The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country
SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE #91
THE
BLACKBOARD
THE
Spring ISSUE
HUNTER GROWN Australia’s best young restaurateur
Rosè makes it’s mark
FUNKY BREWS
Here’s cheers to craft b eer beers
THE DYNAMIC DUO Two chefs and a garden
HunterValleyOnline.com.au
FOR YOUR
DIARY
THE HUNTER BLACKBOARD IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...
sept
6TH—31ST SEPTEMBER | WUPA@WANARUAH ART | at Hunter Resort and throughout Wine Country| Wupa@Wanaruah is a spectacular display of Aboriginal artwork
that will be showcased across mul ple venues in the popular Pokolbin and Broke wine region of the Hunter Valley. This year marks the sixth event for WUPA@ Wanaruah. Each year the ini a ve is facilitated by Ungooroo Aboriginal Corpora on – an Aboriginal, not for pro t community organisa on opera ng to bene t local Aboriginal people of the Upper Hunter. This year’s exhibi on showcased over 100 pieces of art from over 20 talented Indigenous ar sts from the Hunter Valley. The Wupa@Wanaruah arts fes val encompassed both tradi onal and contemporary art forms from emerging and established ar sts www.wupaatwanaruah.com.au
6TH SEPTEMBER | THE WOLLOMBI WILD RIDE | Throughout Wollombi |The historic township of Wollombi will be in for a wild ride on Saturday 6 Sept with the h version of this exci ng mountain bike event to be held in and around Wollombi. Event organiser Paul Humphreys of local sports event company H Events said the event is being held to promote mountain bike riding, health and tness and the community of Wollombi, “It’s really the perfect event for the venue with outstanding scenery, safe but challenging tracks/ trails and most of all, a welcoming community.” Come and enjoy the classic area of Wollombi, where there is a great drink sta on at the start and nish! For more informa on visit www.wollombiwildride.net
13TH—16TH SEPTEMBER | HMB ENDEAVOUR REPLICA VISIT | Newcastle Harbour— Queens Wharf |This September the stunning HMB Endeavour will be sailing into Newcastle Harbour for the rst me since 2008. The ship is regarded as one of the most accurate historical replica vessels in the world and o ers voyage crew a truly authen c experience of life as 18th century pioneering sailors. For more informa on visit www.anmm.gov.au
SUNDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER | BROKE VILLAGE FAIR |McNamara Park, Broke | Make your way to the beau ful village of Broke on Sunday, 14th September 2014 for a great family day out at the annual Broke Village Fair. McNamara Park will come alive with hundreds of vintage, veteran classic cars, trucks and motorcycles on display for all to see. The kids will love the amusement rides and farmyard pe ng zoo while mum and dad can enjoy the fes val atmosphere. There’ll also be over 50 market stalls, wine tas ng, children’s ac vi es and rides, live music, whip cracking and bush poetry throughout day. See you at the Fair!
20TH SEPTEMBER TO 6TH OCTOBER | ICE AGE 4 | Hunter Valley Gardens |Join all the fun at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holdiays with ICE AGE 4! This exci ng live show is a must see for all families with ac vi es each day including face pain ng, jumping castle and a chance to meet the characters from the show. Live performances at 11.00am and 1.00pm, colouring in compe on, meet and greet the characters at 12.00pm plus loads more fun ac vi es. For more info and ckets visit www.hvg.com.au
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SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE from 1st September 2014 until the 30th September 2014 inclusive or while stocks last.
26TH—27TH SEPTEMBER | SINGLETON SHOW | Singleton Showground | This year will see the 142nd Annual Singleton Show kick o on Friday September 26, 2014. There will be two big days and two big nights of non stop entertainment. Don't miss the Annual Australian Wife Carrying Titles to be held on Saturday 27th. Singleton commenced hos ng the Australian Wife Carrying Titles in 2006. Since then, the event has grown to become a major highlight of the event calendar for the Hunter. Teams enter the event from all over Australia. Six couples have made the trip over to Finland to represent Australia—and have had a fantas c experience in the process.
SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER | WOLLOMBI MUSIC FESTIVAL | Wollombi | Now in it's 5th year, Wollombi Music Fes val is fast becoming one of the most loved small fes vals in the country with a line-up and energy that belies the term ‘bou que’. Wollombi Music Fes val combines a beau ful mountain se ng with an awesome adjacent camping area and two stages with an eclec c mix of Australian bands. It’s colourful, friendly, full of great music, awesome markets and more. Located 2 minutes outside the historic village of Wollombi, at 2758 Wollombi Rd (next to Wollombi Wines). Visit www.wollombimusicfes val.com.au
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from the
EDITORS With September comes Spring in the Hunter Valley and a me when the vines come to life with an explosion of green known as ''budburst''. It's a wonderful me of the year to be in wine country with a great deal of ac vi es on the go as the weather starts to warm up and the perfect me to be adventurous with a wine tas ng tour, a balloon ight or horse-ride. Alterna vely pamper yourself at the day spa, take a stroll through Hunter Valley Gardens which is stunning in Spring or visit the local markets . In this issue of the Hunter Blackboard we celebrate the arrival of the new season and the warmer temperatures with a favourite Spring wine - Rosé which is now so popular that in France it is outselling white wines. Proof that the Hunter Valley is as much about world class restaurants and chefs as it is about award winning wine and winemakers, in this issue we pay tribute to the achievements of one of the Hunters top chefs and local culinary maestro Troy Rhoades Brown of Muse Restaurant and Muse Kitchen who was recently named Australian Young Restaurateur for 2104. A magni cent achievement for both troy and wife Megan - not to men on the en re team at Muse. One of my favourite ar cles is of the two owners of Thomas Allen Wines who have had an extraordinary friendship and career in wine and a mutual passion for winemaking.
Not to men on their ability to produce some of the most amazing Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz around. A visit to Thomas Allen is a must ... We all know that the beer industry is undergoing a renaissance, but here in the Hunter Valley microbreweries are springing up all over the place and it's fast becoming a cra beer lovers nirvana. Ever tried an ''Oyster Stout'', a ''S cky Beer'' or a ''Slaked Magpie'' - a vanilla infused porter beer? Well now you can. In this issue, we talk about this trend toward cra beers and the amazing and o en very funky beers brewed by beer whizz Keith Grice and his team at The Hunter Beer Co. in Nulkaba. The Cowley family - owners of Roberts Circa 1876 and Peppers Convent have opened a second restaurant with a signi cant di erence. Read the ar cle on the ''Dynamic Duo - two chefs and a garden'' to see just how two chefs are making a very visible di erence to the local dining scene, not to men on the environment. A fun new addi on are the ''local picks'' throughout the magazine, list the winners of the recent Hunter Valley Wine Show and draw a en on to the not to be missed events throughout the Hunter Valley this month and the next as well as what's on at Hunter Valley Gardens and on display at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery. Read on, and enjoy your me exploring the Hunter with us…..
HIGHLIGHTS APPETITE FOR EXCELLENCE | Australia’s Young Restaurateur of the Year | Muse is a restaurant that everyone is proud to be a part of….
FUNKY BREWS | Here’s Cheers to Cra Beers | The Australian beer industry is undergoing a signi cant metamorphosis with more and more beer lovers switching to the more full- avoured ... HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAP | A popular addi on to each and every issue. Use it to nd your way around Wine Country...
THE DYNAMIC DUO | Two Chefs and a Garden | The sister restaurant to the iconic Roberts Circa 1876 has opened its doors to allow diners to enjoy the taste and avours of organically grown produce from...
HUNTER VALLEY ROSÈ | Can there possibly be a be er wine variety to be enjoyed during the months of Spring? We think not! Find out more about this delicious variety and see our top pick for the month….
IT TAKES TWO | Local Lads Realise a Dream | Between them, local lads Steve Allen and Craig Thomas have over 70 years of wine making experience and their latest venture is the realisa on of a long-held dream….
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T H I N G S TO D O
A er a short break for renova ons and re-pain ng the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery will re-open on Saturday 6th September with "Reconnec ng" an exhibi on from the Gallery's collec on in conjunc on with the landscape pain ngs of John Barnes. The ar sts from the collec on include Ian Grant, Neil Taylor and Lezlie Tilley while the central focus is on the works of William Fletcher, a local Cessnock ar st who was regarded as the nest painter of na ve wild owers in all Australia. These works sit well alongside Barnes' pure Australian landscapes whose stylis c varia ons visually explore the nature of this place since colonisa on. The exhibi on will run un l Sunday 28th September. Gallery hours 11am 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. For more informa on visit www.crag.net.au
William Fletcher “Na ve Fushias”
GRAB YOUR PICNIC RUG & GET DOWN TO
BRIAR RIDGE Briar Ridge is excited to launch the inaugural Budfest at Briar Fes val on September 20, from 11am. The Fes val is an opportunity to celebrate budburst, and to highlight that enjoying wine is about simple pleasures…. Simple pleasures can be just as enjoyable with simple food. As such Briar Ridge will take a twist on your favourite takeaway and show that wine is about experience and can be just as memorable over a quick takeaway meal as with a dish prepared by a ha ed restaurateur! “Some of my best wine memories are heading to the beach with a bo le of Semillon, some sh ‘n’ chips and a great sunset ” says Winemaker Gywn Olsen, “a good wine doesn’t always need candles, white tablecloths and Wagyu beef! “ she concludes.
Chris Fussell “Un tled”
Budfest at Briar sees the Briar Ridge team reques ng their favourite takeaway dishes, to be prepared by legendary Robert Molines & the Bistro Molines team.
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Gwyn encourages everyone to come along, “ I can’t promise anything, but I have requested my takeaway favourite- a dagwood dog- so let’s see what Robert can do with that! ” So, bring along a picnic rug and se le in for an a ernoon of great music, some takeaway favourites and of course a glass or two of Briar Ridge’s nest. Visit www.briarridge.com.au for further details.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTION
Hunter Valley Gardens
Get into Hunter Valley Gardens this school holidays for a li le bit of prehistoric ac on and some modern day fun too! From September 20th un l October 6th, Hunter Valley Gardens will host the ICE AGE 4 SHOW. This exci ng live show is a must see for all families. Those two loveable scallywags SID and SCRAT are back. This me in search of a hidden pirate treasure. But before they can start their search they need to a end pirate school with Captain Pete the toughest pirate on the seven seas.... Or is he? Sid’s crazy an cs will give Pirate Pete a run for his money as he teaches all of our Ice Age friends what it really takes to be a true sea loving pirate. But that’s not where the fun ends! Each day sees a great program of fun ac vi es throughout the gardens: Ice Age 4 Show—Daily at 11am and 1pm, catch the show live or meet and greet the characters as they walk the gardens at midday. Face Pain ng: Daily 10am – 2pm Be enchanted by our face pain ng fairy. Children will have the opportunity to select from a variety of designs. Storybook Garden Jumping Castle: 10am – 2pm Hunter Valley Gardens very own Storybook Garden themed Jumping Castle will be onsite. (Weather permi ng). Treasure Hunt: Every day 9.00am – 5.00pm (Throughout the gardens) The kids can become Garden inves gators. When completed, hand it into the customer service sta in exchange for a prize.
Shanzcrea ons Every day 9.00am – 5.00pm Local ar san Shannon has created a collec on of Spring Hats with the theme “Bu er ies” on display daily. Colouring in Compe on: Every day 9.00am – 5.00pm. Colour in Ice Age 4 picture and go in the draw to win a Family Annual Pass. Compe on closes 6th October at 5.00pm, winners contacted by Wednesday 8th October. Hunter Valley Gardens Train: Daily. Parents and children can enjoy a train tour around the Gardens. A charge of $20.00 per family (2 Adults and 2 Children), $7.00 per adult or $5.00 per child will apply. For more informa on about this event or to purchase ckets online visit the Hunter Valley Gardens website at www.hvg.com.au
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Markets
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Skip the socks & undies.. A recent report ps that Australian’s are set to spend around $761 million on The Goon Show LIVE! is coming to the Sebel Kirkton Park for one night ONLY Dad this Father’s Day! That’s a lot of spoiling, and there’s all number of ways (which just happens to be Fathers Day!) This live-on-stage recrea on of The to spoil your Dad in Wine Country this year. Here’s some great ideas…. Goon Show will delight everyone. “It’s the best of Bri sh comedy!” The Goon Show LIVE! is the perfect comedy entertainment, with high energy and Shout the greatest Dad you know to Father’s Day at Harrigan’s Irish Pub. snappy one-liners that you will be quo ng for days, weeks and months to With live entertainment, bands, baby animal pe ng zoo, free kids face come. For bookings contact fathersday@thegoonshowlive.com.au or call pain ng and jumping castle for the kids. Book early to receive a James 4993 1309 Squires on arrival for all Dads. Open from 7.30-10.30am for a hot bu et breakfast, 12-3PM for lunch and 6-9PM for dinner. Phone 4998 4300 to book. Treat Dad to lunch at Roberts Circa 1876 and he can enjoy a FREE burger AND beer with any other main ordered! A Hunter Valley pasture-fed, blue ribbon winning beef burger, aged clothbound cheddar cheese, caramelised onions, aioli, organic tomato and le uce on house made brioche bun with polenta crusted potato croque es. Bookings (02) 4998 4998 or roberts@circa1876.com Looking for something di erent and exci ng to do? Head to Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures, where you and your Dad can ride the unique and beau ful Molly Morgan Range and experience the spectacular views that the Hunter has to o er. It doesn’t ma er if you’re beginners or experienced riders as you will have a dedicated, quali ed guide with you every step of the way. To book call 4930 7111 or email ride@huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au Put a li le spark into Dad’s special day with Tastes from around the world at Twine Restaurant. Sunday nights at Twine dining are about crea ng a unique casual dining experience. Start with a house made mezze plate then the "Tastes from around the world" dinner followed by a tantalizing dessert. Cost $49 per person and Kids under 12 eat FREE (1 Kid per paying adult, Sunday kids menu applies). The September theme is Spring Flavours. Get into Po ers Hotel Brewery Resort for live music with Kelly Hope, exclusive Fathers Day menu for lunch and dinner or a brewery tour. There’s plenty of giveaways including 18 holes (with cart) at Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club, Brewery Tours & Tas ngs and Po ers merchandise. Bookings essen al on 4991 7922.
Toast Dad this Father’s Day with an American style BEER-BQ lunch at Legends Bar & Grill. Enjoy Sirloin steaks, Kansas City Ribs, Memphis Wings or Carolina style pulled pork straight from the BBQ, ke le or smoker. Happy Hour Tap beer from 12noon - 3pm $60 per adult | $30 per child 13-16 years, $20 per child 6-12 years | Children under 5 are free. Bookings essen al— phone 4998 2201 to book or email recep on@thevintage.com.au And it doesn't just stop at ou ngs and meals … if you’re looking for that extra special and unique Hunter Valley gi for Dad then look no further…. Purchase a Golden Door Spa voucher for Dad this Fathers Day and receive 15% OFF all Body Massage treatments. To view our complete Spa Menu visit www.goldendoor.com.au or call our experienced team today on 4993 8500. 165 Thompsons Road Pokolbin NSW Purchase Dad any 500ml bo le of Port, Liqueur or Schnapps, and receive a FREE Large Port Sipper** from Hunter Valley Liqueurs (Shop 6, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village) Phone 4998 7455. **While Stocks Last. Limit 1 per Customer The very talented ar sans at Ogishi Cra Centre have created some beau ful and unique glass cu inks that would make a great Father's Day Gi this year. If you’re looking for something di erent and unique they can even make to order. This Father’s Day when you’re visi ng the Hunter Valley why not take a break from the wineries and visit Ogishi Cra Centre. Lovedale. Phone 4998 7979 No ma er what your Dad is into—there’s something for every Dad in Wine Country come 7th September. Happy Fathers Day!
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APPETITE
Muse is a restaurant that everyone is proud to be a part of and proud to have represent the Hunter Valley dining scene. Wine & Dine Hunter Valley
FOR Excellence
Australia’s Young Restaurateur of the Year 2014
Muse Restaurants Troy Rhoades-Brown has been named Australian Young observed precision, innova on and strong leadership – and he soaked it all Restaurateur for 2014 at the Electrolux Appe te for Excellence awards in up. Troy then returned to the Hunter Valley with the dream of opening his own restaurant and set about working his way to become Head Chef at Melbourne. Robert’s Restaurant. The Pokolbin based chef and restaurateur beat three other nalists that include Newcastle chef Chris Thornton from Restaurant Mason, Ma In March 2009, Troy and wife Megan opened Muse Restaurant at Dempsey from Gladioli Restaurant in Inverleigh - Victoria and Anna Pavoni Hungerford Hill on Broke Rd, Pokolbin, with the aim of providing diners with ''a complete dining experience'' that re ected the couples dedica on from Ormeggio at The Spit, and passion for what they do. To be eligible for the ward, contestants had to be under 35, own their own At the me, it was a decision loaded with risk as the global nancial crisis business and have been in business for a minimum of 2 years. had taken hold, economic uncertainty had set in and it was a perilous me Judge Lucy Allon says that she and the panel were impressed by Rhoadesto launch a business, let alone a ne-dining establishment. It was a bold Brown's ''clear vision for his restaurant''. ''With Muse based in the Hunter move and for Troy the most stressful and frightening decision of his life. Valley'', she says, ''he has made his mark on the region. He's grown very Just 18 months a er opening its doors, Muse was awarded the coveted slowly and sustainably, and he's done so well to put himself on the map''. Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat. A tremendous Considered one of the Hunter’s most exci ng and successful chefs, Troy's achievement for Troy and Megan who in the same year also took home the interest in cooking, food avours and techniques began at a very young age Restaurant and Catering Associa on award for Best Regional Restaurant in and was very in uenced by his mothers love of food and cooking. NSW and Contemporary Australian Restaurant Regional NSW. Try believes that for him personally, the award process has enabled him to In October 2011, the dynamic couple did it again by opening the more revisit and re-clarify his ambi ons, goals and direc on for the business. casual modern European inspired Muse Kitchen at Keith Tulloch Wines on Hermitage Rd to complement the more formal Muse Restaurant. ''Winning this award has given Muse valuable industry and media exposure, and for me personally a chance to meet and network with In 2012, Muse Kitchen was awarded its rst chefs hat and Muse industry leaders and young like-minded industry professionals'', says Troy. Restaurant retained it's much prized chefs hat for a second year. ''This award is a true re ec on of all the hard work and passion that the Today, both restaurants con nue to retain their prized Chefs Hats whole team at Muse contribute to the business each day.'' successfully con rming their status in the NSW food scene. Troy's rst few years of training took place in a small tradi onal Italian family-run restaurant, before moving to the Hunter Valley where he ''Our aim is to con nue to impress and over deliver on customer worked at Roberts Restaurant under renown chef Robert Molines whose expecta ons'' says Troy. ''Consistency, progression and a en on to detail restaurant was the ''breeding ground'' for many high achievers. It was here are all major points of focus as we con nue to re-invest in constantly that Troy immersed himself in modern French cuisine and started to improving on the diners experience'' develop his own style and air and create a name for himself. Since opening Muse Restaurant 5 years ago, Troy is well on his way to A er winning the 2005 Bre Graham Award, Troy ew to Europe to work achieve his objec ve of crea ng one of Australia’s best regional at the two Michelin Star Ledbury Restaurant at No ng Hill in London restaurants. May he y the ag for the Hunter Valley dining scene for many where fellow Australian Bre Graham is Head Chef. It was here that he years to come.
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FUNKY BREWS Here’s Cheers to Craft Beers! The beer industry is undergoing signi cant metamorphosis as more and more beer lovers turn towards the more full- avoured cra beers produced by the ever growing number of microbreweries - characterized by their emphasis on the integrity and quality of ingredients, avour and brewing techniques.
Currently on tap is the ''Wee Heavy'' - a Sco sh ale and barley cross. This is a beer that is big, sweet and rich and 2.5 years old. Think dessert crossed with an a er dinner liqueur and you’ll be heading in the right direc on. Raisins and sherry on the nose, currants and chocolate on the palate with a touch of vegemite. The opportunity to taste a beer this big is rare and the chance to tastes a beer that’s a couple of years old doesn’t While the term "microbrewery" was originally used in rela on to the size of come along every day. This is a genuine cra beer experience - love it or the brewery, over me it has evolved to re ect an alterna ve a tude and hate it, the trip is a lot of fun. approach to brewing beer and now also describes those breweries that incorporate exibility, adaptability, experimenta on and customer service Then there is the ''Fire Boss'' - the Hunter’s newest brand, this release is a nut brown ale, very approachable and easy drinking, light brown in colour to the overall beer experience. with a gentle sweetness and hazelnut avour. The Hunter Beer Co. in Nulkaba is the Hunter Valleys rst micro-brewery and is famous not just for brewing beer, but instead a unique range of The team at Hunter Beer Co. also brew an Oyster Stout in prepara on for innova ve, hand cra ed beers that come with a divergence of avours and St Patrick's Day each year. This beer is a classic Dry Irish Stout - very, very styles. Some are even downright weird and funky. These are beers made dry with espresso on the nose and generous roast & co ee in the mouth. for consumers who are willing to experiment and appreciate a good story Three dozen local Port Stephen’s oysters are added to the brew to give the beer a hint of oyster funk that gets stronger as the beer warms. A fabulous behind the label. beer - and one to remember! The brewing team made up of Jack, Billie-Jo and headed up by Keith Grice ''the Beer Guy'' believes that beer should be a journey - ''an Another unusual and very funky beer is the beer aptly named the “S cky adventure'' - bold in avour and character. In fact when you get Beer'' - also referred to as ''the best dessert beer in the world”. This beer is Keith talking about beer, you get the impression that he is on a life- Keith's a empt to turn a favourite dessert into a beer and is a twist on a g long pursuit towards a beer-fuelled Nirvana. As a result the guys at pudding with the avours being caramelised gs, hazelnut and vanilla. This the Hunter Beer Co. have a great deal of fun experimen ng and brewing is a beer to be enjoyed while nibbling on a s cky date pudding. many di erent types of beer and being crea ve with a variety of di erent Also causing a great deal of excitement is the newly released Slaked ingredients. Magpie - a vanilla infused milk porter beer that is really rich and Whether it be their range of award winning regular beers such as the bold creamy from the lactose included in the brewing process. Being a American style Pale Ale, the dark German styled Bock, the full strength porter, this is a dark beer with a very evident burned malt, co ee and Lager, the light avoured Belgian Witbier and the agship beer the Hunter vanilla taste and a sweet nose. Almost like a kahlua. Kolsch, these beers have taste and its a taste that has its very own and very Not one to sit s ll, Keith has now also got hold of an old French oak large personality. wine barrel, complete with stains from the red (they think Shiraz) As well as the regular beers, the brewing team also produce a range of wine it once held. Keith is aiming to produce yet another unique popular seasonal beers and others that can be considered outright funky beer - brewed in this wine barrel. such as the Cranky Pants IPA, the annually brewed Christmas Cheer, the Ah ... Blessed are the brewers ! Vanilla Milk Porter, the Espresso Brown Ale and the Hunter 9 - a big Belgian ale (10% alc) with a sweet to ee front of mouth feel but great aroma cs . These beers are all naturally brewed and designed for beer drinkers to discover something new, interes ng and more avoursome.
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Saddle up this Spring and go Horse-riding... When it comes to horse-riding, there is simply no be er way to experience the local countryside, see wildlife in their natural environment and relax all at same me. Spring is the perfect me of the year to see nature at its best, so saddle-up and watch the sun rise as you and your horse move through the quiet of the morning. Alterna vely take an early evening roman c ride with your partner as you enjoy each other’s company while you watch the sun set behind the mountain range just ahead of you? Life just does not get be er than that‌ Our Locals Pick is Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures on Talga Rd in Lovedale where they cater for beginner riders to the more experienced. Situated on over 300 acres of natural bush-land with glorious views of the Watagans and Brokenback Range, Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures provides you with the best and most ful lling horse-riding experience in the Hunter Valley. You can even go kangaroo spo ng and try your hand ca le mustering. To make a booking contact Margaret on 4930 7111
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When you walk into La Belle France at Peppers Creek, it’s like stepping into a quaint village store in Provence….. Owners of La Belle France, Dominique and Angela Wehrle, are clearly passionate about everything to do with France. From the moment you step into this gorgeous store at Peppers Creek, you are mesmerised by the selec on of unique tableware imported from France. The beau ful Provence collec on includes 100% chic co on tablecloths, servie es, aprons, oven gloves, bread baskets and plas c bag holders all of matching designs. Also available are the interes ng range of objets d’art as well as French soaps and beauty products, aprons, fashion umbrellas, jewellery, furniture, French books, tea towels and more. Discover for yourself… La Belle France is open daily 10am ~ 4pm. Phone: 0418 665 328. La Belle France also has a store at Morpeth. For more informa on visit their website at www.labellefrance.com.au
Now also producing Glass Jewellery The wonderfully unique Ogishi Cra Centre on Wilderness Rd in Lovedale is owned and managed by glass ar st Setsuko Ogishi - one of very few women glassblowers in Australia. Setsuko has been working with glass for over twenty years, exhibi ng throughout Australia and interna onally and has won numerous awards for excellence in her cra . Her glass plates, bowls, vases, paperweights, perfume bo les, even small birds and mushrooms are en rely unique. Some of Setsukos new work now also involves exquisitely cra ed glass fruit and chocolates as well as her recently announced range of exquisite glass jewellery including beau fully designed pendants and earrings.
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A BIG HIT
In Wine Country
A favourite amongst both locals and visitors to the Hunter Valley - Aqua Golf and Pu -Pu is the No 1 ac vity in Hunter Valley Wine Country. Aqua Golf is a golf driving range with an incen ve. Grab a bucket of balls and aim the golf balls at the oa ng target nets in the 5,000 square metre lake. If your ball lands in a oa ng target net you get to win a voucher to some of the best restaurants, cellar doors, hot air balloon rides, golf courses, wine tours and most importantly you can win CASH JACKPOTS! There is also an 18-hole Pu - Pu course in a lovely se ng beside the lake, so for some extra compe on or "just for fun" challenge your partner, friends or family to a round of mini golf. The undula ng course includes the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" 11th Hole where making a bogey is considered a good score! First established in 1979 and now 35 years later, Aqua Golf is owned and operated by Kieran McMahon who is a AAA rated Australian PGA member, with over 20 years experience and also owns Golf To The Max Golf Schools and Lessons. Kieran is well known for his tremendous energy when it comes to helping players enjoy their golf and is o en available to hand out some advise and a prize. Don't worry about not having clubs, the Aqua Golf Pro Shop has a range of right and le hand clubs for everybody including children and adults. Clubs are free to hire when you buy a bucket of balls.
HUNTER VALLEY A Lonely Planet Top Pick ‘‘Make your choice, se le back, slide into a glass of earthy shiraz and thoroughly enjoy your meal. It’s the stu of which travel memories are made.” (Lonely Planet East Coast Australia - 5th Edi on). Three years a er naming Newcastle as one of its top 10 ci es in the world to visit, travel content provider - Lonely Planet, has once again directed its focus to the Hunter Region by naming Hunter Valley Wineries among the top 20 must-see des na ons on the Australian east coast in the recently released h edi on of Lonely Planet East Coast Australia. The book refers to the Hunter Valley vineyards as the ‘‘premier wine district’’ in NSW and ranks a visit to the region as number 13 in a list of 20 highlights across the country’s east coast. Of the Hunter's 140 plus wineries, the Lonely Planet guide singles out wineries that include Macquariedale Organic Wines, Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood, McWilliams Mount Pleasant, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Tempus Two and Pooles Rock (Cock ghters Ghost). The book also refers to some of the regions top dining spots by naming leading Hunter Valley restaurants and cafes such as Muse Kitchen, Cafe Enzo, Muse Restaurant and Bistro Molines.
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lè GOURMAND There’s more than just wine produced right here in the Hunter Valley—we are also lucky to enjoy a growing range of gourmet foods. Here’s a few of our favourites...
Clear Winners at
Hunter Valley Wine Show
From the moment grape picking commenced in December for the 2014 vintage in the Hunter Valley, it was declared to be the “vintage of the century”, and since it followed on the heels of an excellent 2013 vintage there was much to be pleased about at the recent Hunter Valley Wine Show. Now in its 40th year, the Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley was very much a day of celebra on with approximately 400 local winemakers and guests in a endance to witness the presenta on of over 20 trophies for what’s been named one of the Hunter Valley’s best wine shows. A team of respected wine show judges led by Jim Cha o, assessed a total of 738 Hunter Valley wines from 73 producers on colour, condi on, aroma and avour. This years results saw 54 Gold, 131 Silver and 249 Bronze medals being awarded with 21 Trophies being shared between just 9 wine producers. With seven trophies and 14 gold medals, Tyrrell’s Vineyards dominated the prize list - claiming trophies for the Best White Wine of the Show, the Best Semillon, the Best Museum White Wine, the Best One Year-Old Chardonnay, the Best Any Vintage Chardonnay, the Best Two-Year Old and Older Chardonnay and the Best Two Year Old and Older Semillon. Brokenwood was named the Most Successful Exhibitor of Young Wines and the Iain Riggs Wines of Provenance Award was won by Andrew Thomas with his 2004, 2006 and 2014 Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon wines. Up and coming wine producer De Iuliis wines did well to win two trophies for Best Other Red Wine with the 2013 Shiraz Touriga Nacional and Best Museum Red with their 2006 Show Reserve Shiraz Pepper Tree Wines won four trophies, with their 2011 Tallawanta Grand Reserve Shiraz, which was judged the Best Red Wine of Show, the Best Shiraz, the Best Three-Year Old and Older Shiraz and the Best Named Vineyard Red. Under the same ownership, the Mount View-based Briar Ridge winery won two gold medals and a trophy for having the Best Single Vineyard Semillon with their 2014 Dairy Hill Single Vineyard Semillon. The McLeish 2007 Cellar Reserve Semillon, which was declared the best white wine at the 2014 Australian Bou que Wine Awards and in 2012 was awarded the tle of the world’s best Semillon in the Interna onal Wine Challenge in London, took home two trophies for Best Named Vineyard Wine and Best Named Vineyard White Wine. Repea ng their success from 2013, Drayton’s Family Wines were awarded the Trevor Drayton Memorial Trophy for Best For ed Wine with their Heritage Vines Verdelho NV. Upper Hunter Wine producer - Two Rivers Wines, was awarded the Ed Joualet Memorial Trophy (one year old Semillon) for their 2013 Stones Throw Semillon. An exci ng inclusion to this years show was the addi on of two new trophies. The rst being the Innova on Trophy for which the De Iuliis ShIraz Touriga Nacional stood out amongst all other wines entered and the second being the Silver Bullet Trophy which was presented by interna onal wine show judge Fongyee Walker to Drayton's Family Wines for their 1978 Tawny Port.
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THE DYN@MIC DUO
Two Chefs & a Garden The Cowley family who own and manage the historic Peppers Convent luxury retreat and Roberts Circa 1876 restaurant have opened their second restaurant ''Eighty Eight'' - named a er the address of its loca on in Peppers Convent at 88 Halls Road, Pokolbin. Coincidentally, it is also the symbol of fortune and good luck in Chinese culture. Together with its sister restaurant, Roberts Circa 1876, Eighty Eight will be headed up by the mul -award winning execu ve chef George Francisco who joined Roberts Restaurant Circa 1876 a er a career spanning 30 years working at some of the best and most highly regarded restaurants in the United States and Australia.
year regardless of the season. There is also a greenhouse full of seedlings ensuring future crops and George has also taken to making his own jams and pickles and harves ng his own honey. The garden is also home to an adorable bunch of chickens - all named a er English Chefs - that parade up and down the garden fer lizing the soil as they go and supplying the kitchen with eggs. Not only has the kitchen garden lowered the food costs, but there has also been a signi cant decline in kitchen waste with the chickens feeding on edible kitchen scraps and all oyster, clam and mussel shells crushed and recycled to create pathways now visible around the restaurant.
Assis ng George at restaurant Eighty Eight is Chef de Cuisine Edwin It is this 1.5 hectare organic kitchen garden that inspired the crea on of Rosenkranz who has previously worked at pres gious hotels and numerous restaurant Eighty Eight and enabled George to live out a career-long dream ne-dining establishments around the world and was even personal chef to of se ng up a sustainable restaurant. Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland. ''All items on the menu are ethically sourced, which means they are Both chefs will remain at Roberts Circa 1876 while taking on their roles at organically grown on the property, acquired locally or sustainably farmed," the new venue. Francisco says of the menu at Eighty Eight. What makes restaurant Eighty Eight unique and so di erent to many other ''In addi on, the inten on at Eighty Eight is to be able to cater to all dietary restaurants is that everything prepared and served from the kitchen is preferences. Once a guests books and men on any allergies, intolerances, organically grown on the property or ethically sourced from local growers. dislikes and dietary preferences, they should not have to worry about them Both George and Edwin have made it a priority to minimise both again throughout their meal'' says George. restaurants impact on the environment and have worked with Less formal than Roberts Circa 1876, Restaurant Eighty Eight provides the hor culturalist Elisa Fitzpatrick to establish a spectacular organic kitchen most deligh ul environment for diners who want to eat in a very in mate garden which drives the restaurants menus and adds to the self su ciency se ng. of the property. For guests at Eighty Eight, the restaurant also provides the addi onal The garden is testament to George's love for gardening and for growing comfort and pleasure of knowing that the meal they are being served is things as well as both Edwin and George's passion for food, progression imbued with integrity and goodness and prepared using ingredients that and sustainable prac ces. The inten on is to provide a con nuous supply have been nurtured by nature, prepared with respect and cooked by those of organic fruit and vegetables for the two restaurants throughout the with a love for food and an eye on the future.
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WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD
Under the Table September is a great me to visit the Hunter Valley with most restaurants working to their new Spring menus and the slightly warmer temperatures making a late morning breakfast or brunch a temp ng op on. Alterna vely take advantage of the cooler a ernoons and evenings and dine al-fresco. Here are some of the latest happenings on the Local Food Scene. Australia's Culinary King: Troy Rhoades - Brown - Owner and Head Chef of Muse Restaurant has been named Australian Young Restaurateur 2014 at the Electrolux Appe te for Excellence Awards. RidgeView Spring in Season Dinner - September 5. The evening includes 4 courses with canapes and a complimentary glass of RidgeView bubbles. Cost $65 or $85 with matching wines. Bookings essen al: Ph: 6574 7332 or 0487 955 551 Learn to Cook Spanish Paella: Learn how to cook Authen c Spanish Paella, Super tasty Churros and of course Sangria in Calais Estate Barrel Room with Ma Dillow - chef and owner of The Verandah Restaurant. Cost; $90 per person. Date: 21st September. Phone: 4998 7231 Tin lla Estate Long Tuscan Lunch - September 13. Now in it's 8th year, this Annual Long Tuscan Lunch has become an ins tu on amongst regular a endees, members & locals. Cost $75.00 per person (includes Food & Wine). Bookings and Enquiries: Phone: 65747093 Bookings are strictly limited!! Annual Stonehurst Long Table Lunch - September 20. A ‘farm-style’ inspired 5 course gourmet feast with matching organic Stonehurst wines. And of course live music. Loca on: Stonehurst Cedar Creek. To book: Ph: 4998 1576 Sunday Tastes: Sundays night dining at Twine Restaurant is about crea ng a unique casual dining experience which starts with a house made mezze plate followed by their "Tastes from around the world" dinner (September is Spring Flavours) followed by a tantalizing dessert. Every Sunday at Twine Restaurant from 5:30pm last bookings 7:30pm. Cost: $49 pp. Kids under 12 eat FREE (1 kid per paying adult, Sunday kids menu applies). Bookings essen al: Ph: 4998 7449 Locals Night at The Verandah Restaurant is on Sunday the 14th of September with the theme “Sa ron, garlic and olive night”. The evening starts at 6:30pm with complimentary canapes and bubbles, followed by a 5 coarse Tapas Style degusta on. $50 per person BYO (no corkage). Bookings essen al: Ph: 4998 7231 For a comprehensive list of local restaurants, dining reviews and food and wine trail maps for each of the 5 key wine growing areas - see the latest issue of Wine & Dine in the Hunter.
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It's Happening at Peden's Hotel Formerly the Aberdare Tavern, Peden's Hotel underwent extensive renova ons in 2010 with a new restaurant, bar, tab area, children’s playroom, new kitchen and outdoor dining as well as an outdoor smoking area added to the exis ng hotel. Today, Peden's Hotel features a very modern interior decor and includes a large bar that ows seamlessly to the very spacious dining area which has oor-to-ceiling glass windows providing ample natural light. The restaurant menu is large with an impressive balance of hotel favourites and restaurant-quality o erings that include a generous selec on of entrees, pasta dishes, gourmet burgers, light meals, salads and a choice of main meals that include chicken schnitzel, aky chicken lo, Atlan c salmon, lamb cutlets and steaks. There is also a kids menu. Whether it be ''Kids eat free Mondays'', ''Trivia Tuesday'', ''Karaoke Wednesdays'', ''Hot Rock Thursdays'', a pool comp or live entertainment on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday nights, at Peden's there is something for everyone .... and it's happening on every day of the week. So whether you are a local or a visitor to the area, make sure you nd me to check out Peden's Hotel.
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BEHIND THE
It's Spring and the perfect me of the year to be in the vineyards with the buds developing new shoots and leaves triggering the start of the grape owering process. As the days get warmer, the shoots grow longer and the grape ower begins to form grape berries - known as ''berry set''. The vineyard team now get busy monitoring the vines and crop thinning where necessary to meet op mum yield levels per acre. Here are some of the latest happenings on the local Wine & Beer Scene. We'll drink to that! Congratula ons to winemakers Greg Silkman, Liz Jackson and the rest of the winemaking team at First Creek Wines for ve red stars in the 2015 Australian Wine Companion (top 4.9% of wineries, Australia-wide) for the last two years. Hart & Hunter: Winemaking couple Damien Stevens & Jodie Belleville are the names behind the Hart & Hunter brand and now have a cellar door on Deasy's Rd in Pokolbin. Although a rela vely new brand, Hart & Hunter shot to notoriety in 2010 by taking out three trophies for their debut Semillon followed with subsequent wines winning awards. Since then they have never looked back. Eagles Rest Wines - New Cellar Door: Eagles Rest Wines are opening their new cellar door on Oakey Creek Rd in Pokolbin - opposite Drayton's Family Wines. McLeish Estate wins again: McLeish Estate was awarded Best White Wine of Show with their mul award winning 2007 Semillon at the recent 2014 Bou que Wine Awards 2015 Australian Wine Companion Shiraz of the Year. The 2011 Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz has just been named 2015 Australian Wine Companion Shiraz of the Year. Hunter Valley Wine Show Results: Highlights were Best Dry White Wine of the Show being awarded to Tyrrell’s 2006 Vat 1 Semillon and the trophy for the Best Dry Red Wine of the Show going to Pepper Tree Wines 2011 Tallawanta Grand Reserve Shiraz. Trophy Winners were: Briar Ridge Vineyard (1), Tyrrell's Vineyards (7), Brokenwood Wines (2), Two Rivers Wines (1), De Iuliis Wines (2), Pepper Tree Wines (4), Drayton’s Family Wines (1), McLeish Estate (2), Thomas Wines (1).
For a comprehensive list of local wineries, top drops and food and wine trail maps for each of the 5 key wine growing areas - see the latest issue of Wine & Dine Hunter Valley.
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ROSÉ Rosé is the perfect wine for Spring and Summer. Served chilled, it can be a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of warm weather meals and it tops the charts for food-friendly versa lity. Whether it's rosé, rosado (Spain), rosato (Italy) or "blush", they all refer to pink wine which can range in colour from a pale orange to a vivid nearpurple, depending on the grape used and wine making techniques which include the length of me the grape skins have been in contact with the grape juice. The origins of rosé winemaking can be traced back to ancient Greece, when much of the red wine produced was pale red. By mid 100 B.C, the Romans had popularized darker red wines in Europe, but rosé wine remained popular in parts of France - most notably, Provincia Romana which is today's Provence region as well as the surrounding Mediterranean area. Today, the number of rosés on the market con nues to grow, seemingly unabated. In fact the demand for tradi onal dry rosé is so widespread that across France, rosé outsells white wine and outside of France, rosé is experiencing a rebirth Rosé wines can and are made from almost any red variety, red blends or red and white blends and can be made in a sweet, o dry or bone dry style, with most European rosés being decidedly dry. Almost all of the world's wine-producing regions make rosés. The rst, and arguably, the most important rosé producer is France where it is predominantly found in the southern region of Tavel, Provence; and the Loire Valley in Anjou. Other important regions are Piedmont in Italy, Rioja in Spain, and Styria in Austria. Australia’s fresh and vibrant Rosés are generally produced from red grape varie es such as Shiraz and Grenache, with only minimal contact on skins to give the wines their signature ‘blush’. As a fantas c food wine, the versa lity of rosé is its standout feature as it can be paired with a wide variety of foods and avours and handles spices and heat very well. Rosé is great alongside salads, an pasto pla ers, sh dishes or even your favourite curry. A great beverage for a picnic, rosé wine can accompany everything from seafood, ham, chicken, salads to barbecued and roasted meats. Rosé usually has a delicate avour and a balance of sweetness and acidity that make it a refreshing palate-cleansing drink. Best served young and at a chilled temperature, rosé wine is a wonderful alterna ve to a red or white. When it comes to cheeses, so goat cheese pairs best with rosé.
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FIRST CREEK 2013 ROSÉ First Creek Wines have been cra ing wines of excep onal regional quality since 1996. A talented and highly acclaimed team of winemakers led by Liz Jackson and Greg Silkman are regarded as amongst the best in Australia. This fresh and zesty 2013 Rosé was made from Orange Cabernet Sauvignon and Hunter Valley Shiraz grapes and fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain the fresh aroma cs of the red grapes. The wine is bo led early to retain the lovely fresh fruit characters of both varietals. The wine is pale strawberry pink in colour, with the aroma and palate displaying li ed notes of strawberry and Turkish delight coupled with layers of dried spice, rounding out into a creamy, fruit-driven palate. Natural fruit sweetness is balanced by a fresh crisp acid. When it comes to food - match with food that has light & delicate avours. A perfect wine to enjoy with sushi, sashimi and goats cheese salads.
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IT TAKES TWO!
Between them, local lads Steve Allen and Craig Thomas have over 70 years of winemaking experience. Their latest venture, Thomas Allen Wines, is the realisa on of a long-held dream. The beau ful Moon Mountain Vineyard on Broke Road, Pokolbin, with its panoramic views and rich winemaking heritage, is an iconic loca on on the Hunter Valley map. Since the winter of 2009 it’s been home to Thomas Allen Wines; a venture that’s the culmina on of a 35-plus year journey for Steve Allen and Craig Thomas – two men who are similarly steeped in Hunter Valley winemaking history. Steve, who hails from Georgetown, Newcastle, and Craig, whose provenance is Cessnock, are familiar names and faces in the Hunter, and they con nue to play a key role in maintaining the region’s wonderful tradi on of ne wine. Of course, back in the early 70s, when Steve and Craig were young lads, this would all have been a distant dream. Craig’s rst taste of the industry came in 1976, while working a vintage at Saxonvale Vineyards during his HSC year at Cessnock High School. He went on to contribute to vintages at the Hollydene Estate at Denman, work in the cellars at Wyndham Estate in 1978, and on the cellar oor at the Hermitage Winery, Pokolbin, in 1979.
They purchased a second-hand van and, armed with some excellent agencies and products, launched the new business. Craig kept his ‘day job’ as group produc on manager at Wyndham Estate, while Steve worked full me in the new venture. Through hard work and long hours he made an immediate impact on the industry and Craig joined him at Vinkem full- me in 1989. Success at Saddler’s Creek Wines A er establishing the Vinkem business, Craig and Steve were yearning to be back in the day-to-day of winemaking. In 1990 they took a step back from the Vinkem business and built Saddler’s Creek Wines on Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin. Winemaking was undoubtedly their passion and this fueled Saddler’s Creek Wines’ success with both the public and the professional winemaking world. Their produce won accolades at wine shows na onwide and was praised by wine magazines and cri cs alike. Vinkem con nued to succeed too, becoming a major winery supply company across Australia – se ng up o ces and warehouses in the Hunter, Adelaide, Perth and the Yarra Valley.
The business deals con nued. They sold Saddler’s Creek Wines in 1994 and bought Allanmere Wines at Lovedale, with fellow Hunter winemaker, Gary Steve, who as a young man was an avid surfer and representa ve rugby Reed. Allanmere was a quality bou que wine producer with a strong player at Newcastle Boys’ High School, studied food science at Hawkesbury reputa on, which Craig and Steve con nued to maintain and grow. Later, Agricultural College and, a er gradua ng in 1975, pursued a career in food Greg Silkman joined the group, and together the foursome went on to technology. create Monarch Winemaking, which eventually became First Creek Wines. Steve and Craig rst joined forces in 1983 – Craig was assistant winemaker They were also joined by John Earl, who took on the task of running the for Wyndham Estate Winery and winemaker for Elliots Wines at Hermitage cellar door at Allanmere, building its reputa on and sales even further. Winery when Steve joined the Hermitage team as their laboratory manager Pursuing a passion and winemaker. It was the beginning of a friendship and business It wasn’t un l 2009, however, that Steve and Craig’s long-held dream of partnership that would s ll be going strong over 30 years later. nding a small, old growth vineyard with the ability to produce classic A er a year in France, working in the wine regions of Champagne and Hunter wines, par cularly Shiraz and Chardonnay, was realised. It was the Bordeaux, Craig was reunited with Steve at the Saxonvale Winery. sale of Vinkem – a er 22 years of success – to French supply business Saxonvale had been purchased by the Wyndham Group, so there were La ort Oenology that put the wheels in mo on. much greater volumes of grape processing to manage than before. It was at Saxonvale that Steve and Craig worked alongside talented winemaker, The search was on to nd the right vineyard, with old vines and a perfect Alasdair Sutherland – a man whom some 25 years later the best Thomas aspect. Allen Shiraz was named a er. That place was Moon Mountain Vineyard and, by winter, Thomas Allen Vinkem is born Wines had a place to call home. The business of winemaking was becoming increasingly interes ng to Craig and Steve in the late 1980s, and they spo ed an opportunity to launch a new winery supply company that could e ciently distribute specialty winemaking products to the Hunter wineries. Vinkem was born.
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It is a unique thing to realise a dream of producing tradi onal Hunter styles from such an old and iconic vineyard, and Craig and Steve, two local blokes, consider themselves very fortunate to be a part of the Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Wine industry.
What is meant by Late Harvest Wines? Late harvest wine is a general term for wine which has been made from extra-ripe grapes - grapes that have been purposely le on the vine beyond normal picking me, allowing them me to ripen fully and produce a considerable amount of sugar. The later the grapes are harvested, the more sugar and typically the sweeter the resul ng wine. While most regular table wines ferment to dryness with li le or no residual sugar in the nished wine, late harvest examples can be quite sweet. Generally, just harves ng wine late does not necessarily result in a very sweet wine. Other techniques such as producing ice wine (or Eiswein in German) or harves ng and making wine from botry s a ected grapes (grapes a ected by botry s cinerea also known as noble rot) produce the richest, sweetest dessert wines.
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The Noble Grape Wine grape varietals are the individual types of grapes that nd their way into the world's wines. While there are more than 5,000 di erent wine grape varie es in the world, the vast majority of wines we consume are from less than threedozen of the world's nest varietals of the genus Vi s Vinifera, which is prevalent in Europe. The other is Vi s Labrusca which is na ve to Canada and the eastern United States.
This argument focuses on the globalisa on of wine and its impact on the wine industry and on certain varie es (eg: Chardonnay). The concern is that when na ve vines are ripped out and replaced by these noble grapes, there is a loss of the local expression and tradi on. As the new world expands vineyard plan ngs, we are seeing a growth in the plan ngs of new and di erent varie es and in experimenta on. Consumer recogni on has grown beyond those original 7 noble varie es and some suggest that varie es such as Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris (or Grigio), and Semillon amongst the whites and Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo amongst the reds should be added to the list. That would bring the total to 18 noble grape varie es that consumers recognise around the world, as making top quality wines.
We o en hear and even read the term ''noble grape'', but without much explana on of its' use. In short, the term ''noble grape'' describes the interna onal variety of grapes that are most recognisable for producing the highest quality wines. It is generally accepted that there are only 7 noble grape varie es. For white wines, they are Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. For red wines they are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah (Shiraz). Coincidentally (or not) they are all French and in Discovery is part of the wine experience. So, enjoy the noble varie es as they truly make wonderful wines, but make sure you con nue to explore France they are referred to as "cĂŠpage noble". and enjoy the hundreds of other grape varie es out there as well. There is, however, some argument that the focus on noble varie es, at the expense of local varie es, has hurt the wine industry.
Become a Competent Wine Taster Becoming a competent wine taster is really not all that di cult. The secret is knowing what to look for in a wine of a par cular variety or style. Over me and with prac ce it becomes a great deal easier as you become more ''tuned in'' - and let's face it can be a great deal of fun. This 5-step process of tas ng wine is a helpful tool for becoming more ''tuned-in'', understand your favourite wines and enjoy each aspect of the wine tas ng experience.
Look
Hold the glass up to a white background such as a tablecloth or napkin. No ce the depth of colour. Intensity of colour is some mes a signal of a wine with a heavier body.
Smell Move your glass in small circles to swirl the wine and release the aromas. A er several seconds of swirling, hold the glass up to your nose and inhale - taking in the full range of the wine's bouquet of aromas.
Recent Awards... It seems that it’s not just the buds that are burs ng up at Briar Ridge but also their trophy cabinet with their 2014 Dairy Hill Semillon taking out the best 2014 Semillon trophy at the Hunter Valley Wine Show. This tops o their recent great results where for the h consecu ve year, Briar Ridge received Five Stars in the James Halliday Wine Companion (2015 Edi on). Briar Ridge joins just 4.9% of wineries to receive this red ra ng, and this level represents an 'Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity. Will have at least two wines rated at 94 points or above, and had a ve-star ra ng for the previous two years'. Of par cular note is the 95 point score of both the 2013 Briar Ridge Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Semillon and 2013 Briar Ridge Cellar Reserve Fume Blanc.
Taste Take an ample sip of wine, and swirl it your mouth for a moment. While the wine is s ll in your mouth, take in a bit of air and let it roll over your tongue, swishing it around to experience the texture and body of the wine.
Touch The "weight" or "body" of a wine can be described as light, medium, or full. Whites such as Pinot Grigio are considered light-bodied, while reds such as Cabernet are usually medium to full-bodied.
Assess What is your overall impression? Did you like the wine ? Assess all previous steps by taking into considera on the look, smell, taste and touch of the wine and how they may or may not all work together or balance. Also assess the nish - no ce if the a ertaste in your mouth is pleasant, or whether it lingers with you for awhile.
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Gwyneth Olsen– Briar Ridge Winemaker
Great wines are being made on the sun-kissed isles of southern Europe and wine lovers and experts alike are fast discovering just how fantas c wines from countries like Italy and Spain truly are. For that unique taste of the Mediterranean then Pokolbin Estate on McDonalds Rd - Pokolbin is just the place to go to. Located on McDonalds Rd in Pokolbin, Pokolbin Estate Vineyard is one of the smallest bou que estates in the Hunter Valley where their exclusive wines are hand-made and created from grapes grown on their Pokolbin Estate and Belebula Vineyards. With a freakish compe on record, Pokolbin Estate have a reputa on for producing outstanding wines - par cularly with their Riesling, Semillon and Shiraz. They have also had a great deal of success with their three Mediterranean style red wines - the premium Spanish variety Tempranillo and the Italian varie es that include Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. All three varie es are grown on their Belebula Vineyard. The Belebula Tempranillo - a grape that is na ve to northern Spain, is medium bodied, deep burgundy in colour with dry so red berry and plum fruit driven avours on the palate. Sangiovese is perhaps Italy’s best known grape variety and the popular Belebula Sangiovese does not disappoint. This is an elegant, fruit driven style of wine that has a plethora of berry fruit and a touch of pepper and spice. The third wine making up the trio is the tantalising and intensely aroma c Nebbiolo who's very name is evoca ve of its home among the misty foothills of the western Alps. The Belebula Nebbiolo is light to medium brick red in colour with an aroma of tar and rose petals. Its savoury and aroma c characters are unusual and can be compared to Pinot Noir. Just like Alexandre Dumas' ''Three Muskateers'', these three wines from Pokolbin Estate are daring, adventurous and fashionable. All three wines are available at their 1889 circa sandstone cellar door in Pokolbin.
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COMING UP 22ND SEPT—6TH OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTION at Hunter Valley Gardens Join all the fun at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays with ICE AGE 4! This exci ng live show is a must see for all families with ac vi es each day including face pain ng, jumping castle and a chance to meet the characters from the show. Live performances at 11.00am and 1.00pm, colouring in compe on, meet and greet the characters at 12.00pm plus loads more fun ac vi es. For more info and ckets visit www.hvg.com.au
4TH/5TH, 11TH, 18TH & 25TH OCTOBER | HANDMADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS at Kevin Sobels Wines
11TH OCTOBER TO 16TH NOVEMBER | ROSE SPECTACULAR at Hunter Valley Gardens Take the opportunity to see Hunter Valley Gardens blooming with over 2 million rose blooms, throughout the annual Rose Spectacular. See 35,000 rose bushes in over 125 di erent varie es. The majority of the roses are grown at Hunter Valley Gardens are of the fragrant variety, a er all, a rose without perfume just isn’t a rose! Includes rose talks and demonstra ons. For more informa on visit www.hvg.com.au
19TH OCTOBER
19TH OCTOBER GOING TO A GARDEN PARTY Roberts Circa 1876 This event forms part of a very busy calendar the SMH Good Food Month. Tour Roberts Circa 1876 market garden with Execu ve Chef George Francisco. Then sit down to a garden-inspired three course lunch at just $75 pp. For more informa on visit www.roberstcirca1876.com
The second Hunter valley Wine Fes val will take place on Saturday 11th October within the grounds of the picturesque Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. This community event will be one to remember. With an extensive array of wine, food, beer and cider on o er, fes val goers will be spoilt for choice as is always the case with a true Hunter Valley Experience.
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Join the pilots and crew of Balloon Alo for the 4th annual Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta on the 25th & 26th October. Enjoy a spectacular ballooning adventure, ying with around twenty colourful balloons, then indulge in a delicious champagne breakfast on the deck at Peterson’s Champagne House. For more informa on and to book ckets visit the Balloon Alo website at www.balloontalo .com.au
19TH OCTOBER SACRED TREE MARKETS at Branxton
Spring Cruzin Hunter Valley Gardens The largest convoy of Classic, Vintage, Street Machines, Veteran, Hot Rods, Motor Bikes and Commercial vehicles in NSW will set out for the award winning interna onal tourist des na on— Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin.
11TH OCTOBER HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
25TH—26TH OCTOBER 4TH ANNUAL BALLOON FIESTA Start at Peterson House
The scenic route will cover 60 25TH OCTOBER kilometres through to the nal JAZZ IN THE VINES des na on at Hunter Valley Gardens Tyrrell’s Vineyard where everyone can enjoy DJ Vinnie's 1950s 1960s Rock & Roll Jazz in the Vines is unlike any other Music, Stalls, Face Pain ng, Food & Jazz concert in Australia. Apart from much more being the longest running annual music Visit the annual Spring Cruzin display fes val in the Hunter Valley, Jazz in the to see some magni cently preserved Vines is more a picnic with good examples of Veteran & Vintage, friends, fantas c food and great Classic & Commercial, Hot Rods, Hunter Valley wines all wrapped up in Street Machines & Bikes on display. the beau ful surroundings of the Brokenback Mountains. The event begins at 9.00am from the Be entertained by some of the Stockland Shopping Centre at country's biggest names in Jazz at the Glendale, then travels to Hunter famous Tyrrell's Vineyard on the last Valley Gardens Village. For more Saturday in October every year. Check informa on visit www.hvg.com.au out the Jazz in the Vines website for current details, ar sts and more at www.jazzinthevines.com.au
25TH OCTOBER – 23RD NOVEMBER SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS Throughout Wollombi
Celebra ng its 12th anniversary, Sculpture in the Vineyards is Australia's largest outdoor sculpture exhibi on. The event features over 100 outdoor sculptures and exclusive bou que wines. Join Sculpture in the Vineyards and enjoy the hospitality and natural beauty of these excep onal venues and the breadth of talent from the juried selec on of artworks along the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail. Sculpture in the Vineyards is a celebra on of art, food and wine where picturesque bou que vineyards and cellar doors are transformed into ve temporary sculpture parks. For more informa on visit www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au
If you’re into Olives, Olive Oils, and tasting Gourmet Foods, then you have to visit...
THE HUNTER OLIVE CENTRE Featuring the Hunter Valley's largest range of olive products, with over 400 locally lly ly produced delicacies to taste and collect. From olive oils, table olives and olive products to jams, am ms, chutneys, dukkahs, vinegars, spices and much much more! 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au
10% OFF ALL A LL PURCHASES (e (excluding sale items)
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AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN specialises in quality AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS Serving tasty HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY
Australian Alpaca fashion, homewares and accessories. gourmet picnics, fish, sandwiches, our famous gourmet Alpaca coats, sweaters, shawls, scarves, gloves, socks, pies, pizza and pasta, there is truly something for all tastes and pockets! Phone 4998-7355. beanies, throw rugs, bedding, yarn and alpaca toys. HUNTER VALLEY CUPCAKES & CAFÉ Relax & BEAUTIFUL THINGS An exquisite array of enjoy a light breakfast, a tasty lunch or just spectacular jewellery, stylish watches, amazing giftware indulge with the delicious gourmet cakes & speciality and home wares. Gifts for all ages and occasions cupcakes plus a great coffee or tea! collected from all corners of the world. TASTE OF THE COUNTRY Experience a Taste of CANDELABRA One of Australia's most famous the Country in this award winning café and retail outlet. boutique candle stores—the stunning fragrances, colour This popular café is like walking into an old fashioned, country kitchen. Phone 4998-6605. and endless variety of product is truly amazing. THE CELLAR RESTAURANT Rustic Mediterranean HUNTER VALLEY CHRISTMAS SHOP Nestled in cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment. Open for the heart of the Hunter Valley, is a magic land where it is lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Bookings Christmas every day of the year! recommended. Phone 4998 7584. PULP ADDICTION Satisfy your paper cravings with our delightful range of designer stationery which is guaranteed to intrigue and delight.
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THE TWIG A gorgeous selection of home furnishings ZEN HAIR SKIN BODY A full Hairdressing Salon
Established more than ten years ago the ORIGINAL Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory is one of the premier attractions in the area. HUNTER VALLEY COOKIES Hand-made premium cookies in designer gourmet flavours. Cookie tastings daily, delicious coffee and gluten free cookies.
HUNTER VALLEY LIQUEURS & BAERAMI OLIVES Extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils, vinegars and a large range of specialty liqueurs and an impressive array of bottles to customize your selection. THE BRITISH LOLLY SHOP The largest range of imported English Confectionary. All your old favourites, humbugs, sherbet lemon, come in and sample our hospitality. THE GARDEN CELLARS Mount Eyre/Three Ponds Cellar Door. See the Tunnel Of Beer or taste 17 flavoured organic vodkas.
and personal giftware unlike anything else on offer in the and Beauty Spa in one location, innovative & deluxe treatments in an environmentally friendly setting, the valley. salon can cater to any need. Phone 4998-6844. THE WAITERS FRIEND A great selection of quality AQUA GOLF & PUTT PUTT kitchenware and barware and some of the best prices If you fancy a bit of action then visit our Aqua Golf and anywhere in Australia. Putt Putt Golf Course—fun for the whole family! VILLAGE BOOKS A fantastic range of fiction, nonWin cash & prizes! Phone 4998-7896. fiction, and children’s books and a unique collection of POKOLBIN CONVENIENCE STORE In the heart quality toys, games, souvenirs and gifts. of the village is a genuine general store servicing the WILSON & HUNTER All the latest fashion from Camilla, Pokolbin area with everything you might need while Mela Purdie, Verge, Katherine, Samantha Wills, Metalicus, visiting the Wine Country. Bleu Blanc Rouge,Tilly Rose,Tolani and more… POKOLBIN VILLAGE PHARMACY Offering you WINE GLASS GALLERY An extraordinary gift gallery, friendly, professional service as well as a wide range of BROKE ROAD, hand blown colourful wine glasses, original artworks, products: full PBS prescription service, medicines, POKOLBIN homewares, new season scarves & handbags, jewellery, vitamins, skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, OPEN 7 DAYS shot glasses, magnets, souvenirs & much more. sunglasses and much more. Phone 4998 6677 FROM 10AM
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