The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country | SEPT-OCT 2020 | ISSUE #180
Wines of Provenance in the
STOP AND SMELL THE ROSÉ
MEGA CREATURES INVADE WINE COUNTRY
NEWCASTLE’S BIG PICTURE FEST
“Quality Without Compromise”
5-Star Winery 2007 to 2020
“WE ARE FAMILY” NOW G! TASTIN ng Sparkli 19 0 2 é Ros
MISTLETOE is a small, family owned and run, vineyard and winery that was established by the current owners in 1989. Now in its 31st 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 three genera�ons of the founding family now ac�vely engaged in running the business on a day to day basis, Mistletoe is a truly unique family winery. With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, For�fed and Dessert styles on tas�ng, Mistletoe has one of the most comprehensive ranges of wines seen in the Hunter. COVID-19 PROTOCOLS So we can offer you a safe, informa�ve, and sa�sfying, wine-tas�ng experience, it is essen�al to make a tas�ng reserva�on by calling Mistletoe on 1800-055-080. • All wines are made in our onsite winery • Working vineyard on site • Mistletoe Wines are only available for purchase from the Winery Cellar Door • Knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you welcome • “Simply the Best” – No-obliga�on to purchase Wine Club. With Pokolbin Fine Art Gallery and Mistletoe Sculpture Garden located on site it makes Mistletoe a must see, a very special place to visit, a place that Hunter wine country visitors return to time and time again. To learn more about our area go to www.aroundhermitage.com.au We look forward to welcoming you! - The Mistletoe Family.
Open 10am–5pm 7 days | 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin PH 1800 055 080 | E office@mistletoewines.com.au | www.mistletoewines.com.au
IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...
A WORD FROM THE EDITORS
SEPT-OCT
PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: PH +61 2 4943 2888 www.yourhuntervalley.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au WCP MEDIA 297 Brunker Road Adamstown, NSW 2289 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 Copyright © 2020 WCP Media Published monthly by WCP Media All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, WCP Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such. SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE From 16th September 2020 until the 15th October 2020 inclusive, or while stocks last.
To say Hunter Valley Wine Country has been booming these past weeks since the lockdown was lifted would be an understatement according to most operators in the Valley. Regional travel, and in particular close-tohome regional travel has seen our accommodators full, not just on weekends but also midweek. It’s heart-warming to see businesses who have suffered so much this year – bushfires followed by a global pandemic (who would have thought!) – getting back into the swing of things and welcoming visitors to our region. With a long weekend coming up at the beginning of October, it seems timely to remind visitors this Spring to pre-book as much as you can to avoid disappointment. Check out some of the fabulous restaurants and cellar doors in this months issue and give them a call to book. Tell them we sent you! Towards the end of this month we ‘welcome’ the October School Holidays and with them the resurgence of the Dinosaurs in the Hunter Valley. Venture into Hunter Valley Gardens (if you dare!) for Australia’s largest animatronic bugs, dinosaurs and dragons, getting you up close and personal with a great variety
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of enormous insects and roaring monsters. Read more on page 10. Speaking of big, why not venture out of Wine Country for a morning during the October long weekend and visit The Big Picture Fest throughout Newcastle. This large-scale street art festival will see world-class artists and local creatives leave their legacy on Newcastle’s skyline and streetscapes by creating awe-inspiring murals on 13 inner-city buildings. Read more on page 18. For some big pictures closer to Wine Country, why not take a walk around history in local town, Kurri Kurri. The town and surrounding villages are home to more than 60 brightly-coloured murals, which adorn once-vacant walls on everything from local pubs and main street shops to the grandstand at Kurri Kurri Sportsground and commemorate various aspects of the region’s history. Whatever you do – get out and about in the Hunter this Spring and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer. Enjoy!
is
What’s in th
Issue?
What’s On in Sept & Oct
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Hot in the Hunter
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Walk with the Giants this School Holidays 10 Meet the Maker – Simp-Lee Cards
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Wines of Provenance in the Heart of the Hunter 12 Take in a New View... On Horseback! 16
GET MOBILE! View this month’s issue of Your Hunter Valley Magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Visit www.yourhuntervalley.com.au/read-online
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Big Picture Fest
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Stop and Smell the Rosé!
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Rosé Top Picks 24 Take a Walk Around Memory Lane 28 Spring Dining Guide Your Hunter Valley Map
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WHAT'S
ON
It’s Budburst time! Spring is when you’ll see the vineyard coming to life – a great time to get out and explore!
Events not to miss in the Hunter Valley Region
FIND THE LATEST EVENTS ONLINE AT YOURHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU
SEPT + OCT SEPT/OCT
Markets
Slow Food Earth Market At The Levee, Maitland SEPT 17, OCT 1 + 15
Handmade in The Hunter Markets At Kevin Sobels Wines
SEPT 19, 26 OCT 3, 4, 10, 17, 24 + 31
Artisan Market Laguna At the Great Northern Trading Post OCT 4
The Valley Markets At Townhead Park, Singleton OCT 11
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Carnival of Colour Hunter Valley Gardens UNTIL 30 SEPT The Gardens will look their bloomin’ best this Spring with the annual Carnival of Colour! This year the Garden’s have added some “pop” with beautiful Spring displays crafted by the talented horticultural team. Talk and walk with the talented Gardeners to learn how they create the amazing displays, then head off yourself to go explore and find the large array of colourful photo opportunities. What are you waiting for? There is 14 hectares of beautiful nature with 8 kilometres of pathways to discover! Covid safe protocols are in place – pre purchase your tickets online at www.hvg.com.au
BOOK NOW
Mid-week 2020 Rosé Celebration Offer At McGuigan Wines
Immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most iconic wineries and celebrate the release of Mcguigan Wines’s 2020 Hunter Valley Rosé! This midweek offer includes a premium wine tasting in the exclusive Members Lounge, a cheese platter from the artisans at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory and a free bottle of the 2020 Hunter Valley Rosé to take home and enjoy! So, plan a day out sipping on awardwinning wines this Spring and discover everything McGuigan’s has to offer! (Cost – $25 pp. Reservations must be prepaid for parties of 2–10 people) For more information visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on experiences.
Get Ready Weekend Pokolbin Fire Station SAT 19 SEPT Only 6.9% of NSW was impacted by bush fire in the devastating 2019/20 fire season,
Walking with Llamas Ben Ean Winery SUN 20+27 SEPT Enjoy a one hour guided walk through the Ben Ean vineyard, accompanied by
which means there is a significant bush fire risk for the coming 2020/21 fire season. It only takes 5 minutes to improve or make a plan that will give your property, your family and yourself the best chance of survival! Join Get Ready Weekend at Pokolbin Fire Station to learn how to prepare your home and family for the potential impact of fire. From 2pm–4.30pm the kids can see their brilliant RFS fire trucks, and adults can learn some vaulable information and see how they can support their local brigades. For more information visit www.myfireplan.com.au
RUNNING HORSE WINES The most unique cellar door in Broke... A must visit! Specialising in Aged Wines
one of the Llama Collective’s friendly llamas! First you’ll spend some time to get acquainted and learn some handling and safety tips. Your hour walk through the vines (approx 3km) will follow, with the beautiful Broken Back Mountain range as your backdrop. This event is family friendly for children 6+. Prices are one person per llama $80; 2 people $120; 3 people $140; 4 people $160. Message The Llama Collective on Facebook to book.
Running Horse Wines cellar door provides a new look and experience to the Hunter wine region. We at Running Horse Wines have been ageing our entire range of wines and have amassed an impressive, unique and true age worthy wine list that will take you on an adventurous ride to an unprecedented tasting experience.
First Release Wine Week Around Hermitage 23–27 SEPT When was the last time you tried something for the very first time? Be the first to taste an exclusive range of Hunter Valley premium wines from some of the most renowned wineries in the Hunter. During this week a number of Pokolbin Vineyards in the Around Hermitage area are coming together to release a range of their premium wines. Featured during this week will be – 1st Release Signature Dinner on 26 September; 1st release whites, Sparklings, Rosés and reds; aged single vineyard reds; immersive and fun events throughout the week; Meet the winemakers and vineyard owners – hear their stories. For more information visit www.aroundhermitage.com.au/first-release-wines
The opportunity to taste and buy wines from 2005 to 2012, and also now just releasing the 2014 vintage, is very rare. Our classic aged range is comprising of the Hunter’s finest Shiraz, Semillon, Verdelho, Rosé and a Sparkling Rosé also being aged on lees for 6 years! Running Horse Wines is open every day from 10am to 6pm. From Monday to Thursday, please do not hesitate to call and confirm arrival as these hours can fluctuate.
1133 Milbrodale Road, Broke Fordwich PH David on 0474 156 786 www.runninghorsewines.com.au 5 | SEPT-OCT 2020 yhv
Hunter Valley Art Fair Pokolbin Hall 3–5 OCT The Hunter Valley Art Fair is created by Artists for Artists! If you have a creative flair or a love of amazing art, come see beautiful local artwork and buy straight from the artist and artisans of the Hunter Valley. Watch artists as they create on the day, and find new artists to watch. Visit Pokolbin Hall over the October long weekend, 10am–6pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 10am–3pm on the Monday.
Spring School Holidays – Mini Growers Margan, Broke Fordwich WED 30 SEP-THURS 8 OCT Keep the kids busy this school holidays with Margan’s Mini Growers pop-up program! Kids can join Myriam the gardener for a garden tour, where they will learn about growing their own vegetables, feeding the chickens and home composting. Your mini grower will also get to plant their own succulents to take home and watch them grow. After the garden tour, the minis will join you for their lunch of a snack platter, sweet treat and drink. While the kids are occupied, adults can even enjoy Margan’s Hunter Heroes Food and Wine Experience in the courtyard. Cost is $40 per adult for the HH F&W experience and $25 per child for Mini-Growers. To book visit www.margan.com.au
Sculpture in the Vineyards Wollombi Valley 17 OCT–1 NOV Now in it’s 18th year, the Sculpture in the Vineyards is back throughout Wollombi, showing over 160 sculptures over 16 days. This year, 166 works from 103 sculptors have been selected for the exhibition from the 300 national and international submissions received.
The selection includes 7 previous Sculpture by the Sea major prize winners, plus other highly respected artists and emerging artists. The Festival Opening is on Saturday 17 October from 5pm at Grays Inn, with Simon Marnie (ABC) as MC, Tim Selwyn conducting the Smoking Ceremony and local band The Runaway Cabbages to entertain. It is reccomended to book a table at one of the local restaurants/taverns for dinner afterwards. Sculptures will be on display (free entry) at indoor spaces – The Old Fireshed Gallery; Blender Gallery; The Old Wollombi Dance Hall; Wollombi and Laguna Community Halls. Outdoor exhibitions include – GNTP Laguna; Stonehurst Cedar Creek; Undercliff Winery; Grays Inn; Wollombi Tavern; Wollombi Village. Wollombi Village Walk and Talk Guided Tours will take place at 10am on each day of the Festival, running for 2 hours at $10 pp, and the Sculpture Twilight Dinner will this year be held in the garden of Grays Inn on 31 October. For more information on these events visit sculptureinthevineyards.com.au
DON’T WASTE TIME GETTING LOST! 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!
Much more than a Vineyard.
Our Matilda range is made up of easy drinking styles that are produced for your enjoyment.
Come Waltzing with Matilda... 205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin • PH 4998 7887 www.constableestate.com.au Your always welcome at...
Oishii Japanese
Home Delivery Fri–Sun Dinner only
Thai Restaurant
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
J A P A N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E
Open 7 days for Lunch and Dinner. Takeaway available 7 days. Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rd’s Pokolbin, NSW 2320 PH 02 4998 7051 www.oishii.com.au
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/OishiiPokolbin
Rose Spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens 17 OCT–15 NOV Enjoy a sensory explosion of colour and fragrance
The Faulty Towers Dining Experience Hunter Valley Resort + Tamburlaine 31 OCT+26 NOV The Faulty Towers Dining Experience – is definitely an experience!
with Hunter Valley Gardens at the annual Rose Spectacular! Visitors will be greeted by an incredible sensory explosion of colour and fragrance as they view 35,000 rose bushes across the property with 6,000 inside the Rose Garden itself. Come along and see over 50 varieties of roses, with thousands in bloom. General entry ticket prices apply. Pre purchase your tickets online at www.hvg.com.au
Your favourite characters Basil, Sybil and Manuel will be coming to dinner twice – at Hunter Valley Resort on Oct 30, and at Tamburlaine Organic Wines on Nov 26. They will not only serve you a delicious 3-course meal, but dish up a whole lot of chaos and fun too. Story lines appear along the way (keep a look out for the ‘Siberian hamster’), and you’ll be constantly looking around the dining room to see what happens next! Visit the Hunter Valley Resort website at www.hunterresort.com.au or phone Tamburlaine on 4998 4222 to book.
ANDANTÉ BRASSERIE
The Cellar Restaurant delivers modern contemporary Australian cuisine, utilising local and seasonal quality ingredients. Dine in our indoor garden setting or outside in the courtyard.
Try our NEW Spring menu!
ENJOY AN inviting and relaxed atmosphere Andanté Brasserie is a locally owned café and restaurant located in the heart of the Hunter Valley – a great spot for a quick catch up or long lunch with friends and family.
Open 7 DAYS For Breakfast and Lunch Ph 4998 7932 Leisure Inn, 485 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin www.andantebrasserie.com.au
Located at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Broke Road Pokolbin • Phone 4998 7584 LUNCH from 12pm Mon – Sat; DINNER from 6pm Mon – Sat
www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au 7 | SEPT-OCT 2020 yhv
WHAT'S HOT IN THE
Hunter
ART
Hunter Distillery Inspired by Spirits Hunter Distillery is a cocktail lover’s dream – from magical colour changing gin, butterscotch schnapps to chocolate vodka all available to taste and buy at the one spot! Local artist Tanya Loviz from Loviz Art Gallery’s has taken inspiration from the vibrant flavoured liquors from Hunter Distillery and created her latest piece “Cocktail-In-Fusion”. This artwork is a visual display of how she feels inside after a cocktail or two. Do cocktails make you feel as good as this too? Check out Tanya’s full range now: www.lovizarts.com.au/shop
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TASTE
It’s High Time for
High Tea! Spring has sprung and what better way to soak up the warm weather than sipping on Champagne and enjoying delicious sweets while overlooking Wine Country at Andanté Brasserie! So grab your loved ones and take a drive to the Hunter Valley as this is a sensation not to be missed for just $45 per person. Your High Tea Experience includes: A glass of Sparkling, homemade scones, finger sandwiches, coffee or tea and a scrumptious selection of sweets! Make a booking now – PH 4998 7932 WHERE 485 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin www.andantebrasserie.com.au
STAY
Book a ROMANTIC
ESCAPE this Spring! Enjoy a weekend of nature, romance and social disconnection at Estate Tuscany! What better way to escape, than to retreat to the sanctuary of the Hunter Valley, turn off your phone and enjoy a glass of wine with your loved one while overlooking the picturesque Brokenback Ranges! Estate Tuscany’s Romantic Escape Package includes: 4- star accommodation for 2 nights, breakfast, dinners, a picnic hamper to enjoy plus so much more! See the full inclusions here: www.estatetuscany.com.au/sleep WHERE Cnr Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998 7288
S P R I NGTIM E
The Village is in full BLOOM! Located in the heart of Wine Country, the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village has something for everyone! Discover a unique collection of bespoke shops offering everything from delicious sweets, stunning jewellery to sampling local wines! While you are there why not try your luck and hit the jackpot at Aqua Golf driving range or simply make the most of the beautiful Spring weather and have a picnic on the grounds! WHERE Broke Road, Pokolbin www.huntervalleygardensshopping.com.au
Hunter Valley Resort Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin (02) 49987777 sales@HunterResort.com.au www.HunterResort.com.au
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OOLFUN! H C S AY T2020 ID OC HOL T– 11 E 19 S
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HECTA RE GARDE S OF NS
! A R E TA K IN G O V E R
Walk with the Giants This School Holidays! Kids are in for a treat this school holidays with the return of Mega Creatures to Hunter Valley Gardens from 19 September until 11 October, after being postponed earlier in the year.
JOIN THE FUN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! Come and see amazing creatures, including our new Woolly Mammoth and giant Brachiosaurus. Plus, discover all your favourites like T-Rex, Triceratops and Dragons using our discovery app! Book your tickets today to avoid disappointment by visiting hvg.com.au 2 Sessions per day. Limited tickets per session. DA ILY ACT IV IT IE S IN C LU D E D IN GARDEN E N T RY
02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin - hvg.com.au Guest numbers are strictly limited and session times apply. Morning session runs from 8am – 12:30pm and afternoon session 1:30pm - 6pm. Entry to all sessions closes one hour before completion. Carousel and Tea Cup ride single use only and are user pay. Swing Chair, Ferris Wheel, Superslide and Inflatables will not be operating for this event. Program subject to change.
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Venture into the Gardens and stumble across a spectacular display of giants that will thrill both parents and children alike! Mega Creatures showcases some of Australia’s largest animatronic bugs, dinosaurs and dragons, getting you up close and personal with a great variety of enormous insects and roaring monsters. This year’s new attractions will be the exciting new giant Brachiosaurus, flying Pterosaur and Woolly Mammoth! There’s a Giant Dino Egg to find somewhere in the Gardens each day, and the lucky person that discovers it will win a family pass to Christmas Lights Spectacular and a toy dinosaur. Mega Creatures provides the perfect photo opportunity to take a selfie alongside some of the world’s most ancient predators. The giant Pterosaur will take over the sky, while Woolly Mammoths and Sabre-Toothed Tigers will bring a blast of the Ice Age to the Hunter Valley (hopefully without the sub-zero temperatures!). The tall and friendly Brachiosaurus will be joined by the terrifying T-Rex, the monstrous Triceratops, fire-breathing dragons and more. For all the little thrill seekers, the famous Carousel ride, and, for the first time, the brand new Tea Cup ride will be operating, with tickets available at the ride control booth. To add even more excitement to the mix, download the Mega Creatures Trail app, which includes GPS located dinosaurs, fun facts, photo challenges and a dinosaur specific quiz. Maps will also be available for anyone not wishing to use the app. Due to COVID19 restrictions, Mega Creatures will be held across two sessions per day; morning 8am–12.30pm and afternoon 1.30pm–6pm. Rides will be operating 30 minutes after the start and finishing 30 minutes before the end of each session. Tickets are limited per session, so book online now to avoid disappointment at www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/event
Inspired
MEET THE MAKER
& Personalised... Simp-Lee Cards WORDS Michelle Meehan
Retirement hasn’t just given Leonie Perkins the chance to devote more time to her hobbies – it’s allowed her to turn one of them into a flourishing new business. The Gillieston Heights woman, known by many as Lee, is the creative force behind Simp-Lee Cards, producing beautiful handmade greeting cards, baby keepsake boxes, wine bottle gift tags, 3D wall hangings and more. While she has always had a love of art and crafts, her retirement from a career as a finance manager two years ago prompted her to start sharing her passion with others. “I have always had an interest in crafty things, oil painting and sewing, but I especially like creating greeting cards and making handmade gifts of many varieties now that I have the time to devote to my craft,” she said. “I have been making my cards for several years now, and apart from making them for family and friends and giving packs of assorted cards for presents, I kept building up stocks with no outlet, so I created my website for online sales. “Seeking a local outlet, I was very happy to be accepted as a stallholder at the Handmade in the Hunter Market in March 2019. “This has been such a rewarding experience with a lovely ‘family’ of stallholders to meet up with each market day… I am very grateful to Karen and Stephen for giving me the opportunity to join the market family.” While Leonie has a large range of existing cards and products, she is always looking for new inspiration and is also happy to add a more personalised touch to custom orders. “I get inspired to create new cards and gift items from many places. I spend most of my time, when not actually creating, watching craft videos and I love to see new methods and concepts to try,” she said.
“I particularly like creating a card when I am asked to make one for a special occasion. I love that the card will have a purpose and go to someone who will really love it. “When making cards for family and friends, I try to make it to suit their personal interests or job, and they are all personalised with their names. A fun part of these is the challenge to match the card to their personality.” You can check out Leonie’s handiwork at upcoming Handmade in the Hunter Markets, which will be held at Kevin Sobel’s Wines from 9am to 3pm on September 19 and 26, and October 3, 4, 10 and 17. Visit www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au for more information.
THE BEST PLACE IN THE HUNTER VALLEY
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 -
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Photo by Belle Studios
Wines of Provenance in the
Heart of the Hunter WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN
When it comes to boutique family-owned wine label Hart & Hunter, less is definitely more… Smaller batches of grapes from the best vineyards in the Hunter Valley. Less intervention in the winemaking process. Greater flexibility to try something different. More favourable feedback from consumers and wine critics alike. It’s an ethos that goes right to the heart of the venture for owners Damien Stevens and Jodie Belleville, who established Hart & Hunter with the aim of producing premium single-vineyard wines that represent provenance.
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“It was always about small batches that we could look at sourcing, and making wines that we enjoyed drinking ourselves, and we’ve stuck to that,” Damien said. “We’ve always looked at small-batch winemaking as being very important, as is identifying the single vineyard sites around the Valley that we source our fruit from because they’re so unique. “Our winemaking technique is very much hands-off in terms of saying there is no point us getting what we think is some of the best fruit in the Valley and then covering it with our wine making footprint, or with the footprint of an oak producer. “Our style across all of our single sites is a fruit-forward projection of what that vineyard can do. What we see and like about the vineyard, we like to see at the end of the day in that finished wine as well. “I suppose we’re minimal intervention, for want of a better term, in terms of what we do with our winemaking styles.” Hart & Hunter began in 2009 when a long but “fruitful” search for the right parcel of grapes saw Damien secure two tonnes of Shiraz from a local producer. “We’d just had our first child, and Damien came home one day and said, ‘I took two ton of Shiraz today’,” Jodie said. “That was how it began pretty much, as these things often do, and we haven’t looked back.
“We celebrated our 10th year last year, and that’s something special in any business, really, but for a small family-run company that’s definitely a milestone and something to cheer about.” Opting to source other producers’ fruit to make their wine, rather than invest in a vineyard themselves, also follows the less is more theory. It ensured there was less financial risk for the new venture as well as more opportunity to be selective, not only in the vineyards they worked with but also in the styles of wine they produced. “You’ve got a few models in the wine industry, you’ve got people that own the vineyard and make their own wine, you’ve got people that own vineyards and get wine contract-made for them and then we’re the flip side of that by making our own wine and supporting local growers,” Damien said. “That gives us more opportunity to see what other vineyards are out there, to experiment with those and not be locked into a particular vineyard. “We also get a bit more opportunity to be creative and selective; we have the chance to pick and choose a little bit throughout the Valley on what sites we think are very good, and hit that uniqueness that we’re trying for in our wine styles.” Those wine styles fall into two distinct categories – Hart & Hunter’s original Single Vineyard Series and their more experimental Black Series.
Photo by Belle Studios
The Single Vineyard Series stays faithful to their original aim of sourcing the best parcels of fruit from the best possible vineyard sites to make single vineyard wines. It currently includes everything from their award-winning 2019 Hart Vineyard Semillon, to the 2017 harvest version of their very first wine, the Ablington Shiraz, as well as a selection of other reds and whites. The Black Series, which emerged around the time they decided to open a cellar door in 2014, is where the couple let their creative sides take over, “to dream a little, sourcing alternative varieties and creating experimental batches to create unique textural wines”. “Our main focus continues to explore the traditional varieties that the Hunter Valley is renowned for, Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz off our single sites,” Jodie said. (Continued next page) F
Find us – 463 Deasys Road, Pokolbin Cellar Door open for tastings Thursday to Monday, 10am–4pm Open 7 days during September School Holidays Ph 02 4998 7645 | E cellardoor@hartandhunter.com.au | www.hartandhunter.com.au 13 | SEPT-OCT 2020 yhv
Photo by Belle Studios
Simon Hughes Photography
techniques and alternate varieties – whatever took our fancy and we could actually get our hands on, to be honest. “It’s called the Black Series, and we’ve made a Dr B’s Fiano, a Chenin Blanc, a Hunter River Riesling, a Shiraz Pinot, a Sangiovese, a Chardonnay on skins. “It gives us a lot more opportunity to be a little wild and free and play around in the winery, and come up with some other really tasty, different styles of wine outside of the single vineyard range.” Hart & Hunter’s wines have been well received right from the start, with their 2010 Oakey Creek Semillon securing their first wine show award before the wine had even been released to the public. “Back in 2010 we released the 2010 Oakey Creek Semillon and the 2009 Ablington Shiraz, they were our first two wines,” Damien said. “We were a bit excited, so we threw that wine into a wine show at the time and were thrilled to pick up the trophy for the best Semillon for that particular year. “We’ve done quite well with wine shows over the years, and certainly from the cellar door, we get good feedback as well that there’s a lovely clarity within the wines and a beautiful freshness, and that they do hold very well as really good food wines.
(Continued) “We’ve evolved over the ten years, and we have, depending on the season and the vintage, created an exciting and unique portfolio where in any given year there could be three or four single sites that each produce a Shiraz. With the Chardonnay there is one, sometimes two and with the Semillons, we’ve had up to three sites at a time. They’re all quite individual wines, and they’re quite different to each other. “Then, within the last couple of years, pretty much since we opened our cellar door in 2014, we had to expand again because obviously, you need more wines to service customers. We created a second range of wines, which were more about different winemaking styles, processing
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“I think the style that we have developed for ourselves has worked well. It seems to be appreciated by both sides of the fence, which is something that doesn’t always happen, you don’t always get wines that do well in wine shows and are received well in public.” There’s no better place for the public to taste the fruits of Damien and Jodie’s labour than from the charming front deck of Hart & Hunter’s quaint cellar door. Located on Deasys Road, Pokolbin, it overlooks the picturesque vineyard of Gabriel’s Paddocks where they actually source fruit for a number of their wines.
Jodie said while it’s not a large space, a visit to their cellar door is an experience to remember, with around ten wines on offer between the two different series. “We have a beautiful, big deck out the front, and we have a great team that work with us,” she said.
“Tastings out on the front deck are informal and relaxing, the team that we have are second to none. They have a great local knowledge, love their wines and just offer a truly personal tasting experience.” “It’s very much an individual conversation when you come to us; we engage with the people who come in, we find out what’s going on in the world, where they come from, what they’re up to. The tastings are 45 minutes to an hour, to allow people to meander through the soil and the wines, and have these lovely conversations.” While the cellar door was closed for two months during the lockdowns for COVID-19, they’re back in the swing of things now, with COVID safe tastings and the impending release of 2018 reds and 2020 whites. Damien is particularly excited about the 10th-anniversary release of their Ablington Shiraz, from the 2019 vintage, as well as 2020 Twenty Six Rows Chardonnay, which he believes is one of the best Chardonnays they’ve ever made. “We’re in a really good spot in terms of what we have coming out,” he said. “We have some good styles and some nice differentiation between the styles of the Shiraz that we’ll be releasing, the quality of the Chardonnay and the Semillons is also fantastic.”
Simon Hughes Photography
To find out more visit Hart & Hunter’s cellar door at 463 Deasys Road, Pokolbin, from 10am–4pm Thursday to Monday, check out www.hartandhunter.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@hartandhunter). P
WE BELIEVE IN THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE. THEY JUST NEED TO BE AMAZING.
Located at Gartelmann Wines, The Deck Café Lovedale is a stylish Restaurant style Cafe/Tapas Bar, complete with Vittoria Coffee.
OPEN 7 DAYS
Monday – Friday 8:30am till 2:30pm Saturday – Sunday 8am till 2:30pm Friday and Saturday Nights 5:30pm till 7:30pm
PH (02) 4930 9007
www.deckcafelovedale.com.au
SMART CASUAL DINING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE ALSO 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 OPEN LUNCH THURS–SUN. DINNER THURS, FRI, SAT & MON Trading hours may have changed*
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Take in a New View…
On Horseback! At Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures, you can ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, experiencing the spectacular views of the Hunter Valley Wine Country and Lower Hunter and as far north as Barrington Tops. Whether you’re an old hand on horseback or you’ve never sat in a saddle before, there’s a ride for every experience level, with the 1 and 1.5 hour guided trail rides the most popular for both beginners and experts alike. For more than two decades Margaret Bancroft has been opening up her family home to travellers looking for a little slice of traditional country life. The owner and operator of Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures, and Hill Top Country Guesthouse, has spent her entire life in the Hunter, growing up on her family’s farm in Lovedale before moving down the road, and up a mountain, to raise her own family and eventually set up her flourishing tourism businesses. Margaret says that horse riding offers people the chance to venture where a vehicle cannot go, “capturing spectacular views and being close to nature”. “It is peaceful and tranquil, and you are with a beautiful and powerful but gentle animal,” she said. “If you have reasonable balance and can take instructions, it is not that difficult to learn to ride. The more you do it, the easier it gets as you ride in rhythm with the horse.” Margaret’s love of horses came at around two years of age, when her Dad bought her a Shetland pony. Sharing this love of riding is one of the reasons she started the business. “The best part of the business is seeing people coming back from a ride smiling, and laughing having had a great time – for many of the people it has been the first time that they have been on a horse.
Massive Wine Sale at The Garden Cellars $144 cases!
“Also seeing the children come back year after year, hoping that their favourite pony is still here and that they can go for a ride. They are still happy when they find that they sometimes have retired, but are still able to feed them and pat them.” For more information about Hunter Valley Horseriding or to book a ride, visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au or call 4930 7111.
“Largest beer range in the valley!”
Come in and visit the ‘Tunnel of Beer’. Stocked to the brim with delicious brews from around the world.
alley Hunter V nter d Hu Wine an Vodka r Distille y s tasting daily! available
THE GARDEN
CELLARS yhv 16 | SEPT-OCT 2020
You will find us at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village Broke Road, Pokolbin OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5.30pm | PH 4998 7466 www.gardencellars.com.au
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
Bookings are a MUST!
725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley www.tintilla.com.au #tintillaestate
EMMA’S COTTAGE VINEYARD · CELLAR DOOR & GALLERY: Friday 12pm–4pm, Saturday 10am–5pm & Sunday 10am–4pm. 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 · Ph (02) 4998 7734 · www.emmascottage.com.au
NEW
Egift Cards Available! For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor Dessert Bar is a MUST! The Sabor Dessert Menu features over 50 different desserts, each one created individually. Nothing is served by the slice and this brings a new level of culinary delight to desserts in the Hunter Valley. Pair something scrumptious with a delicious Hunter Valley wine... It’s a unique Hunter Valley experience that you can only enjoy at Sabor Dessert Bar. Indulge in multi-award winning Portuguese chocolate mousse, decadent cakes, pastries, hand-made chocolates, Portuguese tarts and gourmet ice-cream. There is also a large range of gluten free desserts, baristamade Glinelli coffee and a selection of teas to enjoy with our amazing view of the vines and mountain ranges or to take away and savour in your home or hotel.
Enjoy a world of desserts at Sabor Dessert Bar in Pokolbin!
2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Open Thurs & Fri 10am - 4.30pm, Sat 10am - 5.30pm, Sun & Mon 10am - 4.30pm
PH 1300 958 939 • www.sabordessertbar.com.au 17 | SEPT-OCT 2020 yhv
Big Picture
Fest
WORDS Michelle Meehan
Over three days in October, large-scale street art festival, the Big Picture Fest, will see world-class artists and local creatives leave their legacy on Newcastle’s skyline and streetscapes by creating aweinspiring murals on 13 inner-city buildings.
3 Days 14 Artists 12 Murals!
The festival has previously been held in similar post-industrial communities including Port Adelaide and Frankston, drawing upwards of 20,000 people to the inner city throughout the event. “I moved to the Hunter four years ago, and I’ve had an eye on Newcastle’s large scale buildings since that first time I came here,” said Festival Director, Becky Kiil. After securing more than $120,000 in funding from City of Newcastle last year under their Special Business Rate grants program, Becky
reached out to Adelaide artist and founder of The Big Picture Fest, Vans the Omega, to turn the dream of staging her own Big Picture Fest in Newcastle into a reality. Other major funding partners have since come on board to support the project, including the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation and the University of Newcastle. Redesigned to be a socially-distanced COVID-safe event in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the festival will hit the streets of Newcastle
Come in and try our top shelf spirits through a unique test tube tasting experience!
OPEN FOR TASTINGS AND SALES 7 DAYS, 10AM–5PM Bookings essential during Covid 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin PH (02) 4998 6737 E info@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au Check out local artist Tanya Loviz from Loviz Art Gallery’s amazing new piece “Cocktail-In-Fusion” inspired by Hunter Distillery. www.lovizarts.com.au/shop
yhv 18 | SEPT-OCT 2020
Introducing the Hunter Valley's
The Lad y in
from October 2 to 4, although locals may notice a few of the largerscale murals beginning to take shape in the days leading up to the event. Becky believes giving people a chance to see art being created before their own eyes will help form an emotional connection between the crowd and the artwork, especially when so many will showcase the talents of Hunter-based artists. “We’ll have large scale and medium to very large-scale murals being painted live by 14 artists at 12 major sites throughout the city,” Becky said. “The nature of this event means it can be spread out, and we can manage each site to ensure people are social distancing, so it’s really lovely that people get to see public art being made, and they get to be out and active while still being COVID safe.
“People will be able to wander as they like throughout the city to see these walls being painted, so they’ll actually have a long sort of emotional connection to the mural because they’ve seen it happen.” “The artists are local up-and-coming and Australian national level professional artists, and also a couple of really respected international artists.” Becky said she was excited by the inaugural Newcastle Big Picture Fest line-up, with its three internationally-renowned artists including festival creator Vans the Omega, Sydney artist Fintan Magee and former Toowoomba-based creator Brontë Naylor, who has been living in Newcastle since last year, working alongside 11 talented locals. “One of the major things that COVID changed was that we had to let go of a couple of international artists because obviously, they couldn’t fly over. But this year we’re just so happy to be supporting so many locals. Out of 14 artists, three are not from the Newcastle region, which is pretty cool. “Part of what drew me to Newcastle in the first place is that there are some exceptional artists and it’s a creative space. We have this fascinating creative culture that’s very strong and maybe not recognised by mainstream Australia, so this event is going to be an opportunity to establish that recognition.” Also on the lineup is Newcastle artist Jasmine Miikika Craciun. A proud Barkindji, Malyangapa woman who grew up in Newcastle, Jasmine graduated with a distinction in Bachelor of Visual Communication Design at the University of Newcastle in 2018 and has spent the past three years freelancing as an artist and graphic F
Pin k
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POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD
Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese | Nebbiolo Rosé Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate. Winery – 2019 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion
Pokolbin Estate Vineyard 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au
Hunter Valley
AT HILLTOP 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 Accomodation and horse riding is available this School Holidays!
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..
(Continued) designer, turning her hand to everything from textiles, painting and illustration to murals, photography, design and animation. Her participation in Big Picture Fest will be supported by her alma mater, which is the latest funding partner to sign on to the event. University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, Nathan Towney, said the university has a strong track record of providing students with a culturally safe space and remains committed to increasing students and staff’s cultural knowledge and understanding. “Art provides a window into all cultures and history and hence provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community to come together to learn about and celebrate culture,” he said. “To see our graduates go on to work in the creative field and create art that provides the community with a lens into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is something that makes our university extremely proud.” Aside from being able to watch the art being created, Big Picture Fest will also involve a range of public programming. While the final details are still being worked out in line with COVID-19 restrictions, Becky said they are discussing everything from live music and artist workshops to roving theatre and guided walks. Paper maps and a digital guide accessible via the City of Newcastle app will help direct visitors around the art festival trail, while also encouraging them to explore and interact with businesses in the Hunter Street Mall, Darby Street, Civic and Newcastle West precincts. Becky believes the impact of the festival will last far longer than its three-day program. “It’s going to create this ongoing amazing vibrancy in the CBD. The whole goal is to be able to bring foot traffic into the city, bring
excitement into the city and economic growth from that,” she said. “It’s also about increasing the visibility of Newcastle and identification of Newcastle as a vibrant creative space that is desirable not just for locals, but tourists as well. Big Picture Fest is just going to be emphasising that we are a cutting edge, modern city for locals and visitors to enjoy.” It’s little wonder that Becky is so passionate about promoting Newcastle, given the first thing she did after moving here was create a business designed to highlight its attractions. Called Newcastle Afoot, the small tour business offers guided walks and experiences that focus on Newcastle’s exciting community. Big Picture Fest will run from October 2 to 4. For more information check out their Facebook page or visit www.newcastleafoot.com.au/big-picture-fest-newcastle P
WINE + FOOD + LIVE MUSIC Friday, Saturday + Sunday
Bookings Saddlerscreek.com.au
15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin | Open 7 Days 10am–5pm | 02 4991 1770 www.saddlerscreek.com.au yhv 20 | SEPT-OCT 2020
Have your SAY About our Local Economy
Hunter Valley
Chocolate Company EST. 1999
Cessnock City Council wants to hear from local businesses, residents and visitors to assist them in preparing the next draft Economic Development Strategy. Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Manager, Tony Chadwick said the feedback from businesses and the broader community would ensure Council has the most up to date information. “The feedback we’re asking for will ensure we have a clearer picture based on the current economic climate. This will help us build on the information collected during the Business Capability Study we did last year.” “We’re looking forward to putting together a practical Strategy with clear priorities that will have real outcomes for our community as we grow.” The Strategy will be based on the key themes of productivity, investment and innovation. If a business, resident or visitor would like to have a say, surveys can be accessed via Council’s Have Your Say web page at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/council/have-your-say/economic-developmentstrategy. There’s also a fantastic ideas wall for those wanting to share their vision (visit www.cessnockcitycouncil.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/ economic-development-strategy). All feedback must be submitted by Friday 9 October.
Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been a family owned and operated Hunter Valley gem for the last twenty years. 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!
Ph 4998 6999 Three Great Locations in Pokolbin: • Twenty-3-Twenty – 2320 Broke Road 7 Days, 9.30am–5pm • Peterson House – Broke Road 7 Days, 9.30am–4pm • Hunter Valley Gardens (Shop 5) – Broke Road 7 Days, 9.30am–4.30pm
www.hvchocolate.com.au | admin@hvchocolate.com.au
A PL ACE TO CONNECT Spanning 130 breathtaking acres, Winmark is not just a premium Chardonnay producer but a destination in Broke, Hunter Valley. In 2016 new owner Karin Adcock began re-establishing the former award-winning Pooles Rock vineyard and Winmark continues its remarkable revival with the launch of the Cellar
Door for their Chardonnay tastings. With a vineyard that holds a long tradition of producing beautiful wines, and grounds that are a wonderland of their own, Winmark is a place of remarkable beauty and unexpected discovery.
C E L L A R D O O R : 1 0A M – 5 P M F R I DAY – S U N DAY O R B Y A P P O I N T M E N T T: 0417 100 824 | E: info@winmarkwines.com.au | 229 Wollombi Road, Broke NSW 2330, Australia @winmarkwines | winmarkwines.com.au
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Uniquely Ivanhoe Ivanhoe Wines offers seated wine masterclass tastings with spectacular views, great wines with a friendly knowledgeable team. When you visit our cellar door, you will not only enjoy a wine tasting, but a complete wine experience. Join us to learn about the Estate, vineyard and winemaking process. We’ll help you find wines that you love.
Open 7 Days – Bookings Essential. 525 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin NSW
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02 4998 7325
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www.ivanhoewines.com.au
HAND FORGED WROUGHT IRON • EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY Since 1784
Specialising in artistic restoration and new works, Danish born René Rasmussen has the blacksmith’s skill to restore and recreate the style of yesteryear in many creative and varied forms. When you walk in Rene’s blacksmith shop, you will get the feeling you walk 100 years back in history. Fire in the coal forge, and tools that are 100, even 150 years old. If the tools could talk, you'd have part of the history here.
~ Former blacksmith and farrier for the Queen of Denmark ~ Former blacksmith and farrier for Carlsberg breweries ~ Traditional Danish Family Blacksmiths since 1784
619A Medowie Road, Medowie Ph 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au www.cosyiron.com.au yhv 22 | SEPT-OCT 2020
p o t S And Smell the Rosé!
WORDS Quentin von Essen
The origins of Rosé winemaking can be traced back to ancient Greece when much of the red wine produced was pale red. By mid-100 B.C, the Romans had popularized darker red wines in Europe, but Rosé wine remained popular in parts of France – most notably, Provincia Romana, which is today’s Provence region, as well as the surrounding Mediterranean area.
Historically, Rosé wine practically disappeared in the nineteenth century and the first half of the 20th century. Red wine was reserved for peasants and workers, while Rosé became the fashionable wine of choice for the middle class in the 1960’s. Today, there is a new surge in the popularity, and the number of Rosés on the market continues to grow, seemingly unabated. In fact, the demand for traditional dry Rosé is so widespread that across France, Rosé outsells white wine and outside of France, it is experiencing a rebirth. Rosé wines can be made from almost any red variety, red blends or red and white blends, and can be made in a sweet, off-dry or bone-dry style, with most European Rosés being decidedly dry. Almost all of the world’s wine-producing regions make Rosés. The first, and arguably, the most important Rosé producer is France, where it is predominantly found in the southern region of Tavel, Provence; and the Loire Valley in Anjou. Other important regions are Piedmont in Italy, Rioja in Spain and Styria in Austria. For this wine, colour is essential – it’s a major aspect of its appeal. It is impossible to define the “correct” colour of Rosé wine, which can range from pale pink to light red. The vast range of colours depends on the grape used, the richness of the grape’s phenolic compounds and the winemaking techniques used, which include the length of time the grape skins have been in contact with the grape juice. Australia’s fresh and vibrant Rosés are generally produced from red grape varieties such as Shiraz and Grenache, with only minimal contact on skins to give the wines their signature ‘blush’. As a fantastic food wine, the versatility of Rosé is its standout feature as it can be paired with a wide variety of foods and flavours and handles spices and heat very well. Rosé is great alongside salads, antipasto platters, fish dishes or even your favourite curry. When pairing with cheese, Rosé is the perfect accompaniment to soft goat cheese. Rosé usually has a delicate flavour and a balance of sweetness and acidity that make it a refreshing palate-cleansing drink. Best served young and at a chilled temperature, Rosé wine is a wonderful alternative to a red or white, and can be a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of meals – as it tops the charts for food-friendly versatility.
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Rosé Top Picks $31
$27.50
This Rosé is made using a blend of Merlot and Barbera picked and pressed off skins immediately to achieve a faint salmon blush and encourage floral aromatics and elegant fruits. Handpicked Pinot Grigio is also added, fermented on skins to contribute texture to the palate. TASTING The wine has lifted berry aromas and a rose petal perfume with mulberry, strawberry, and pink grapefruit on the palate. The finish is dry and refreshing and the palate has lots of texture. An eclectic approach has produced a dry wine packed with mouthfeel and fresh fruit. FOOD MATCH Kangaroo steak tartare with quails’ egg and toasted brioche. CELLARING Cellar for 2–3 years.
Black Creek Farm Thélème 2020 Rosé This wine is a unique blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz grapes growing on the hilly part of the property. Its delicate pink and salmon robe is obtained by reduced skin contact. The wine is matured in French oak barrel for less than 3 months, and is a dry and fruity style of Rosé. TASTING Nose of rosehip and pomegranate with some strawberry and straw. Elegant and subtle palate, red berries and rose petal. Generous fruit on the mid-palate, dry savoury briar finish. FOOD MATCH Enjoy this wine on its own or with light food such as quiche or charcuterie. CELLARING Very enjoyable as a young fruity wine. With age, the complexity of the flavours of this oaked blend Rosé will nicely complete its fruitiness. Cellar for 5 to 7 years.
Talits Estate Été [Summer] Rosé + Bubbles
$40
yhv 24 | SEPT-OCT 2020
This Rosé was lovingly produced by gently pressing Talits Estate’s renowned Merlot grapes just long enough to create that perfect pale pink hue we all love. The perfect wine for when the weather starts warming up. TASTING Crisp, dry and elegant. Floral on the nose. Balanced acidity and a refreshing burst of bubbles. Perfect for celebrating life’s big or small moments of joy. FOOD MATCH Perfectly matched to the Summer grazing platter at Talits Estate’s cellar door. However if you can’t make it to Talits Estate we suggest serving as a pre dinner drink with canapé or a cheese board. CELLARING Drink now.
Margan Wines 2020 Rose & Bramble Rosé
Mistletoe Wines 2019 T-Rosé
$24
This is an un-oaked, dry, paler pink style, made from Hunter Shiraz. TASTING It has a wonderful floral perfumed nose, is mouth-filling (not lean) and although dry, has stacks of clean red fruit flavours. FOOD MATCH Who needs food when wine tastes as good as this? However it is an ideal accompaniment to a huge range of food styles from Asian to Mediterranean and is particularly great with chargrilled seafood. An ideal seduction wine! CELLARING Drink now or cellar until 2021.
$28
Pokolbin Estate 2019 Nebbiolo Rosé Barolo and Barbaresco are the premier Nebbiolo spots of world. But know there are other places that make great Nebbiolo wines. Nebbiolo is an incredibly fussy variety to grow – it flowers early, ripens late, and can struggle to ripen fully. It also seems to prefer specific hillside locations and clay and silt-based soils. TASTING A traditional dry European style Rosé. Kissed with wild strawberries and a twist of Campari on the palate Finishing with savoury fresh acidity, lingering and dry. FOOD MATCH Ideal with any pork dish, a great luncheon wine or with fruit platters and cheese. CELLARING Cellar upto 2022.
$25
Rosé Top Picks
Talits Estate Été [Summer] Rosé of Merlot, 2019 Medal Winner 2019 – The Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show. This Rosé was lovingly produced by gently pressing Talits Estate’s renowned Merlot grapes just long enough to create that perfect pale pink hue we all love. Park yourself on a poolside lounger amongst good friends and let the good times roll. TASTING Crisp, dry and elegant. Floral on the nose. FOOD MATCH Perfectly matched to the Summer grazing platter at Talits Estate’s cellar door. However if you can’t make it to Talits Estate we suggest fresh Summer salads or risoni, especially with seafood, raw and lightly cooked shellfish and grilled fish and goats’ cheeses. CELLARING Drink now.
$34
$19 Kelman Vineyard Rosé 2020
Emma’s Cottage Vineyard 2018 Rosé This is not your average Rosé! Bold in character with its vibrant cherry red colour and this Rosé is more like a light red in body. TASTING Semi-dry with a big taste – the palate is fresh and lively with lingering strawberry and cherry flavour with notes of violet, toast and a hint of spice. FOOD MATCH Perfect with tomato or pesto based sauces. Great with tuna. Perfect with your charcuterie plate when you don’t feel like a red. CELLARING Now or in a year.
$27 Savannah Estate 2018 Mudgee Zinfandel Rosé Savannah Estate Wines hand select varietals from Australia’s most unique regions and produce wines that best reflect their unique regionality and character. TASTING This perfumed and textual Rosé produces lush and lifted characters of pink lady apple, raspberry, red cranberry and alpine strawberry toward the front of the pallet and finishes with savoury notes of rhubarb, sour cherry, blood orange soft minerality and cleansing dry acidity. FOOD MATCH A rich tomato based pizza with anchovies, salami and jalapenos; poached chicken terrine with roasted beetroot and feta salad; or red duck and lychee curry. CELLARING Drink now until 2021.
This salmon pink, deliciously dry Rosé is made from a handpicked selection of 65% Shiraz and 35% Tempranillo. An ideal wine for Summer barbecues and picnics, best enjoyed with friends! TASTING It has a rounded palate of raspberries and cranberries that finishes savoury and dry in the French Provencal style. FOOD MATCH Try this delicious wine with oysters, truffle or ashed brie, smoked salmon with capers and steamed asparagus or your favourite cheese platter. It’s a winner with all picnic food. CELLARING Drink now through Summer into 2021.
Peterson House Rouge Lissé Ruby red in colour, Rouge Lissé roughly translates as Smooth Red. An experimental batch which blends Merlot and Muscat for a luscious rich taste sensation. TASTING The Merlot adds depth and body and some rich strawberry notes in the mid palate. The Turkish delight notes from the Muscat combine to totally fill the palate. The bubbles temper the sweetness, and a clean acid note ensures the wine finishes smooth and crisp and avoids excess sweetness. FOOD MATCH Great to accompany dessert. Was Pavlova invented by us Aussies for this? Add it to Chocolate truffles and you are truly indulging. CELLARING Sparkling wines are made to be served cold! Drink now.
$33
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HAZARD REDUCTION
Protects Local Wildlife NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has successfully completed four substantial hazard reduction burns in national parks across the Hunter and Central Coast regions at the beginning of September. NPWS Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said more than 240 hectares of bushland close to towns, private properties and other essential assets had been treated to protect against the risk of bushfire. “The four hazard reduction burns were strategically planned and implemented to protect life and property including the Hunter Valley townships of Sawyers Gully and Abermain ahead of this Summer,” said Ms Yeend. “We took advantage of the calm weather conditions to get these essential burns completed to protect these communities for the seasons ahead. “With more than 50 National Parks and Wildlife Service staff on the ground over the weekend, working closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service, it was a big team effort to ensure each burn was completed safely and successfully. “We’d really like to thank the communities close to these hazard reduction burns for their understanding and support.
Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 21 dealers
And The Servant’s Quarters Tearoom, all under one roof. All things Ancient, Antique, Vintage, Retro, Heirloom, Collectable.
OPEN 10am – 5pm, Thursday to Sunday & most Public Holidays 175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com
yhv 26 | SEPT-OCT 2020
Credit NPWS
“By their nature, hazard reduction burns release smoke into the air, and while we work closely with the NSW RFS to schedule hazard reduction burns so that smoke impacts are minimised, we appreciate that exposure to smoke can be problematic for some. “We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to deliver these essential burns,” said Ms Yeend. The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2020 is focussed on essential burns to protect park neighbours, assets or significant habitat to ensure ongoing recovery of the wildlife impacted by the Summer bushfires.
AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN
SIMPLE FOOD DONE WELL
The Mill Restaurant Brokenback Bar Accommodation Events Weddings Conferences Cooking Schools Food Wine Takeaway
Casual Dining 7 days from 12pm Menu available all day
LUNCH Fri, Sat and Sun 12pm till 3pm DINNER 7 Days from 6pm
4998 7288 www.estatetuscany.com.au
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 Big UGG Boots · Factory Tours · Shop · Café · Museum
THE BIR T HPL ACE O F AUST RAL IAN WINEMAKING
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VI SI T OUR C ELL AR DOOR Established in 1921 by legendary winemaker, Maurice O’Shea – Mount Pleasant is one of the great wine estates of Australia. Enjoy a true Hunter Valley wine tasting experience or simply take in the beautiful surrounds with a glass of wine.
OPEN WEEKENDS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY UNTIL RESTRICTIONS EASE 401 MARROWBONE ROAD POKOLBIN NSW 2320 | (02) 4998 7505 | MOUNTPLEASANTWINES.COM.AU
STEP BACK IN TIME
Take a Walk Around Memory Lane! WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN
There are many ways to learn more about the heritage of a region, from thumbing through the pages of a reference book to listening to a talk from a local history group. But when it comes to the coalfields town of Kurri Kurri, a trip down memory lane is a far more visual experience. The town and surrounding villages are home to more than 60 brightlycoloured murals, which adorn once vacant walls on everything from local pubs and main street shops to the grandstand at Kurri Kurri Sportsground. The murals commemorate various aspects of the region’s history, from Kurri Kurri’s coal mining past to its sporting community, pioneering population, cultural pastimes and industrial heritage, with every painting also including the symbol of Kurri Kurri – a kookaburra. The urban art initiative was created by the Towns With Heart committee, a community group formed to develop projects that attracted more visitors to the town, diversify employment opportunities and create and support events that promote the area. The mural project began in 2003, and 17 years later it is considered one of the area’s key tourist attractions. Travellers from across the state and much further afield regularly stop off to view what is recognised as the largest collection of outdoor art on mainland Australia, with Kurri Kurri now one of the best-known mural towns in the world, A handy mural map, available at the Kurri Kurri Visitor Centre, allows tourists to undertake a self-guided tour of the artworks, which are predominantly grouped around the town centre, while groups can also book in to undertake a one-and-a-half hour guided tour.
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One of the most striking murals on the tour is painted on the side of The Station Hotel as you first come into Kurri Kurri, recreating a famous photograph taken by Newcastle Herald snapper Darren Pateman. The photograph was captured during coverage of the bushfires around Abernethy and Kearsley in October 2002 and shows a group of cricketers playing on while a fire rages in the background. The image was painted on the side of the Kurri Kurri pub as it was the sponsor of one of the teams immortalised in the photograph. A number of murals delve into the region’s coal mining heritage, including the notorious Rothbury Riot, while others depict everything from wartime heroes and colonial workers to famous local figures including Beating Around the Bush presenter Ian “Beat” Hill. The latest addition to the collection is hard to miss for anyone taking the Loxford exit of the Hunter Expressway, with a towering three-panel mural on the side of Hart Road painted by Caves Beach artist Daniel Joyce. The mural, number 61 on the list, celebrates the major role the nowclosed aluminium smelter played in the economic development of Kurri Kurri for more than four decades. The smelter, known throughout the years as Hydro, Alcan, Capral and VAW, operated from 1969 to 2012 and employed more than 500 people at its peak. Images depicting day-to-day life at the smelter, as well as its instantly distinguishable skyline, were included in the symbolic artwork. A new mural has also been proposed in the grounds of the Kurri Kurri Hospital on the wall of the upgraded surgical theatre, with the artwork to be based on a number of historical photographs including an iconic image of the hospital’s horse and cart ambulance, which was taken in 1913. Other murals in the planning stage include a Women of World War I artwork, as well as a new town entry mural at Neath. For more information about the Kurri Kurri murals or to download the walking mural map, visit www.visitkurrikurri.com/events-attractions/kurri-kurri-murals
Spring Dining Guide
ANDANTE BRASSERIE
THE CELLAR RESTAURANT
We are a locally owned cafe and restaurant located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. The inviting and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place for a quick catch up, long lunch with friends or family. Relax in our outdoor area with delicious food and a nice cold beer, glass of wine or cocktail.
The Cellar Restaurant delivers modern contemporary Australian cuisine, utilising local and seasonal quality ingredients. Dine in our indoor garden setting or outside in the courtyard. Try our NEW al a carte and tasting menu! Share plates are also available for lunch Monday to Saturday. Bookings recommended.
Leisure Inn, 485 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin, MAP REF K10 PH 4998 7932 | www.andantebrasserie.com.au OPEN 7 Days for Breakfast and Lunch
HVG Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin, MAP REF K10 | PH 4998 7584 admin@the-cellar-restaurant.com.au | OPEN Lunch Mon– Sat; Dinner Mon–Sat | www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au
BLAXLAND INN
OISHII JAPANESE THAI RESTAURANT
Specialising in friendly country hospitality, you’ll love your time at Blaxland Inn. Our menu is full of hearty meals from succulent steaks, house-made pies, and our signature garlic prawns. When reserving your table, ask about our courtesy vehicle. Suitable for up to 11 guests, conditions apply. Bookings are essential.
The name says it all... Delicious. Open daily, Oishii has become one of the most popular eateries in the epicentre of Hunter Valley wineries and concerts. The market fresh seafood Sushi and Sashimi followed by a rich Massaman Beef Curry and finished with fried ice cream – a house speciality, begs a return visit to taste their unique Prawn Tempura, Panang Duck Curry and Green Curry Chicken. Roche Estate, Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rd’s Pokolbin, MAP REF L11 OPEN 7 Days Lunch, Dinner + T/A; Home Delivery Fri–Sun 4998 7051 | www.oishii.com.au
2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF K12 | PH 4998 7550 info@blaxlandinn.com.au | www.blaxlandinn.com.au OPEN 7 days for Lunch & Dinner
HUNTERS QUARTER
THE DECK CAFÉ
Hunters Quarter (HQ) is a relaxed and elegant dining destination, located in the Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard of Pokolbin, in the heart of the picturesque Hunter Valley. A culinary dream come true at Hunters Quarter with something for every occasion. Image: Prawn and scampi dumplings.
The Deck Café Lovedale is a stylish Restaurant Style Café/Tapas Bar, located at Gartelmann Wines. We provide a diverse and delightful style Breakfast menu daily, followed by an inspiring Tapas Style menu for Lunch and Dinner on Friday and Saturday. The menu is complimented with Gartelmann Wines and Vittoria coffee.
576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF N10 | PH 4998 7776 info@huntersquarter.com.au | www.huntersquarter.com.au OPEN Mon night, Thurs - Sun Lunch & Thurs - Sat Dinner
701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale, MAP REF G18 | PH 4930 9007 www.deckcafelovedale.com.au | OPEN Mon to Fri 8.30am– 2.30pm; Sat & Sun 8am–2.30pm; Dinner Fri & Sat 5.30pm–7.30pm bookings@deckcafelovedale.com.au
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PUTTY RD
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Margan Wines
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Winmark Wines
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Hunter Dis�llery
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De Beyers Rd Visitor Information Cessnock Airport
DRIV NTRY OU C E
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M
Fletcher St
Ernest Hill Wines
Fleming St
Lomas Lane
Olsen Road
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Halls Rd
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The Deck Café
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Peterson House
HV Chocolate Co.
Green Lane
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Hunters Quarter Restaurant
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Australian Alpaca Barn Harrigans Irish Pub
Andanté Brasserie
HV Chocolate Co.
Sabor Dessert Bar
Roche Estate Oishii Japanese-Thai Restaurant
Palmers Lane
Emma’s Co�age Vineyard
TO NEWCASTLE
TO BRANXTON MAITLAND MORPETH
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20
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Ekerts Road
BROKE ROAD
The Cellar Restaurant
The Garden Cellars
Gillards Road
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Wilderness Road
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19
Australian Alpaca Barn Morpeth An�que Centre & Campbell’s Store Morpeth Gallery
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Constable Estate
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Running Horse
Hunter Valley Gardens HVG Shopping Village
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Talga Road
HV Horseriding and Adventures
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17
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Australian Alpaca Barn
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Deasys Road
Hart & Hunter
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Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse
Hermitage Road Cellars
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Mistletoe Wines Hunter Valley Resort Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes Hunter Valley Wine Theatre Hunter Valley Wine School
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7
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6 Wydnham St
5
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Cellar Door
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Andanté Brasserie J10 Brokenback Bar F4 Harrigans Hunter Valley L9 Hunters Quarter M9 Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse F5 Oishii Japanese Thai J10 Sabor Dessert Bar K13 The Cellar Restaurant K10 The Deck Café F18 The Mill Restaurant F4
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Pokolbin Estate M10 HV Chocolate Co. K10/K13/K14 Tin�lla Estate E4 The Deck Café F18
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Constable Estate J9 Emma’s Co�age Vineyard G14 Ernest Hill Wines M15 Hart & Hunter F10 Hunter Dis�llery K6 Ivanhoe Wines P9 Kelman Vineyard Q14 Margan Wines J3 McGuigan Wines K10 Mistletoe Wines E4 Mount Pleasant Wines P9 Peterson House K14
PAY
15
16
Handmade in the Hunter Markets K12
MARKETS
Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes F5 HV Horseriding & Adventures D17 Hunter Valley Gardens K10 Hunter Valley Wine Theatre F5 Hunter Valley Wine School F5 Morpeth Gallery (Morpeth) C18
ACTIVITIES/EVENTS
14
TO SYDNEY M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY
17
19
20
Estate Tuscany F4 Hunter Valley Resort F5 Talits Estate J2 Winmark Wines L4
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Australian Alpaca Barn K9/K10 Australian Alpaca Barn (Morpeth) B19 Campbell’s Store (Morpeth) C18 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village K10 Morpeth An�que Centre (Morpeth) C18 Mortels B16 The Garden Cellars K9
SHOPS
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TO QUORROBOLONG
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Saddler’s Creek Wines
Marrowbone Road
Kelman Vineyard
O’Connors Road
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Visit Hunter Valley Gardens for the Carnival of Colour (K10)
Mount Pleasant Wines
Ivanhoe Wines
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PUT A LOCAL
in Your Pocket!
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