19 minute read
What's on in February & March
ON What's
Events not to miss in the Hunter Valley Region FIND THE LATEST EVENTS ONLINE AT YOURHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU
Markets FEBRUARY
Broke Village Market At McNamara Park FEBRUARY 2
Twilight Food Fiesta
At Singleton Rugby Club FEBRUARY 7 (5pm–9pm)
FEBRUARY
Locals Night Hunters Quarter EVERY MONDAY NIGHT Monday nights are locals night at HQ. From 6pm enjoy an exclusive menu crafted by owner and Executive Chef, Brian Duncan.
You don't need to be local or work within the industry to enjoy this fabulous offering! Enjoy 2 courses for $65, or 3 courses for $80 (BYO welcome). Full wine list also available. To book phone 4998 7776 or visit www.huntersquarter.com.au
BOOK NOW!
The Ultimate Winery Tour! McGuigan Wines EVERYDAY Immerse yourself in the history of one of Australia’s most iconic wineries. Take an in-depth guided tour of the working winery, hosted by a member of the talented cellar door team.
To complete your McGuigan experience, taste a selection of award-winning wines from their exclusive cellar door collection. These tours leave daily at midday. Fully enclosed shoes must be worn, no children under 16. For more information visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on experiences.
Yum Cha in The Vines Amanda's on the Edge, Pokolbin THURS 20 FEB Due to the popularity of their last sell-out event, Dumplings in the Vines is back with a brand new Asian-inspired set menu featuring one of their all time favourite meals: Yum Cha!
Head to Amanda's On The Edge for Yum Cha in the Vines on Thursday February 20 with Head Chef Sara cooking up a dim sum storm. Their last event booked out fast, so get in quick! Grab your chopsticks and join in this ancient Cantonese tradition, held right here in the Hunter Valley. For more information visit www.amandas.com.au/whats-on
EXP.erimental Night EXP Restaurant, Pokolbin THURS 20 + 27 FEB Looking for something to do on a Thursday evening? Experience a set 5 course tasting menu at EXP. Restaurant created from local and fresh produce delivered on the day. Featuring a unique, one off menu that is only created for these evenings – what are you waiting for, book now!
For more information and the rest of available dates visit www.exprestaurant.com.au
Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant Your always welcome at...
There is nothing quite like a fes�ve sushi pla�er to impress your guests. It tastes healthy, light and delicious. A favourite dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Always fresh... Always vibrant
Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Takeaway available every day. Roche Estate, Hunter Valley
Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rd’s Pokolbin, NSW 2320 PH 02 4998 7051 www.oishii.com.au Home Delivery Fri–Sun
J A P A N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E
/OishiiPokolbin
Much more than a Vineyard.
Hope Brewery Beergustation Dinner Hope Estate, Pokolbin SAT 22 FEB For one night only Hope Estate will be hosting a mouth-watering degustation dinner by acclaimed chef Nichol Papandreou, paired perfectly with Hope’s own beers. Gain exclusive insight into their brewing process and see behind the scenes of one of the Hunter’s favourite breweries. Give your tastebuds something to remember! Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. For more information visit www.hopeestate.com.au
Shakespeare in the Vines Calais Estate, Rothbury SAT 22 FEB In what has become an annual treat, Essential Theatre are returning to Calais Estate in February for Shakespeare in the Vines. Let a cast of 8 professional actors take you on the thrilling and dark journey that is Macbeth – tempted by the prophecies of three mysterious witches, and encouraged by his power hungry wife, he will do anything to be King. Grab your tickets quick for this one – from $39 at www.calaiswines.com.au
Come Waltzing with Matilda... Our Matilda range is made up of easy drinking styles that are produced for your enjoyment.
205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin • PH 4998 7887 www.constableestate.com.au
The MAP is the most comprehensive map of Wine Country and the ONLY Map listing ALL Cellar Doors, Restaurants and Providores divided into handy to use Wine Trails. It’s your expert tour guide! DON’T WASTE TIME GETTING LOST!
THE BIGGEST DISPLAY GARDEN IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
A naturally beautiful experience in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country The Gardens are a place for the appreciation of nature and peaceful reflection…but they are also a place for families and fun. The ten individually themed gardens showcase the artistry of gardens around the world and use both native and exotic varieties of plants. Enjoy a beautiful nature based experience for local, national and international visitors.
Hunter Valley Wedding & Wine Festival Oaks Cypress Lakes, Pokolbin SUN 23 FEB Wedding season is still in full swing throughout Wine Country, so why not enjoy another wedding festival – or even better, a Wedding and Wine Festival! Oaks Cypress Lakes are doing just that. Be spoilt for choice in every avenue of wedding planning – indulge in picturesque locations, local wines, fine jewellery and delicious food vendors, oh and of course there’s plenty of kids activities to keep the little ones busy! To keep up with the latest information visit www.hunterevents.net.au
2020 Crush Party Oakvale Wines, Pokolbin SAT 22 FEB Hunter Valley harvest will be in full swing come February, and what better way to celebrate than with Oakvale Wines’ annual Crush Party. Spend a day with the Oakvale team as they take you through the life of a winemaker during harvest. You’ll get to do some grape picking, sorting and stomping – followed by a hearty banquet lunch in the vineyard. Enjoy live music, fun in the sun and all your Oakvale favourites by the glass. The event will run all day from 10.30am–4.30pm. Tickets are $148 pp for members and $185 pp non
members. This event is limited so you’ll need to be quick – call 4998 7088 to secure your spot. Visit www.oakvalewines.com.au for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT DATE: 10 th - 13 th April
Join Hunter Valley Gardens Giant Easter Egg Hunt! Every child will receive a gift of Easter chocolate at the completion of the hunt.
MEGA CREATURES DATE: 10 th - 26 th April
Come and see all of your favourite dinosaurs, dragons and creepy crawlies! Plus, new for 2020 we will have a flying Pterosaur and animatronic Brachiosaurus.
For more details visit hvg.com.au
02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin *Guided garden tours are user pay. Gardens open from 9am – 5pm daily. Admission charges apply. Rides are only open during event periods.
A-ha + Rick Astley Bimbadgen Estate, Pokolbin SAT 29 FEB Returning to the Land Down-Under for the first time in 34 years, A-ha will be taking to the stage at Bimbadgen Estate for a day on the green. The Norwegian trio climbed their way to the top of the charts back in the 1980’s with hits like Hunting High and Low and of course, cult classic Take On Me, both continuing to be very popular to this day. Joining them in Wine Country are Pseudo Echo, I Know Leopard and Rick Astley, all performing their biggest hits! For more information and tickets visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au
High Cheese Two Fat Blokes, Pokolbin EVERY SUNDAY It’s the High Tea of your cheesy dreams! Two Fat Blokes has created the ultimate foodies experience every Sunday at 2pm featuring four courses of cheesy goodness. To top off the experience, bottomless bubbles is included. Your four incredible courses may include some of the following – triple cream brie in filo pastry served with quince paste and grissini; poached pear with duetto and walnuts topped with honeycomb; beetroot and goats cheese terrine; crispy mac n' cheese balls; cranberry and cheddar vol-au-vont with rhubarb compote; mushroom and halloumi sliders with relish on a pumpkin and poppyseed bun; apple strudel parfait; Portuguese tart with creamy ricotta and orange custard; whiskey and marmalade labna cheese cake with a crumbly biscuit base.
If those don’t get your tastebuds going, we don’t know what would! Tickets are $75 pp, including bottomless bubbles. Visit the events tab at twofatblokes.rezdy.com to book.
Elvis in the Vines Ben Ean Winery, Pokolbin SAT 29 FEB The Heaven and Earth Legends Tribute Show is coming to Ben Ean! This multi MO award winning show brings the likes of Dusty Springfield, Connie Francis, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley back to the stage, complete with great food and wine from Ben Ean. Tickets are $100 pp, which include canapés on arrival, dinner, dessert and show. Visit www.trybooking.com to grab your tickets.
Lake Liddell Recreation Park, Muswellbrook SAT 29 FEB + SUN 1 MAR After the success of last year's event, Dubs by the Lake is back for a second time, and set to be bigger and better. This VW car show held at Lake Liddell is like no other, inviting VW owners and lovers far and wide to join in the fun. There will be a huge range of fun activities for all, including a VW car cruise, grass events, a limbo event, show and shine, live music, fireworks, laser tag, rock wall, disc golf, go-karts plus loads more. Camping is available for the whole weekend, or visit for one day – it's up to you! All money raised from this charity event will be going straight to Westpac Rescue Helicopter. To keep up to date with the event visit the Dubs by the Lake Facebook page.
Hunter Valley
Wine Country’s Native Wildlife Sanctury Lovedale’s Hill Top Farm Stay Spectacular Valley Views • Riding over 300 acres Trail Rides for Adults and Children, for Beginners and Experienced Riders Personalised Rides • Marriage Proposals • Weddings on Horseback Pony Rides • Pony Parties • Family Rides • Sunset Rides • Picnic Rides • BBQ Tractor Hay Rides to Feed the Farm Animals Peddle Go Karts for Ages 5 – 99 Years Ask About our ATV Tours to the Top of the Range
For Bookings Phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 Stay & Play at Hilltop 288 Talga Road, Lovedale So close to all of Wine Country’s attractions, yet you feel a million miles away..
Located at Gartelmann Wines. The Deck Café Lovedale provides a diverse and delightful menu complemented by Gartelmann Wines and Piazza Doro Coffee.
Open 7 Days for Breakfast and Lunch.
Mon to Fri 8.30am till 3pm, Sat and Sun 8am till 3.30pm.
Markets MARCH
Broke Village Market
At McNamara Park MARCH 1
Singleton Sunday Markets
At Townhead Park, Singleton MARCH 8
Kurri Kurri Community Markets
At Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri MARCH 14
Vintage Lunch Hope Estate, Pokolbin SUN 1 MAR Hope Estate are hosting their annual Vintage celebration full of food, wine, music and dancing. Be spoilt for choice with their awardwinning wines paired with a fourcourse lunch prepared by acclaimed chef Nichol Papandreou, and what better place to enjoy it than in the Great Cask Hall.
You can also enjoy a wine masterclass where you can sample old favourites and cheers to the 2020 Vintage. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. You can find tickets and more information at www.hopeestate.com.au
THE BEST PLACE IN WINE COUNTRY TO FIND Something Special!
Experience a delightful day out at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village. Sample local wines, treat yourself to sweets galore or a relaxing meal in our beautiful garden surrounds. Enjoy your next day out with great food and bespoke shops, by visiting us in the heart of the Hunter Valley!
huntervalleygardensshopping.com.au Broke Rd Pokolbin -
Morpeth Gallery Events Throughout Morpeth SUN 1 MAR Morpeth Motorama is a free event which is held on the grounds of Closebourne House (365 Morpeth Road, Morpeth) between 8pm–2pm. All collectable cars – old, new and everything in-between are welcome ($10 per car entry), with trophies being awarded in over 20 categories. SUN 8 MAR Got some old coins and notes that might be worth something? Why not take them down to Morpeth Anique Centre between 10am–3pm to the Free Coin & Banknote Valuations event and get them appraised by experts. Coins and notes will be on display at the event with dealers buying and selling. SAT 14 + SUN 15 MAR Immerse yourself in local talent as you wander through the Festival of Two Palettes held at Morpeth Galley between 10am–2pm. One artist will be painting with fire and soot – you don't want to miss this! (See page 17). There's always something happening at Morpeth Gallery – for more information on these events and more visit www.morpethgallery.com
EMMA’S COTTAGE VINEYARD · CELLAR DOOR & GALLERY: Wed–Fri 11am–4pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm RESTAURANT TREY: Wed–Sun 11.30am to 3pm, Fri & Sat 5pm–10pm. Bookings: 8328 0503 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 · Ph (02) 4998 7734 · www.emmascottage.com.au
Stomp! 2020 Stomp! Wines, Lovedale SAT 7 MAR Take a fun, educational look at the life of a Winemaker with Stomp! Wines during vintage. Your day will include squishing, measuring, stomping and feasting, all in true winemaker style. You’ll measure grape ripeness, sample juices and ferments, blend and taste, learn the art of pigeage, and also create your own stomped t-shirt as a keepsake.
What’s more, local favourite Chef Matt Dillow from The Deck Café will be cooking up a relaxing alfresco lunch. There will be live tunes by Mark Henderson and you can enjoy a glass of wine (or two). Tickets are $25 pp or $100 pp for members (and up to 4 guests). Visit www.stompwines.com.au
Back to Singleton 2020
Singleton FRI 13–SUN 15 MAR According to historical documents, 2020 will mark 200 years since the naming of St Patrick’s Plains, now known as Singleton. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a frequent
visitor, this community-focused event is an opportunity to learn more about the area, reflect on the people past and present who create the community and look forward to the opportunities of the future of Singleton. Events include; Singleton Homecoming Street Party on March 13, 6pm–11pm on John Street; Singleton Day Out on March 14, a family friendly event 11am–4pm on the Civic Centre Green; and the Singleton Soiree Old Time Glamour Cocktail Party also on March 14, 6pm–11pm at the Civic Centre. To find out more about each event visit www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/861
Wine Machine
Roche Estate, Pokolbin SAT 14 MAR Wine Machine is a full-bodied day of wine, food and live music, showcasing both the splendour of our nation’s most picturesque wine regions and the spectacular music artists borne from Australian soil. The Hunter Valley is welcoming back Wine Machine for the fourth year and is sure to include a firey lineup – details yet to be announced, so stay tuned! Tickets are from $79, with return buses running from Newcastle, Gosford and Sydney at an extra cost. For more information visit www.wine-machine.com
Hunter Valley Resort Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin (02) 49987777 sales@HunterResort.com.au www.HunterResort.com.au
Robertson Brothers 60’s Variety TV Show Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock SAT 14 MAR Relive the good old days with Australia’s very own multi-award-winning harmony duo the Robertson Brothers, with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan – from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys. Hits by The Seekers, The Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Bee Gees and Neil Sedaka will be heard on stages across the country as these leading music talents join forces for a national tour like no other.
In an incredible interactive Variety TV style show, be led through the glorious melodies of well-known 60’s icons that have been carefully and meticulously re-created. Together with a live band, much-loved hits will come alive on stage that will take you back to a nostalgic time. For tickets visit www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au
Tintilla Estate Long Lunch Tintilla Estate, Pokolbin SAT 28 MAR Tintilla Estate's Long Lunches are very popular – it's the ultimate gourmet food and wine experience! Due to popular demand, the French Provincial Long Lunch is on again this March, with a 4-course meal and wines to match. Why not get a group together and celebrate the start of Autumn in the beautiful grounds of Tintilla Estate.
Bookings are essential as numbers are limited. Email info@tintilla.com.au or phone 6574 7093 to book. www.tintilla.com.au
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland SAT 18 – SUN 19 APRIL Steamfest is one of the Hunter’s most loved events, attracting massive crowds annually since 1986. Steamfest is a celebration of the Hunter’s industrial heritage, hosting an impressive collection of antique machinery, cars and of course the main show – steam trains. An exciting array of activities is on the program this year, all family friendly.
Maitland Station is the centre of the event with merchandise, kids rides and the main stage – it’s also the best vantage point to see all the vintage steam and diesel trains pull into the station. Nearby Church Street is where you will find all the markets, with a collection of over 100 stalls. For more information visit www.steamfest.com.au NEXT MONTH
Re-Discover Mortels Daily Factory Tours Mon–Fri 11am – No bookings required
FIND US Located 2.5km from the end of the M1 1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton. Open 7 Days Visit www.mortels.com.au for more information
Home of the BigUGG Boots · FactoryTours · Shop · Café · Museum
olives, olives, olives
Come visit us for a range of Estate Grown Olives, Tapenade and local olive oils or a Cheese platter on the deck with a glass of wine
725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley www.tintilla.com.au #tintillaestate
A POP-TASTIC EVENT
Not to be Missed!
Pop icons a-ha return for their first Australian tour in 34 years this month when they perform alongside special guest, Rick Astley.
The Norwegian trio, who dominated pop charts worldwide during the ’80s, are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their hugely influential debut album Hunting High And Low and will be performing the classic album in full as well as other favourites from across their career. Selling more than 11 million copies worldwide, it includes the unforgettable Take On Me, which reached number one on the Australian charts, as well as follow-up hits The Sun Always Shines On TV, Train Of Thought and the title track. a-ha – singer Morten Harket, keyboardist Mags Furuholmen and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy – have sold more than 55 million albums and remain one of the UK and Europe's most loved pop bands, regularly playing stadiums and festivals. However, they have not ventured to Australian shores since 1986.
“Australia was the country we played our first ever live concerts and was our first brush with worldwide fame. It was a thrilling adventure to be there on the opposite side of the world and it’s a thrill to return in 2020. Finally, we will be back where it all started!” said Mags Furuholmen.
Still so unique decades on, the unforgettable music video for Take On Me won six MTV Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, was nominated for Grammy and American Music Awards and is approaching one billion views on YouTube. It’s been covered by artists as diverse as Metallica, Madonna and Tori Amos, and most recently Weezer and performed with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots on “The Tonight Show”. Joining a-ha to make this one poptastic event not to be missed is another superstar who dominated the ’80s, Rick Astley and synth-pop stars Pseudo Echo and I Know Leopard. Rick Astley is also enjoying a major career resurgence. The British star has sold more than 40 million albums fuelled by hits like Never Gonna Give You Up, Whenever You Need Somebody and Together Forever to name a few. In 2016 Rick’s album 50 was released to mark his milestone birthday and became his first UK number one since his 1987 debut album.
With a career spanning four decades and a treasure trove of pop hits, secure your spot now for a-ha’s first Australian tour in 34 years. Together with very special guest Rick Astley, they have created the pop soundtrack to countless lives, and this promises to be a highlight on the summer concert calendar. For more information visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au
Experience Indulgence at Esca Bimbadgen
Nick Samaras, Esca Bimbadgen Executive Chef and his team have created a menu showcasing the abundance of local produce at our doorstep. You can also relax in our Tuscan inspired courtyard with Bimbadgen’s wood fired pizza – dine in or takeaway. Pizza Café 12pm–4pm Mon to Thurs; 12pm–8pm Fri to Sun. Esca 7 days from 12pm; Dinner Fri & Sat from 6pm. Bookings are recommended.
VINEYARD
Boutique Hunter Wines
A Trio of Whites
NEW RELEASE!
This complex late disgorged Blanc de Blancs spent almost 5 years on lees. The result is a ne bead and creamy textured palate with classic toasty characteristics. Taste it today!
2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Cellar Door open for tastings Thurs - Mon, 10am - 4pm www.kelmanvineyard.com.au Small groups welcome - call 02 4991 5456
