intouch Magazine's HOT IN THE HUNTER VALLEY!

HOT IN THE

HUNTER VALLEY!

Special Feature

HUNTER VALLEY

CHEESE FACTORY

JULY

CHEESEMAKING CLASSES The Craft and the Art of Making Cheese at Home Discover Specialty Cheesemaking under the guidance and expertise of Artisan Cheesemaker David Bower and Affinuer & Fromagier Rosalia Lambert in an educational 2.5 hour workshop.

You will learn the process from start to finish, plus cheese origins, ingredients, ripening principles, milk quality, ageing and more in a Cheese Tasting Appreciation and Wine Matching session.

Your cheese will be yours to take home, along with recipes to enjoy with family and friends.

2019 DATES:

June 30th, 1.30pm – 4pm September 29th, 1.30pm – 4pm December 8th, 1.30pm – 4pm All Workshops are held Sunday afternoons, bookings required.

Private Classes for 10+ by arrangement.

Contact us for more information or to book!

ARTISAN AUSTRALIAN CHEESEMAKERS Located at Mcguigan Wine Complex, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. PH 4998 7744 E contact@huntervalleycheese.com.au

www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

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Hunter Valley Cheese & Chocolate Festival 2019 After a successful first year in 2018, with over 6000 people enjoying the delights of the Hunter Valley, the Hunter Valley Cheese & Chocolate Festival returns to Hope Estate on 6+7 July, 2019.

We’re lucky enough to claim Hunter Valley Wine Country as our backyard playground, and it’s sometimes easy to forget that the Hunter Valley is a major tourist destination in its own right with a growing number of reasons to visit. Of course, there’s the wine, the food and an ever-increasing foray of live concerts – but increasingly it’s festivals such as this that are attracting visitors who are looking for different experiences and to maybe learn something new.

“We already know that large concerts, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, bring in thousands of visitors for the weekend. What we are learning is that there is also an appetite for lifestyle events,” says Hope Estate owner, Michael Hope.

“People are travelling to the Hunter Valley for more reasons than just filling their car boot up with wine. In creating the cheese and chocolate experience within Wine Country, we are exposing the Hunter to a broader market. I am a big believer that we need to evolve to survive.”

Lifestyle events enable many local businesses to showcase their products to not only Hunter residents but also those travelling from Sydney and regional NSW. “Cheese & Chocolate 2018 was an incredible event,” says Jason Chesworth of Hunter Belle Dairy.

“Never have we seen crowds in such large numbers that were all seeking gourmet artisan products. We sold out of cheese twice and after two quick trips back to restock; we were left amazed by the level of expectation amongst consumers with our premium products our best sellers.”

“Hunter Valley Cookies had one of the biggest single days trade from any event we have attended in 20 years last year,” said Sheryl Machain of Hunter Valley Cookies.

“We were thrilled not only with the sales but with the people we served who were patient, pleasant and jovial.”

This year attendees will find more vendors and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy! The Festival will showcase the talents of many local and national cheese makers, bakers, and chocolatiers, including local legends Hunter Belle Dairy Co, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, Binnorie Dairy, and Donarch Fine Chocolate to name a few.

As well as the sweet and savoury vendors, attendees will be able to watch demonstrations from guest chefs, chocolatiers and cheesemongers. Adults can experience a guided tasting of Hope Estate beer and wine and relax on the amphitheatre with live entertainment.

Attendees can also enjoy a cheese or chocolate masterclass in the Great Cask Hall or enhance their experience further by treating themselves to the 3-course VIP lunch overlooking the vineyards!

WHAT Hunter Valley Cheese & Chocolate Festival WHEN Sat 6 + Sun 7 July 2019, 10am–5pm WHERE Hope Estate, Pokolbin TICKETS + INFO Early Bird Tickets available now from www.hopeestate.com.au

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It’s Hot and Happening.

It’s The Hunter Valley!

WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN

For many of us, Winter is a favourite time of the year, bringing with it a welcome reprieve from the Summer heat.

The Hunter Valley is a wonderful and welcoming place to visit at any time of the year. But Winter in the Hunter Valley has that special magical something – with its charming collection of quaint boutique accommodation, mountain and vineyard landscapes complete with hues of brown and red, cooler days and nights enjoyed sitting around open fires, cosy restaurants and cafes serving up heartwarming dishes and of course welcoming cellar doors with award-winning wines.

In June, the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival rolls into the second Act of its packed two-month schedule, with plenty of events encouraging locals and tourists alike to explore the region’s bountiful offering of premium wine and fine food.

The festival is a feast for all the senses, with opportunities to explore and taste all the Hunter has to offer, see the region’s master chefs in action and hear from the

winemakers explain the process of taking wine from the grape to the glass.

Celebrate Smokey Sundays at Matilda Bay Brewhouse every Sunday in June and discover what they call Hunter Smokehouse Cuisine. Roll up Your sleeves and tuck into good old-fashioned comfort food as the chef serves up Asian herbs, bastes and sauces with the best of slow-cooked Texan Barbecue. And yes, there will be matching brews.

Rug up, grab a picnic blanket and some friends and head out to Stonehurst Cedar Creek on Wollombi Road on Saturday, June 8 for Music in the Woods. Enjoy a day in the fabulous Wollombi Valley with fine wine as you dance the afternoon away with three incredible live bands set amongst 100 poplar trees or relax beside the fire pit in the woods as you sip from a range of Stonehurst award-winning wines, with mulled wine on pour.

Those keen to soak up more of a festival vibe should check out the Hunter Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, June 29. This is the seventh year the family-friendly event will take over the picturesque grounds of the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, with an extensive array of wine, food, beer and cider on offer for the adults and a host of entertainment and activities for the kids including train rides, a jumping castle, face painting and the carousel.

A series of tempting tasting events will be on offer in the marquee as singer and performer Jarrod Sherman entertains you along with David D’Souza on guitars playing every song – old and new, with feeling and rhythm.

Enhance your wine knowledge with a visit to Margan Winery’s Annual Barrell Hall Sale held from Saturday 8 to Monday, 10 June. Grab a glass and taste your way through a selection of over 100 wines, meet the team for structured tastings, wine education and cellaring advice. And if you have

never had a meal at Margan Restaurant – perhaps now is the time.

Wine and cheese are old friends, with a strong affinity going back thousands of years and considered to be two of life’s true pleasures – especially when it involves a glass of the Hunter Valleys most iconic wines – Lovedale Semillon ⊲

A PL ACE TO CONN EC T

Winmark Wines is an extraordinary Vineyard in the idyllic wine region of Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley with 28 acres of Chardonnay.

The Estate is ideal for weddings, corporate events or peaceful family retreats. It features the monumental sculpture Biosis by sculptor David Ball, a stunning perennial and rose garden by landscape designer Paul Bangay OAM, and is home to the iconic rock, Pooles Rock.

Winmark’s many landmarks provide unforgettable views and allow an array of opportunity for the ultimate getaway. Winmark Wines can accommodate up to 32 guests across its three stunning properties.

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T: 02 9997 5373 | E: info@winmarkwines.com.au 229 Wollombi Road, Broke NSW 2330, Australia @winmarkwines | winmarkwines.com.au

Sips to

SAVOUR

Mistletoe Wines

and Maurice Shiraz accompanied by quality produce from the Australian Cheese Room from Manly.

Each day in June, Mount Pleasant Wines are inviting wine and cheese lovers to enjoy three vintage vertical tastings of each wine served in premium Riedel glassware paired with some of the world’s finest cheeses.

But the party doesn’t end once night falls on June 29, with several other special events capping off the final weekend of the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival.

Make your way to Glandore Estate for one of the most hotly anticipated moments of the two-month festival – the traditional Burning of the Barrel.

Combining a massive bonfire with fantastic wines, cheese, food, live music and a fireworks display not to be missed, gates open at 3pm with the bonfire going up in flames at 6pm. A perfect winter night event!

For more information about what's hot and happening in the Hunter Valley this winter, including maps and guides, visit www.yourhuntervalley.com.au ■

WE BELIEVE IN THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE. THEY JUST NEED TO BE AMAZING.

2017 Mistletoe Hunter Shiraz – RRP $27 100% Hunter Shiraz made from grapes grown on the Mistletoe Home Vineyard. From the highly acclaimed 2017 vintage this is a quintessential medium bodied Hunter Shiraz. Currently drinking beautifully it will handsomely reward medium term cellaring.

TASTING Soft, plummy, earthy and spicy. The fruit does the talking with the French oak just playing a supporting role.

FOOD MATCH A perfect match to Boeuf Bourguignon with mushrooms.

CELLARING Drink now to 2030.

Tintilla Estate

2017 Saphira Sangiovese – RRP $35 First class, hand-picked fruit, aged in French oak barrels for over 12 months before bottling. Aromas of cherries, blackberries and a touch of liquorice, and sweet leather.

TASTING The taste of this wine is firm yet elegant, reflecting the aroma with dark cherries, plums and savoury cranberries – with a touch of spice. Good structure and crisp acidity finish.

FOOD MATCH Great with classic Italian meals like pasta and pizza but will just as easily go with a steak and veggies.

CELLARING Drink now until 2025.

Mount Pleasant Estate

2017 Rosehill Shiraz – $50 First planted in 1946 by Maurice O’Shea, the Rosehill vineyard is the epitome of the Hunter. Elegance and power, grace and intensity, these wines are beautiful young but have the backbone to survive for decades. It's from great vineyards where great wines are made.

TASTING Red fruits, cranberry, violets and spice aromatics combine with a supple elegant mouthfeel with beautiful intensity and focus.

FOOD MATCH Perfect to have with Slow cooked lamb, aged beef or with some fine chocolate.

CELLARING Drink now or will reward cellaring for 25 years.

Elbourne Wines

2017 H.A.E Single Vineyard Shiraz – RRP $55 2017 was an outstanding Hunter vintage given the hot and dry conditions. Only 150 dozen cases of this high quality Shiraz were produced from single vineyard estate grown fruit. Hand pruned and handpicked to ensure exceptional quality. It also took out the Gold Medal at the 2018 Hunter Valley Boutique Show.

TASTING Intense black/purple colour, with ripe dark fruits and pepper on the nose. A well structured and balanced palate, with loads of spice and layers to complement the outstanding fruit weight. Framed magnificently with skillful use of high quality French oak barriques. A big red, from a big Hunter vintage!

FOOD MATCH Suited perfectly with Beef Burgundy.

CELLARING Comfortably store for 25+ years.

Emma's Cottage Vineyard

2015 Shiraz – RRP $30 This wine is light enough to drink on its own without food, and if you do not manage to finish the bottle save it to put into tomorrow’s casserole – it does the most wonderful things to big tasty casseroles!

TASTING This classic Hunter Valley Shiraz, is aged in old American oak, has a light fresh medium body and is very fruit driven with dark berry flavours and light peppery notes with a lovely savoury tannin finish.

FOOD MATCH Slow cooked lamb shoulder or aged beef.

CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 10 years.

Ascella Organic Wines

SMART CASUAL DINING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE WEDDINGS | EVENTS | PRIVATE FUNCTIONS LOCATED ON THE VINE AT COCKFIGHTERS GHOST VINEYARD 576 DE BEYERS ROAD, POKOLBIN PH: 4998 7776 | info@huntersquarter.com.au www.huntersquarter.com.au

2014 Reserve Chardonnay $33.50 The choicest fruit and the most careful crushing technique are used to create Ascella's Reserve Chardonnay using only organic grapes from their vineyards in the secluded Thompsons Valley in Broke Fordwich where culture, tradition and the environment are respected and nurtured.

TASTING Layers of primary fruit characters and creamy notes with extended palate. A zesty elegant Chardonnay with ripe peach and orange blossom lift with spicy French oak.

FOOD MATCH Fish, poultry, pork, pastas.

CELLARING 10 Years.

OPEN LUNCH THURS - SUN. DINNER THURS, FRI, SAT & MON.

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We have a flavour for every taste.

Hunter Distillery is the only certified organic distillery in the Hunter Valley region.

Visit us to try our wide range of multi-award winning Gin, Vodkas, Liqueurs and Schnapps!

OPEN 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM

1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley ¡ PH (02) 4998 6737 ¡ www.hunterdistillery.com.au

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Gnocchi Cooking Class at Il Cacciatore Il Cacciatore is pleased to offer budding chefs and food enthusiasts the opportunity to learn the technique of gnocchi making.

Our hands-on gnocchi making classes have participants enjoy full participation in the gnocchi making process from beginning to end, they also have the opportunity to observe demonstations in the cooking of gnocchi dishes in two different ways.

These dishes become your lunch which includes a glass of wine and dessert.

Cost: $125pp (2.5 - 3hrs) Saturday 8th + Saturday 22nd June, 11am

Learn to Make Gnocchi

Minimum 10 per class

Like an Italian Nonna!

Calling budding master chefs! Have you ever wanted to learn to make gnocchi?

Well, now you have the chance to channel your inner-nonna and learn how to make light and airy gnocchi at home.

Gnocchi originates in Northern Italy, where the colder climate was better for growing potatoes than grain.

A classic Italian pasta, these pillowy potato dumplings make for a hearty meal no matter how you serve them – whether it’s baked with creamy cheeses, sautéed with wintery veggies, dressed in a tangy tomato sauce… you name it.

The most common way to prepare gnocchi today is to combine mashed potatoes with flour, forming bite-sized balls of dough; though, other more modern variations include ricotta, ParmigianoReggiano, spinach, pumpkin, Gorgonzola and many more.

It’s a wonderful Italian dish that people love to learn to make for themselves and

it’s fun to make too – especially in a group or with a group of friends Popular amongst both locals and visitors to the Hunter Valley, Hermitage Lodge’s award-winning restaurant Il Cacciatore specialises in Northern Italian inspired cuisine and are renowned for their annual gnocchi making classes which form a part of the annual Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival.

This year, the gnocchi making classes are being held on Saturday 8th and Saturday 22nd of June from 11am with a minimum of ten people per class.

So if you love Italian food and want to learn to make gnocchi in a fun, hands-on environment with a small group of likeminded individuals who don’t mind getting down and dirty (floury) – contact Il Cacciatore on 4998 7639 to book your spot.

www.hermitagelodge.com.au (02) 4998 7639 | info@hermitagelodge.com.au

Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

Includes Pick-up & Drop-off from your accommodation!

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been a family owned and operated Hunter Valley gem for the last 20 years.

Let us take you on a wonderful journey around the Hunter Valley!

FULL AND HALF DAY WINE TOURS AVAILABLE

7 DAYS A WEEK Visiting boutique cellar doors, vodka distillery and much more.

Book with us for a more personal experience

www.hunterwinejourneys.com.au | hunterwinejourneys@gmail.com | 0428 165 519 or 4998 1678

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience, with a tantalising range of premium hand-made chocolate and chocolate products plus more than 30 flavours of freshly made fudge!

Open 7 Days 9am – 5pm. Ph 4998 6999 Three Great Locations in Pokolbin: Twenty-3-Twenty – 2320 Broke Road Peterson House – Broke Road Hunter Valley Gardens – Shop 5, Broke Road

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A Tour of the Tastebuds

At Wine House Hunter Valley WORDS DI VON ESSEN

Located in the heart of Pokolbin (next door to Roche Estate and opposite Brokenwood), Wine House Hunter Valley is possibly the most idyllic and relaxing way to experience the best of the Hunter vineyards – without going anywhere else!

And we’re not the only ones to think so with Wine House

being recently awarded 'Best Tasting Experience' by Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine 2019 Cellar Door of the Year Awards.

Visitors can start their tasting experience at the Tasting Bar and be guided through an amazing selection of over 30 wines from some of the Hunter Valley's most iconic winemakers such as Silkman, Little Wine Co, Thomas Wines, David Hook and Hart & Hunter. With five awardwinning winemakers in the Valley all under one roof, this is your must-do tasting experience.

Then stroll through to the recently refurbished Wine Lounge, which offers nearly 40 wines available by the glass and an incredible range from across the Hunter Valley and further afield.

Enjoy a themed flight of wines alongside some culinary pairings or create your own wine experience with state of the art Enomatic machines.

Enomatic was born in 2002 from the happy intuition of two Tuscan entrepreneurs, who - after years of experimentation and market analysis - decided to industrialise an innovative system for preserving and serving wine by the glass. It’s the kind of machine we wish we all had in our lounge rooms and we guarantee that you’ll want one too after trying it! Simply grab yourself a glass and sample your way through the best wines from all over the Hunter Valley, completely at your leisure.

Alternatively, simply enjoy a glass of wine on the patio overlooking the lake and select from the fresh and delicious Wine House Kitchen menu.

Each June the Winehouse celebrates Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month by pitching Australia's most iconic wine, Penfolds Grange against three of our local icons. This year sees the show-stopping ‘100 point’ 2008 Grange up against 2009 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz, 2009 Tyrrell’s Vat 9 Shiraz and 2009 Thomas Kiss Shiraz.

These four incredible wines will be presented to attendees in Riedel glassware as a 'blind' bracket. Name the wines correctly, and you will enter in the draw to win an Icon Pack valued at over $500!

You can taste the wines any day throughout June ($96pp) or for an extra special experience, join a Saturday Masterclass hosted by one of the Hunters leading winemakers. Masterclasses will be held every Saturday throughout June at no additional cost and bookings are essential.

If you really want to go all out, then The Grand Masterclass may be just the ticket. The highlight event of the June Grange series, guests will begin the afternoon with a Grange Masterclass led by winemaker Andrew Thomas followed by a superb lunch focusing on the stellar 2017 reds.

Take the Masterclass with Andrew then, after a cleansing glass of sparkling on the terrace, you will be treated to a delicious lunch designed by chef Ros Baldwin to showcase the 2017 reds from Thomas, Silkman and Little Wine Co. There is no doubt that 2017 was one of the best vintages on record in the Hunter Valley and the Wine House team look forward to showing them off ($195pp).

For more information and bookings visit www.winehousehuntervalley.com.au

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MISTLETOE is a small family owned and run winery that was established by the current owners in 1989. Now in its 30th year, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quan��es of “true to origin” premium quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds of awards and accolades.

With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, For�fied and Dessert styles on tas�ng, Mistletoe has one of the most comprehensive ranges of wines to be seen in the Hunter.

• All wines are made in our onsite winery • Winery tas�ngs available for larger groups – bookings essen�al!

• Mistletoe Wines are only available for purchase from the Winery Cellar Door • Knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you welcome • On most occasions you will be looked a�er by one of the Mistletoe Family

QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE With three genera�ons now ac�vely engaged in the day to day opera�on of Mistletoe, it is truly a unique family winery.

When visi�ng Mistletoe be sure to take �me to visit POKOLBIN GALLERY and MISTLETOE SCULPTURE GARDEN also in the grounds of the Cellar Door.

Mistletoe is now just 35 minutes from Newcastle – take the Hunter Expressway M15 which becomes the A15 (New England Highway) at Branxton and then take the Hermitage Road exit.

Open 10am until 6pm daily | 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320

PH 1800 055 080 FAX 02 4998 7792 E office@mistletoewines.com.au | W www.mistletoewines.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 9

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