Your Hunter Valley Magazine | May 2019

The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country | MAY 2019 | ISSUE #167

A Retreat

FOR THE SENSES

MUM’S THE WORD

AUTUMN SIPS TO SAVOUR

MEET THE MAKER

STEP BACK IN TIME

RUNNING HORSE WINES The most unique cellar door in Broke... A must visit!

Specialising in Aged Wines

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.

The opportunity to taste and buy wines from 2005 to 2012 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 4 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

f

IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...

MAY

A WORD FROM THE EDITORS

PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: PH +61 2 4943 2888 www.yourhuntervalley.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au WCP MEDIA Level 1, 216 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown, NSW 2290 MAY 2019 Copyright © 2019 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 1st May 2019 until the 31st May 2019 inclusive, or while stocks last.

As we go to print the temperatures are settling into a more comfortable Autumn ambience. The leaves may be yellowing and falling from the vines, but there’s no time to hibernate in Wine Country with a slew of unique events turning up the heat in the cooler months.

The month of May welcomes the 26th annual Lovedale Long Lunch. Held on the third weekend of May, this progressive style lunch from winery to winery in the beautiful Lovedale area is a festival of the senses, as well as the taste-buds.

If you’re looking for a home away from home in the Hunter Valley, there’s something comfortably familiar about Spicer's Guesthouse Retreat. Whether it’s the brick block buildings and walls of solid sandstone that carry with them three decades of memories from its former life as Peppers, or the spectacular wall of wine that pays tribute to local winemaking legends, a visit to Spicers Guesthouse feels like spending time with old friends. We look behind the scenes of their amazing refurbishment in this month’s issue.

The Hunter Valley is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but Autumn has that special magical something – a charming collection of quaint, boutique accommodation, mountain and vineyard landscapes complete with numerous hues of brown and red, cooler days and nights, warm open fires, cosy restaurants and cafés serving up heart-warming dishes, welcoming cellar doors and of course the wine.

In this issue, you will find our favourite Autumn wines with plenty of sips to savour.

May wouldn’t be May without recognising Mother’s Day. Sunday 12th May sees various organised events throughout the Hunter Valley. From the simple to the extravagant, you would be hardpressed not to find a way to show your appreciation and love to the one person who knows all your foibles and loves you anyway! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mums – we hope you have a beautiful day.

Enjoy!

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s i h t n i ’s t a h W

15

Issue?

What's on in May & June

4

Hot in the Hunter

12

Spicers Guesthouse – Bringing Europe to the Hunter 16

20 GET MOBILE! View this month’s issue of Your Hunter Valley Blackboard on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Visit www.yourhuntervalley.com.au/read-online

Mum's the Word! 21 Wonderful Food in a Unique Setting – The Cellar Restaurant 25 A Tragicomedy for Lovers of Fine Theatre 27

29

A Truly Adaptable, Versatile and Outstanding Wine 30 Varieties to Explore in Autumn 32 Autumn Dining Guide Your Hunter Valley Map

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38

3 | MAY 2019 yhv

What's

ON Events not to miss in the Hunter Valley Region

FIND THE LATEST EVENTS ONLINE AT YOURHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU

MAY

Markets

MAY Tocal Field Days

Broke Village Market

Tocal College

At McNamara Park MAY 5

Handmade in The Hunter Markets At Kevin Sobels Wines MAY 11 + 25

Kurri Kurri Community Markets At Rotary Park MAY 11

Dalwood Markets At Dalwood Estate MAY 12

HV Gourmet Market At First Creek Wines MAY 18

yhv 4 | MAY 2019

Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival Hunter Valley Wine Region

WED 1 MAY - SUN 30 JUNE The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival is two months of discovering the best experiences and tastes that the Hunter Valley wine region has to offer.

You’ll find something for everyone during May and June with signature key events and boutique experiences. From incredible winemaker hosted gourmet dinners to cocktail making classes, wine and food matching masterclasses to big bonfires and hands-on cooking classes, there will be no shortage of things to delight the senses. Signature events usually sell out so be sure to book quickly.

To see the official program, visit www.winecountry.com.au

FRI 3 – SUN 5 MAY Tocal Field Days is back again this May, featuring everything from kids activities to animals, innovative farming practices, entertainment, rural machinery, performances, food and wine.

Highly regarded for its rural education and family fun aspects, Tocal Field Days attracts around 30,000 visitors and hosts around 400 local exhibitors in a range of areas, catering to the full-time agriculturalist and the city dwellers interested in a tree change, plus their families.

Tickets are already on sale online (and will also be sold at the gate) - $18 adults, $2 kids (5-16yrs, under 5 free) and seniors discounted tickets for the Friday $15. Visit www.tocalfielddays.com for more information.

Work Your Core, Enjoy A Pour!

S M T W T F S

Drayton's Family Wines

SUN 5 MAY What better way to finish off an amazing weekend in the Hunter than to workout AND enjoy a wine tasting! Join Pilates with Deirdra at Drayton's Family Wines for WINE BARRE – a 50 minute Total Barre workout, with a VIP wine tasting to follow.

Total Barre has gained a giant following in the fitness world, known for its ability to shape the whole body effectively yet safely. It involves a combination of

dance, pilates, cardio and strength training, all set to music. It's a fun and engaging workout, suitable for beginner to advanced. Tickets are $35pp – for more information visit www.pilateswithdeirdra.com, or for tickets visit www.stickytickets.com.au

Sweet Wicks Candles Find them at

Hunter Valley Reflections Day Spa

FLiCKERFEST

Ironbark Brewhouse at Peter Drayton Winery SAT 4 MAY The Sydney-based, internationally recognised short film festival FLiCKERFEST has been running for 28 years – and the Hunter has been lucky enough to be one of around 50 stops on their national tour of Australia for the past 3 years.

The night opens at Ironbark Brewhouse at 5pm, running until approximately 10pm. Head there earlier if you can to secure your seats, taste some wine or beer, and grab a bite to eat. Why not visit a few local wineries or restaurants in the Around Hermitage area during the day – a perfect warm up to the evening events!

Tickets for the night are $20 +bf film only and $55 +bf for film, a platter of food, souvenir wine glass and wine tasting.

There is a special price of $200 +bf when booking for 4 people, a saving of $20. Visit www.aroundhermitage.com.au for tickets and local accommodation.

Adina Vineyard, 492 Lovedale Rd Lovedale. Ph 4930 9006

Celebrating the best

of the hunter

Anh Do: The Happiest Refugee Live

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre THURS 9 MAY Back by popular demand, Anh Do is back with his ever-popular live show The Happiest Refugee. Originally a best-selling book, Anh has made many people laugh and cry, with Russell Crowe describing the book as “the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.”

The stage show of course takes it a step further combining stand-up comedy with his real life stories,

complete with a background of photos and films helping to retell his story. Delving deep into his own life journey’s joys and sorrows, one of Australia’s most talented comedians will take you on an unforgettable ride leaving you with… happiness! Visit the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre website for tickets.

CROWNE PLAZA hunter valley SATURDAY JUNE 29 11am-5pm $15 + bf online or $22 at the door INCLUDES 5 TASTING TICKETS

WINE, BEER & CIDER TASTINGS / GOURMET LOCAL FOOD / LIVE ENTERTAINMENT / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES / EXPERT GUEST SPEAKERS / Interactive Food & Wine Show

WWW.huntervalleywinefestival.COM

5 | MAY 2019 yhv

Singleton Firelight

James Reyne

Bulga Beats

SAT 11 MAY The Civic Green will be brought to life from 6pm–10pm with pyrotechnics, musical performances, food trucks, wine and beer and a laser show. Bring the whole family to enjoy all of the scorching entertainment!

SAT 11 MAY James Reyne loves to play live - he has a self-confessed desire to keep touring no matter how hectic his schedule gets. In late 2013 he played two sold out shows at The Basement in Sydney, bringing the house down with his then new live offering – A Crawl to Now. This show has a broad selection of Australian Crawl tracks, songs from his time in Company of Strangers, plus solo hits. James is now set to take A Crawl to Now across Australia throughout April and May this year including the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre.

For tickets visit the CPAC website.

FRI 17–SUN 19 MAY Bulga Beats Festival returns after a hiatus in 2018 for a weekend of music, dance and community spirit. The festival will have a range of workshops, music, performers, markets, auctions, food, kid’s activities and art.

Camp the weekend or come for the Saturday you can find tickets and more information at www.bulgabeatsfestival.com

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre

Civic Centre Lawn

Lovedale Long Lunch Throughout Lovedale

SAT 18 + SUN 19 MAY The Lovedale Long Lunch is a much anticipated event on the Hunter Valley Calendar, with attendees from the Hunter and beyond joining in the fun for an un-missable day out! The weekend will see seven of Lovedale's amazing wineries team up with the Hunter's leading chefs for a progressive-style lunch, with each venue also offering wine and live entertainment.

For more information on the event visit www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

Branxton Rodeo

85 McMullins Road, Branxton SAT 25 MAY This annual event is for the whole family! Catch all the junior to experienced bull riding and horseriding events from 9am to 9pm.

There will be plenty of entertainment all day and into the night with food, drinks, a variety of stalls and rides. Tickets are available at the gate, $20 adults, $10 kids and $50 family.

Families will love our new outdoor dining area!

Bulga Recreation Ground

Cooking Classes in May

Potters Brewery, Lovedale Smokehouse, Hunter Resort + The Verandah Restaurant Ever wanted to join in a hands-on cooking class? Here are a few on offer in the Hunter Valley this month: The BBQ School, Potters Brewery – The BBQ School regularly runs a couple of times a month. This month learn Seafood BBQ (11th), matched with wine. www.bbqschool.com.au Majors Lane Cooking School, Lovedale Smokehouse – A variety of classes on each weekend, changing monthly. This month join in for a Baby Back Pork Ribs Masterclass (each Sat) or the Thai Street Food (each Sun). www.majorslane.com Hunter Resort – Candy Making Classes or Pizza Making Classes, perfect for large groups (bookings essential). www.hunterresort.com.au The Verandah Restaurant – Book ahead for their June 23 date to learn how to make Paella, Spanish Churros and of course Sangria. www.verandahrestaurant.com.au

LIVE MUSICD! ALL WEEKEN

Enjoy a pint and meal at Harrigan’s in our newly renovated outdoor dining area, sports bar and VIP lounge. Centrally located to many of the Hunter’s favourite attractions and offering great casual dining options including affordable kids meals, Harrigan’s is ideal stop for the family on your next visit. Come in today and see what is new at Harrigan’s.

For details visit harrigans.com.au or call 4998 4300 to make a booking yhv 6 | MAY 2019

Broke Road Pokolbin

2 9 JU

NE -

21 JU LY, 20 19

Port to Port

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard THURS 23 - SUN 26 MAY Port to Port is an annual 4 day mountain bike race from the Hunter Valley vineyards through to the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions. A gruelling race testing newbies and the experienced,

this race is 195km of riding and 3,000m of climbing. The track will take riders through single trails, farm tracks, hill climbs and groomed downhill trails, many of which are on private land. Find more information on the event at www.porttoportmtb.com

Paddock Sessions Taer Angwidd Farm, Wollombi

SAT 25 MAY This unique folk/ rock/blues/jazz/Americana music festival is located just outside Wollombi, boasting an amazing multi-genre, all ages experience in a great relaxed location. The festival has continued their tradition of a family-friendly, community minded event since 2016, with an eclectic lineup of artists. The festival runs from 12.30pm until 10pm, with camping available as well as a bus service. Visit www.paddocksessions.com

KS OF FUN! E E W E G U H JOIN US FOR 3

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN OUR GIANT SNOW CAVE, NEW FOR 2019!

Glide on our giant ice skating rink, slide down our mega ice toboggan and build a snowman in our man-made Snow Play Zone. Enjoy our awesome rides*, which include our Super Slide, 25 metre Ferris Wheel, speedy Swing Chair and traditional Venetian Carousel. Plus, roving entertainment, hearty food and warming beverages. There’s wintery fun for everyone!

Visit hvg.com.au to learn more.

Faulty Towers Dining Experience Hunter Valley Resort

THURS 30 MAY The Faulty Towers Dining Experience – is definitely an experience! Your favourite characters Basil, Sybil and Manuel will be there to not only serve you a delicious 3-course meal, but they’ll be dishing 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!

This one will definitely sell out quickly, for tickets visit interactivetheatreaustralia.simpletix.com

02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin - hvg.com.au Admission charges apply. Program subject to change. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and for unscheduled maintenance. Terms and conditions of entry apply. *Rides are user pay and height restrictions apply.

7 | MAY 2019 yhv

JUNE

JUNE

Markets

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Broke Village Market

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre

THURS 6 JUNE The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is doing the rounds again this year to over 80 destinations, and bringing a handful of fantastically funny comedians to Cessnock in June.

Catch MC Dave Callan, Brennan Reece (UK), Cal Wilson, Sean Choolburra and more in what will be a jam-packed 2 hour show. Tickets are $50pp ($45 CPAC members), or take advantage of $40pp for groups of 4+. Visit www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

At McNamara Park JUNE 2

Handmade in The Hunter Markets At Kevin Sobels Wines JUNE 8 + 22

At Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton MAY 11

Dalwood Markets At Dalwood Estate JUNE 9

HV Gourmet Market At First Creek Wines JUNE 15

Grapest 5K Run Hope Estate

SAT 1 JUNE There’s no run quite like the Grapest 5k - experience an afternoon of fitness and fun, working up a thirst by running a 5km or 10km trail through the amazing Hunter Valley wine region!

Following your run, enjoy a cool down through the Wine Tasting Waddle (8 wine tastings are included in your ticket), then 3 hours of live entertainment.

The event is 18+, with tickets for the 5km, 10km, Wine Waddle and Band $77 ($82 last minute), the Wine Waddle only $45 (last minute $50), and entertainment only $30 ($35 last minute). Visit www.centauroutdoorevents.com.au for more information and tickets.

Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

SPECIALISING IN QUALITY AUSTRALIAN ALPACA FASHION, HOMEWARES & ACCESORIES OPEN 7 Days 10am - 5pm

Peppers Creek on Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Pokolbin

PH 4998 6669 • www.australianalpaca.com

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.

Luxuriously soft lightweight and warm

The Sunday Muster

Much more than a Vineyard.

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

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

www.hvchocolate.com.au | admin@hvchocolate.com.au

yhv 8 | MAY 2019

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.constablevineyards.com.au

Music In The Woods Festival 2019 Stonehurst Wines, Wollombi

SAT 8 JUNE This year brings an even bigger Music in the Woods event at Cedar Creek in Wollombi!

An annual Winter event, this exciting boutique experience brings Stonehurst’s award winning wines, mulled wine, beer, a fire pit, and a BBQ together with 4 incredible live bands set amongst the trees. Kicking off at 11am, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all day long. So gather your picnic hamper and blankets,

or even pre-order a Ploughman’s Platter, this is a day you won’t want to miss! Tickets are $50 (and will sell quickly) – visit www.stonehurst.com.au

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Estate Tuscany

SAT 8 JUNE Don’t be late, for a very important date – slide down the rabbit hole to the Estate! An annual event, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is full of entertainment for all – and dressing up is highly encouraged with prizes up for grabs. Enjoy lawn games such as croquet, bocce and giant chess as you relax with friends and family on the lawn. An amazing high tea spread for lunch, tea and wine is

included in the ticket price – $85 per adult, $45 per child. Visit www.stickytickets.com.au or call 4998 7288.

WINE COUNTRY DRIVE NULKABA

Buddy Holly and The Beatles in Concert

BRASSERIE

BAR

BREWERY

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre

SAT 15 JUNE Hey rock n roll music fans! The wait is over – we can now go back to where it all began and relive the magic and hits of legendary music icons Buddy Holly and The Beatles Together in Concert.

With over 400 million record sales between them, Buddy Holly and The Beatles shook the world during the 50’s and 60’s with hit after hit, with their timeless music still popular 60 years on.

In a very exciting rock n roll musical event, 5 authentic tribute legends will perform over 40 classic hits such as The Beatles’s She Loves You, All My Loving, and I Saw You Standing There, plus Buddy Holly’s That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue and Oh Boy. This is one night true rock n roll fans won’t want to miss! Visit www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au for more information and tickets.

ACCOMMODATION

CONFERENCE

FUNCTIONS

WEDDINGS

Ph (02) 4991 7922 | www.pottershbr.com.au E info@pottershbr.com.au

9 | MAY 2019 yhv

Tutored Tasting and Tour Kelman Vineyard

Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

MON 17 JUNE Four well known Aussie chefs battle it out in this highly-anticipated event, with guests deciding on the winner. This year will be Sydney's Troy Christante and Eilish Maloney, plus the Hunter's Thomas Boyd and George Mirosevich. This 4-course meal with wine is $195pp. www.hunterculinary.com.au

EVERY SAT + SUN IN MAY & JUNE In a private informative tasting, Kelman is offering eight wines and a matching food tasting plate – from their Methode Traditionelle sparkling Chardonnay, to whites and reds and finally the fortified Muscat. This is for groups of up to 8 people at $10 each, call ahead to book on 4991 5456.

Cork and Create Resin Workshop Thirsty Palette Vineyard

SAT 29 JUNE Get hands-on with Luna & Co in a safe and beginner friendly Resin Workshop at the picturesque Thirsty Palette Vineyard!

In this workshop you’ll be guided through the process of creating your very own serving platter and resin jewellery. First up you’ll be shown a demonstration of how to work with the medium, followed with colour mix and match techniques and then you are free to create your own. Be as experimental and creative as you want – there’s no creative bones needed! Afterwards be treated to a complimentary tasting of Thirsty Palette

Hunter Valley Ultra Drayton’s Family Wines

FRI 21 - SAT 22 JUNE This inaugural trail running event has been created to readily become one of the staples on the running calendar! Taking you through wineries, fire trails, technical single tracks and dense bushland, the Hunter Valley Ultra offers four distances – the 12km, 30km, 60km, 102km, plus the 2km Kids Challenge. Course descriptions are available online. Register before May 10 for early bird prices – visit www.hutervalleyultra.com.au

2019 Burning of the Barrel Glandore Estate

SAT 29 JUNE This iconic event is back again in June with an enormous bonfire, delicious wine, fantastic food, and great music.

Burning of the Barrel has long been a staple

wines and graze on some Hunter Valley cheeses. There are two options – the serving platter and jewellery ($250) or two serving platters ($220). For more information and to book your spot visit www.lunaandcodesigns.com

on the Hunter Valley calendar, and has also now been named in the Top 50 Wine Experiences by Gourmet Traveller Wine.

Gates open at 3pm with the igniting of the fire from 6pm, and dinner will again be served by the exceptional Cellar Restaurant. Kids will love their showbag and marshmellow fire, with the night topped off with a spectacular fireworks display. To make things easier, Vineyard Shuttle will be running courtesy buses for $20 pp return to set locations, you'll just need to book this in advance by calling them on 4991 3655.

Tickets are $120 adults and $65 teens, and $40 kids – this includes food, a cheese board, plus a complimentary drink upon arrival.

Tickets will sell out! Find them at www.stickytickets.com.au

Mortels Sheepskin Factory • Home Of The Big UGG Boots • Factory Tours • Shop • Café • Museum MORTELS SHEEPSKIN FACTORY 1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton NSW Phone (+61) 02 4966 0990 Since 1958

www.mortels.com.au

yhv 10 | MAY 2019

Retail store also at: 4/305 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay NSW Check website for store hours.

WINE FESTIVAL The 7th annual Hunter Valley Wine Festival will be held on Saturday 29 June 2019, promising a vintage event with the best of Hunter Valley wines, craft beer, local foods and entertainment.

Wines from over 50 of the Hunter Valley’s best-known and boutique wineries will be available for tasting at the Festival, which is being held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley between 11am – 5pm.

The Festival will add a range of new attractions this year including interactive food and wine sessions, with full details to be announced shortly. A feature this year will be the diversity of wine styles on offer.

While the Hunter Valley is best regarded for its Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz varietals, this year will see a far wider spectrum of local wines on offer for tasting including Verdelho, Tempranillo and Sangiovese as well as sparkling and Rose styles.

The Festival is ideal for those who love craft beer as well, with Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley on site offering premium beer and cider tastings. Uniquely, the Hunter Valley Wine Festival is a family-friendly event, with children receiving complimentary entry to the Festival, where they will enjoy a variety of activities including a jumping castle, train rides, carousel, mini car rides and face painting. Once again, the Festival will support the local Rural Fire Service, with fundraising activities on the day.

Presale tickets for the Festival are available for just $15 online (plus booking fee) and $22 at the door. Tickets include festival entry, five tasting tickets and a tasting glass. For bookings and further information visit www.huntervalleywinefestival.com

Special Festival Accommodation Packages Special accommodation/festival package deals are available at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.

The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s packages start from $295 per room including accommodation, full buffet breakfast in Redsalt Restaurant, Festival entry, five tasting vouchers and a complimentary tasting glass (per person). Other packages including breakfast and tickets include one bedroom villa (from $395), two bedroom villa (from $485) and three bedroom villa (from $605). Conditions apply.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers deluxe king or twin rooms, spa suites and two and three bedroom self-contained villas, ideal for the family or couples travelling together. A complete resort, the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley also offers a spa, 18 hole golf course, a 25-metre outdoor heated pool, a range of restaurants and bars and the on-site Water Dragons Club for children. For information on accommodation during the festival contact Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley reservations on 138 388, or visit the website for more information.

11 | MAY 2019 yhv

WHAT'S HOT IN THE

STAY

Hunter

OLIVE TASTING At The Hunter Olive Centre

TASTE

Fancy a day out tasting some of the finest gourmet foods?

Well look no further than The Hunter Olive Centre showcasing over four hundred locally produced products including their incredible olives, jams, mustards, extra virgin olive oil and more!

Located on the beautiful grounds of Pokolbin Estate. The Hunter Olive Centre was launched in late 2003 to integrate a love for food and wine and to showcase some of the finest gourmet foods produced in the Hunter Valley. Since then, the Olive Centre has grown to be one of the largest specialty food outlets in the Hunter Valley, displaying a range of over 400 locally made products of which up to 60 are on tasting at any one time.

OPEN 7 Days, 9am-5pm (Tastings 10am until 4pm) PH (02) 4998 7524 WHERE 298 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin www.pokolbinestate.com.au/olive-gourmet-centre

Pokolbin Village What a Top Spot!

Are you looking for the perfect destination with everything at your fingertips? Well Pokolbin Village is the ideal retreat for couples, families and groups! Nestled in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country this 4-star accommodation is perfect for a weekend getaway!

Situated on 50 acres, Pokolbin Village features motel and self-contained accommodation, a swimming pool and more.

Visit the array of boutique shops along the Village’s boardwalk or explore the many attractions, event locations, and awardwinning cellar doors within a short stroll or drive.

WHERE 2188 Broke Road Pokolbin PH (02) 4998 7670 OPEN 7 Days www.pokolbinvillage.com.au

Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 25 dealers

and The Servant’s Quarters Tearoom, all under one roof.

All things Ancient, Antique, Vintage, Retro, Heirloom, Collectable.

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.

www.deckcafelovedale.com.au yhv 12 | MAY 2019

OPEN 10am – 5pm, Thursday to Sunday and long weekend public holiday Mondays 175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com

VISIT

FIND YOUR GLOW THIS AUTUMN! Treat yourself and enjoy the ultimate Autumn spa experience at the haven of relaxation and healing, Spa Elysia at Golden Door Health Retreat. This luxurious 100-minute treatment begins with their invigorating Aromatic Salt Glow, using aromatic oils to relax and re-energise your mind and body, and mineral rich glacial salts to exfoliate away your summer woes.

Continue with a Collagen Booster Facial, that stimulates the natural collagen in your skin, giving your skin more elasticity and plumpness, with a visibly supple glow. All this for only $299* (normally $330). If you haven’t organised something special for Mother’s Day yet, this would be the ultimate gift! Bookings are essential!

WHERE Golden Door Health Retreat, 165 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin PH (02) 4993 8500 OPEN Everyday from 9am to 6pm www.goldendoor.com.au

S AVOU R

Add a Little CHEESE to Your Wedding Day! If you are after something striking or a little different to the traditional wedding cake, why not indulge and have a wedding cake made up of delicious handmade regional cheeses!

Hunter Valley Cheese Wedding Cakes (based at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory) work with brides and grooms to create their ideal cheese wheel cake utilising their own regional and awardwinning cheese wheels. Not getting married? These aren't just for weddings! Cheese wheel cakes can also be used to celebrate any occasion such as birthdays, anniversaries and even a dinner party.

WHERE Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin OPEN 7 days, 9am–5:30pm PH 4998 7744 www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

Hunter Valley Resort Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin (02) 49987777 sales@HunterResort.com.au www.HunterResort.com.au

13 | MAY 2019 yhv

the perfect wine country dining experience. located at mercure resort hunter valley gardens. open seven days for breakfast, café lunch and a la carte dinner.

Corner Broke & McDonalds Rd’s, Pokolbin | Phone (02) 4998 2000

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TODAY! Ph 0415 044 321 A unique, open cockpit adventure flight experience!

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT MUSEUM Open Thurs to Mon 10am till 3pm, free entry!

Cessnock Airport, Pokolbin

Present this voucher to recieve 20% off!

Terms and Conditions apply.

www.huntervalleyjoyflights.com.au

GET OUT & GO SOMEWHERE GREAT IN 2019!

Some of our best memories are made on holidays, and there’s no better way to create these memories than with some quality time-out on a caravan and camping adventure, whether that adventure is travelling around this amazing country or even just a few hours up the road – in your own backyard so to speak.

The Hunter Valley Outdoor Show has everything you need to start creating these precious memories. Whether you want the tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravans or motor home, plus all the accessories, it’s all at the Show at Maitland Showground on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May. The Hunter Valley Show is the largest show of its kind in the Hunter Valley, and this year organisers are celebrating 22 years of the annual event.

The Hunter Valley Outdoor Show provides visitors with an ideal opportunity to compare products and select the recreational equipment that suits their needs.

Free educational entertainment is one of the many highlights of the Outdoor Show. You have “Cookie” from the Australian Travelling Fishing Show demonstrating how to catch those pesky elusive fish with his fish lure demonstrations. Then there is Alan from the Reptile Awareness Display, demonstrating the friendly and not so friendly reptiles that you may encounter on your travels. The kids can get up close and personal with the friendlier ones at the Show.

If you’re feeling lucky, why not enter the $9900 4WD prize kindly donated by Active 4x4. Collect your entry ticket on the way in, fill out the details and drop it into the entry box at the Active 4x4 site. The winner of this great prize will be drawn 4pm Sunday, May 26.

Or maybe the Jack and the Flair Action Bike Riders is more your style with a bike Show that appeals to not only the young but also the young at heart – which just about covers us all! There is daredevil riding that gets the pulse rate working by just enjoying the danger, cleverness and respect the many hours of practice to reach this level of expertise.

The Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish & Boat Show presents an amazing range of caravan and camping accessories. From the essential through to the “I never thought of that unique product”.

The accessory range available today make caravanning and camping much more comfortable, convenient and hassle-free. For more information, including exhibitor details visit www.ruralscene.com.au

yhv 14 | MAY 2019

Images by Maloney Designs

Handmade in the Hunter Meet the Maker Inspired by Nature...

Jojo Collective WORDS Michelle Meehan

North Rothbury massage therapist Jodie Baulch understands how certain scents can evoke particular memories.

The rich, alluring smell of lavender, for instance, always takes her back to a childhood trip to a Tasmanian lavender farm, which left her intoxicated by the smell of the flowers and the beauty of the vast paddocks of purple-headed plants swaying in the breeze.

It is this undoubted connection between aroma and memory that Jodie draws upon when concocting her range of natural perfume oils, which she sells at the Handmade in the Hunter markets under the brand Jojo Collective.

“Perfume has a way of telling a story, and I certainly like to draw from a memory or an event when creating a new blend,” she said.

“

Jojo Collective is inspired by nature and the

things around me. A perfume scent can open our hearts and minds to certain memories, emotions and moods - when a particular aroma fills the air, it instantly connects and awakens our senses.

Jojo Collective perfume oils combine natural blends of pure essential oil, resins and absolutes, diluted with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or fractious coconut oil.

The current range includes the heady lavender-based Indigo Lavandula, and the seductive Close Encounters, which features citrussy top notes of lime and tangerine balanced with the sweeter heart notes of jasmine and geranium.

A new scent she is currently working on - Olive - also features geranium in honour of her mother, with the perfume oil due to be released in time for Mother’s Day. “I'm working on a beautiful perfume oil on behalf of my mum who passed away ten years ago this December from heart disease,” Jodie said.

“In her memory, I've called it Olive, which is her name, and have combined a range of essential oils with fractured coconut oil to create a perfume oil that reminds me of her. She loved geraniums, so I have used that scent to create it, and I will be donating 10 per cent of each one sold online to the Heart Disease Foundation.”

A seductive and romantic men’s cologne called Shades Black rounds out her current range of products, with plans to release a second cologne, Mountain Wild, around the middle of the year.

You can check out Jodie’s range of products at this month’s Handmade in the Hunter markets, which will be held at Kevin Sobels Wines from 9am-3pm on May 11 and 25.

• Largest range of wine glasses in the Hunter Valley • Original artworks - all well priced • Amazing selection of colourful glass platters, vases and ornaments • Amusing collector teapots • Jewellery, seasonal scarves and handbags • Australian and Hunter Valley T-shirts and souvenirs

Over 3,000 colourful eclectic products to choose from...

Come and enjoy a friendly Hunter Valley Experience!

Wine Glass Gallery Because great wine deserves a great wine glass

Shop 3, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village Phone 4998 6888 • Open 7 Days

15 | MAY 2019 yhv

yhv 16 | MAY 2019

BRINGING EUROPE TO THE HUNTER WORDS Michelle Meehan

If you’re looking for a home away from home in the Hunter Valley, there’s something comfortably familiar about Spicers Guesthouse Retreat.

Whether it’s the brick block buildings and walls of solid sandstone that carry with them three decades of memories from its former life as Peppers, or the spectacular wall of wine that pays tribute to local winemaking legends, a visit to Spicers Guesthouse feels like spending time with old friends.

And that’s just the way General Manager Mark Whitnell likes it.

“Spicers is all about relaxed luxury. It's about surprising and delighting our customers,” he said.

“Having the name 'Guesthouse' is a super thing for us because, fundamentally, we're welcoming guests into our house and it seems to be that guests are responding to that, feeling like it's relaxed, it's casual, it's coming into our home...

“

People are already telling us this where they come to chill out, and they will absolutely be back. It’s their ‘go-to’ place now.

The former Peppers Guest House was purchased by Spicers Retreats in 2016, becoming the company’s ninth - and largest - property in their expanding portfolio of boutique tourist accommodation.

With 49 accommodation rooms including a four-bedroom standalone cottage, conference facilities, a restaurant and almost 40 acres of picturesque countryside, Spicers Guesthouse Retreat offers a more event-focused alternative to the company’s neighbouring property, Spicers Vineyards Estate.

Spicers spent two years, and in excess of $30 million, bringing owner Jude Turner’s vision for the historic property to life, before unveiling the completed renovations in November last year.

“It was greatly anticipated,” Mark said.

“I think the way we as staff looked at it as we were gearing up to reopen, was that the Guesthouse was ‘asleep’ for a couple of years while it underwent a significant refurbishment and we had the great privilege of reawakening the old girl and bringing her back to life.

“I think it brings something fresh and new but still boutique, of a very high end but very approachable and affordable option to accommodation in the Hunter Valley.”

All the existing buildings were extensively refurbished, while a series of new spaces, including a cosy sandstone firepit and the striking infinity edge pool, were also constructed to deliver a five-star experience for guests.

A custom-designed “wine wall” is also a popular talking point, featuring a selection of vintages that pay homage to the history of the region, while also in effect doubling as the wine list for the on-site restaurant.

“The wine wall was designed perhaps with the view in mind that it would be incredibly visually appealing,” Mark said.

(Continued next page) ►

17 | MAY 2019 yhv

becoming the true centrepiece of the retreat. Renamed Eremo, which means hermitage, the restaurant offers a modern contemporary Italian menu that ties in nicely with the European feel of the Guesthouse experience.

“ (Continued) But as we moved through the project, we were really keen to make sure that we paid great homage to those legends. If you look at the top of the wine wall where there is a triangular section, every wine in that area represents one of the inducted legends of the Hunter wine industry and the idea, as we slowly develop it, is to be able to stop and talk about one of them, whether it’s Tyrrell's, Brokenwood, Drayton’s, Mount Pleasant or whoever.

“Wine is so subjective that I don't want to particularly be telling people what they should be tasting on their back palate, but we are in wine country, so I find people really are interested in the stories.”

The former Chez Pok restaurant was completely transformed during the renovations by multi-hatted Executive Chef Cameron Matthews,

Guesthouse is not a common word in Australia. To me, it feels quite European, and it's fortunate that the restaurant, being Italian, also provides that sort of European influence in the property,” Mark said.

“When we created Eremo, we really wanted to pick up a piece of Italy and drop it in the Hunter, and so what followed were discussions around what that would look like, what would it feel like, what would be the compelling attraction and what would the food look like?

“As I said before, it's about bringing guests into our home and making them feel very, very welcome, so the food style reflects that.

We don't bring out bread on a side plate, we bring it out on a plate, and people pick it up and rip it to pieces and dip it in oil because that's what family dinner is like around the table in a European country like Italy.”

For Executive Chef Cameron Matthews, Eremo feels almost like returning to his roots, having started his career as a chef working for an Italian family.

But after years running hatted restaurants, including ten years at various Spicers Retreats, diners should expect far more from a visit to Eremo than the standard Italian fare.

“My first ten years of my career were actually spent with the one Italian family down in Brice in northwest Victoria, so for me to be cooking Italian again almost feels like, not a home-coming, but very familiar and very comfortable,” Cameron said.

“For the people that know me and know my food from Queensland (at Spicers Clovelly Estate), we were cooking a very different style up there. It was very much modern European and very fine dining — lots of bells and whistles and plating stuff up with tweezers and whatnot. ►

There is no better setting on earth than Australia’s oldest wine region for Éremo’s distinctive brand of Modern Italian dining.

In true Italian style, Éremo is the heart of Spicers Guesthouse. Generous and warm, it epitomises our approach to food and wine - that they go spectacularly well together, and that they are infinitely better when shared.

Dine a la carte or ‘Avido’, where our chefs choose a selection of dishes from the menu for you.

Come and discover the Hunter’s newest destination - Éremo at Spicers Guesthouse.

OPEN 7 DAYS - BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER PHONE 1300 590 075 TO BOOK

SPICERSGUESTHOUSE.COM

yhv 18 | MAY 2019

“Whereas here it's all about flavour and taste and a whole new palette of fantastic ingredients.

“We're still trying to work out what to classify ourselves as (at Eremo). I suppose the best way of describing it is that we are trying to create our own little region of Italy here in the Hunter Valley.

“We’re not cooking classic Italian. We're cooking in an Italian way, but it's an Italian way that no-one's seen before in the fact that we're not in Italy, we're in the Hunter Valley.

“We’re trying to take that traditional love, care, attention to detail, the conviviality over food, the connection over food, the sharing of food, and wine, and inject that into what we're doing as a restaurant.

It's more about the feel of the Italian cuisine than Italian cuisine per se.

“We want people to put down their mobile phones and talk to each other over food. It’s about connecting with people. It's about having a shared table of amazing food with amazing wines and sharing amazing company.”

While the restaurant offers an a la carte menu, it is the special ‘avido’ selection that really has Cameron excited.

Italian for “greedy”, avido is more of an experience than a meal, with guests who choose this option being treated to around four sets of food shared among the table. There is no set menu for the avido, with Cameron making it up as he goes along based on each table’s general preferences or the meat, seafood and produce he has on hand.

This paves the way for a far more creative offering of dishes that can make the most of smaller batches of ingredients obtained from local producers.

“It’s food that is plated to share, and it's kind of loosely four sets of food,” Cameron said.

“We sort of do snacky stuff, and some lighter kind of entrées to start, and then the second set is pasta-based. The third set is main course-based, and then we serve a set of desserts. We try not to say the word courses, because then people go, ‘so it's a four-course degustation or a five-course degustation’. No, it's not. It's avido.

“What I want each set to look like, I guess, is the type of food I used

to have and experience when I had dinner with the Italian family that I worked for. On Sunday afternoons when we'd closed we'd take up all the food that we'd cooked throughout the week and put it in the middle of the table, sit under the wisteria tree, have a couple of glasses of wine, and share all this food.

“We’d have some crispy fried zucchini flowers maybe to start, and whatever risotto we had left over we would cook up off and turn it to arancini and some fish or whatever. There would also be a couple of bowls of pasta in the middle of the table, some meat, some salad and some potatoes, and a glass of wine. It was amazing – and so memorable.

“That's what the avido is about. It's about the feeling of sitting under a wisteria tree with people that you love and care about and enjoying it — feeling the sun on your back, taking it easy, relaxing.

All those amazing things that we don't really do these days because everyone's busy and they’re too busy looking at Instagram.

“Avido is where we actually get creative, and it's where the value is in the love, care and attention to detail because we can cook truly passionately and truly from our hearts. And hopefully, it shows through.”

Eremo at Spicers Guesthouse Retreat in Pokolbin is open 7 days for breakfast and dinner, with extended trading hours over lunch on the weekend. For more information visit www.spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-guesthouse ■

V I NEYARD Organic Wines

Boutique Hunter Win es

Kelman Vineyard has been producing high quality classic Hunter varietals since 1999.

It has been awarded numerous medals in the past year and has been recognised by wine critic, James Halliday, for the winery and the individual wines.

Great Tasting • Award Winning • Certified Organic

TASTE

PASSION

Ascella is the largest certified organic vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

Located in the pristine Broke Fordwich region, Geoff and Barb welcome you to their picturesque Country Cellar Door.

We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our Ascella friends, partners, our vineyard family and to the traditional caretakers of our land and the sustainability of the environment.

Open 7 days a week, from 10am to 5pm 203 Thompsons Rd Milbrodale, NSW 2330 For further information call or text 6574 5275 – 0431 357 105 www.ascellawine.com ● info@ascellawine.com

This zesty, crisp field blend is the result of a careful wine-making process. Both varieties were handpicked on 25 January 2018 and were pressed and matured together.

They have a wonderful balance and fruity characteristics enhanced by 8 months in seasoned French oak. The perfect wine to accompany summer BBQs and dinner with friends.

This is the first wine in 2019 to show our new Kelman label. Inspired by bud-burst the image reflects the winery philosophy of relying on the best grapes the vineyard and nature can produce.

2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Cellar Door open for tastings 7 days 10am - 4pm Phone 4991 5456 www.kelmanvineyard.com.au 19 | MAY 2019 yhv

GRAPES OF MIRTH Take Wine Country to the City

After eight sold-out events in wine regions across the country, Grapes of Mirth has announced its first urban event with Grapes of Mirth Newcastle being held at the iconic and heritage-listed former Newcastle Railway Station in May. And, they’re taking the Hunter Valley with them!

The Station (est. 1858) is a significant component of the revitalising Newcastle program and will now host over 7 hours of comedy and wine, with six of the country's best headline comedians on Saturday, May 11. Joining Grapes of Mirth host and founder, Merrick Watts, will be Nazeem Hussain (Orange is the New Brown; 2017 I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!), Denise Scott (co-host, Studio 10), ‘Chopper’ aka Heath Franklin, world improv champion Rebecca De Unamuno, Luke McGregor (Rosehaven, Utopia), and the winner of the top award at both the 2015 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and 2015 Edinburgh Fringe, Sam Simmons.

Grapes of Mirth will also bring the Hunter Valley to Newcastle for the day, with six handpicked Hunter Valley wine producers popping up at The Station as part of the event. Wineries pouring on the day include Glandore Estate, De Iuliis, Thomas Wines, First Creek Wines, Hart & Hunter and Peter Drayton Wines. There will also be locally produced

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

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

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

yhv 20 | MAY 2019

beer and cider, plenty of gourmet grub, and tunes from resident Grapes of Mirth DJ, DJ Pedro Moshman.

Bringing comedy, wine and people together around Australia has become Grapes of Mirth’s standard stock and trade over the past two years. Since its inaugural event in February 2017, Grapes of Mirth’s ability to match wine with comedy has proved its overwhelming success, selling out events in SA’s McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and the Coonawarra, as well as Orange, NSW, Canberra, ACT, and Victoria’s King Valley. Founder Merrick Watts has championed this winning formula after recognising the value of an afternoon featuring Australia’s best comedians and some of our best wineries – an experience that has subsequently seen a steadily growing community of Grapes of Mirth devotees.

Don’t miss the Grapes of Mirth Newcastle this May. Tickets are selling fast – for full details head to www.grapesofmirth.com.au

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

The Lad y in

Pin k

...

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese | Nebbiolo Rosé Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate.

Winery – 2017 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion

Pokolbin Estate Vineyard 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au

Golden Door Health Retreat

Mum's

THE WORD!

Spoil Mum this Mother's Day (May 12) with a day spa package, handmade gifts, horse riding in picturesque wine country, a perfect picnic or a delicious experience at one of the Hunter Valleys great restaurants and wineries!

Love You Mum - Golden Door Mother’s Day Special - $250 A haven of relaxation, beauty and healing, Golden Door Day Spa offers over 50 therapies and treatments all designed to nourish your body, mind and spirit. Introducing the purest form of skincare, this deeply relaxing and hydrating treatment provides the perfect foundation for your next facial or homecare routine.

80 min Package includes: • Classic Facial • Deluxe Hair & Scalp Treatment • Back Massage • BABOR 7-day hydra plus ampoule treatment (to take home) Golden Door have created a spa experience that will have Mum floating out the door. Visit www.goldendoor.com.au for more information.

Wine Glass Gallery

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures @ Hill Top is open 364 days a year, including Mothers Day. If you’re looking for something to do for mum, bring her out for a ride over the 300 acres with amazing views, or take her for a tractor hayride to feed the animals.

Bring a picnic and enjoy it looking out over the valley, with plenty of space for the kids to burn energy. Gift vouchers are available if you are looking for the perfect gift but aren’t sure what mum would like. www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au Hunter Valley Horseriding

Wine Glass Gallery

Wine Glass Gallery located in the Hunter Valley Gardens Village is the perfect place to look for that special Mother’s Day Gift. Amazing glass platters, bowls and ornaments some reduced on sale. Maybe a special wine glass to go with that bottle of bubbly/wine to thank and celebrate your mum. At Wine Glass Gallery you’ll find it’s not just about wine glasses! Why not choose one of the beautiful new scarves, wraps, jackets for winter for your Mum. Just arrived in-store are a range of well-priced handbags or Italian styled handbags (now ½ price). You’ll also find a range of beautiful hand creams and soaps, gorgeous candles or room infusers and much more. You will be amazed at the choice of gifts at this Gallery.

21 | MAY 2019 yhv

Hunters Quarter

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Tamburlaine Organic Wines invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day for the entire month of May with complementary members pricing on all cellar door wines. To take advantage of this special offer all you need to do is visit their friendly cellar door team at 358 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin and quote the code “MOTHERS MONTH”.

Hunters Quarter

Restaurant Botanica

Treat mum to something truly special this Mother’s Day with an unforgettable dining experience at Hunters Quarter. Inspired by his international culinary experiences, chef Brian Duncan’s menu combines first-class ingredients, bright, balanced flavours and expert technique.

“We always give our best to turn your visit into an unforgettable memory. HQ’s innovative menu is created with the area’s local and seasonal produce, and its dishes deliver balanced, innovative originals with texture in the most extraordinary country setting,” says Brian.

With panoramic views of the vineyard as you dine, great food, wine and company, Mum will be sure to remember this Mother’s Day as her favourite. For bookings and more information email the restaurant at info@huntersquarter.com.au or phone 4998 7776 to reserve your table.

Handmade in the Hunter Markets - Mother’s Day Market!

Mother's Day event at Restaurant Botanica at Spicers Vineyards Estate

Buy mum a unique, handmade gift this year and give her twice as much love – since it is both made with love and then given with love! Plus, we will be giving every mother a free origami flower to say thanks for being a mum. Saturday, May 11 at Kevin Sobels Wines, 9am - 3pm.

This Mother’s Day treat mum to a signature degustation lunch at Restaurant Botanica in the Hunter Valley. Experience modern Australian cuisine packed full of local ingredients showcasing the regions incredible produce by Head Chef Shayne Mansfield. Mother’s will also be treated to something a little extra special with champagne on arrival, a flower and live music. Cost is $130 per person. To book call 1300 192 868 or email reception.vineyards@spicersretreats.com

Surprise Mum with the Perfect Picnic from Two Fat Blokes Enjoy the vineyards at your own pace and treat Mum to a day outdoors at one of several beautiful picnic spots around wine country and a Two Fat Blokes picnic pack! Grab a pre-packaged picnic pack, or customise your own, filled with gourmet goodies (including BBQ items), in a free Two Fat Blokes Cooler Bag. Don’t go home empty handed, Two Fat Blokes’ big range of local produce means you can also take the tastiest parts of the Hunter home with you to share (if they make the ride home that is!) For more information visit www.twofatblokes.com.au

Handmade in the Hunter Markets

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 yhv 22 | MAY 2019

Autumn Seasonal Market Pops-Up at Maitland Regional Art Gallery Maitland Regional Art Gallery will come alive again when the Autumn Seasonal Olive Tree Market pops-up at the gallery on May 11th from 9am until 2pm.

Alongside fabulous contemporary art and design market stalls, enjoy great music by independent local acts, sample delicious food and drinks from the street food line-up, and picnic under the trees with friends and family.

The Olive Tree Market is the perfect place for unique finds for Mother’s Day – as the market falls the day before Mother’s Day! Your mum is special, so your gift to her on Mother's Day should be too!

Olive Tree’s makers and designers have carefully created small batch, handmade pieces to ensure that you can give a beautiful gift with meaning this Mother’s Day. Each purchase also means you are supporting local artists, championing creative talent, and you will be contributing to the local economy, and making a stand against mass-produced imported goods.

Market Founder Justine Gaudry said, “We are excited to welcome the communities of Maitland and the Hunter Valley to our Autumn Seasonal Market for a community celebration of creativity. Not only can customers experience the market but It's a great opportunity to spend the day at our Regional Art Gallery – one of Maitland's best cultural offerings.”

Recently highlighted as one of “the 8 Best Art and Design Markets in Australia!” by Better Homes and Gardens*, it’s time to discover why The Olive Tree Market has gained such a strong reputation on the national stage and is one of Newcastle's most visited and best-loved events. *Source: http://bit.ly/2GgYGoP

23 | MAY 2019 yhv

Don't Forget to Book for

Mother's Day May 12th!

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, barista-made 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 958 939 • www.sabordessertbar.com.au | MAY 2019 yhvPH 24 1300

FOR THE FOODIES

Wonderful Food in a Unique Setting The Cellar Restaurant WORDS Salt&Peppa Reviews (This review has been reproduced with the permission of Salt&Peppa)

The Cellar Restaurant is in a word ‘‘unique’’ and without a doubt one of the finest restaurants in the Hunter.

Owners Andy and Janet Wright have made The Cellar Restaurant a summer and winter favourite amongst both locals and visitors to the Hunter. In winter there is no better place to be with the centrally located fire keeping diners warm over the cooler months and in summer you get to enjoy the longer warmer evenings dining alfresco.

The welcome is warm and friendly. We are shown to our table, close to the huge stone fireplace in the middle of the room, which gives the place an unpretentious and yet almost medieval feel, further enhanced by the lush foliage growing around the perimeter of the restaurants interior.

After a quick study of the extensive menu, which is divided into sections that include oysters, smallgoods (for sharing), entrees, mains, from the grill, sauces and desserts, you soon come to realise why The Cellar is considered one of the Hunters most outstanding restaurants.

Andy, who is also the head chef, has created a refreshingly diverse and well thought out menu with Mediterranean inspired influences and an emphasis on fresh local produce.

The wine list is generous and includes a large range of excellent local Hunter Valley wines, as well as those from other regions around Australia and a few overseas comparisons thrown in for good measure.

For entrée we deliberated long and hard over the Indian Spiced Kangaroo and Bass Strait Scallops with chorizo and white beans before finally settling on the Chargrilled Quail and the Queensland Prawns.

The service was excellent and attentive, and we did not have to wait long before our entrees arrived. The quail was superbly presented

with a scotch egg, green tomato relish and fig balsamic. This delightfully simple dish with its complex flavours was beautifully prepared and delicious. The quail meat was delicate and tender, and the green tomato relish provided a wonderful contrast to the sweet and sour flavours of the fig balsamic.

The Queensland prawns were a superb choice and accompanied by salt cod fritters and slow roasted tomato with caper and tarragon mayonnaise. Queensland prawns are always a crowd pleaser, and these did not disappoint - perfectly cooked and wonderfully offset by the saltiness of the capers and the tangy sweetness of the tarragon, which took the mayonnaise to a completely new level. The cod fritters were just as delicious, and these golden nuggets of deep-fried love had the perfect texture and delightful with the rich flavoured mayonnaise.

For our main dishes we selected the free-range Berkshire Pork Chop and the Pan-Fried Barramundi with sides that included garlic mash and green beans with almonds.

The Berkshire pork chop arrived perfectly prepared – succulent and juicy, and the sweetness of the meat was further enhanced by the spicy fig and apple relish. The crackling delicately perched on top of the chop was wonderfully golden and perfectly crisp.

The pan-fried barramundi was served exactly how it should be, with the flesh firm and moist with a delicate flavour and served with beurre blanc sauce – a hot emulsified butter sauce reduced with white wine.

To me, this was a perfect example of inspirational cooking with great flavour combinations.

Dessert at The Cellar Restaurant is always hard to refuse. On this occasion, we let our inner-chocoholics loose with the Chocolate Tasting Plate of opera cake, white chocolate mousse, strawberry and hazelnut cremeau. The Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with rhubarb jam and gingerbread ice cream was also something to be savoured, and so of course, both desserts were shared equally (sort of!)

Despite the inequitable division, both desserts were a wonderful end to a perfect meal, and excellent with a glass of Constable Estate Moscato.

There is a great deal to love about The Cellar Restaurant – the wonderful setting, the food and warm, attentive service. With the emphasis on simplicity of ingredients, great execution and presentation, The Cellar Restaurant is up there with the best in regional dining.

25 | MAY 2019 yhv

HUNTER VALLEY

CHEESE FACTORY

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

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

Gearing Up

For The Aussie Wine Roadshow The Australian wine sector will visit the USA in September 2019 for the inaugural Aussie Wine Month. The campaign will bring a large contingent of Australian wineries across the globe for the largest Australian wine promotion ever held in the USA. Supported by the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package, Aussie Wine Month will feature a six-city trade roadshow, educational seminars, the Australian Women in Wine Awards, media events, importer/distributor networking opportunities, in-store and online retail promotions and a multisensory immersive consumer activation.

Media investment and amplification across digital and social platforms will commence leading up to Aussie Wine Month to increase awareness and excitement for the program of activities.

For more information about Aussie Wine Month 2019 and how to get involved, please email aussiewinemonth@wineaustralia.com

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

2019 DATES: March 31st, 1.30pm – 4pm June 30th, 1.30pm – 4pm September 29th, 1.30pm – 4pm December 8th, 1.30pm – 4pm All Workshops are held Sunday afternoons, bookings required. Private Classes for 10+ by arrangement.

Contact us for more information or to book!

MORPETH

Jazz Festival 17–19 May 2019

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

www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

yhv 26 | MAY 2019

Morpeth Chapel Jazz is an annual event held in the iconic heritage town of Morpeth – just up the New England Highway from Wine Country. Each year exotic jazz talent from around the country gathers to share their sounds and stories over one extraordinary weekend as part of a joint venture of the three churches of Morpeth.

Until the 1980s, Morpeth was a rundown village in fear of demolition. Then it was slowly rejuvenated as a destination and what was left of its charming buildings rescued from the bulldozer. A few local businesses joined together to establish a small jazz festival in the bicentenary year of 1988. The jazz festival soon acquired a life of its own and by 2000 had developed into a major event. Unfortunately, by 2004 the event had become logistically unmanageable as a street festival and came to a grinding halt.

In 2009 Jazz returned to Morpeth when the Catholic, Anglican and Uniting churches of Morpeth got together to revive the Morpeth Jazz Festival as Chapel Jazz. Chapel Jazz aims to present traditional jazz in a welcoming environment to jazz lovers and their families and provide an enjoyable community experience. For more information and programmes visit www.chapeljazz.com

A Tragicomedy for Lovers of Fine Theatre For over twenty years Wollombi’s community theatre group, Valley Artists, has brought a range of plays to the stage in the lower Hunter: comedies, mysteries, children’s pantomimes, old plays and brand new ones.

Their first major production for 2019, Woman in Mind, opens on June 14 at Laguna Hall. Written by one of Britain’s most popular and prolific playwrights, Alan Ayckbourn, Woman in Mind has been described as a tragicomedy and is regarded as one of the playwright’s best and most affecting works.

Susan has a perfect life – a loving husband, a charming brother and a beautiful daughter. Or does she? An unfortunate encounter with a garden rake somewhere between the rose garden and the tennis courts of her palatial home leads her into the twilight zone, where nothing is quite what it seems. As Susan struggles to come to terms with her altered circumstances, she is forced to question what she really wants, who really does love her and ultimately, who she is.

Ayckbourn tells Susan’s story through a series of increasingly humorous interactions with her nearest and dearest. From gently acerbic to rollicking farce, this lovely piece has a wide comic range and runs at a cracking pace.

Directed by Micaela Elphick, whose previous directing credits for Valley Artists include The Business and Diving for Pearls, Woman in Minds features a stellar cast headed by Karen Jones as Susan. The other

Director of Woman in Mind Micaela Elphick

remarkable talents include Bob Philippe, Ross Fletcher, Craig Howe, Sophie Cook, Fi Burless and two newcomers to the VA stage, Andy Nelmes and Jack Roberts.

Audiences can expect another first-rate piece of theatre from the highly praised Valley Artists troupe so book early! Woman in Mind opens at 7pm at Laguna Hall, 3734 Great North Road, Laguna on Friday 14 June and continues Saturday 15, Sunday 16, then Wednesday 19 through to Saturday 22 June 2109. Tickets $30 adult and $25 concession are available at www.valleyartists.org or direct from Wollombi General Store and GNTP (Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna), where bookings can also be made for pre-show dinners.

present s

WOMAN IN MIND

by Alan Ayckbo urn

Directed by

MICAELA ELPHICK

14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21 & 22 June 2019 8pm at Laguna Hall Bookings www.valleyartists.org or Wollombi General Store or GNTP

27 | MAY 2019 yhv

CAFE CULTURE

TWO FAT

BLOKES The Complete Wine & Food Experience WORDS Quentin von Essen

What began eleven years ago as two friends who owned a single van and shared a common passion for food and wine has grown into a thriving family business that now owns 11 luxury tour vehicles and employs more than 20 staff who operate more than seven different tours, as well as also running a gourmet kitchen, and creating joy through cheese in a delicatessen.

The two friends were Peter (aka Sir Lunchalot) and Jan who wanted to share their love of all things to do with food and wine with visitors to the Hunter Valley. Peter eventually retired to enjoy more lunches than one man ever should, and Jan continues on with his wife Julie to indulge in what Two Fat Blokes is all about – a passion for providing customers with the best wine and food experiences possible and instilling in them a burning desire to return for more.

In 2013 the Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen and Deli was opened to provide tour guests with a more complete wine and food experience.

Since then the Kitchen and Deli has come into its own, offering delicious food and a seasonal menu serving up unique dishes with a European flair. The deli has a huge range of cheeses, smallgoods, and antipasto which at any time can be made into hampers for that perfect picnic amongst the vines.

“It’s first and foremost a family business,” said Claudia who is the Business Development Manager for Two Fat Blokes and also Jan’s daughter.

“Two Fat Blokes has always prided itself on being a front runner with everything we do. We are the only tour company that has its own kitchen and deli, which enables us to have complete control over the guest experience.”

“The kitchen and deli are about good, honest and affordable food – we’re not here to compete with the amazing fine-dining restaurants of the Hunter Valley. Instead, we’re here to make sure that whether you want a quick baguette and a picnic, or a sit-down meal with loads of local and seasonal produce, you can always get something to eat! After all, we’re not called Two Skinny Blokes!” said Claudia.

yhv 28 | MAY 2019

Many of the products stocked in the deli are their own ‘Two Fat Blokes’ brand, from cheeses to oils, to their own wines. With the aim being to support local producers, they have all their branded products made specially for them by local suppliers. They also stock other brands, with many products being locally sourced and a few being imported from overseas.

“We use local suppliers for basically everything except the cheeses,” said Claudia.

“We love having a variety of cheeses from other parts of the world as there’s bound to be a few people who love certain styles that a certain region does best.”

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Tours have built on a reputation for always going that extra mile. They provide visitors with a choice of more than seven different tours with each tour incorporating a food experience – whether it be a cheese and wine masterclass, or something more exclusive such as a lunch with a local winemaker.

“We believe it is important to provide for all needs, from the person who only wants an hour experience, right up to the person who knows exactly what they like and just wants to try a certain type of wine,” said Claudia.

“We cater to both private and small group tours, and our itinerary constantly varies – if you’ve done a tour before, you can do the same tour again and almost always have a new and different experience”.

“We also run monthly events at the Kitchen and try to support worthy causes with a portion of the profits going to that cause. For example, our High Cheese event in May has $10 of each ticket sold going to the McGrath Foundation”.

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen and Deli are currently located in temporary premises at Harkham Wines in Pokolbin with plans to move into their new ‘home’ on Hermitage Rd within the next 12 months. As well as the onsite Kitchen and Deli, the new premises will also include purpose-built rooms for cheese and wine masterclasses. Also planned are glamping tents which will serve as onsite accommodation.

Check out the Two Fat Blokes upcoming “High Cheese” events on the last Sunday of every month – $75pp including four courses and bottomless bubbles. For more info visit www.twofatblokes.com.au

Not just spread on a wafer cracker (the experience is about the cheese, not the cracker guys, the cracker is just a vessel so that you don’t look like a crazed monster wildly stuffing cheese into your mouth with your bare hands), but Labna also has many, many other uses. Put it through a pasta sauce, toss some through a salad, make your mac and cheese just a little ‘extra’, or stir some through a soup. Labna has a lot of ways to make you love it.

Tangy, but also smooth and creamy, Labna is a really unique cheese that will delight lovers of soft cheese at any dinner party.

Two Cheeses

To Turn you into an Un-Brie-Lievable Dinner Host Knowing just the right cheeses to put onto a cheese board to cap off your next dinner party doesn’t have to be difficult thanks to these two beauties from Two Fat Blokes.

Two Fat Blokes Sundried Tomato and Garlic Labna This creamy ball of deliciousness is just magic - a taste sensation. Labna is made by straining yoghurt to produce a soft, creamy cheese that then is rolled into balls (of deliciousness) and preserved in jars of oil with various and optional flavours.

Caramelised Onion Cheddar This cheese is a piece of art. You know those people that you talk to, and they make you feel like you’re the most important person in the room? They’re just so genuinely lovely that they make you question what traumatic experience you must have repressed that stops you from also being that lovely? This cheese is that person, but without the guilt, you inevitably experience after realising you’ve been talking about yourself for 45 minutes.

It’s delicate but also bold. It’s sweet thanks to the caramelised onions, but tart and sharp thanks to the cheddar. It’s a good level of crumbly, enough to give it a nice texture, but not so much that you leave the dinner party wondering how much of it is going to fall out of your clothing before you go for a shower later.

The fun thing about this guy is that the longer you leave him out of the fridge, the sweeter he becomes. The cold brings out the cheddar taste, but as you mellow it out, the caramelised onion starts to shine through even more.

Cheers Bus

Hunter Valley Guided Winery Tours

Secure your online booking and tour information at www.cheersbus.com • Full or half day, private or public guided boutique tours in an air conditioned mini bus or hire car, seven days per week • Pick up from your local vineyard accommodation or group pickups only from Sydney (via Morisset train station), Central Coast, Newcastle, Maitland and Singleton areas and be escorted throughout the day • Witness the beauty and tranquillity of Hunter Wine Country on route to our or your chosen boutique cellar doors, brewhouse tastings, as well as vodka, schnapps, cheese, olive and chocolate tastings

www.cheersbus.com • Call John on 0408 987 057

Photo taken at Ivanhoe Vineyard

“Largest beer range

Massive Wine Sale at The Garden Cellars $50 cases and $144 cases available throughout May.

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 u Wine, H odka V y r e Distill beer and craft able ail v a tastings ! y il a d

THE GARDEN

Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of May purchase any mixed 6 beers and receive $1 off per bottle.

Not available on previously discounted items.

CELLARS

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

29 | MAY 2019 yhv

Celebrating Australia’s Truly Adaptable, Versatile and Outstanding Wine WORDS Quentin von Essen

Don’t you hate it when you hear that it’s International Grenache Day or International Pinot Noir Day and you are not prepared? Don’t worry this month we have you covered and can inform you that May 3 is International Sauvignon Blanc Day (but do we care) and May 9 is World Moscato Day – and yes, we do care! Also, this month, May 23 is International Chardonnay Day. Now, this is a day worth celebrating!

Australian Chardonnay holds a special place among Australian wine lovers and remains Australia’s top white variety and is second overall behind Shiraz. So popular is Chardonnay, that in 2018, 408,000 tonnes of Chardonnay were crushed across Australia – making up 47 per cent of the total white wine grape crush.

Chardonnay, the noble, green-skinned grape, can trace its 1,000year heritage back to the revered vineyards of Burgundy and the medieval village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais wine growing region of southern Burgundy. Today, it is one of the world’s greatest grape varieties that grow well in a variety of locations throughout the world and is also an important component of many sparkling wines, including Champagne.

Chardonnay began its meteoric rise to fame in the late seventies and eighties when it was the “in wine” of the time. Fruit-forward, 'sunshine-in-a-bottle' became synonymous with Australian wine.

Today, it is hard to think of Australian wine without thinking of Australian Chardonnay. It's a variety that has enjoyed the market

highs and withstood the lows with a remarkable level of resilience and continues to hold a special place in the heart of Australian wine lovers throughout the world.

In fact, it was the Hunter Valley that led the way with Tyrrell’s 1971 Vat 47 Chardonnay initiating Australia’s love affair with this variety, causing Chardonnay sales to boom in the ’80s and ’90s. Such was the demand for Australian Chardonnay that the area of Chardonnay vines increased more than five-fold during this period so that in the 1990s Chardonnay became Australia’s most planted white wine grape variety and now accounts for more than half of Australia’s white wine production.

Chardonnay is now grown in every wine region in Australia - from the humidity of the Hunter Valley to the cool crispness of the Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania to the warmer regions of Margaret River and Barossa Valley. It is ideally suited to Australian conditions and reflects a taste of place wherever it's grown.

One of the great virtues of Chardonnay is that it can produce compelling, complex and multi-layered wines capable of ageing from both warmer and cooler climates. Of all the white wines, Chardonnay is very responsive to the winemaker's craft – broadening the style possibilities and enabling the winemaker to create wine in a, particularly style that he or she considered desirable. This was the case when the market was dominated by the broader, buttery and toastier styles of wines that also had strong secondary characters. ►

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard · CELLAR DOOR Fri 12pm–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm & Sun 10am–4pm · CAFÉ Sat+Sun 10am–4pm 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 · Ph (02) 4998 7734 · www.emmascottage.com.au

yhv 30 | MAY 2019

These wines were big, rich and full-bodied with most not lasting more than a few years.

You can have too much of a good thing though, and this peak in popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s gave way to a change in tastes and increased competition. The market turned to red wine, and Chardonnay consumers became disenfranchised by the buttery taste and high level of oak used in these wines. Chardonnay sales declined as consumer tastes turned towards lighter wines such as Pinot Grigio and the crisp cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs.

But things change. Tastes change, fashion changes and Chardonnay changes! In recent years, we have witnessed the most remarkable change in premium Australian Chardonnay. Gone are the days of the fat, golden, oak-lavished style with Chardonnay making a comeback with styles that are lighter, more elegant and of course with a little less oak. The result is a wine that is brighter and fresher, with greater length and intensity, subtler and fruit-driven – something the golden oldies often lacked.

Ranging from un-wooded, light and fresh to full-bodied barrel fermented and aged, this versatile grape can produce a range of styles that can be matched with just about any food – especially poultry dishes, pork, seafood or recipes that have a heavy cream or butter base. Oysters and salmon also pair well with the citrus flavours of a crisp Chardonnay. Of course, there’s also nothing better than a cool, sharp Chardonnay all by itself on a fine summer day and served at a moderate 12°C. Where to now for Australian Chardonnay? Presently, Chardonnay in Australia is as popular as it has ever been and it’s not showing any sign of waning. Demand continues for this popular wine which has done well to weather the onslaught of popular Sauvignon Blanc and the rapid surge of Pinot Gris/Grigio. The wine industry is also seeing a new generation of winemakers who are bringing experience, expertise, experimentation and bold ideas that are shaking up the Australian Chardonnay landscape and bringing new, exciting Chardonnays onto the market. ■

Your always welcome at...

Oishii Japanese 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 Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Takeaway available every day.

J A P A N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E

Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rd’s Pokolbin, NSW 2320 PH 02 4998 7051 www.oishii.com.au

/OishiiPokolbin

Uniquely Ivanhoe Ivanhoe Wines offer seated tastings with spectacular views, great wines and an enchanting atmosphere. Stretching across the foothills of the majestic Brokenback Mountain range, Ivanhoe Estate is an 80 acre patchwork quilt of vineyards which has become one of the most photographed and talked about vineyards in the Hunter Valley.

When you visit the cellar door, you will not only enjoy a wine tasting but a complete wine experience. Visitors are welcome to come and learn about the Estate, vineyards and the winemaking process. We’ll help you find wines that you love.

Open 7 days – Bookings are recommended to ensure your visit is extra special.

525 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin NSW

|

02 4998 7325

|

www.ivanhoewines.com.au 31 | MAY 2019 yhv

Varieties to Explore

In Autumn WORDS Quentin von Essen

For many, Autumn is a favourite time of the year, bringing with it a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. This change of seasons is as evident as the layers of flavour in a great glass of wine; it’s as if the earth is taking a deep sigh after the efforts of the growing season and is drawing energy back into the soil in preparation for the long-dormant winter months ahead.

The Hunter Valley is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but Autumn has that special magical something – a charming collection of quaint, boutique accommodation, mountain and vineyard landscapes complete with numerous hues of brown and red, cooler days and nights, warm open fires, cosy restaurants and cafes serving up heart-warming dishes, welcoming cellar doors and of course the wine.

Change is everywhere at the start of Autumn and as the seasons change, so do many of our drinking habits. For many of us, the changing seasons come with changing preferences in wine. Those crisp whites we crave in summer give way to heartier reds and heavier, more textural white wines in the coming cooler Autumn and winter months.

It’s that time of year when our wine choices can be as varied as the days themselves.

So, what wines do you “pair with the season”? After doing some research, the general consensus is Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Cabernet blends are seasonal favourites amongst the reds and Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon amongst the whites. In general, full-bodied whites and light- to medium-bodied reds are the perfect complement to the cooler weather and Autumn harvest foods.

Here are a few Autumnal wine picks with food pairings, to stock your cellar this colourful season.

The cooler weather may be here, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop sipping on a glass of your favourite Rosé. 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 – try with Indian and Midden Eastern dishes.

Those lighter-style reds you’ve been enjoying all summer are still an optimal choice for the cooler moments of Autumn, although now is the time to enjoy your Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet blends and medium bodied Shiraz at room temperature.

Pinot Noir has become very popular in Australia as an alternative to some of our famously big bold reds. Traditionally Australian Pinot Noir is lighter in colour, with a perfumed nose and hints of cherry, raspberry and plum flavours balanced by smooth tannins. It’s a particularly flavoursome wine and ideal with roasted meats, salmon and tuna dishes.

The exciting Italian variety – Sangiovese, is becoming increasingly popular in its adopted home of Australia where the variety is known for being adaptable to many types of vineyard soils and has proved suitable for cultivation across many Australian wine regions. Like all Italian

yhv 32 | MAY 2019

wines Sangiovese demands food and is well-matched for the flavours of chicken, grilled red meat, lamb, slow roasted pork, pastas, stews or well-aged cheeses.

The typical young Hunter Valley Shiraz is a medium bodied wine showing red and dark berries, spices and a great deal of tannin. With age, the wines become far more complex, full-bodied, yet smooth and richly flavoured with some earthy tones. The bold flavours give Shiraz the reputation as a very food-friendly wine. Try it with veal dishes, lamb, steak (especially peppery steaks), kangaroo, roast duck, Indian and Middles Eastern dishes.

With the cooler months, those crisp and fresh whites we have been savouring the past few months, now also tend to make way for heavier, more textural white wines.

Most Chardonnay lovers will drink Chardonnay regardless of the season, but it is the perfect choice for Autumn. The style that has emerged today is all about letting the fruit take centre stage with other elements such as oak taking a supportive role. A medium-bodied style is a perfect match for Autumn’s classic characteristics. Enjoy with pies, buttery sauces and decadent shellfish, risotto, pasta or chicken dishes such as butter chicken curry.

Viognier is another compelling white, with flavours that can include tangerine, peach, mango, honeysuckle and even roses. Enjoy viognier with exotic dishes such as orange chicken, turkey with cranberry chutney, or any type of curry with a citrus garnish.

Semillon is proof that Autumn is not just about red wines. This Bordeaux-borne grape is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, giving an otherwise lush, mouth-filling wine a welcome hint of zippiness to make an excellent white pour for those Autumn-inspired dishes.

Sparkling Wines can be enjoyed at any time of year – not just for celebrations. Prosecco is a fine friend for Autumn-centric starters, including frittatas, pies and quiches.

Hopefully, these give you an idea of what to replace in your cellar once the leaves start dropping. If you have a cellar full of summer wines, then it’s time to give them a final send-off and start drinking!

SAVOUR Mistletoe Wines

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

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

FOOD MATCH A perfect match to Boeuf Bourguignon with mushrooms.

CELLARING Drink now to 2030.

Tintilla Estate

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

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

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

CELLARING Drink now until 2025.

Mount Pleasant Estate

Elbourne Wines

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

It also took out the Gold Medal at the 2018 Hunter Valley Boutique Show.

TASTING Intense black/purple colour, with ripe dark fruits and pepper on the nose. A well structured and balanced palate, with loads of spice and layers to complement the outstanding fruit weight.

Framed magnificently with skillful use of high quality French oak barriques.

A big red, from a big Hunter vintage!

FOOD MATCH Suited perfectly with Beef Burgundy.

CELLARING Comfortably store for 25+ years.

Emma's Cottage Vineyard 2015 Shiraz – RRP $30

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

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

FOOD MATCH Slow cooked lamb shoulder or aged beef.

CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 10 years.

Ascella Organic Wines

2017 Rosehill Shiraz – $50

2014 Reserve Chardonnay $33.50

First planted in 1946 by Maurice O’Shea, the Rosehill vineyard is the epitome of the Hunter. Elegance and power, grace and intensity, these wines are beautiful young but have the backbone to survive for decades.

It's from great vineyards where great wines are made.

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

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

CELLARING Drink now or will reward cellaring for 25 years.

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

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

FOOD MATCH Fish, Poultry, Pork, Pastas.

CELLARING 10 Years.

33 | MAY 2019 yhv

STEP BACK IN TIME South Maitland Railway WORDS Michelle Meehan

There’s no question coal was the driving force behind the growth of the Hunter Valley. But despite the popularity of the annual Steamfest event, which attracts tens of thousands of steam locomotive lovers to Maitland each April, many people don’t realise the crucial role the railways played in the development of the region.

Late in the 19th century, Government geologist T.W.Edgeworth David discovered a vast coal reserve in the area south-west of Maitland.

A syndicate of Maitland businessmen were the first people to capitalise on the rich natural resource, forming the East Greta Coal Mining Company in 1891 and opening the East Greta Colliery in an area near the suburb now known as Gillieston Heights.

But it wasn’t until the company built a private railway line in 1893 to facilitate a connection between their mine and the Great Northern Railway, which was owned by the Government, that the potential of Australia’s newest coalfield began to be realised.

The line initially ran between East Greta Junction (now known as Telarah) and the nearby East Greta Colliery, but by 1904 it had been extended further south to Cessnock, with the towns of Kurri Kurri, Weston, Abermain, Neath and Aberdare quickly emerging to service a slew of new coal mines.

Each new section of the railway line was built by the mining companies using it to transport their coal, however ownership of the entire line was combined in 1918 when Hebburn Ltd and the East Greta Coal Mining Company merged to form a new company, known as the South Maitland Railways Ltd (SMR).

Come in and try our multi-award winning Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs and Schnapps!

OPEN FOR TASTINGS AND SALES

7 Days, 10am - 5pm 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley PH (02) 4998 6737 • info@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au yhv 34 | MAY 2019

During the 1920s, around 45 per cent of all coal produced in NSW travelled along the SMR lines before being distributed for local consumption or delivered to the Port of Newcastle, where it was shipped overseas.

With its headquarters at East Greta Junction, where fully equipped workshops were built to maintain, repair and rebuild the locomotives used on the line, SMR became the most intensively operated private railway in Australia.

Aside from coal haulage, SMR also operated passenger services for almost 40 years, with the first service travelling between East Greta Junction and Stanford Merthyr in June 1902. The last passenger train ran on the SMR lines in May 1972, with the service having been variously operated by SMR and the NSW Government’s Department of Railways.

While SMR eventually became synonymous with steam-driven engines, the railway line to East Greta was initially worked by gravitation and horse traction.

The first small steam locomotives were introduced in 1895, but as the amount of coal being transported along the line grew, more powerful steam engines were soon required.

Purpose-built steam tank locomotives, known as the ’10 Class’ engines, were manufactured in England and first arrived in Maitland during December 1911, with a total of 14 units delivered by 1926.

The private railway network continued to operate steam locomotives until June 1983, when they were replaced with dieselelectric locomotives. By the time steam was discontinued, each locomotive had travelled between 1.6 and 2 million kilometres.

SMR’s switch to the more modern locomotives attracted much interest, as at the time it was the last operating steam haulage service in Australia.

In a bid to celebrate the Hunter’s long-running use of steam engines and the important role they played in the development of the region, the National Trust of Australia, The State Rail Authority and the Heritage Office organised the inaugural Steamfest event, which ran as

the grand finale to Heritage Week in 1986.

Now one of the biggest events on the local calendar, the two-day Hunter Valley Steamfest attracts around 50,000 to Maitland each year.

While South Maitland Railways continues to operate a flourishing open access private railway network, the SMR steam locomotive workshop at East Greta Junction is now protected by a Permanent Conservation Order under the NSW Heritage Act. The Maitland Rail Museum has been established at the site to highlight the role SMR played in helping to establish Maitland and Cessnock as one of the world’s most important coal producing areas of the mid-20th century.

The museum includes interpretive displays, equipment, tools and other artefacts used by the railway, with entry via prior arrangement.

For more information visit www.maitlandrailmuseum.com Information thanks to South Maitland Railways and the Maitland Rail Museum.

A PL ACE TO CONN ECT

Winmark Wines is an extraordinary Vineyard in the idyllic wine region of Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley. The Estate is an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events or peaceful family retreats and offers accommodation for up to 32 guests across three stunning properties.

The property features a stunning art gallery showcasing exquisite art works, open by appointment only, as well as many landmarks including David Ball’s sculpture Biosis, Paul Bangay’s Perennial and Rose Garden and the iconic rock Pooles Rock.

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

winmarkwines.com.au

35 | MAY 2019 yhv

Autumn Dining Guide

CIRCA 1876 Set in the expansive acreage of the luxury boutique hotel The Convent Hunter Valley, and surrounded by rich produce filled kitchen gardens. Circa 1876 literally brings the 'paddock to plate' ethos to life as guests overlook the organic kitchen garden that their food came from just beyond their plate.

64 Halls Road Pokolbin, MAP REF L12 | PH 02 4998 4999 www.convent.com.au | reservations@convent.com.au OPEN Fri-Tues | Lunch from 12 noon | Dinner from 5.30pm

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT The iconic Cellar Restaurant located at Hunter Valley Gardens Village continues to provide Mediterranean style cuisine in a relaxed friendly environment. Here the chefs select the freshest, best quality ingredients to create seasonally inspired menus bursting with flavour. Bookings recommended!

HVG Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin, MAP REF K10 | PH 4998 7584 www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au | thecellar@bigpond.com Open Mon to Sat | Lunch from 12 noon | Dinner from 6PM

ESCA BIMBADGEN Esca Bimbadgen showcases Bimbadgen wines by matching them with simple, elegant food in a jaw dropping setting. A pioneer of fine dining, Esca Bimbadgen exemplifies the unique nature of a winery restaurant. The spectacular entrance suspended above the winery is second only to the view from your table.

790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF H12 | PH 4998 4666 esca@bimbadgen.com.au | www.bimbadgen.com.au/dining OPEN Sun to Thurs 12pm–3pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–3pm; 6pm–9pm

yhv 36 | MAY 2019

OISHII JAPANESE THAI RESTAURANT 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 and Green Curry Chicken.

Cnr McDonalds & Broke Rd’s Pokolbin, MAP REF L11 | OPEN 7 Days for Lunch Dinner + Takeaway | PH 4998 7051 | www.oishii.com.au

THE WOOD RESTAURANT The Wood Restaurant opened its doors in December 2018 at Brokenwood Wines' state of the art new cellar door facility. With a seafood slant, the contemporary menu uses quality ingredients cooked simply with flair. Bookings highly recommended!

Located at Brokenwood Wines, 401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF L10 | PH 4993 1193 | Open 7 days for lunch from 11.30am and Friday and Saturday dinner from 6pm

IL CACCIATORE Il Cacciatore offers Northern Italian Inspired cuisine in a relaxed, casual atmosphere with friendly attentive service. Il Cacciatore is licensed showcasing some of the Hunters best wines, no BYO. Reservations strongly recommended. Pizzas and Pastas available for TAKE OUT from 5pm nightly.

Located at Hermitage Lodge, 609 McDonalds Road Pokolbin, MAP REF I10 | PH 4998 7639 | info@hermitagelodge.com.au www.hermitagelodge.com.au | OPEN 7 days from 6pm

Autumn Dining Guide

MARGAN RESTAURANT

BLAXLAND INN

Nestled in the Broke-Fordwich, Margan are pioneers of ‘agridining’. We deliver a seasonal menu harvested from the surrounding one-acre kitchen garden and orchard, olive groves, bee hives, free-range chickens and estate-reared lambs – excelling in bringing a vine to glass and paddock to plate experience.

Blaxland Inn offers a warm and country ambience with friendly staff and great value meals. Dine on the verandah all year round or inside by our open fire during Winter. With an outdoor campfire too, you can relax and unwind whilst enjoying a truly Australian experience.

1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke, MAP REF J3 | PH 6579 1317 restaurant@margan.com.au | www.margan.com.au OPEN Lunch Fri – Sun | Dinner Thurs – Sat

2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF K12 | PH 4998 7550 info@blaxlandinn.com.au | www.blaxlandinn.com.au OPEN 7 days for Lunch & Dinner

WANDIN CAFÉ Nestled at the peak of the estate, Wandin Café offers stunning views overlooking natural bushland and vineyards, with an a-lacarte menu of contemporary modern Australian/ Asian cuisine.

Enjoy breakfast or dine at lunch with affordable prices, great service and easy parking. Wandin is family and group friendly.

12 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale, MAP REF D18 | PH 02 4930 9888 info@wandin.com.au | Book online – www.wandin.com.au Cellar door Wed to Sun 10am–4pm |Café Fri to Sun 8am–3pm

THE DECK CAFÉ

HUNTERS QUARTER 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.

Butter Poached Bug Tail, Seared Prawns, Wild Rice, Shellfish Broth and Tempura Asparagus 576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF N10 | PH 4998 7776 info@huntersquarter.com.au | www.huntersquarter.com.au OPEN Mon night, Thurs - Sun for lunch & Thurs - Sat for dinner.

RESTAURANT CUVEE

The Deck Café is a smart casual café that sits on the bank of the Gartelmann Dam. Serving great breakfasts and lunches, Piazza Doro coffee and award-winning Gartelmann wines from the cellar door.

Restaurant Cuvee located at Peterson House offers Modern Australian cuisine at its best. Our al-a-carte menu has been designed using fresh local produce – with seasonal menu changes, you will be sure to find something to please your palate.

701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale, MAP REF G18 | PH 4930 9007 www.deckcafelovedale.com.au | bookings@deckcafelovedale.com.au OPEN Mon to Fri 8.30am–3.30pm | Sat & Sun 8am–3.30pm

Cnr of Broke Road & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin, MAP REF K14 PH 4998 7881 | cuvee@petersonhouse.com.au www.petersonhouse.com.au | OPEN 7 days Breakfast & Lunch

37 | MAY 2019 yhv

yhv A38 | MAYB2019

C

D

TO SINGLETON

E

F

G

H

I

J

< 15KM >

K

PUTTY RD

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L

D

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M

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Fletcher St

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N

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Fleming St

Hunter Beer Co.

Po�ers Hotel

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LOVEDALE

The Brickworks Brasserie

Lomas Lane

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Londons Rd

i

The Deck Café

Brickmans Lane

20

MORPETH

Gartelmann Wines

HV Reflec�ons Day Spa

Australian Alpaca Barn

19

M

De Beyers Road

Two Fat Blokes

Halls Rd

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Pokolbin Estate

i

Visitor Information Hunter Valley Joy Flights

De Beyers Rd

Campbells Lne

HV Cheese Factory Circa 1876 The Wood Restaurant

Blaxland Inn Handmade in the Hunter Markets at Kevin Sobels Wines

DRIV NTRY OU C E

Hunters Quarter Restaurant

i

i

i

St Swan

Morpeth An�que Centre

Wandin Café

Lodge Road

i

i

18

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17

L

D e Beyers Road

i

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Tho mp so

i

i

N WI

Ekerts Road

Australian Alpaca Barn Harrigans Irish Pub

BROKE ROAD

HV Chocolate Co.

E IV DR

Spicers Guesthouse & Eremo Restaurant

i

i

Pokolbin Village

i

LOVEDA

Winmark Wines

BROKE ROAD

éléments

Restaurant Cuvee

HV Chocolate Co. Balloon Alo� Mee�ng Point

Peterson House

Green Lane

Wilderness Road

Talga Road

HV Horseriding and Adventures

TO WINE COUNTRY DRIVE

To Mortels (Thornton)

TO MAITLAND THORNTON

D

Hunter Dis�llery

i

i

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Emma’s Co�age Vineyard

Fleet St

Drinan St

D HWY

Lions Park

16

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RD KE BRO

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MCDONALDS ROAD

Margan Restaurant

Sabor Dessert Bar

Palmers Lane

i

OU NT i R

NEW ENGLAN

Tuckers Lane

15

BRANXTON

14

J

s

DA L E

Roche Estate Oishii Japanese-Thai Restaurant

Gillards Road

Il Cacciatore

i

I

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C NE

HV Chocolate Co. The Cellar Restaurant The Garden Cellars

Constable Estate

Palmers Lane

W

B lackburn

Esca Bimbadgen

13

LOVEDALE ROAD

Wine Glass Gallery

Hunter Valley Gardens HVG Shopping Village Australian Alpaca Barn

POKOLBIN1 (NORTH)

Deasys Road

De

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Running M ILL Horse B Wines

Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse

Hermitage Road Cellars

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Hunter Valley Resort Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes Hunter Valley Wine Theatre Hunter Valley Wine School

Mistletoe Wines

Old No rth Ro

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Sta�on St

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Thompsons’s Rd

HERMITAGE ROAD

Mistle to e

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Tin�lla Estate

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Sweetwater Road

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Ascella Organic Wines

i

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Spa/Health Retreat

TO SINGLETON

6 Wydnham St

5

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Markets

Gourmet Produce

Shopping

Cellar Door

Restaurant

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Spicers Guesthouse Retreat L8

STAY

8

9

10

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Blaxland Inn K12 Circa 1876 L11 éléments K10 Eremo Restaurant D4 Esca Bimbadgen G11 Harrigans Irish Pub L9 Hunters Quarter M9 Il Cacciatore I10 Margan Restaurant J3 Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse F5 Oishii Japanese Thai L11 Restaurant Cuvee K14

RESTAURANTS+CAFÉS

7

12

Str ee t

13

14

Pokolbin Estate M10 HV Cheese Factory L10 HV Chocolate Co. K10/K13/K14

GOURMET PRODUCE

Sabor Dessert Bar K13 The Brickworks Brasserie (Potters Hotel) N16 The Cellar Restaurant K10 The Deck Café F18 The Wood Restaurant L10 Two Fat Blokes L12 Wandin Café D18

11

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Running Horse Wines J3 Tamburlaine Organic Wines M10 Tin�lla Estate E5 The Garden Cellars K10 Winmark Wines L4

5

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17

Balloon Alo� (Pickup Point) K14 Cessnock Regional Art Gallery Q17 Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa L9 Hunter Beer Co. N16 Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric bikes F5 HV Horseriding & Adventures D17 HV Reflec�ons Day Spa H17 Hunter Valley Gardens K10 Hunter Valley Joy Flights L15 Hunter Valley Wine Theatre F5 Hunter Valley Wine School F5

ACTIVITIES

15

TO QUORROBOLONG

TO SYDNEY M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY

20

Handmade in the Hunter Markets K12 Olive Tree Markets Maitland P20

MARKETS

SHOPS

19

Australian Alpaca Barn K9/K10 Australian Alpaca Barn (Morpeth) B19 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village K10 Morpeth An�que Centre (Morpeth) C18 Mortels B16 Pokolbin Village K11 The Garden Cellars K10 Wine Glass Gallery K10

18

Hunter Valley Wine Festival at Crowne Plaza (L16)

CESSNOCK

ABERDARE ROAD

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery

OAD MAITLAND R

Olive Tree Market Maitland

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X

Ascella Organic Wine I1 Constable Estate J9 Elbourne Wines P10 Emma’s Co�age Vineyard G14 Gartelmann Wines F18 Hunter Dis�llery K6 Ivanhoe Wines P8 Kelman Vineyard Q14 Mistletoe Wines G4 Mount Pleasant Wines Q10 Peterson House K14 Pokolbin Estate M10

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Kelman Vineyard

Kerlew Street

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Marrowbone Road

Elbourne Wines

O’Connors Road

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Olive Tasting at Pokolbin Estate (M10)

Meet the Maker - Jojo Collective (K12)

Ivanhoe Wines

CDONALDS RD

R

M

P

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39 | MAY 2019 yhv

SHOP Australian Alpaca Barn brea + lulu Exclusive Diamond Co. Candelabra Hunter Valley Christmas Shop Hunter Valley Gift & Crystal Shop

Oscars Hunter Valley

Peppers Creek Antiques

Alpaca Barn

Southon Styles The Twig The Waiterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friend Village Books Wison & Hunter Wine Glass Gallery

EAT Cupcake Espresso Oscars Hunter Valley

Wilson & Hunter

Taste of the Country The Cellar Restaurant

PAMPER Jolie Hair Makeup Beauty

SAVOUR Hunter Valley Chocolate Company KissOfire

Wine Glass Gallery KissOfire

The British Lolly Shop The Garden Cellars Hunter Honey Hive

ESSENTIALS Pokolbin Farm Shop Pokolbin Village Pharmacy

PLAY Aqua Golf and Putt Putt

Cupcake Espresso 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

huntervalleygardensshopping.com.au