded medals and trophies: • Saddlers Creek 2005 Classic Hunter Semillon - Trophy for Best Lighter Bodied Dry White Wine and trophy for Reserve Champion at the Sydney International Wine Show. It also picked up the trophy for Best Boutique Semillon at the recent Boutique Wine Awards. • Capercaillie 2007 “The Clan” Cabernet Blend - Medallion for Best Bordeaux Blend at the 2010 Winewise Championships. • Tyrrell’s 2005 Vat 1 Hunter Semillon - Medallion for Best Semillon at the 2010 Winewise Championships.
New Owners Vicci Lashmore-Smith and Eric Smith are the proud new owners of Misty Glen Wines, formerly Wright Family Wines. The vineyard was established by the Wright family in 1985. Located on Deaseys Road, the Misty Glen Wines Cellar Door is open seven days. Swish Wine has purchased Wandin Valley Estate, adding another successful vineyard to their portfolio.
New Manager for Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism has welcomed a new Executive Manager, Dean Gorddard, to lead the organisation through an exciting and challenging period in wine tourism in the region. He comes to the role with more than 20 years of tourism experience spanning the UK, Australian and New Zealand markets. He has managed large brand campaigns and implemented significant changes in the areas of marketing and business development. Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism sees the appointment of Mr Gorddard as an opportunity to reassess the organisation’s structure and current operations, and to bring fresh ideas and solutions to their challenges.
‘
What’s New in the Kitchen?
Hunter Valley Supports Charity
Margan Restaurant welcomes new Head Chef, Ian Atkinson. Ian joins Maitre ‘D, Dee Ann Heath, Winemaker and Sommelier, Andrew Margan, and Restaurateur, Lisa Margan, and her team.
The businesses and residents of the Hunter Valley continue their reputation for supporting charities generously, with several successful charity events held in recent months.
Melinda Clarke (organiser), Bryce Gibson & Melissa Harris enjoyed the Red Ball, at Lindem ans.
Congratulations to all involved in The Red Ball, which raised over $25,000 for MS Australia. Congratulations also to the Two Rivers team, which raised close to $3,500 by joining forces with the McGrath Foundation and “going pink” during the Upper Hunter Wine & Food Affair and Recovery at the Rivers.
Top 10 Cellar Doors Wine Business Magazine has named Tyrrell’s Wines and McWilliams Mount Pleasant in its 2010 Top 10 Cellar Doors. The list takes in cellar doors across Australia and, according to WBM, all ten of the dynamic cellar doors named have one thing in common: a desire to go the extra mile for the customer, to ensure they spread the message far and wide, and hopefully return.
Lisa McGuigan Joins Poole’s Rock Lisa McGuigan has been appointed General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Poole’s Rock Wines, and is now responsible for the strategic global sales development of the company’s wine portfolio. “Lisa’s unbridled enthusiasm and passion will greatly assist us to drive our domestic and international sales agenda at a critical time for the Australian wine industry,” said Mike Grehan, Chief Executive, Poole’s Rock Wines.
Ian brings with him a passion for quality produce, innovative cuisine and restaurant excellence. He was the 2009 Electrolux Appetite for Excellence NSW State Champion, and counts his career highlights as working in the kitchens of some serious industry heavyweights, including Christine Mansfield, Gordon Ramsay, David Thompson, Tony Toblin and Atul Kuchhar. An Irish lad brought up on a farm, Ian says that after 18 years working and living in cities, he is already settling into his Hunter Valley ‘green change’. Meanwhile, just weeks after relocating to the Hunter Valley from Canberra, where he was Head Chef for Parliament House Catering by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), new Executive Chef, Steve Forrester, has transformed the dining experiences at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Drawing on his extensive experience of delivering fivestar cuisine to Australia’s top political figureheads, Steve has revamped the cuisine on offer across the hotel’s two restaurants, in-room dining, café and two bars. In doing this, he aims to showcase creative dishes using only the best fresh produce from the local region. “When you’re working with top-quality ingredients, the produce can be the star of the plate, with only a few influences added by the chef,” Steve said. Log Press Café has opened at Drayton’s Family Wines. Run by Michelle Dineen, the café is open seven days from 9am to 4pm, and is a great addition to the Oakey Creek Road area. A big congratulations to Matt Dillow, owner and chef of The Verandah Restaurant, for being included in the Highly Commended Young Restaurateur category in the 2010 Appetite for Excellence Awards. The program, which is dedicated to nurturing emerging hospitality industry professionals, has three award categories: Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Restaurateur.
breathe 9
www.brokenwood.com.au
10 breathe
sales@thomaswines.com.au
www.thomaswines.com.au
wine
legends
2010 Hunter Valley Wine Legends and Winners WORDS BY ROWENA HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS ELFES
T
he Hunter Valley wine industry has a long-standing history of excellence in the wine world. This would not be the case if not for the pioneers, legends and those who continually strive for the betterment and protection of the wine industry and region.
are so very proud and honoured to have such a talented group of people representing the Hunter Valley and paving the way for the future in our region,” said Iain Riggs, Chairman, Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards .
The Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards annually recognises and honours these people. Winners are nominated by their industry peers as having made major contributions and excelled within the Hunter Valley grape and wine industry.
2010 HUNTER VALLEY LIVING LEGEND Christopher Barnes (AM) Individuals who have shown long term vision and commitment to the betterment of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry are inducted as Hunter Valley Living Legends.
The Wine Industry Awards acknowledge as “Rising Star of The Year’, “Winemaker of The Year”, “Viticulturist of The Year”, and “Cellar Door of The Year” at one of the industry’s key social and celebratory award nights. The evening then culminates with the announcement of the Hunter Valley Heritage Award and very importantly the induction of Hunter Valley “Living Legends”. “This year we have put emphasis on winners not only excelling in each individual field, but we wanted to recognise their tireless work promoting the Hunter Valley wine region, and their efforts to continue the legacy of the Hunter Valley legends and pioneers. We
The 2010 award recipients and inductees are:
This year, Christopher Barnes has been inducted to the Legends honour roll gaining the prestigious title of a Hunter Valley Living Legend. Christopher has worked in the Hunter Valley Wine Industry for 40 years. He began his time in the Industry as Manager at Saxonvale Wines, later planting his own vineyards in Pokolbin. Christopher was elected to the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association for 32 years holding the position of President for eight years and Secretary for eight years. He was President of the NSW
breathe 11
Christopher Barnes AM
Wine Industry Association for six years and has made a significant contribution to the wine and wine tourism industries with his roles on the Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism Board, Hunter Tourist Organisation, NSW Licensing Committee and Australian Regional Winemakers Forum. In 2003 he was awarded the Order of Australia for services to the Wine Industry Mr. Barnes joins a list of Legends who have for decades worked tirelessly and contributed enormously to the betterment of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. They include Brian Walsh, Max Drayton, John Tulloch, Karl Stockhausen, Perc McGuigan, Brian McGuigan, the late Max Lake, and last year’s inductees Jay Tulloch, Bruce Tyrrell, Phil Ryan and Fay McGuigan. WINE SELECTORS HUNTER VALLEY WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR PJ Charteris, Winemaker, Brokenwood Wines Finalists: PJ Charteris, Brokenwood Wines; Neil McGuigan, Australian Vintage Limited; Mark Richardson, Tyrrell’s Wines This award recognises an outstanding Hunter Valley winemaker, who is a leader in their profession. It is awarded for achievements over the span of a person’s career and is judged upon a number of factors including experience, qualifications, winemaking techniques, experimentation or individual style resulting in unique wine styles produced, wine assessing skills, other awards or reviews gained from respected media or associations, and ambassadorial work for the winery and the region. PJ Charteris of Brokenwood Wines has been described by noted wine reviewer Nick Ryan as “the rarest of treasures, a winemaker born not made. He just gets it.” This award recognises and celebrates the outstanding unique wine styles produced by PJ who has had over 26 years experience in winemaking and has held
12 breathe
PJ Charteris
many wine judging positions, including Chairman of the Barossa Show and Panel Chair in at least four other major wine shows. Amongst his accolades are many Gold Medals and Silvers for wines in the 2009, 2010 Sydney, 2009 Adelaide, and 2009 Hunter Wine Shows. PJ also produced the NSW Wine of the Year in 2010, and Penguin Wine of the Year. He has been a Wine Technical Committee member for the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association for the last two years. This Award is a great honour that’s well deserved for an immense body of work to date. COMMONWEALTH BANK HUNTER VALLEY RISING STAR OF THE YEAR Matt Burton, Winemaker, Wandin Valley Estate Finalists: Matt Burton, Wandin Valley Estate; Phil LeMessurier, Thomas Wines; Brad Russ, Tulloch Wines This award recognises an aspiring star of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. They can be involved in winemaking, vineyard management, marketing or sales and have made an outstanding contribution over the preceding 12 months, showing vast results and achievements. They have represented the Hunter Valley Wine Industry generally, resulting in its profile being raised further. Matt joined Wandin Valley Estate as Assistant Winemaker in 2003 following vintages in France, US, and the Yarra Valley, and was promoted to Winemaker in 2004, just prior to the 2005 harvest. He then went on to become a Manager/Winemaker in 2006, at which point he also became an Associate Judge at the Hunter Valley Wine Show which he has been involved in for the last three years. Matt has also judged at the International Chardonnay Challenge in Gisborne (NZ) and recently completed the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) Advanced Wine Assessment Course.
Matt Burton
Matt currently holds the position of Vice President of the Lovedale Vignerons Association, and last year organised the largest regionally branded Hunter Valley stand at the Sydney and Brisbane Good Food and Wine Shows. He has been awarded the Bill Ryan Memorial Trophy at the 2009 Hunter Valley Wine Show and has garnered two trophies and 27 medals including eight Gold for 2009. There have been many notable reviews including two Semillons listed in Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine Top 100 New Releases in February/March 2010. HUNTER VALLEY VITICULTURIST OF THE YEAR Brett Keeping, Two Rivers Finalists: Keith Holder, Pokolbin Viticultural Services P/L; Brett Keeping, Two Rivers; Liz Riley, Vitibit P/L This category recognises that any great wine starts with good vineyard management resulting in quality grapes. It awards an outstanding Viticulturist involved in the management of Hunter Valley vineyards and spans the person’s career to date. The criteria includes demonstration of vineyards that have resulted in wines being consistently recognised by awards or noted by respected media, any vineyard/s that have achieved single vineyard status in the care of the nominee, any research and development undertaken to improve quality, and work that has resulted in better practice for the Hunter Valley as a whole. Brett has been involved in the Hunter Valley Wine Industry for the past 22 years. As General Manager of Two Rivers Wines, his responsibilities include the management of the company’s 80 Ha vineyard in the Upper Hunter Valley. Brett was awarded Hunter Vigneron of the year in 2000 at the Hunter Farmer of the Year Competition, where he was also named the Overall Winner. He was also selected as the Winner of the Northoak Award for
Brett Keeping
contribution to Agriculture in the Muswellbrook Shire Council in 2000. Brett’s work on the land garnered a Finalist standing in Hunter Vineyard of the Year in 2007, and for him as Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year in 2008. Constant involvement in the community has seen him hold the positions of President of the Upper Hunter Winemakers Association 2001 – 2002, 2008 - present. Vice President, Upper Hunter Winemakers Association 2003 - 2008 and as a Wine Industry representative on the Muswellbrook Shire Councils Mayors Forum, 2007 - 2008. Brett is currently on the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association Executive Committee. CLEAR IMAGE HUNTER VALLEY CELLAR DOOR OF THE YEAR Brokenwood Wines Finalists: Brokenwood Wines, Hungerford Hill Wines, Margan Family Wines This award recognises excellence at a Hunter Valley Cellar Door which largely influences the public perception and image of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. Cellar Doors must display discernible promotion of Hunter Valley Wines, they must be open for visitation without appointment, and must be able to demonstrate active involvement in wine/tourism industry activities and events. Forty years ‘young’ this October, Brokenwood Wines is to date owned by a group of friends dedicated to making great wine and having fun. This bond of great wine and food has grown to embrace not only the shareholders but Cellar Door staff, wine club members and customers alike. With their Cellar Door split into three separate areas Brokenwood places emphasis on offering a special Hunter experience to members and visitors alike.
breathe 13
Brokenwood Cellar Door Staff
The staff takes great pride in establishing and maintaining bonds with customers, regularly discussing contents of cellars, best all time bottles and favourite food and wine matches. Whether it is in the Cellar Door home located in the original winery built in 1975 or at wine tastings, dinners, cooking schools or one of the many members events Brokenwood holds, the Cellar Door staff take special care to spread the ‘Hunter word’. 2010 HERITAGE AWARD Drayton’s Family Wines “Old Cellar”, and Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards “Old Vats” ‘The Heritage Award’ which acknowledges landmarks or items of historical importance that have influenced the course of, or made a significant contribution to the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards - “Old Vats” The Wilkinson family were pioneers of the Australian Winemaking Industry acquiring their property in Pokolbin in 1866. Audrey Wilkinson was committed to leading edge technology which, at the end of the 19th century, included open vats and steam powered crushers and hoppers. These original vats are exhibited at the Audrey Wilkinson Museum today. DRAYTON’S Family Wines - “Old Cellar” The sixth generation Drayton’s have been making wine at their winery in Pokolbin for over 150 years. The original cellar has been preserved within the new winery, and thus remain a part of our heritage and history in the Hunter Valley. n
Heritage Award recipients: Max Drayton, Brian Agnew & John Drayton
14 breathe
2010 Hunter Valley Legends & Wine Industry Awards Dinner PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS ELFES
sales@davidhookwines.com.au
info@arrowfieldestate.com.au
www.arrowfieldestate.com.au
wine
New Vines, New Wines WORDS BY ANDREW GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS ELFES
T
he Hunter Valley, like most great international wine regions, has a select group of grape varieties it produces well. Not just well, but world-class well, particularly in the case of Semillon and Shiraz. But the Hunter isn’t about to rest on this (world-class) reputation, with a strengthening push by local vignerons to explore what lies beyond these French, more ‘traditional’ styles. They are discovering interesting Italian, Spanish and more unusual French grape varieties.
Some of the producers at the forefront of this movement include David Hook at David Hook Wines, Suzanne and Ian Little at the Little Wine Company, the Lusby family at Tintilla Estate, and Andrew Margan at Margan Family Wines, among others. This band of dedicated winemakers has recently found success with varieties such as Piedmont’s popular Barbera, Spain’s national grape Tempranillo, Tuscany’s renowned Sangiovese and the revived super grape of France’s Rhône Valley, Viognier, not to mention Pinot Grigio and Mourvedre. Of these varieties, several have proven to be particularly wellsuited to the Hunter. Barbera is one of these: a grape that is the third-most planted in Italy and nicknamed the ‘people’s wine’, such is its popularity in Northern Italy’s Piedmont region, its traditional heartland. In the Hunter, Barbera has gained popularity amongst many producers, particularly due to its reputation for retaining its acidity and freshness even in the warmest seasons, whilst producing delicious and food-friendly, medium-bodied reds.
One Hunter producer to particularly focus upon Barbera is Andrew Margan, who first planted the grape back in 1998. His Barbera has continued to grow in popularity over the last decade, with the public embracing it too. ‘We are grafting another three acres over to it now, just to keep up,’ he said. Margan’s Barbera vines - now the oldest in the Hunter Valley - were originally sourced from some of Australia’s oldest (and arguably highest quality) Barbera plantings, at Mudgee’s ‘Montrose’ vineyard, which is now owned by the Oatley family. What originally drew Margan to Barbera though, was actually Merlot. ‘We were looking for something medium-bodied like Merlot after lots of success with it [Merlot],’ he said. ‘After trying a few Mudgee Barberas, I thought that it might work well here in the Hunter.’ The only real challenge Margan has found with Barbera is its intolerance to heat. ‘It used to defoliate [lose all its leaves] when it got really hot. But it doesn’t seem do that now the vines are getting older,’ he said. Like Margan, another producer who has had considerable success with Barbera is David Hook. Hook’s Barbera is also sourced from the original Montrose plantings, and in fact beat off a host of highly-regarded wines to pick up the trophy for Best Dry Red Table Wine produced from Spanish and Italian varieties at last year’s NSW Small Winemakers Show.
breathe 17
‘[The Hunter] is the most-visited wine region in Australia and we can certainly have other strings to our bow. Variety is the spice of life!’ SUZANNE LITTLE
Andrew Margan in his Barbera vineyard
But it doesn’t stop there, with Hook also making great wine out of another alternative variety, Viognier. Viognier originated in France’s Rhône Valley, where it has been grown for many centuries, and is still used both in the production of full-flavoured white wines and also fermented with Shiraz to make perfumed Shiraz Viognier blends. For Hook, it was his time working in the south of France that convinced him of the merits of Viognier, where it is picked early and made into a refreshing, texturally dry white. Similarly, Hook’s Viognier is deliberately made in a lighter and more refreshing style. ‘We pick it early to avoid it getting too ripe and fat. The style then becomes more fruit-driven and light, making for almost an introductory Viognier style,’ David said. Suzanne and Ian Little have also been working with Viognier since 2001, with Suzanne particularly convinced by its merits. ‘I know I’m often out on my own with this one, but my favourite of all alternatives (white or red) would have to be Viognier. We have three in our range, so that has to say something!’ she said. ‘I guess it comes from my background of making Chardonnay. As a winemaker, [Viognier] is a variety you can put your own stamp on. With Viognier, you have all the winemaking options in front of you, and that’s fun!’ Of all the alternative varieties that the Littles work with, however, the variety they see showing the most potential in the Hunter is Tempranillo. Tempranillo is to Spain what Shiraz is to Australia, with more Tempranillo planted in Spain than there are grapes planted in all of Australia! One of the many attractions of Tempranillo is that its thick skin and relatively short growing cycle allow it to be picked before the Hunter’s late summer rains. In fact, the name ‘Tempranillo’ comes from ‘temprano’, Spanish for ‘early’, though Suzanne and Ian Little don’t quite agree.
Andrew Margan is looking closely at Tempranillo too, along with some other high-acid Mediterranean varieties that flourish in similar climates to the Hunter. Margan also has some of the oldest plantings of a variety considered alternative for the Hunter: Mourvedre. Also known as Mataro, Mourvedre is largely found in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale and is basically a rarity outside South Australia, let alone found in the Hunter. But Margan’s Mourvedre, planted in the 1960s, has proven to be more than just an oddity, with Margan regarding it as an excellent bedfellow for Hunter Shiraz, adding some sleek dusty characters to old-vine Shiraz. Another variety that has found a home in the Hunter, and is considered by many to be ideally suited to the Hunter climate, is Sangiovese. This variety is already being used in the making of some pretty attractive wines. If we want to talk Sangiovese in the Hunter, we have to talk about the Lusby family’s Tintilla Estate. The Lusbys were the first producers in the Hunter to plant this ‘noble grape of Italy’, and now produce three Sangiovese-based wines, including a very popular Sangiovese Rosé and the highly-lauded Saphira Sangiovese. They believe the key to their success with this variety is ensuring it doesn’t crop too heavily, which dilutes its flavours. To avoid this, they thin the crop just as the grapes are changing colour, removing the green berries and pressing them to make their own delicious Hunter verjuice. Another producer who has found success with Sangiovese is Benwarin Wines, run by Allan and Janneke Bagley. Their 2005 Sangiovese picked up two silver medals and some serious critical acclaim.
‘It’s meant to be an early ripening variety, but we suspect that’s a load of rubbish - it was the last variety we picked this year!’ Suzanne said.
Apart from the Bagleys at Benwarin and the Lusbys at Tintilla, Sangiovese is being produced by at least ten other wineries in the Hunter, with similar numbers for Viognier, and potentially Tempranillo - proving just how interested Hunter producers are in these alternative varieties.
Proving the potential of Tempranillo in the Hunter, both Belebula and Benwarin have produced critically acclaimed Tempranillos of late, with Belebula winning a trophy at the 2008 NSW Small Winemakers Show with their 2007 Tempranillo.
The best motivation for the push toward alternative varieties came from Suzanne Little herself: ‘[The Hunter] is the most-visited wine region in Australia and we can certainly have other strings to our bow. Variety is the spice of life!’ So watch out for the spicy new Hunter Valley! n
18 breathe
www.hungerfordhill.com.au
w w w.poolesrock .com.au
w w w.rock restaurant.com.au
wine profile
Fay McGuigan WORDS BY MELINDA KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS ELFES
wine profile
F
ay McGuigan has worked tirelessly in promoting Hunter Valley wines to the export market. She is considered one of the leaders in the export of Australian wine to the world. Fay earned her reputation as an export manager during the 1970s, when she and her husband, Brian, ventured to start their own company, Wyndham Estate. She is hailed as an ambassador of Australian and Hunter Valley wine, and has won many awards and accolades for her work, including Exporter of the Year 1985, NSW Telstra Business Woman of the Year 1998, and Hunter Valley Living Legend 2009. Fay and Brian McGuigan are also involved in many charities and community organisations, both as a couple and individually. They are extremely generous with their time and the finances they donate, and are responsible for chairing a number of hospital boards, including the Calvary Mater in Newcastle. They have also established a research laboratory at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Sydney, named in memory of their youngest daughter, Vanessa, who died of cancer at just 21. Melinda Kelly recently caught up with Fay McGuigan. You were instrumental in establishing the export market for Australian wine. You must be extremely proud of your achievements. I do feel proud that I commenced export during the ‘pioneering days’ of the late 1970s. There were no manuals or courses, so it was very much trial and error. Luckily, some of my strengths are common sense, attention to detail, and lots of patience, so in hindsight these were a great help to me. Did you ever consider another career, outside the wine industry? I always wanted to do pharmacy, however, I met Brian and married at 21. I was thrown into the wine industry, which I knew nothing about. I asked him how I could learn the basics of the wine industry in a hurry. Suddenly, I was working under Brian as his assistant winemaker (which I did for two years). Little did I dream this training would give me enough knowledge to venture into export and take our wines to 28 countries in eight years. The Hunter wine industry was very male-dominated in the 1970s and 1980s. How hard was it, as a woman, to make your mark? It was a little harder back then. However, I just got on with my job and didn’t let this interfere with my aims. Some international markets didn’t like dealing with females, so I really loved the challenge of having to build confidence with the distributors and agents. I became super, super efficient in communicating back to them; this impressed them and worked well for me.
22 breathe
Who or what has influenced you professionally? People would be hoping I’d say someone famous like Janet Homesa-Court or Carla Zampatti (whom I admire very much), however, I’d have to say my husband, Brian. He became my mentor and we really enjoyed working together. When we look back on our lives, we acknowledge that, without our teamwork Wyndham Estate, McGuigan Wines wouldn’t have worked. What is your favourite McGuigan Hunter Valley Wine? Genus 4 Shiraz. I’m still hooked on a good Shiraz. Do you have any tips for young people entering a career in the Australian wine industry? Learn as much as you can in every department. Go out with the sales reps to understand how competitive it is and how knowledgeable you must be in order to sell your products. Do a week in the vineyard with the vineyard manager and learn from the grass roots, then spend a few days in the bottling department. What you’ll learn is that no one department is more important than the other; it is a true team effort. Don’t be scared of hard work, and, very importantly, get involved in industry meetings and functions. What do you see as the future for the Hunter Valley wine industry? That’s not easy to cover in a few words. The Hunter Valley and the Australian wine industries are over 180 years old and it has taken a lot of hard work to get where we are today. There are always ups and downs like the weather, the world situation, and the economy. It’s imperative to keep your team enthused, work hard, be proud of your brand, be proud of your region and your country, and promote, promote, promote - and of course sell, sell, sell! What has been your best experience? The honour of receiving a Hunter Valley Living Legends Award in 2009. I had no idea I was receiving it until the announcement at the awards dinner. I felt so overwhelmingly humbled and very honoured to be given this recognition. My other great professional experience was being invited to sit on an export board with the Prime Minister, John Howard, in 1996. What has been your worst experience? Losing our 21 year-old daughter to cancer. No other experience could be worse for me and my family. Time doesn’t heal; time just helps you live with the loss. What has been your greatest achievement? To achieve successfully in export by selling to 28 countries and expanding export sales to 50 per cent of our total sales back in the late ‘80s. You have travelled extensively overseas - what is your favourite international destination? For business, it would be Canada, because it became my most successful export market. I also love Switzerland and Spain. You have lived in the Hunter Valley for many years. What is your favourite place in the Hunter Valley? That is definitely our home on Hermitage Road. If you could choose your last meal, what and where would it be? Lobster thermidor or lobster mornay, which is old-fashioned these days, but I still can’t resist lobster when it is on the menu. n
wine
in the winery WORDS BY SUZANNE LITTLE
The last of the leaves have fallen from the vines and a chill has taken hold. Frosty mornings are upon us and there is no mistaking that it is winter in the Hunter Valley. The vines are dormant, but the winemaking process continues all year. So what is happening during the winter months? JULY Pruning of the vines is in full swing and pruning crews can be heard bantering to each other across the rows in the early morning fog. The vines must be pruned while the vines are dormant, which only gives a few months in which to complete this huge task across the Valley. Just as summer turns to winter, so the grape pickers become pruners, trading their sun hats and gumboots for gloves and parkas. In the winery, the last of the 2010 Semillons have been bottled. They are now being poured in cellar doors, restaurants and sailing off to export markets around the world - after all, “Hunter Semillon is Australia’s unique gift to the wine world,” to quote Jancis Robinson.
www.nationalpolyindustries.com.au
AUGUST By now, most wineries have broken the back of the post-vintage. August is the month for the Hunter Valley Wine Show. This is an important event in the calendar for many wineries; it is both a benchmarking process for the Hunter Valley as well as an opportunity for winemakers to shine amongst peers. Wine judges from around Australia and overseas are invited by the Chairman, Iain Riggs, to join with local judges in evaluating over 1,000 Hunter Valley wines. One of the most hotly contested trophies at the Show is the Alexander Munro Trophy, for the best one-year-old red wine. Winemakers have therefore been busy over the last two months, tasting, blending and finishing their 2009 reds. These wines are bottled and submitted for judging with great hopes and aspirations for a medal or trophy. 2009 was a great vintage for the Hunter, and the judges will have a tough time separating the top wines.
SEPTEMBER All work and no play is never a good thing. September is the perfect time to take a break from the winery. The 2010 reds are quietly maturing in oak, and the last of the 2010 whites have now been bottled. Winemakers head off for a well-earned break, as well as travelling around Australia and the world to sell and promote their wines. September is a little too early to be contemplating what lies ahead for the 2011 vintage, but there is a hint of warmth in the air and the vines are coming to life. It won’t be long before the new growing season begins and, with it, the traditional predications of the greatest vintage ever! n
breathe 23
wine
meet the locals WORDS BY GRANT RADFORD
A typical day includes… Getting up at around 5am and starting the day off with two coffees, a play with the dogs, attending to emails and editing photographs until the rest of the world gets going. Then the day depends on what’s to be shot. What is your most memorable bottle of wine tasted? There really are too many to remember, but the 2000 St George and, more recently, Pepper Tree’s Strandlines are memorable. What do you drink at home? All sorts of things. When you photograph wine bottles for a living, you get to taste a huge range of fabulous wines, especially being based here in the Hunter Valley. How do you relax after a hard day? Usually a wind-down is a game of fetch with my dogs and a nice cold beer. A good movie can round off the night. What was your most embarrassing moment? In my business there are far too many to list! It is all about discretion. The best customer/visitor is one who… The best customer is one who relaxes and says, “Go for it, you’re the expert.” And the best visitor is one who makes themselves at home. Your favourite food and wine match? I love Asian food and any wine that suits it. I am no expert, so I ask questions and hope I get the right answer. Your fantasy dinner party guests are… George Clooney, Helen Mirren, and a close friend who is a Greek nun but an absolute hoot.
CHRIS ELFES Chris Elfes, as Owner/Manager/Photographer of Photography on Hermitage, has more than 25 years’ experience in wedding, commercial and portrait photography. As well as being in high demand for weddings, Chris’s work can be seen regularly in local publications such as Breathe Magazine and the Hunter Valley Wine Country Visitors Guide. His work is also regularly published in many national glossy magazines. What is the best part of your job? The people I meet, the freedom and the creativity. What is the worst part of your job? That’s easy - simply not enough hours in the day.
What would your last meal and drinks be? Red duck curry, a Corona, and a great Hunter Valley Verdelho. It’s not cool, but I love… Walking barefoot. If you weren’t you, who would you like to be? How about George Clooney?! If you weren’t a photographer, what you would be? A celebrity chef. Being paid to eat, drink and travel sounds good to me. What is your favourite product on offer at the moment? Large art prints. A great new piece of equipment that allows images to be printed in very large formats, which is perfect for banners and high impact works.
Welcome 7 days McGuigan Cellars open 9.30am to 5pm pointment Groups welcome by ap at 12 noon & Winery tours weekdays oon weekends at 11am & 12n Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin NSW m c g u i g a n c e l l ars@mcguiganwines.com.au Telephone: (02) 4998 7402 Email: mcguigancellars@mcguiganwines.com.au
wine
meet the locals MELISSA O’TOOLE Imagine living on a gorgeous Hunter Valley property surrounded by vineyards and having an amazing fruit and vegie garden (complete with livestock and chooks) to draw your cooking inspiration from. Sounds like a dream. This is exactly the life Melissa O’Toole and her family have created on their beautiful Broke property, Motty’s Farm. A couple of years ago Melissa began her own in-house catering business and now uses the fresh produce from her sprawling kitchen garden to create country style cuisine for visitors to enjoy in their holiday accommodation. A Hunter Valley wine lover, Melissa also works part-time for Margan Family Wines. What is the best part of your job? Working from home and being able to control the days I work. Having my husband Paul and son Jack to help is an added bonus. What is the worst part of your job? The worst part would have to be unpacking the car after a long, hard night catering, and of course working most Friday and Saturday nights. A typical day includes…. My mornings always start with two cups of tea in bed. Then it’s the normal rush of getting kids off to school, attending to emails, telephone calls, housework, prepping, cooking then more cooking. What is your most memorable bottle tasted? It was on New Year’s Eve celebration a few years ago at Jimmy’s Beach, where I shared a bottle of Vintage Krug with good friends Paula and Simon of Shakey Tables.
What do you drink at home? That would have to be an icy cold beer, and on the wine front, Margan Family Wines - I work there part time and love their wines. How do you relax after a hard day? In the summer I enjoy having a glass of wine with my husband while wandering around the vegie patch. In the winter nothing is better than indulging in a hot bath by candlelight, with a glass of wine ….. alone!!! What is your most embarrassing moment? Well, that really is too embarrassing to even mention. The best customer/visitor is one who….. Enjoys and comments on my meal, the service I offer, and the overall Broke experience. What is your favourite food and wine match? Freshly shucked Port Stephens oyster and a bottle of Hunter Valley Semillon. Your fantasy dinner party guests are…. Drew Barrymore to keep my husband happy, Billy Connolly and Elton John for entertainment. And of course let’s not forget Richard Gere. What would your last meal and drinks be? It would have to be a freshly caught mud crab with a bottle of Billiecart. It’s not cool, but I love… Wearing my ugg boots around the house all day long on a cold winters’ day. If you weren’t you, who would like to be? I don’t mind being me but I wouldn’t mind Elle McPherson’s body. If you weren’t a chef, what would you be? I would love to be a professional musician in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. What is your favourite product on offer at the moment? I have a local Italian farmer, Nick, who grows the best Roma tomatoes all year round. The flavour is amazing. They are great fried on Turkish bread for breakfast. What is your favourite holiday destination (outside the Hunter, of course)? Southern Tasmania in winter, it’s cold but so beautiful.
www.mottys.com.au
wine
A typical day includes… I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical day in the wine industry, but that’s why I love it so much.
meet the locals
What is your most memorable bottle ever tasted? 2003 Louis Roederer Cristal. If only I could afford it more than once in my lifetime! What do you drink at home? A mix of great Hunter Valley wines and the occasional bottle of French bubbles. How do you relax after a hard day? Spa, champagne, cheese… What was your most embarrassing moment? Walking into a glass wall that I thought was a glass door. A very blond moment indeed! The best customer/visitor is one who… Wants to learn a little something when they visit our cellar door. The great thing about working at Allandale is that the winery is right here, so explaining how it all works is that much easier. What is your favourite food and wine match? Blue cheese and the Allandale dessert wine, “Anna”.
FIONA HINTON-RODGERS Somewhat of a Lovedale Long Lunch veteran, Fiona has worked at Allandale Winery (situated on Lovedale Road) for over ten years. While her official title is Accounts & Marketing Manager, if you drop into the Allandale Winery Cellar Door, chances are you will be greeted with Fiona’s happy, smiling face and be treated to a fabulous tasting experience and a wealth of local knowledge. Rumour has it that, although she is a Hunter Valley girl through and through, she is quite partial to the odd glass of French Champagne. What is the best part of your job? Without a doubt, it has be to getting to taste and enjoy some amazing wine, and doing it on a daily basis. What is the worst part of your job? Watching other people taste and enjoy our amazing wines.
Your fantasy dinner party guests are... Quentin Tarantino, because he is amazing, George Clooney for a bit of eye candy, Matt Moran to do the cooking, and Handy Manny to keep my three-year-old entertained. What would your last meal and drinks be? A beautiful aged Hunter Semillon and my husband’s creamy chicken risotto. It’s not cool, but I love… Bad dancing to bad 80s music. If you weren’t you, who would you like to be instead? A smarter, richer, more attractive version of me. If you weren’t in the wine industry, what you would be doing? I would love to be working at an animal shelter. I love my dogs and two of them were rescued so I think I would be trying to help out in that area. What is your favourite product on offer at the moment? I love our 2004 Aged Hunter Semillon. What is your favourite holiday destination (outside the Hunter, of course)? Bora Bora, Tahiti. n
T H E C E L L A R R E S TAU R A N T AWA R D E D :
04, 05, 06 & 08 Best Contemporary Australian Restaurant – Infor mal Dining
Restaurant & Catering Association Awards for Excellence One Glass Rating (Recommended)
2008 & 2009 Wine List of the Year Awards
Chef/Owner Andrew Wright is passionate about sourcing the freshest and best quality local ingredients. His ever-changing menu showcases his talent for combining contemporary Australian Fare with the influence of European traditions, presented in a simple and uncomplicated manner.
Open for lunch and dinner – bookings recommended Indoor and outdoor dining Various menu options including fixed price, à la carte and degustation Air-conditioned in summer Open fire in winter Fully licensed
“Such good food in such unpretentious surroundings is worthy of rural France”.
THE LONDON SUNDAY TIMES
The Cellar is a hot spot for locals and a must for new visitors to the region. Hunter Valley Gardens Village Broke Road, Pokolbin. Tel: 4998 7584 www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au
AT BE LT R E E
Relaxed al-fresco dining with Mediterranean food designed to be shared Lunch from midday - Thursday to Monday Dinner - Saturday Catering by arrangement
Beltree 266 Hermitage Road Pokolbin
Bookings 02 6574 7216 www.beltree.com.au
McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Heritage Vineyard Wine Tasting Offer Visit Mount Pleasant for the rare opportunity to taste some of the Hunter Valley’s most awarded wines, sourced from vines planted from 1880, including some hard to find back vintages. Heritage Vineyard Tastings will be available during the Autumn months at Mount Pleasant, and include a private tasting with wines served in Riedel glasses and a tasting booklet supplied: • Lovedale Semillon Vertical - 2006, 2005 and 2003 vintages, and
• Maurice O’Shea Shiraz Vertical - 2006, 2005 and 2004 vintages. These wines have a combined total of 6 Trophies, 10 Gold and 21 Silver Trophies!! Heritage tastings are available for a minimum of two people, at $15pp for each flight or $25pp for both the Semillon and Shiraz tastings - bookings are essential via the Cellar Door on 02-4998 7505. Tasting plates including some of the Heritage wines are also available for lunch at our Elizabeth’s Restaurant.
McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Wine & Food Estate, 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 Telephone: (02) 4998 7505 Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
wine
reviews Swish Wine 2009 Tin Soldier Merlot RRP $20 COMPANY OVERVIEW James Halliday 5 Star Winery (2010 Australian Wine Companion) Tin Soldier Merlot is made by Swish Wine, a family owned wine company from Lovedale. Swish Wine was founded in 2007 and with three vintages now in the bottle and attracting the attention of the judges in wine shows around the country, the business is growing at a rapid pace. Sarah Crowe, ‘Hunter Valley Legends 2009 Rising Star of the Year’ has joined as Chief Winemaker, bringing a wealth of winemaking skill and an unrivalled passion for Hunter Valley wines. WINEMAKING NOTES The 2009 Tin Soldier Merlot (alcohol 13.4%) is made using premium Merlot from the Swish Wine, Wilderness Road vineyards, carefully matured in new and seasoned French oak. A near perfect Hunter Valley vintage. Generous rainfall promoted vigorous growth and an even crop. Mid to late summer was warm and dry and ideal conditions at harvest allowed picking of perfect fruit at the right time - resulting in very good wines with classic flavours and intensity. TASTING NOTES Rich, seductive and exotic … think strawberries dipped in luscious dark chocolate, a smattering of spice and a touch of vanilla and you’re on the right track. Dutch cocoa and vanilla aromas fill the glass before dark cherry and berry flavours lead you into a seductive, smooth palate, all wrapped up in fine-grained, soft tannins. This wine is a medium-bodied red with plenty of brooding intensity, lovely length, and a velvet-soft finish. FOOD MATCH With winter here, now is the time for long, slow cooking and rich reds in big glasses. Ward off the chills with a bottle or two of 2009 Tin Soldier Merlot and some slowly braised lamb shanks and rich buttery mash. If you can bear to put some away, the 2009 Tin Soldier Merlot will continue to soften and become even more delicious until at least 2015!
p 02 4930 7594 e info@swishwine.com Cellar door open Thursday to Monday 10am - 5pm (or by appointment)
247 Wilderness Road LOVEDALE www.swishwine.com
wine
reviews Scarborough Wine Co. 2006 Shiraz RRP $25 at Cellar Door COMPANY OVERVIEW Scarborough Wine Co. has been producing its unique style of wines since 1987 and is one of the few Hunter Valley only producers. Specialising in Chardonnay but also producing other traditional premium Hunter varieties, such as Semillon and Shiraz, Scarborough has established itself as one of the leading wine producers in the Hunter Valley. More recently they have added both a Pinot Noir Rose and Late Harvest Semillon to their Hunter Valley only range. WINEMAKING NOTES The Scarborough Shiraz 2006 is from fruit sourced from mature vineyards on deep hillside red/brown Terra Rossa of limestone parentage. Once harvested the fruit is processed and then cold soaked for up to five days. Then fermentation is commenced with takes seven to ten days. Once pressed out the resulting wine is matured in French oak barriques of various ages. This wine is released when mature with a minimum age of three years. TASTING NOTES The colour of this wine is a deep red purple.The nose shows licorice, pepper, subtle French oak with a hint of beetroot. The palate is savoury, earthy with hints of nutmeg. Velvety tannins with a touch of sweet berry round the palate out beautifully. Balanced and medium weight. FOOD MATCH The Scarborough Wine Co. 2006 Shiraz will show at its best when enjoyed with game birds, lamb and pork.
Winner 2009 Cellar Door of the Year – Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards
p 02 4998 7563 e cellar@scarboroughwine.com.au Cellar door open 7 days from 9am - 5pm
179 Gillards Road POKOLBIN www.scarboroughwine.com.au
wine
reviews Margan Family Wines 2008 White Label Shiraz Mourvedre RRP $30 at Cellar Door COMPANY OVERVIEW Margan Family Winegrowers was established over a decade ago and are proud to be considered a leading premium wine producer. Winemaker, Andrew Margan, handcrafts unique wines which show contemporary personality but also show respect to their regional heritage. All grapes are grown on the low yielding, old-vine Margan vineyards and the wines are made onsite at Margan winery. The Margan winery, vineyards, tasting room and restaurant are based in the picturesque valley of Broke Fordwich. WINEMAKING NOTES The grapes for this wine were picked from 40 year old vines growing on the red clay of our Vere Vineyard. The two varieties are interplanted and are picked together. With an average yield of only half a tonne per acre the fruit for this wine was intensely concentrated in flavour. The grapes were picked at full ripeness and were fermented under cool conditions using cultured aromatic yeast. After fermentation the wine was placed in new French oak barriques where it matured for 20 months prior to bottling. TASTING NOTES The dusty richness of the Mourvedre coupled with the spicy savoury characters of the Shiraz provides a wine of interesting structure and complexity. The subtle use of oak allows for the integration of soft vanillin characters into the wine. The savoury tannins in this wine balance out the middle palate creating a wine that is long and savoury. Enjoy now or cellar for extra complexity. FOOD MATCH Best enjoyed with roasted Hunter beef with grilled pumpkin, eggplant, fetta, and pork crumbs as featured on the menu at Margan Restaurant.
p 02 6579 1372 e cellardoor@margan.com.au Cellar door open 7 days 10am-5pm
1238 Milbrodale Road BROKE www.margan.com.au
wine
reviews Tulloch 2008 Cellar Door Release Tempranillo RRP $22 COMPANY OVERVIEW The Tulloch story began in 1895 when John Younie Tulloch accepted an unusual settlement of a debt, a property in Pokolbin. Starting with just five acres of Shiraz, the Tulloch name is now synonymous with the Hunter. Visitors to the Cellar Door are invited to experience the true heritage of the Hunter and to sample some of the regions most renowned wines. Located in the heart of Pokolbin, the award-winning Tulloch Cellar Door is a must visit Hunter destination. WINEMAKING NOTES Tulloch’s Cellar Door Release Label has been created for visitors to the Tulloch Cellar Door in Pokolbin. Here you can taste and purchase a limited number of very special releases of select Hunter Valley wines. Each of these wines is created expressly for Cellar Door visitors and members of the 1895 Wine Club. Selections change from time to time as the harvest and season permits. This is the first release of Tempranillo for Tulloch Wines which has quickly gained a reputation as a vibrant, aromatic Spanish varietal made in an easy drinking style boasting spicy fruit aromas and flavours. TASTING NOTES The fruit for this wine is sourced from a small premium parcel of Tempranillo grown at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain range in central Pokolbin. Rich ruby red in colour, this wine exhibits complex aromas of berries and plum with a herbaceous character on the palate, balanced by subtle oak treatment. This wine is suitable for short to medium term cellaring. Available at the Cellar Door and through Tulloch Wines 1895 Wine Club. FOOD MATCH Best matched to Spanish inspired menus, as well as your favourite tomato based Italian dishes.
u Winner 2007 Cellar Door of the Year - Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards u
p 02 4998 7580 e cellardoor@tullochwines.net Cellar Door 10am - 5pm daily (except Good Friday & Christmas Day)
638 DeBeyers Rd POKOLBIN www.tulloch.com.au
wine
reviews Tintilla Estate 2007 Four Mary’s Pinot Noir RRP $30 COMPANY OVERVIEW Pinot Noir was first planted in the Hunter Valley in the 1830s, cuttings being acquired by James Busby in Burgundy from the famous old Cistercian monastery “Clos du Vougeot”. Early records show the wines were similar to Chambertin which “excited a general feeling of surprise”. An early ripening variety it is picked in January before the height of summer. Father and son winemaking team Robert & James Lusby have a real commitment to the variety and the regional character it exudes. WINEMAKING NOTES Tintilla Estate aims to reflect the relationship between the vines, soils and climate with uncompromising wine making and minimal manipulation. The grapes come from old vines on a limestone rich hillside down the road from the Estate. The low yielding grapes are harvested by hand when the flavour is optimal. Cold soaking to maximise the fruit and colour extraction is followed by temperature controlled fermentation. The wine is racked into French barrels and aged for about a year prior to bottling. TASTING NOTES The colour is medium red with slight brick hue; the aroma has ripe, warm fruit characters with hints of dark cherry and plum. On the palate are savoury elements with depth and rich berry fruit flavours. The wine has a complex long silky finish with a touch of the Hunter. There is a noticeable acidic mouth feel balanced by a well integrated use of oak. Typical of Pinot the flavours change and develop in the glass. It should age well. FOOD MATCH Pinot Noir is said to be the ultimate food wine. The Four Mary’s has that softness that allows it to complement food and an acid backbone that modifies the oils and fats enhancing the flavours of both the food and wine. While duck and game and slow cooked beef are natural matches, served at 18 degrees or slightly cooler, it goes well with fish such as salmon, cod, swordfish and barramundi.
p 02 6575 7093 e info@tintilla.com.au Cellar door open 7 days 10:30am - 6pm
725 Hermitage Road POKOLBIN www.tintilla.com.au
food
RECIPE FROM ESCA BIMBADGEN WINERY RESTAURANT HEAD CHEF EBONNIE NEWBY PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS ELFES
FILLET OF OCEAN TROUT, CARROT & GINGER EMULSION, POACHED SCAMPI & SPRING ONIONS Serves 1 as a maincourse 170g piece of ocean trout - bones removed 3 scampi tails - shell removed 3 spring onions - halved and roasted Baby herbs Carrot & Ginger Emulsion 40g brown onion 80g peeled carrot 20g butter 20g ginger 30 ml white wine 50 ml cream Salt & pepper
To Cook Carrot & Ginger Emulsion 1. Chop carrot and onion into small pieces & add to a saucepan with butter. 2. When partially broken down, add ginger and continue to cook, then deglaze with white wine. 3. Add cream and continue to simmer for a further ten minutes. 4. Blend to a sauce consistency and season with salt & pepper. To Cook & Serve 1. Heat a little oil and butter in a pan and place trout in the pan skin side down, then season with salt & pepper. 2. Cook for three minutes, then turn and season the other side. 3. While the trout is cooking, warm the carrot emulsion and place the spring onions back in the oven. 4. Poach the scampi in the carrot emulsion. 5. To serve place a large spoon of emulsion in the centre of the plate and smear around slightly. 6. Place three scampi tails around the plate with spring onions on top. 7. Place the trout in the centre and garnish with baby herbs. 8. Enjoy with a great Hunter Valley Semillon.
p 02 4998 4666 e esca@bimbadgen.com.au Open 7 days for lunch Midday-4pm Dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm
790 McDonalds Road POKOLBIN www.bimbadgen.com.au
Chez Pok Restaurant at Peppers Guest House Hunter Valley offers award-winning cuisines either in airconditioned comfort or on the famous outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards. Under the watchful eye of Executive Chef, Michael Bolam, the talented brigade of chefs have created a menu that showcases contemporary Australian cuisine with a strong French influence. The restaurant’s focus is to provide a unique, exciting and memorable dining experience for each guest. The seasonal degustation menu is the best way to sample the variety of dishes and their extensive wine list reflects the best in the region as well as a reserve list for the wine enthusiast. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ekerts Road Pokolbin P 02 4993 8999 E chezpok@peppers.com.au www.chezpok.com.au
When Quality Sound Matters Professional Systems. Design Performance Multi Room
Indoor - Living Room
Outdoor- Balcony
BoseÂŽ Lifestyle 35 IV
Bose 151se Enviromental Speakers with Remote Control
DVD Entertainment System
Neutral Bay
InterContinental Hotel Sydney
(02) 9908 5010
(02) 9252 4915
Shop 3, 20 Young St
2/117 Macquarie St
Website
www.dmehifi.com.au www.dmehifi.com.au
the store
lifestyle
gardening WORDS BY SEAN O’BRIEN
home grown O
ne of the most rewarding things to do in the garden is producing your own herbs and vegetables.
The idea of preparing an evening meal and ducking out into the garden to pick a sprig of rosemary for a lamb roast, a bunch of chives to garnish potatoes with, or a handful of snow peas to steam with some melted butter not only makes the meal a little more special, but it is also easy to do. Spring and summer have always been considered the best seasons in which to grow herbs and vegetables. However, there are now so many different kinds available that can be grown at different times of the year, that the problem is not so much what and when to plant, but finding the room to grow them all. The most important thing to consider is the site of your garden bed. Ideally, the beds should be raised and see plenty of sun exposure. To ensure your herbs and vegetables get off to a good start, you should condition the soil using mushroom compost or cow manure and incorporate this well into the soil. Most herbs and vegetables prefer to grow in fairly sweet soil, so a sprinkling of lime or dolomite just prior to planting will help them along. After planting, a good mulch of lucerne, pea straw or sugar-can mulch should be applied. This not only keeps the weeds down, but helps retain moisture and gives nutrients back to the soil. With the onset of the cooler weather, it’s a great time to look at planting the more temperamental herbs, such as coriander and dill, and Asian vegetables such as pak choi and wong bok, and of course lettuce.
Through the heat of summer, these plants tend to bolt and go to seed quickly without producing a reasonable harvest. However, during autumn and winter, particularly in frost-free areas, they can grow to their full potential and will last around three times longer. Some vegetables perfect for this time of year include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, true English spinach, lettuce, onions, peas and beetroot. And don’t forget the winter herbs – you should also try your hand at the different varieties of mint and parsley, along with rosemary, thyme, chamomile and bay leaf. Those beautiful sunny winter days are a great inspiration to get out into the garden and start thinking about your summer crops. Now is the time to put in things like strawberry runners and asparagus crowns that will continue to produce for 20 years or more. Potatoes will also be available soon, but leave planting them until the chance of frost has passed. Before planting them, the best place to store them is on top of the fridge until they send out their shoots. There are now many interesting and tasty varieties available, from the traditional to the more gourmet, and you will find them at your local garden centre. Once your herbs and vegetables are up and going, regularly feed them with a liquid fertiliser every two weeks or so, and keep an eye out for pests. There are many good low- or non-toxic chemicals available to combat things like caterpillar, white fly and other nasty pests that may want to feed on your crop before you get the chance. Your local garden centre will advise on the most appropriate sprays to use. If all goes well, in eight weeks or so you will begin to reap the rewards of your hard work by feasting on your very own homegrown herbs and vegetables.Happy gardening. Sean O’Brien, Horticultural Manager, Hunter Valley Gardens n
w w w. h v g. c o m . a u
olives WORDS MELINDA KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS ELFES
food olives
A
ussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oil, oil, oil. This is the current catch phrase of the Australian Olive Association in their push to raise awareness that “fresher tastes better” when it comes to extra virgin olive oil.
Australian extra virgin olive oil is the natural oil from quality olives that have been picked straight off the tree and extracted as soon as possible without the use of chemicals or excessive heat. This ensures that the oil’s remarkable health benefits, flavour and freshness are maximised. According to the experts the key to great tasting olive oil is freshness. So it goes without saying that extra virgin olive oil produced in the Hunter Valley is some of the freshest available - the olives come off the trees, are pressed, the oil is bottled and available to local restaurants and retailers in just a couple of days. While the Hunter Valley produces only a small percentage of Australia’s total olive oil production, the quality of its olive oils, table olives, and tapenades is exceptional. Olive harvest in the Hunter Valley usually takes place at the end of April and early May and the good news is the olive gods have been very kind to the Hunter Valley olive producers this year; very kind, indeed. Steve Goodchild of Pukara Estate, the Hunter’s largest olive producer, says in the ten years he has worked at Pukara, the 2010 harvest is the biggest crop with the best conditions he has experienced. “This harvest has been a dream run due to the dry and near perfect conditions from early April to mid-May,” said Steve. “There were no interruptions with rain which is virtually unheard of. We had ideal weather to pick fruit and there was no down time due to rain”. Located near Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter, Pukara Estate produces distinctive, sophisticated and flavoursome extra virgin olive oils, table olives, and tapenades, and has won over 50 awards in shows nationally. It has over 26,000 olive trees and
C NNOISSEUR club
crushes for 20 other producers, which means at harvest time it is all hands on deck. It’s estimated the 2010 Hunter Valley combined crush for olive oil was over 1000 tonnes with the main varieties of oil fruit including Correggiola, Frantoio (Paragon), Leccino, Koroneiki, Nevadillo, Bianco and Picual. And while the olives for the beautiful extra virgin olive oil are mechanically harvested, it’s a different story for table olives. The harvesting and processing of table olives is extremely labour intensive so for the boutique growers located in the Pokolbin, Rothbury, Lovedale and Broke areas it means family, friends and neighbours are called on to help. The olives are carefully handpicked, then sorted and any stalks or leaves are removed. They are then washed, sorted mechanically, and sorted and graded again, this time by hand. They are then placed in barrels and covered with a brine solution. Depending on the variety they remain in the brine for three to ten months to de-bitter, then are bottled for retail sale or shipped off to restaurants in large catering tubs. Many of the olive groves in the lower Hunter Valley are grown on boutique family run vineyards like Tintilla Estate, Adina Vineyard, Olio Mio Estate, Whispering Brook and Broke’s Promise. All produce exceptional extra virgin olive oils, and a diverse range of table olives and tapenades. Like their winemaking, their olive products really are labours of love. Hunter Olives, located at Adina Vineyards on Lovedale Road, is responsible for processing much of the olive crops grown in the Lower Hunter and also have their own groves. Hunter Olives Production Manager, Sue Turner says they have had a bumper crop this year. “The season has been beautiful, the olives are fabulous and we are really happy with the harvest,” she said. “Here in the Hunter we love our olives, and I personally find them really interesting. I especially love coming up with new recipes for our tapenades.”
Join our Connoisseur Club
today and receive gourmet products delivered to your door
Producers of Australia’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Vinegar
PUKARA ESTATE
Open 7 Days- 9:30am-4:30pm 1440 Denman Road, Muswellbrook Ph: 02 6547 1055
www.pukaraestate.com.au
food olives
TIPS & FACTS • Extra virgin olive oil is best consumed young because this is when its fresh aromas and flavours are at their peak. Unlike wine, olive oil does not mature with age, so it is best to purchase and use it close to the release date. • The higher levels of natural antioxidants and monounsaturated fats found in extra virgin olive oil mean that it generally remains fresher longer than other edible oils. Stored correctly, most extra virgin olive oils will retain good flavour and freshness for at least 12 months. • Olive oil should be stored in a cool dark place. Most premium Australian extra virgin olive oils come in dark bottles which helps protect it from natural light. • When cooking with olive oil always ensure the pan is hot before pouring in the oil.
Sue says she is seeing a growing appreciation for table olives as more and more people, particularly the younger generations are buying and enjoying fresh local Australian olives rather than imported bottled products. “It’s just great seeing the younger people enjoying the taste of fresh olives. My young teenage nephew takes tapenade sandwiches to school for his lunch which is just fantastic,” she said. In the Hunter Valley you can find great quality local olive oil, olives and tapenades for sale in most Cellar Doors and speciality stores like Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop and the Australian Regional Food Store & Cafe. And thanks to the wonders of modern technology if you can’t make it to the Hunter, you can place an order over the internet so your kitchen is never without fresh Australian made extra virgin olive oil ever again. n
More than simply a vineyard...
• The ideal frying temperature is 180ºC because it seals the item being fried which absorbs less oil. At lower temperature, the oil is able to soak into the item while at higher temperature, the item burns and does not cook through. • When making mayonnaise, make sure you use a fairly light-flavoured olive oil, otherwise the oil will overwhelm the flavour. • Make a quick, tasty and healthy salad dressing by gently whisking together some extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic. • Table olives make an easy snack and are great added to pizzas, pasta dishes, tossed through a green salad and included in a Greek salad. • Spread tapenade on some bruschetta or toasted bread, add your favourite toppings like prosciutto, rocket and goats cheese and you have a fabulous snack, or starter.
w e t a ke
g re a t c a re w h e n p ro d u c i n g o u r w i n e s , a n d w e a re p ro u d o f t h e t ra c k re c o rd w e h a v e e s t a b l i s h e d . T h e s a m e c a re go e s i n t o o u r o l i v e p ro d u c t s . O u r o n - s i t e o l iv e p ro c e s s i n g fa c i l i t y c re a t e s a wa rd - w i n n i n g e x t ra v i r g i n o l iv e o i l s , t a b l e w i n e s a n d t a p e n a d e s .
TasteDine Stay Stay
come and taste
o u r fa r m - f re s h o l i v e p ro d u c t s , a n d t r y o u r d e l i c i o u s c o m p l e m e n t a r y p ro d u c t s - o u r h o m e m a d e d u k k a h a n d o u r fa m o u s c a ra m e l i s e d b a l s a m i c v i n e g a r. A l l t h e s e p ro d u c t s a re m a d e o n - s i t e t o e n s u re t h e f re s h e s t p o s s i b l e t a s t i n g e x p e r i e n c e - t r y t h e m a t o u r c e l l a r d o o r. O p e n i n g hour s: 7 da y s 9am - 5pm.
winery + restaurant
V I N E YA R D O L I V E
&
G R O V E
492 Lovedale Road, Love d a l e N S W 2 3 2 5 Tele phone: 02 4 9 3 0 7 4 7 3 E m a i l : info@adinavineyard.com.au i n f o @ a d i n a v i n e y a rd . c o m . a u We b s i t e : www.adinavineyard.com.au w w w. a d i n a v i n e y a rd . c o m . a u
Enjoy the Adina Vineyard Experience!
+ luxury accommodation + olive grove
Broke’s Promise is a boutique vineyard, olive grove and art gallery situated in the tranquil valley of Broke Fordwich. OPEN EVERY WEEKEND 11AM-4PM 725 MILBRODALE ROAD BROKE P • 6579 1165 E • cr@brokespromise.com.au W • www.brokespromise.com.au
INFO@TINTILLA.COM.AU
www.tintilla.com.au
&
bOutique wine Olive tasting Olio Mio Estate is a boutique olive grove and vineyard, owned and run by the family. Established in 1997 on 60 acres in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Olio Mio Estate is home to premium olive oil and fine wines. The Olio Mio commitment to quality is your guarantee of freshness and great tasting products. Tastings by appointment - contact Bob and Denise Whalan 259 De Beyers Road Pokolbin NSW 2320 T 02 4998 7551 F 02 4998 7797 E oliomio@hunterlink.net.au
www.oliomio.com.au
Rodd street, broke nsw 2330 Open weekends
11am – 5pm
Twilight tastings are available on Friday afternoon by appointment.
phone 02 6579 1386
www.whispering-brook.com www.whispering-brook.com
Whispering Brook is a family owned vineyard and olive grove producing complex, fine quality wines which are a natural expression of the ‘terroir’: soil, climate, orientation and seasons. They are wines of distinction which we invite you to experience with our delicious olive products at our beautiful cellar door, with its wide sweeping verandahs and beautiful mountain views.
lifestyle art
Hunter Art D WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE JAMES
Great wine, fine food and a stunning location motivates thousands of visitors each month to visit the beautiful Hunter Valley. Add to this the world-famous performing artists and fantastic music festivals, and it’s clear why people keep coming back for more.
Emerging from this backdrop of creativity and the finer things in life is another reason to visit the Hunter Valley – an amazing emerging art scene, which allows visitors to incorporate more culture into their vineyard experience and or even to design a complete art holiday.
“We have a great opportunity here,” she says. “The region has the talent, new venues to display and promote art, and an ideal location.” “Art complements the region’s other attractions perfectly. Alongside the regional galleries we have commercial galleries, innovative new art-based activities and a significant artist and artisan population, many with exhibiting careers in major art markets.” With the recent establishment of Cessnock Regional Art Gallery and the extensive expansion of Maitland Regional Art Gallery, there are two very significant art institutions on the doorstep of the Hunter’s vineyards. Within an hour, there are three other regional galleries. Hunter regional galleries offer a variety of art experiences, from smaller intimate spaces showcasing individual artists, through to specialist sculpture gardens and large galleries with substantial public collections and major travelling exhibitions. While gallery exhibitions are an important part of the cultural experience, there are many other aspects to a Hunter Valley art holiday. Vibrant and diverse activities are the hallmark of the visual arts in the region, and the arts community is now working to make these accessible to a larger audience.
The rise of art in such a renowned tourist destination as the Hunter is hardly surprising, with cultural tourism increasing all over the world. The Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us that far more people attend art galleries than sporting events.
A new initiative, The Professional Artists’ Trails, allows people to meet artists in their studios and is proving to be very popular. The Professional Artists’ Trails designer and coordinator, Debra Liel-Brown, is an experienced artist who has exhibited in major galleries and internationally.
At the gateway to Hunter Valley Wine Country sits Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, providing an inspiring way to begin your visit to the Hunter. Gallery Director, Virginia Mitchell, is very positive about the Hunter’s potential to grow cultural tourism.
“Art Trails is a very different experience,” says Debra. “It is relaxed and cosy - more like entertaining guests at home than the formal experience of visiting a gallery.
40 breathe
Destination “Each trail is a scenic self-drive, visiting several artists and a café which makes a half-day outing - and,” she adds, “it is family friendly! Participating artists generally show other artists’ work alongside their own, so there is a variety of art to see.” Debra is very pleased by the public’s response and new trails are to be added regularly. “People seem very comfortable engaging with art this way, even if they’ve had no previous exposure to art.” A visit to the Hunter Valley is also an opportunity for a ‘hands-on’ art experience. The scenic beauty, mild sunny days and golden light of autumn, winter and spring, which characterise the region, are inspirational for art-making. Whether you are an absolute beginner, amateur or professional, a few hours’ quiet sketching can be very pleasant and relaxing. For those who would like to explore their creativity further or just want to have some fun with friends and try something different, Hunter Valley Art runs innovative art workshops, arty parties and art retreats. There is something for individuals, couples, families, groups of friends or corporate events. (I must declare an interest here, as owner and director of Hunter Valley Art.) The regional galleries run school holiday children’s art programs and often conduct adult workshops linked to current exhibitions. Details can be found on the galleries’ websites. Throughout the year there are a variety of art festivals and art prizes which give visitors a chance to engage in some lively country community events. Some events taking place in coming months are listed in the red box at right. n
ArtScrawl
Now in its 14th year, this local art show is based in the heart of the vineyards and features the work of a host of local artists. Held each year over the June long weekend it has become a “must do”.
Sculpture in the Vineyards & Emerging Artist Prize The historic village of Wollombi will host Sculpture in the Vineyards and the Emerging Artist Prize in November. It is a festival event with an emphasis on contemporary art.
An Artists Perspective As part of Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month, An Artists Perspective partners vineyards with artists to produce art with a food and wine theme. To learn more about galleries, artists and events in the Hunter region, visit these websites: Wine Country Tourism www.winecountry.com.au Maitland Regional Art Gallery www.mrag.org.au Cessnock Regional Art Gallery www.crag.net.au Hunter Arts Diary www.hunterarts.org.au Upper Hunter Arts www.artsupperhunter.com.au Wollombi Arts events wollombi.nsw.au/events/arts Hunter Valley Art www.huntervalleyart.com.au Artists Trails www.artiststudiotrail.com
breathe 41
subscribe Keep up to date with what’s happening in the Hunter Valley. Have Hunter Valley Breathe delivered to your door….four times a year.
I’d like to subscribe to Hunter Valley Breathe for: 1 year @ $25*
2 years @ $50*
* Includes GST & postage within Australia
Start my subscription with Spring 20..........
Summer 20..........
Autumn 20..........
Winter 20..........
The Subscription is for me Subscribers Details Full name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ Suburb/city: ......................................................................................................................................................................................... State: .......................................................... Post code: ............................................................................................................... Phone: ...................................................................... Email: ............................................................................................................... The Subscription is a gift for: Full Name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ Suburb/city:........................................................................................................................................................................................... State: .......................................................... Post code: ............................................................................................................... Phone: ...................................................................... Email: ............................................................................................................... PAYMENT METHOD Direct Deposit ( please use your name as the reference) BSB: 112 879 Acc. No: 118 839 688 Acc. Name: Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association
Cheque (made to Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association) Credit Card VISA
Mastercard
American Express
Amount:......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Card Number: ................................................................................................................................................................................... Expiry date: ............................................................................................................................................................................................ Signature: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................
info@verandahrestaurant.com.au www.verandahrestaurant.com.au
Please send completed form via post, fax or email to: Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association, PO Box 352 Cessnock NSW 2325 F 02 4991 4535 E events@winehuntervalley.org.au For any enquiries please call 02 4991 4533 Hunter Valley Breathe is published quarterly by Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association. ABN 15728 023 119
what’s on JULY Winter Rose Pruning @ Hunter Valley Gardens Date Thursday, July 1 to Saturday, July 13, 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Have you ever wondered how to prune a rose? Hunter Valley Gardens have over 35, 000 roses to prune, and can show you exactly how it’s done. With demonstrations and talks beginning at 10:30am daily with the horticulture team will make sure you are caring for your roses correctly. There will be free rose cuttings to take home on departure.
The Witches Date Friday, July 9, 2010 Contact 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au Location Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Vincent St & Aberdare Rd, Cessnock. “This is not a fairy tale. This is about real witches.” Come and see one of Dahl’s best loved classics live on stage at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. Presented by Hunter Region Drama School. Bagels to Broadway Date Friday, July 10, 2010 Contact 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au Location Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Vincent St & Aberdare Rd, Cessnock. The Story of Tin Pan Alley by Hilary Henshaw. This very different, original show delves into the personal stories of the composers who began their career in the amazing environment of Tin Pan Alley. Hilary Henshaw and accompanist Maurice Duband put these gifted composers’ lives and times into the context of their sensational music.
School Holidays @ Hunter Valley Gardens Date Saturday, July 3 to Sunday, July 18, 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Hunter Valley Gardens plays host these school holidays with Aboriginal talks on the local history and life in the Hunter Valley and a range of interactive fun activities, games and exercises for kids of all ages. Join in the art and cultural learning classes with local artist’s demonstrations and interactive classes. The Verandah Restaurant Locals Night Date Sunday, July 4, 2010 Contact 4998 7231 www.verandahrestaurant.com.au Location Calais Estate, Palmer’s Lane, Pokolbin. “French Night” at The Verandah Restaurant. Starting at 6:30pm with complimentary canapés and bubbles, followed by a five course tapas style degustation dinner. $50 pp. BYO no corkage. Jazz at Catherine Vale Date Sunday, July 4, 2010 Contact 6579 1334 www.catherinevale.com.au Location Catherine Vale, 656 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich via Broke Enjoy sounds of Jazz and Dixieland with the Preservation Jazz Band on the lawns of Catherine Vale from noon to 3pm. Free Entry. Food available. Keno/Herald Jungle Juice Cup Race Day Date Tuesday, July 6, 2010 Contact 4961 1573 www.winecountryraceclub.com.au Location Cessnock Racecourse, Race Club Road, Cessnock. Experience the best of country racing with plenty of entertainment on the lawns. Cessnock Racecourse is just minutes from Cessnock city centre. Admission is $15 or $12 pre- purchased. Concession $3.
Lawler Partners Winery Running Festival Date Sunday, 18 July, 2010 Contact 4934 8138 paul@hevents.com.au www.huntervalleymarathon.net Location From the Oval at Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. One of the most successful regional running events in NSW, this event offers marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10km, 6km and 2km courses in and around Pokolbin. Based on Hunter Valley Gardens’ oval, the event runs through the gardens, sections of vineyards and other iconic Hunter Valley venues.
AUGUST The Verandah Restaurant Locals Night Date Sunday, August 1, 2010 Contact 4998 7231 www.verandahrestaurant.com.au Location Calais Estate, Palmer’s Lane, Pokolbin. “Food From The Land Night” at The Verandah Restaurant. Starting at 6:30pm with complimentary canapés and bubbles, followed by a five course tapas style degustation dinner. $50 pp. BYO no corkage. Hunter Chefs & Co Luncheon Date Monday, August 2, 2010 Contact www.hunterchefs.com.au mail@hunterchefs.com.au Location The Sebel Kirkton Park, Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin. Join the Hunter Valley Chefs & Co for a fabulous lunch and networking opportunity. Wine Country Race Club Date Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Contact 4961 1573 www.winecountryraceclub.com.au Location Cessnock Racecourse, Race Club Road, Cessnock. Experience the best of country racing. Cessnock Racecourse is just minutes from Cessnock city centre. Admission is free.
breathe 43
australian regional food store and café
Artisan Cheese Manufacturer, Wholesaler & Retailer Supplier of our own, local and imported cheeses
Cheese Tasting
ALL DAY
lunch all day • produce tastings open 7 days • 9am-5pm @ the small winemakers centre
426 mcdonalds road pokolbin hunter valley p • 4998 6800 e • australianregionalfood@westnet.com.au australianregionalfood@westnet.com.au w • www.australianregionalfood.com.au www.australianregionalfood.com.au
More info phone 4998 6713. www.huntervalleysmellycheeseshop.com.au www.huntervalleysmellycheeseshop.com.au
breathe Do you want to advertise in Hunter Valley Breathe?
Cheese Made On Site • Factory Viewing & Tastings daily 9am - 5.30pm • Award Winning • Preservative Free • Made with Vegetarian Rennet • Complimentary Cheese Talk 11am & 3pm daily • Factory Outlet Sales & Discounts
“Blessed are the cheesemakers” HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE FACTORY & SHOP McGuigan Wine Cellars, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin Ph: 02 4998 7744 www.huntervalleycheese.com.au
To advertise your business or product to the wider Hunter Valley region, visitors to the area, plus a broad and targeted Sydney readership, contact Melinda Kelly p: 02 4991 4533 or email events@winehuntervalley.org.au
what’s on The Rock Show Date Friday, August 6 & Saturday, August 7, 2010 Contact 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au Location Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Vincent St & Aberdare Rd, Cessnock. Join Jon English and a unique troupe of multi-talented, multiinstrumentalist young rockers on a journey through the 60s and 70s to rediscover the music that shaped a generation. This extraordinary group of performers will bring life to some of three greatest legends of the rock’n’roll era. Chocolate Festival @ Hunter Valley Gardens Date Saturday, August 7 & Sunday, August 8, 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Enjoy family fun activities and information inspired by chocolate. This festival inspires, informs, surprises, entertains and celebrates chocolate! Enjoy display stalls with free entertainment, demonstrations, activities competitions and prizes for the whole family. Don’t miss this chocolatey delight! Offenbach Down Under Date Friday, August 13, 2010 Contact 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au Location Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Vincent St & Aberdare Rd, Cessnock. Scott Blick and Blue Bottle Productions return to CPAC following the success of the SHREWD MAID in 2009 with an evening of opera excerpts from some of the Offenbachs well known operas, and the Australian premiere of his short chamber opera - PEPITO. The Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show Celebrations Lunch Date Friday, August 20, 2010 Contact 4991 4533 Location Brokenwood Wines, McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin. The Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show is a true regional wine show awarding the best wine of the region. This luncheon announces & celebrates the winners of 2010. The luncheon is catered by a well known local restaurant with 2010 gold medal wines served with lunch, and a celebrations bar afterwards. After the huge success of last year’s event it is advisable to book early. Numbers are limited & bookings are essential. Wine Country Race Club Date Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Contact 4961 1573 www.winecountryraceclub.com.au Location Cessnock Racecourse, Race Club Road, Cessnock. Experience the best of country racing. Cessnock Racecourse is just minutes from Cessnock city centre. Admission is free.
SEPTEMBER Spring Festival of Flowers @ Hunter Valley Gardens Date Entire Month of September 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Designed to immerse you in a visual and sensory experience you will never forget. There are over 250,000 annuals planted throughout Hunter Valley Gardens along with fabulous entertainment, activities, attractions, demonstrations, talks, tours and workshops. During the festival Hunter Valley Gardens is hosting the Pink Tea in aid of Breast Cancer. Wollombi Wild Ride Date Sunday, September 4, 2010 Contact 4934 8138 www.hevents.net Location Wollombi Get on your bike to support the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance - 15km, 30km and 60km mountain bike ride. The Verandah Restaurant Locals Night Date Sunday, September 12, 2010 Contact 4998 7231 www.verandahrestaurant.com.au Location Calais Estate, Palmer’s Lane, Pokolbin. “Saffron, Garlic & Olive Night” at The Verandah Restaurant. Starting at 6:30pm with complimentary canapés and bubbles, followed by a five course tapas style degustation dinner. $50 pp. BYO no corkage. Broke Fordwich Village Fair Date Sunday, September 12, 2010 Contact www.brokefordwich.com.au Location McNamara Park, Broke. This long running annual community event is a great day of local produce, a display of classic vintage farm machinery - all still operating, hundreds of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, trucks and tractors, wood chopping, and of course food & wine. School Holidays @ Hunter Valley Gardens Date Monday, September 27 to Sunday, October 10, 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Head for Hunter Valley Gardens for lots of fun and games these school holidays. Check the website closer to the date for full details.
OCTOBER The Vintage Growers Market Date Sunday, October 3, 2010 Contact 4998 6789 events@thevintage.com.au Location The Vintage Fairway Lawn, Vintage Drive, Rothbury. Indulge in the Hunter’s best seasonal produce and handmade products including Hunter Valley wines, fruit & vegetables, honey, lavender products, cakes, breads, olives & olive oils, gourmet pies, jams & pickles, oysters, handmade clothing and much more. Maitland River Swim Date Saturday, October 9, 2010 Contact 4934 8138 www.hevents.net Location Morpeth Throw on your speedos and head to Morpeth for the Maitland River Swim - 1500m.
breathe 45
what’s on Driving Miss Daisy Date Saturday, October 9, 2010 Contact 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au Location Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Vincent St & Aberdare Rd, Cessnock. The relationship between Miss Daisy, a stubborn elderly Southern woman of privilege and Hoke, her loyal and patient chauffeur, makes this one of the best dramas of all time. This is a play of wonderful spirited characters, people who demonstrate sassiness, independence, tolerance, admiration and eventually, respect for one another.
Rose Spectacular @ Hunter Valley Gardens Date Monday, October 11 to Sunday, November 14, 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Visit Hunter Valley Gardens with over 2 million rose blooms. See 35,000 rose bushes in over 125 different varieties. The majority of the roses are grown at Hunter Valley Gardens are of the fragrant variety, after all, a rose without perfume just isn’t a rose! Includes rose talks and demonstrations. Spirit of the Vine Date Saturday, 23 October & Sunday, 24 October, 2010 Contact 6579 1004 www.brokefordwich.com.au Location Several locations in the Broke Fordwich area. Meet the winemakers and taste award winning wines from the Broke Fordwich wine region. This is a great opportunity to sample Broke’s renowned Semillon Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdellho and also to try some tasty new varieties like Barbera, Sangiovese, Viognier and more.
Hunter Valley Semillon & Seafood Date Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 10, 2010 Main event Saturday, October 9, 2010 Contact 4991 4533 www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au Location Hunter Valley Join us at the new look Hunter Valley Semillon & Seafood. Be amongst the first to try the 2010 Hunter Valley Semillons, meet the winemakers and their teams, sit in on a Semillon master class lead by Peter Bourne, and sample sensational seafood. Go to www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au for regular news and updates.
Opera in the Vineyard Date Saturday, 23 October, 2010 Contact 1800 677 366 or 4990 0900 www.operainthevineyards.com.au Location Wyndham Estate, Dalwood Road, Dalwood Few events can rival an evening of Mozart at his seductive best. Take an enchanting journey through the life and times of this musical genius, led by superb performers in full period costume. Add the breathtaking surrounds of the vineyards and you have the perfect setting for a night of romance!
NOVEMBER
Hunter Valley Gardens Birthday Weekend Date Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, 2010 Contact 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Location Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. Hunter Valley Gardens invites you to help celebrate their birthday. Have fun for free on the ferris wheel, jumping castle and other amusement rides. There will also be free birthday cake, pony rides, face painting, activities and much more. All rides and activities are free after Gardens admission. The Verandah Restaurant Locals Night Date Sunday, October 10, 2010 Contact 4998 7231 www.verandahrestaurant.com.au Location Calais Estate, Palmer’s Lane, Pokolbin. “German Night” at The Verandah Restaurant. Starting at 6:30pm with complimentary canapés and bubbles, followed by a five course tapas style degustation dinner. $50 pp. BYO no corkage. Wine Country Race Club Date Monday, October 11, 2010 Contact 4961 1573 www.winecountryraceclub.com.au Location Cessnock Racecourse, Race Club Road, Cessnock. Experience the best of country racing. Cessnock Racecourse is just minutes from Cessnock city centre. Admission is free.
46 breathe
Hunter Valley Uncorked at Balmoral Date Sunday, November 7, 2010 Contact 4991 4533 www.hunteruncorked.com.au Location The Esplanade, Balmoral The Hunter Valley wine family invites you to a day of wine & food on the foreshore at Balmoral. Share a premium Hunter Valley wine & food experience with Hunter Valley winemakers and & their teams. Pair Hunter wines with the latest creations for local chefs, stock the pantry, fill the cellar & bring a picnic rug to relax with live entertainment.
AUSSIE WINE TOURS
As featured in Australia’s Best Wine Tours Have you been to Hunter Valley Wine Country several times before? Tired of the same old wineries that the bus tours visit? Want to go to wineries of your choice? Want to have lunch somewhere special? Want to be on your own private tour with just that special person or a few select friends? Why not indulge ... splash out in one of our Chauffeur Driven Private Hire Cars. Design a Tour Degustation and let us help you match your palate to local award winning wines. 1-8 pax | Bookings Essential | Airport & Hotel transfers available
P • 0402 90 90 90 | E • tours@aussiewinetours.com.au www.aussiewinetours.com.au
Wine Country Race Club
When visiting the Hunter why not experience Country Racing Close to the City Race Dates
Friday June 18 - Tooheys Cup Tuesday July 6 - Keno/Herald Jungle Juice Cup Tuesday August 3 Tuesday August 31 Monday October 11 www.winecountryraceclub.com.au Tel: 02 4961 1573 Racecourse Rd Cessnock www.winecountryraceclub.com.au Is Gambling a problem for you? Call G-Line (NSW) Counselling Service. Call 1800 633 635. Intoxicated persons will be refused entry to the racecourse.
Since 1991 we have established an enviable reputation as Hunter Valley’s
Premier Wine Tour Operator
specialising in personal, professional service to individuals, small and larger tour groups, conferences and special interest groups seeking varied experiences.
• Luxury coaches • Professional & knowledgeable coach drivers • Flexible itineraries • Team building activities • Airport and hotel transfers • Students and study tours
www.huntervineyardtours.com.au
www.starlinealpacas.com.au
out & about
Lisa McGuigan takes up the boules challenge, Hunter Valley Uncorked at Pyrmont.
Brian McGuigan & Allan Morse . launch The Wine Label Show.
Sydneysiders enjoy a perfect day at Hunter Valley Uncorked, Pyrmont.
48 breathe
Steve Goodchild of Pukara Estate takes a break during olive harvest.
Peter Kuruvita of Flying Fish with local apprentice chef at a recent Hunter Chefs & Co Lunch.
Nicole of Il Cacciatore leads a gnocchi making class during Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month.
out & about
International Wine & Spirit Education Trust Scholarship Winners Tour.
Capercaillie High Tea
Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month Media masterchef cook off judging.
USA Immersion Tour - Trade Tasting at Audrey Wilkinson.
Relaxing at Two Rivers Recovery, Denman. Photo by Sophie Frazer
Jessica McLeish, McLeish Estate dined with Prince Edward at the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
breathe 49
legends dinner ‘take-outs’ PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS ELFES
50 breathe
“Christopher Barnes - Hunter Valley Legend 2010”
Photography on Hermitage www.onhermitage.com • 0413 805 222 • elfesphoto@bigpond.com.au POKOLBIN • NEWCASTLE • SYDNEY
rive ry D Hope Estate
Broke Road
Win
eC
t oun
McDonalds Road
With a wide variety of food, wine and shopping on offer, Pokolbin Village is more than just a great place to stay in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country
Open 7 days. Look for us on Broke Road opposite Hope Estate or check us out online at www.pokolbinvillage.com.au www.pokolbinvillage.com.au