The Hunter Blackboard | December 2017

The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country

BLACKBOARD

Wellness Trends FOR 2018

TOP SUMMER ACTIVITIES GRAPES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

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January...

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PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media

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Exhibition

Special Event

CIRCLES OF CONNECTION EXHIBITION

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR

at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery The Circle: a simple shape with no end or beginning.

The galleries contributing artists have taken a journey of exploration into the shape in its most basic form to vastly diverse interpretations, through various mediums. www.crag.net.au

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

at Hunter Valley Gardens This popular annual event is bringing the magic of Christmas for the 11th year in a row. The event is open every night with millions of decorative lights, entertainment, food and beverage stalls plus more!

For more information, visit www.hvg.com.au

5 & 19

PH +61 2 4943 2888 HunterValleyOnline.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au

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WCP MEDIA

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SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE

From 1st January 2018 until the 31st January 2018 inclusive or while stocks last.

Special Event

Market

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

HUNTER VALLEY FINE FOOD MARKET

at Allan Bull Reserve, Singleton (Friday 5th) & Maitland Park, Maitland (Friday 19th) As the warmer weather returns so does Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars! Enjoy The Secret Life of Pets showing at Allan Bull Reserve and Moana showing at Maitland Park this month.

at Tyrrell's Wines Every first Saturday of the month you can find a delicious array of fruit, vegetables, artisian goods, meat and many other handmade goods at Tyrrell's Wines, Pokolbin. Keep up to date through their facebook page.

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Music

Special Event

THRASHVILLE

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

at Dashville, Lower Belford Thrashville returns bigger and better with heavier punk, hard rock and metal music from musical legends such as Frenzal Rhomb, Batpiss, Paper Thin and VOIID. www.dashville.com.au

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at East End Oval, Cessnock All members of the community are invited to Cessnock City Council’s Australia Day celebrations, with many events including the annual Mayor's Cup cricket match. www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

WANT MORE? Keep up to date with events in the Hunter by visiting www.huntervalleyonline.com.au

FROM THE EDITORS Welcome to 2018 and another year of The Hunter Blackboard!

Last year saw our region grow with the introduction of great new wineries, restaurants and local businesses. And who can forget the fantastic world-renown musical acts and festivals that visited!

This year no doubt has some great surprises in store for the Hunter, and we can’t wait to bring you all the news about what’s new and happening each month!

Every new year brings a slew of new fitness crazes, wellness buzzwords, fad diets and healthy eating trends. Rather than follow the crowd, we have asked the team at Golden Door Health Retreat to outline all the trends worth following in 2018.

Still riding the celebration wave from New Year’s Eve, in this issue we check out some of the local identities and businesses that have made their mark on our wine and food industry. We talk to Donna Hollis, Executive Chef of RidgeView Restaurant about her passion for food and family. We also caught up with Matt and Marlene Fulham, the owners of new Cessnock burger

Hunter Valley Vineyards Boutique Cheesery

joint Burgerfiend, who share with us their secret to a great burger.

Aaron Mercer, Senior Winemaker at Tamburlaine Organic Wines, also shares his excitement about their impressive medal and trophy haul in 2017.

Looking for a beverage to quench your thirst this month?

Forget beer and wine, reach for a refreshing cider! It’s the fastest growing segment of the alcoholic beverage market with sales spiking during the hottest months as consumers want something fresh and fruity. There are some delectable drops to be found around Wine Country – from wineries to breweries – you’ll find them right here in this issue.

As Summer is now in full swing, there is no better time to get outside and start exploring all the great activities the Hunter Valley has to offer. This month’s issue is full of our favourite things to do during Summer in the Hunter, including loads of family-friendly activities to keep the kids occupied these school holidays!

Enjoy!

HUNTER VALLEY

CHEESE FACTORY Award winning cheese handmade in Pokolbin Hunter Valley to complement the varietal wines of the region.

• Tasting rooms open daily 9am to 5.30pm.

• Cheese-making and maturation room viewing all day.

• Complimentary instructional cheese-making tutorial daily 11am and 3pm.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Contents GET YOUR BURGER FIX

10

HEALTH TRENDS 2018

13

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER

16

GRAPES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

24

There is no denying we are currently amid a gourmet burger revolution. So, it is little surprise that since opening last year, BurgerFiend has been a real hit with locals and visitors alike…

Forget the fad diets that promise to help you achieve your new year’s resolutions, the team at Golden Door have shared their health and wellness trends that we should all adopt in 2018.

There is so much more to do in the Hunter Valley in Summer than just drink great wine and eat delicious food, so we have created a list of our favourite Hunter Valley activities!

With so many different wine varieties available to us - why not make 2018 the year you expand your wine horizons and explore other varieties you are less familiar with?

WINE VARIETY - VERDELHO

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ARTISIAN AUSTRALIAN CHEESEMAKERS Located at Mcguigan Wine Complex 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998 7744

HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAP

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www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

Verdelho is seen as a fresh, tropical style that offers the wine consumer great value. To celebrate this often-underappreciated wine variety, we share six of our favourite Hunter Verdelho’s!

The Hunter Blackboard's handy guide to finding your way around Wine Country.

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HOT IN THE HUNTER

SUPER INDULGENT

For the Sweet Tooth!

All your old favourites and more are available at our much-loved local lolly shop, The British Lolly Shop!

From Globestoppers (the ultimate gobstopper) to English toffees, boiled sweets and sherbet, The British Lolly Shop has the largest range of imported English confectionary, as well as heaps of gift boxes, sweets, chocolates, chips and condiments – Yum! WHERE Shop 1, HVG Shopping Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin. OPEN 7 days, 10am - 5pm. www.thebritishlollyshop.com.au

Happy Hour at Harrigan’s!

Break up the working week with Happy Hour at the Hunter Valley’s favourite Irish pub, Harrigan’s! From 4pm to 6pm on Monday to Thursday you can knock off, kick back and unwind at Harrigan’s with their great Happy Hour prices on selected pints of beer, cider and house wines!

WHERE Harrigan’s Irish Pub & Accommodation, Broke Road, Pokolbin. PH 1800 800 522. OPEN 7 days. www.harrigansirishpub.com.au

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High Tea at Nan's

For only $49 per person, you can enjoy as well, by catering for all dietary the Super Indulgent High Tea at Nanna requirements.

Whether you are celebrating a Kerr’s Kitchen! baby shower, engagement, birthday or The High Tea includes a choice just want to spoil yourself with some of organic teas, coffee or an organic delicious indulgences; you don’t need soft drink and a supremely delicious an excuse to treat yourself with High selection of sweet and savoury treats, Tea at Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen! such as Open House Smoked Salmon & Picked Cucumber Sandwiches, Beetroot & Feta Arancini, Nan’s Salted WHERE Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen, Cnr Pokolbin Mountains Road and Peanut & Double Chocolate Brownie McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. and Passionfruit Cheesecake.

Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen also welcome PH 4998 7333. vegans, vegetarians, coeliacs and those OPEN 7 days, 9am – 4pm. www.nannakerrskitchen.com.au interested in sugar-free and dairyfree diets to enjoy in the tradition

TOP SPOT Pokolbin Village is the perfect place to wine, dine, stay and play during your visit to the Hunter Valley. Nestled in the heart of Wine Country, Pokolbin Village offers 4-star accommodation with a charming and friendly ‘village’ atmosphere.

Visit the on-site restaurant, Buon Cibo, for a gourmet Italian meal, or take a stroll through Tempt & Vixen, to browse through their range of unique gifts, homewares and fashion accessories.

If it’s premium Hunter Valley wine you are after, pay Pokolbin Bottle Shop a visit, or for something sweeter stop by Pokolbin Chocolate

and Jam Company to sample a range of local produce.

A stay at Pokolbin Village wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop.

They stock an impressive selection of cheese and delicatessen products, offering the finest produce from Australia and overseas to tempt your taste buds!

WHERE Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin. www.pokolbinvillage.com.au

ON NOW UNTIL 27 JAN 2018

User Pay

Family Summertime Fun at Hunter Valley Gardens!

There is no better time to visit the Hunter Valley Gardens than during Summer – the sun is shining, the gardens are flourishing, school is on holidays, and millions of decorative lights illuminate the gardens at night.

Nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges, Hunter Valley Gardens offers a guaranteed great day out for the whole family. The gardens themselves spans over sixty acres and includes ten stunning feature gardens and eight kilometres of walking paths – so where do you start?

While the kids will enjoy walking through the different gardens and admiring the beautiful flowers, they will also love the Storybook Garden. Just entering this popular garden is an experience as you pass through a giant storybook being read by topiary giraffes. Largerthan-life nursery rhyme characters greet you at every corner, offering excellent photo opportunities. Join Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill as they tumble down the hill, Alice in Wonderland at the Mad Hatters Tea Party, Little Bo Peep and much more!

Until 27th January, the Christmas spirit lives on at Hunter Valley Gardens with the Christmas Lights Spectacular. A record number of lights allow you to take a trip around the world as you witness some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, with a lit-up Sydney Harbour scene, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Dutch windmills, a Scottish castle and a giant globe of the earth.

If you are visiting the Hunter Valley Gardens during the Christmas Lights, don’t forget to check out the new exciting rides that the whole family can enjoy.* Feel the wind in your hair and get your adrenaline pumping as you fly 11 metres above the ground on the Swing Chair or grab a mat and take a ride on the 35-metre long Superslide! If you are after something a bit slower, jump on the Ferris Wheel, to experience the fantastic views of the wineries, gardens and mountain ranges that have to be seen to be believed.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.hvg.com.au.

In the event of wet weather, visit the Hunter Valley Gardens Facebook or Twitter page to find out if the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be open. *Rides are provided at an additional cost to Garden entry.

DON’T MISS OUT!

ENDS ON TH E 27 JAN 2018

User Pay

IT’S FESTIVE AND FUN - DON’T MISS OUT! Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens. Our annual event includes millions of lights, Santa’s Workshop and new exciting rides* that all the family will enjoy.

Visit hvg.com.au for details and online tickets.

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. Swing Chair and HVG Super Slide - 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone. *Rides are user pay.

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HEAVY

lR za n e Fr

Music Fans Rejoice!

Following the success of its breakthrough debut in 2017, heavy music festival Thrashville returns on Saturday 20th January in the grounds of Dashville at Belford in the Hunter Valley.

EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND CO. Unique Elegant Designs Diamonds | Tanzanite | Pearls | Semi Precious Bespoke Design | Engagement | Wedding | Hire Brenda Phillips-Donohoe Shop 2a Hunter Valley Gardens Village 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 E support@exclusivediamondco.com.au P (02) 4998 7173

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The best of the Hunter regions' punk, rock and metal acts will share the stage with some of Australia’s heaviest hitters.

Punk legends Frenzal Rhomb will make their Dashville debut, fresh from the release of their ninth studio album Hi-Vis High Tea, which reached no.9 on the ARIA album charts. The controversial punk band have made their mark on the Australian music scene over the past two decades.

They have supported Australian tours by The Offspring, Bad Religion, NOFX, and Blink-182, as well as toured throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Israel and Taiwan.

Thrashville’s other headliner, metal maniacs King Parrot will no doubt be the heaviest band to ever perform at the famed Lower Belford property. Renowned for their insane live shows, genius music videos and brutally infectious anthems, Thrashville fans are going to know they’ve been swooped on by the Parrot.

Rounding out the bill is the return of punk rockers The Australian Beefweek Show, who blew everyone away at Thrashville maiden voyage as did Batpiss with their dark brand of sludge punk. Also included in the program are prog maniacs Troldhaugen, Melbourne metal purveyors Frankenbok, Brisbane all-girl garage rockers Voiid, new band Post Truth, featuring members of Hard-Ons and Conation, Newcastle punk bands Paper Thin, Rort Menace and Jones The Cat. Famed Dashville supergroup Dashville Progress Society also returns and is planning on bringing in some special local metal-heads for a wild set of classic punk and metal covers.

Thrashville will also feature a host of delicious food trucks, skateboarding demonstrations on the Dashville half pipe, live graffiti art and lots of other fun times.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.dashville.com.au/thrashville

DISCOVER

The

CIDER

TRAIL WORDS Michelle Meehan

The Hunter is renowned for its premium wine and is increasingly becoming known for the business of brewing beer.

But a tasting tour of the region wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a glass or two of what is now the fastest growing segment of the alcoholic beverage market – CIDER. Consumption of the fermented apple drink has jumped 600 percent in the past decade according to the latest Roy Morgan Research, with more than 2.3 million Australian adults partaking in a glass or two of cider at least once during an average four-week period in 2016.

And summer is well and truly cider’s time to shine, with sales spiking during the hottest months of the year as consumers seek to quench their thirst with something fresh and fruity.

Of course, cider consumption is far from a new phenomenon. A popular drink throughout history, references to it date back as far as Julius Caesar’s Roman Empire and possibly even earlier.

It was reportedly used as a form of currency to pay farm workers in Medieval England and has been made by everyone from two of the founding fathers of America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, to English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton - although his interactions with apples produced something far more famous than just a homemade batch of cider…

Fast forward several centuries and cider is still being produced around the world in vast quantities, including right here in the Hunter.

Among those bottling the delicious drop is one of the oldest working wineries in the Valley – Oakvale.

Renowned winemaker James Becker may be better known for the iconic Hunter wines he produces at his family’s Pokolbin vineyard, but for the past four years, he has also been responsible for crafting the delightfully sweet Oakvale Apple Cider.

Introduced as a trial following a particularly poor grape harvest in 2012, the cider has become a staple in the Oakvale portfolio with its easily approachable characteristics that appeal to cider lovers and novices alike.

“We’ve been making it since 2012 when there was a particularly difficult vintage, and we had some empty tank space,” James said.

“We had been talking about it for some time, and it seemed like a good opportunity to do it, and the response has been really good - it was supposed to be a one-off, and four years later we’re still doing it,” he said.

“I think ours is pretty approachable for most people, it’s a fresher style that’s not too sweet and has a good spritz about it – the mix of the sweetness and acidity of the apples as well as their characteristics give our cider an excellent taste, and that’s what we’re going for.”

Oakvale produces their apple cider once a year, with the fruit, which is sourced from Orange, delivered to the winery in March or April once the processing of the grapes for their wines has been completed.

James said their cider is made using three varieties of apples – Jonathan, Pink Lady and Gala – which are all hand crushed on site before the fermentation process begins.

Like all of Oakvale’s products, the Apple Cider is available exclusively through their cellar door, which is located at 1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Another well-known Hunter vineyard branching out into the world of cider is Lambloch Estate.

Also located on Broke Road at Pokolbin, the 20-acre property is home to a vineyard originally planted in the 1950's, which predominantly grows Shiraz and Semillon grapes. However, Lambloch has now also branched out to produce two different varieties of alcoholic cider under the Pokolbin Cider House label.

The Classic Draught Cider blends Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Red Delicious and Gala apples to create a fruity but crisp acid juice, which when fermented produces a mouth-coating depth of flavour. ►

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of sweetness and acidity and the crisp bite of whole apples.

While Matilda Bay’s brewing facility is located in Tasmania, Hunter fans of the Dirty Granny drop can enjoy a glass or two direct from the Matilda Bay Brewhouse Hunter Valley, located at Hunter Valley Resort at Pokolbin.

Venture beyond the bounds of Pokolbin and cider drinkers can expand their tasting tour with a visit to the Lovedale Brewery.

Located at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley next to the Lovedale Bar and Restaurant, the microbrewery Lambloch's Pokolbin is dedicated to “creating the best craft beers in Cider House range.

Australia.”

(Continued) But visitors to Lovedale can also taste the cider A bonanza of berries is added to the mix of sensation created by its Sydney-based sister site, Lambloch’s Raspberry and Cranberry Cider, with the Sydney Brewery, which specialises in producing the sweet and fruity flavours injected by the raspberry juice tempered by the acid tartness of the its award-winning Sydney Cider.

Made from freshly crushed apples fermented cranberries to create a structured and refreshing with champagne yeast, the lightly carbonated cider concoction. has a crisp, clean finish that helped it take home a But Hunter vineyards aren’t the only ones to title from the 2016 Australian Cider Awards, as well have joined the cider revolution, with fans of the as the 2015 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show. fermented apple drink also being catered for by For those looking for something a little some the region’s breweries. different, Sydney Brewery also produces an Agave Promoted as Australia’s original craft brewery, the Matilda Bay Brewing Company is known for its Ginger Cider, which sees organic agave and ginger blended with Sydney Cider for a naturally sweet refreshing and eclectically-named speciality ales, which they have been producing since setting up in drink with a wild and spicy zing!

If your thirst for cider has still not been Fremantle in the mid-80s. quenched, make sure you head back to the Garden But the brewers of Fat Yak, Beez Neez and Dogbolter added a fruity addition to their line-up in Cellars at the Hunter Valley Gardens village, which stocks more than 60 different ciders from across 2011 when the first batch of Dirty Granny matured Australia and around the world, including the range apple cider was bottled. of apple and pear ciders made by the Tilse family in A deep, dark, russet-coloured cider, it features a full, rich flavour combined with a perfect balance the Upper Hunter. ■

spa experience not just a treatment

A total

Choose from our extensive range of spa, beauty and massage therapies.

All treatments include complimentary use of Day Spa facili�es, including steam room, spa bath and relaxa�on lounge.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL PH (02) 4993 8500 or email spa@elysia.com.au 165 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin. www.goldendoor.com.au/spa-elysia

POKOLBIN VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION Wedding Group Specialists groups@pokolbinvillage.com.au P: (02) 4998 7670

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Complimentary shuttle bus for group bookings of 10 or more rooms 2 NIGHT MINIMUM STAY

Much more than a Vineyard.

Sing & Dance with Hi-5!

After the overwhelming success of their 2017 Summer Holidays performance, the Hi-5 gang is returning to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley with their Summer Rainbows show on Friday 12th January.

The little ones will be able to join Bailey, Courtney, Joe, Shay and Lachie as they sing, dance, laugh and play their way through a magical summer’s day. There’ll be plenty of fun in the sun, with beach games, animal antics and heaps of holiday action. But it wouldn't be Hi-5 without a little magic too. When a magical summer rainbow brings Hi-5's fantasies and dreams to life, the kids could find themselves flying with a rainbow fairy, or perhaps even going for a unicorn ride!

With the stunning surrounds of the Hunter Valley, this is a unique concert for the whole family. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is designed to cater for families with a wide range of accommodation options and family activities, so your show experience is truly memorable.

There are General Admission, VIP and family tickets available, as well as concert and accommodation packages. For more information visit www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au

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

The most unique, relaxed wine experience in the Hunter Come enjoy spectacular views and premium wines, including an exclusively Hunter Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Relax by the fire, listen to music and indulge in the peace and vistas our vineyard and cellar door has to offer!

Pre-book for a late afternoon underground cellar tasting experience with cheese platter and if you desire a tasting of a cellar aged wine of your choice.

999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin Open 7 Days • PH 4998 7295 • MOB 0407 109 992 www.blueberryhill.com.au

Whether it's a luscious Hunter estate Pinot Gris, a beautiful Sangiovese or a wonderful Pinot Grigio for the warmer months...

Taste and buy at our cellar door – we are open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Enjoy!

You can also buy online for delivery to your home or office.

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.

VINEYARD

492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 02 49 307 473 www.adinavineyard.com.au

Mon to Fri 8.30am till 3.30pm, Sat and Sun 8am till 3.30pm.

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Get your Burger Fix at

BURGERFIEND! WORDS Michelle Meehan

The origins of the world’s first burger may be disputed, but there’s one thing lovers of this culinary icon know for sure – it’s come a long way from being just a beef patty on a bun.

The humble hamburger has been whetting the appetites of hungry hordes for more than 100 years, evolving over that time into one of the most popular fast food items in the world.

But while the takeaway version may sometimes leave a lot to be desired, these days there is a new wave of hamburgers taking on the tastebuds of more discerning consumers.

Gourmet burgers are popping up everywhere, from café chalkboards and bistro menus to finer dining experiences (think pulled pork sliders with an Asian slaw for example).

It is little surprise then that Burgerfiend, located on the outskirts of Hunter Valley wine country, has proven a real hit with locals and visitors alike since opening its doors in July 2017.

Established by the husband and wife team of Matt and Marlene Fulham, the gourmet burger and espresso bar offers specialty coffee, great service and high quality food “made with love, care and passion”.

The Fulhams have more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry between them and always dreamed of setting up on their own.

Fresh Gourmet Burgers & Espresso Bar

Our patties are made from 100% pure Aussie Beef.

Carefully hand-formed each morning using our own blend of whole muscle beef cuts that we mince inhouse daily.

Proudly serving quality coffee using beans from local roaster, Suspension Espresso. www.burgerfiend.com.au 1E Cooper St, Cessnock NSW 2325 | PH 02 4909 8273 OPEN Tue & Wed 8.30am - 7pm, Thurs to Sat 8.30am - 8pm, Sun 8.30 - 2pm.

Closed Mondays Burgerfiend burgerfiendcessnock

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The Fiend Burger

“It truly is a lot of hard work and requires a lot of time and attention, but the opportunity to mould a business with your own personality and expectations of service and quality of food is both satisfying and rewarding,” Matt said.

“

The opportunity to share a simple food

experience with people from all walks of life gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. We definitely didn't intend on opening a burger bar at least six months ago, but living locally and realising that Cessnock was missing out on a great concept, it didn’t take us long to realise that we could fill that void.

Matt and Marlene Fulham

“Burgers also allow you to have a bit of fun whilst remaining committed to a quality product. We want to show the local community that takeaway food can be enjoyed rather than just consumed.”

That commitment to quality can be seen in the ingredients the couple use, with a focus on using fresh, local produce as much as possible.

But Matt said the key to their success was also the most important element in the burger.

“Our beef is what differentiates us. The truth is that not all burgers are made equal. We control all elements of our beef from flavour, to size, texture, cook time and seasoning,” he said.

“We achieve this by blending and coarsely mincing our own ratio of whole muscle cuts of beef every morning. Our juicy beef patty is our star.”

There are three beef burger varieties on offer, including the couple’s standout favourite and the eatery’s namesake – The Fiend.

Combining a succulent beef patty with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles and house Burgerfiend sauce, it offers a blend of simple yet perfectly balanced flavours.

Marlene said a lot of thought and taste testing went into the creation of all the offerings on the menu, which also includes a meat-free mushroom burger, fried chicken breast burger and the mouth-watering “loaded chips” topped with liquid cheese, bacon bits, smokey sauce and spring onions.

“In my opinion, the secret to a great burger is simplicity and quality,” she said.

“A good bun/patty/condiment ratio is a must.

“Burgers aren’t just slapping some mince in between two buns anymore, consumers are evolving how they consume food and I firmly believe that quality trumps over quantity.

“The community response has been so wonderful and humbling. We receive a fair few compliments, which blows my mind every time.”

A Loaded Fries Special 'Sir Loaded Lambce-alot'

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

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now open

at lindemans ben ean winery

FR E SH FO O D ,

LOC A LLY S OU RC E D IN GR ED IEN T S

É PHONE: 4993 3700 baume@benean.com.au ADDRESS: 119 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN,NSW 2320

OPEN FOR LUNCH DAILY

11am-4pm BREAKFAST SAT & SUN

8am-11am

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At Baumé (pronounced bow - may) we source the best of local ingredients and tend to them with love to create a casual family style dining experience. Start with some small tasting plates to tempt the taste buds, then enjoy our shared signature dishes; created to be served in the middle of the table accompanied by a range of garden fresh sides and salads. If you are after something a little lighter, then try our delicious pastas or house made wood fire pizzas.

Don’t forget to enjoy some of our hand-crafted desserts after your meal with a coffee, tea or digestive

6 Health Trends and Practices to follow in 2018 Every New Year brings a slew of new fitness crazes, wellness buzzwords, fad diets and healthy eating trends. Rather than follow the crowd we have asked the team of experts at Australia’s leading health retreat Golden Door, what trends are worth following in 2018?

1. Ayurveda – what’s old is new again

Damian Rocks – Program and Guest Experience Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine in the world, also one of the most exciting – offering a complete framework for linking diet, wellness and individual temperament. Many of the discoveries being made today around gut health, individual biome profiles and the links to a huge range of diseases have been known to Ayurveda for thousands of years.

A completely natural yet effective approach to health, Ayurveda explores the interaction between body, mind and soul to assess wellbeing as well as offer practical tools for maintaining optimal wellness that are tailored to the individual. The Golden Door holistic program encompasses Ayurveda practice through nutrition, tactile therapies, yoga and mindfulness.

There are soluble and insoluble fibres; we need a good mix of both for optimal gut health: • Wholegrain bread is a good source of insoluble fibre.

• Beans and legumes are a good source of insoluble fibre, but also contain some soluble fibre.

• Fruits and vegetables are important players as they often contain both soluble and insoluble fibres too, apples are a good example in that the tougher chewier skins are a source of insoluble fibre and the flesh of the apple itself is a source of soluble fibre.

• Interestingly, avocadoes are a great source of insoluble fibre!

3. Sorghum – the new quinoa

James Knight – Executive Chef Our love affair with ancient grains is not over; sorghum is going to re-emerge as a popular menu item. This healthy grain is gaining its superfood status; firstly, it shares a similar nutritional profile to raw oats – which is awesome. It is also gluten free and contains numerous ►

2. Gut health – beyond Kombucha

James Knight – Executive Chef Dietary fibre is an important part of gut health and one that is often overlooked. Just improving the quality of dietary fibre we consume can have a big impact on our gut health. Dietary fibre is defined as all the components of plant food that pass through the stomach and small intestine undigested. Certain fibres are fermentable and will interact with our gut bacteria; others play a lead role in improving our digestive health by regulating transition time in the bowel. Enjoy a wide variety of food sources and types of fibre to improve your digestive health.

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(Continued) essential nutrients. Sorghum is a sustainable crop that is so easy to grow. Originating in Africa, this grain grows well in harsh climates with an unreliable water supply. Sorghum is easy to cook; you boil it like you would brown rice, quinoa or barley. Try it in salads to add a lovely variety in texture and nutrients. It can also be used to replace oats in porridge, to replace couscous in salads and to replace lentils in dhal curry. The applications are endless - try it for yourself! Jump online for Golden Door's Brown Rice Porridge recipe where you can simply swap cooked brown rice for cooked sorghum. Visit... www.goldendoor.com.au/brown-rice-porridge-with-zesty-lime-coconut/

4. Climb like a ninja – the new functional fit

Matty Rendall – Movement and Fitness I see two quite similar fitness trends about to boom in 2018, potentially as a progression to the CrossFit revolution that has surged over the last couple of years. And although CrossFit is still very popular and can be beneficial if done correctly, I see the CrossFit family losing a few of its followers.

The Australian Ninja Warrior TV series was a huge winner this year and we are seeing more and more purpose built facilities starting to surface locally and nationally. Even gyms that have a bit of extra space are installing training facilities to suit this trend, ranging from free-play areas to serious lessons and training programs. Ninja-style obstacle exercises are fantastic and can challenge every aspect of physical conditioning like agility, speed, strength, endurance, core fitness, agility and all while having a huge mental focus on brain training through problem solving. Great for kids, fantastic for the ageing population, this style of training is such a great way to exercise and the huge bonus is having FUN at the same time.

Watch for a resurgence in recreational sport climbing. With the new introduction of speed climbing into the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there are climbing gyms adapting facilities to accommodate easier and faster climbing options. In many specialised climbing gyms now, you’ll find a combination of both climbing walls and ninja obstacle facilities operating. Again climbing is a great way to tick off many functional fitness aspects; and the word FUNCTIONAL fitness is still a big buzz word within the industry. Granted we aren’t all – and maybe not all of us want to be – ninjas or climbers, yet this form of movement relies on good power to weight ratio combined with mobility and strength and these are aspects of a healthy, functional body everyone needs to live a strong, well life.

body and spirit. Rather than focusing on specific parts of the body or illness, it considers the whole person and how they interact with their environment. Holistic health specialties such as infrared sauna, acupuncture, Reiki massage, meditation, cryotherapy, and energy healing and natural beauty products are ones to explore in 2018.

• Infrared sauna - 45 minutes of infrared light is said to detoxify your body of environmental toxins seven times more than a traditional sauna, and it can burn more than 600 calories.

• Energy healing will also be big. Aura reading and energy healing such as Reiki are becoming more and more mainstream to assist in getting a person's energy back into balanced vibration.

6. Stability training – get activated

Mel Ingram – Clinical Health Physical stability is our combination of the muscular system, the skeletal system and its associated ligamentous structures, as well as the neural system – meaning that the brain is also heavily involved with the body’s stability requirements. It is necessary to address the specific muscular weaknesses we each have to focus on the ability of the body to maintain stability. This means that a strong muscle isn’t necessary stable and a stable muscle isn’t necessarily strong – we need to focus on both, and be able to do both at the same time! As we age the risk of falls increases so training our stability systems allows us to cope much better later in life.

• A simple, practical tool is to practise standing on one foot with your eyes closed and count how many times you need to touch the other foot to the ground to maintain balance over a 30 or 60 second period. The goal is no touchdowns! Removing footwear is a very simple method of making this more challenging. ■

5. Holistic Health – the complete approach

Peter Rule - Holistic Health Services Manager This ancient approach to health emphasises the connection of mind,

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TOP THINGS to do IN SUMMER There is so much for you to experience in the Hunter this Summer! If you are looking for something to do, here is a great list to get you started!

Let’s go for walk

Take a stroll along the eight kilometres of walking paths throughout the spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens to truly appreciate the sights, colours and fragrances of the millions of beautiful blooms. Or if you are after something more rugged, why not go for a hike? Only 30 minutes from Cessnock, the Watagans State Forest offers the perfect place to explore Australia’s native plants and wildlife on several well-defined walking trails.

Quench your thirst

With more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia, make sure you visit cellar doors of all different sizes and with different specialities, to taste the best the Hunter Valley has to offer! Or if you aren’t a wine drinker, head to Hunter Beer Co. in Nulkaba to try their awardwinning craft beers or Hunter Distillery to sample their range of vodkas, gins, liqueurs and schnapps.

Take a tour

Let someone else do the driving, as you sit back and put your trust in your tour guide as they take you to a selection of wineries, breweries, providores and a few hidden gems that only the locals know about!

Learn something new

Visit the Hunter Valley Wine Theatre at Hunter Resort to learn how the grapes on the vine are transformed into the wine in your glass. The cellarmaster will also teach you how to taste wine and how to appreciate a wine’s bouquet, transforming you into a true wine connoisseur.

After you become a wine expert, why not register for a cooking class to learn about food and wine pairing or prepare a gourmet meal!

Classes can be found at The Verandah Restaurant (Paella), Hunter Resort (including Candy making and a wide range of menu styles), Sandalyn Estate (Pasta Making and Sushi), and Majors Lane (Asian Cuisine). ►

thb 16 | JANUARY 2018

Go wild

At Hunter Valley Zoo you can feed the kangaroos, pat a wombat, cuddle up to a koala, touch a reptile and see the range of other animals including American alligators, Tasmanian devils, exotic birds, meerkats and more. Don’t forget to check out the newest arrivals, White Lions - Kovu and Nala!

Shop ‘til you drop!

What’s a trip without shopping? Take advantage of independent boutiques at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village and Pokolbin Village. Or wander through the markets to find delicious, locally grown and produced gourmet goodies and unique handmade crafts. Check out the Handmade in the Hunter Markets every second Saturday from February to December at Kevin Sobels Wines.

Reserve spa time

Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at Golden Door Spa Elysia or Hunter Valley Reflections Day Spa. There’s no reason to be stressed while in the Hunter Valley.

Balloon over the Valley

Take to the skies in the quiet of the morning with Balloon Aloft as they take you up, up and away in one of their hot-air balloons and be amazed by the breathtaking view of the Hunter Valley from above.

All aboard!

Explore the Hunter Valley off the beaten track on a bicycle, Segway or even on horseback! Horse riding is available every day for the inexperienced (the beginner) and the experienced rider at Hunter Valley Horse riding and Adventures in Lovedale. Segway Nature Tours can be taken from Hunter Resort – where you can also hire an electric bike!

Tee time!

You’ll have a difficult time keeping your eye on the ball on any one of the championship golf courses, with the beautiful vineyards and the Brokenback ranges in view. Another option is Aqua Golf or Putt Putt at Hunter Valley Gardens!

Appreciate the art and music

Spend the day appreciating great artworks by talented local artists at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, Mistletoe Winery or the unique sculptures in the gardens at Constable Estate. Then spend the night under that stars listening to some world-renowned performances at Roche Estate, Bimbadgen Estate or Hope Estate.

Dine, dine, dine!

From casual to fine dining, you won’t go hungry in the Hunter Valley! Start with a bubbly breakfast, enjoy a long lunch overlooking the vineyards, or dine at one of the world-class restaurants. Or something romantic or just more casual, purchase a gourmet picnic pack from Two Fat Blokes and set out for any of the great picnic spots around the Valley. ■

Jams, Relishes & Chutneys 17 | JANUARY 2018 thb

ORGANIC WINE

Seeing

GREEN

WORDS Michelle Meehan

Demand for organic products in Australia is skyrocketing as an increasing number of consumers switch on to the health and environmental benefits of “going green”.

According to the 2017 Australian Organic Annual Report, Australia’s domestic organic industry is now valued at over $1.4billion, with more than two-thirds of households purchasing at least one organic product in the past year.

Producers are growing everything from organic grains, fruit and vegetables, to livestock feed and red meat, with increasing numbers of vignerons and winemakers also obtaining organic certification.

Organic wine is made from grapes grown in accordance with principles of organic farming, without the use of artificial chemical fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

Domestic demand for organic wine, beer and spirits has grown by three percent in the past two years, while overseas interest in Australian organic and biodynamic wine is also increasing. Wine Australia estimates around 250,000 cases worth a total of $12 million were exported in 2016, representing a 12-month growth of 37 percent in value and 50 percent in volume.

The Hunter wine region is well represented within this market as the home of Australia’s largest organic wine producer, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, while other local organic winemakers include Macquariedale Organic Wines, Ascella Organic Wine and Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard.

Tamburlaine was established in 1966 by Dr Lance Allen before being purchased in 1985 by a small group of friends and relatives led by Managing Director and Chief Winemaker, Mark Davidson.

Mark set about establishing modern organic practices in both the vineyard and the winery, integrating biodynamic methods into Tamburlaine’s organic management to accelerate biological soil activity.

In the last 12 months, the winery has also removed the use of animal proteins from its wines, while the past few years have also seen it develop a range of preservative-free wines made without the addition of sulphur.

Senior winemaker Aaron Mercer said consumers were more conscious these days of how their food and beverages were being produced.

Macquariedale Organic Wines was founded in 1993 by Ross and Derice McDonald, who quickly realised that wine needed to be produced sustainably by using centuries-old practices.

They introduced an organic/biodynamic system to their Belford vineyards in 2001, and Ross said they were intent on producing their wines as naturally as possible, with minimal or no preservatives, no animal products and minimal filtration.

“The demand for organic wines is increasing as the consumer becomes more aware and knowledgeable about the food chain and

“Largest beer range

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the processes and chemicals used to manipulate our food and wine,” he said.

“Winemaking challenges are minimal as we believe that wine is essentially made in the vineyard. Good grapes equate to great wine!”

Ross said there are a range of benefits that flow from using organic practices.

“The rewards are many – primarily the soil can remain uncontaminated, and the chemical runoff into streams and rivers can be eliminated using organic practices,” he said.

“The organic farmer and all those that work on the vineyard are better off by not having to deal with toxic chemicals. Most importantly, the consumer benefits by enjoying good clean wines.”

Ascella Organic Wines is another family-run Hunter operation finding success in the organic market.

Barb and Geoff Brown purchased the certified organic vineyard in Milbrodale in 2005 and today have 32 hectares under vine producing organically grown grapes, which they use to make a range of awardwinning red and white wines.

Geoff said consumers were becoming more health conscious, with organic wine having the advantage of being 50 to 80 percent higher in antioxidants, free from harmful chemicals and containing little or no mycotoxins.

“A growing numbers of wine lovers are seeking out organicallycertified options,” he said.

“Organic wine is viewed as a quality product and is fast becoming an essential choice at some of the better restaurants and retailers.”

If you haven't tried an organic wine before, do yourself a favour and visit one of these organic wine producers and taste the difference!

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Book your tour securely at www.cheersbus.com • Private or shared deluxe tours in an air conditioned mini bus or hire car, seven days per week • Pick up from your local accommodation or group pickups only from Sydney, 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, as well as vodka, schnapps, cheese, olive and chocolate tastings • Wedding, restaurant, concert and airport transfers available

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For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor in the Hunter’s Dessert Bar is a MUST! Pair something scrumptious with a delicious Hunter Valley wine... it’s a unique Hunter Valley experience that you can only enjoy at Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar. 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.

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 amongst the vines or to take away and savour in your home or hotel.

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Closed New Year’s Day

Mixing it up a Little with

Horizontal and Vertical Wine Tasting

The Vertical Wine Tasting

A vertical tasting is conducted by tasting a single wine varietal from the same producer but from several vintages, and is a great way to experience how different vintages can vary in the world of wine.

For example, you may set up a vertical tasting to feature Constable Estate's Premium Shiraz from 2010, 2011 and 2012. Tasting the same varietal of wines from the same maker and the same vineyard and leaving the production year as the “single” variable allows you to see how significant or how subtle a wine can change from one vintage year to the next. This kind of tasting also allows you to experience just how unique weather patterns may affect the grapes from one year to the next.

Many factors play a part in a wine’s vintage heritage and these can be interesting points of observation and conversation.

Before we give in to the post festive season blues, try something new and invite a few friends over for a wine tasting. But before you send out the invites and plan the cheeseboard, you should decide if you will be hosting a vertical tasting or a horizontal tasting? The terms have nothing to do with what position you’ll be in after the tasting, instead they describe how you will be tasting and comparing bottle to bottle.

The Horizontal Wine Tasting

The horizontal tasting is conducted by focusing on a specific wine varietal (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, etc.) from a single year, but from multiple producers. For example, tasting a 2006 Shiraz from 5 or 6 different wineries - and comparing each against the other.

Horizontal tastings can be done with wines from the same region, or you can mix it up by selecting wines from different regions within the same country or wines from different countries. What is important is that the varietal and year remain the same for all wines.

21 | JANUARY 2018 thb

LOCAL

By the end of 2017, Aaron had fallen just two awards short of his ambitious goal, with highquality vintages from both their Hunter and Orange vineyards in 2016 and 2017 helping deliver an amazing haul of medals and trophies for Tamburlaine’s organic products.

“The wine show success is out of the ordinary but if you aim for the stars you might hit the moon,” he said.

“Certainly, we’ve experienced an increase in medals and trophies… you have a good run every now and then, and this was one of those, so that’s great.

“It’s come off the back of a good run of vintages and we’re looking at another one too I reckon, 2017 in the Hunter was exceptional. I think next year you’ll be talking to a lot of people with reds up their sleeves that are doing well.”

The red wine that did particularly well for Tamburlaine at this year’s wine shows was their 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, produced from fruit out of their Orange vineyards and processed in the Hunter at their certified organic winery. In total it picked up five trophies, five gold medals and a silver medal, and was named the Best of Region (Orange) in the prestigious Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge 2017.

“We got five trophies this year with our 2016 Cabernet out of Orange, it was the big one for us,” Aaron said.

“2016 was a pretty warm vintage in Orange, and a very high-quality vintage as well. They were very structured wines, quite reasonably high alcohol too, but really vibrant.

“When I started at Tamburlaine I had the 2015 vintage in barrel; then I saw the 2016 vintage come in. I had to write a little summary of the vintage about halfway through, and I gave it 10 out of 10 on the reds, this was back in about March 2016, because it just looked insane, the

TAMBURLAINE’S Impressive 2017 Medal and Trophy Haul!

WORDS Michelle Meehan When Hunter winemaker Aaron Mercer moved back home from the United States in 2015 to join Tamburlaine Organic Wines, he set himself a goal. The company’s newly appointed Senior Winemaker wanted to create wines of such high quality they would win more trophies in two years than Tamburlaine had won in its entire history.

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 • (02) 4998 7734 www.emmascottage.com.au

thb 22 | JANUARY 2018

stuff rolling in on the crusher was excellent and we’ve gone on to show that in bottle, so it’s great.

“You see it on a vine, you see it in the tank, and then the wines show that in the wine show system and I think that’s important.”

Of course, the Cabernet Sauvignon wasn’t the only red in the spotlight for Tamburlaine this year. Gold, silver and bronze medals secured at various wine shows by their 2016 Reserve Orange Syrah, 2016 Reserve Orange Merlot and 2016 Reserve Orange Malbec, while their 2017 Preservative Free Cabernet Merlot won gold at the 2017 NSW Wine Awards – a feat never before achieved by a preservative free wine.

On the white front, they also picked up trophies and awards with their 2016 Reserve Orange Riesling, 2016 Reserve Hunter Valley Chardonnay, 2016 Reserve Orange Chardonnay, 2017 Wine Lovers Gewurztraminer, 2017 Wine Lovers Verdelho Semillon and 2017 Wine Lovers Petite Fleur Rose.

Aaron said Tamburlaine was always pushing the boundaries to create a better product for its customers, including the introduction of the preservative-free range and the removal of all animal products from their winemaking process, making Tamburlaine 100 percent vegan.

“In the red world, we do a range of preservative-free wines; we’re fairly pioneering in that,” he said.

“The guys did about 500 cases (of preservative-free wines) back in 2015, we had a fair crack in 2016, we’ve made a significant amount in 2017, and we’ll double that moving into 2018, sales are going great.

“You dovetail into that organics and biodynamics, and customers love it.

“

What I really enjoy about Tamburlaine is the diversity of product that we make, the diversity of markets we work in with export and domestic, and bringing out new wine styles, varietals.

“Really chasing market trends is something Tamburlaine offers and that’s pretty exciting. We’re out there actively looking at how to increase quality no matter what.”

Aaron Mercer

Hunter Valley

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the perfect wine country dining experience executive chef jean marc-pollet has created a menu driven by the fusion of classic French cuisine with local, seasonal Australian produce including produce from his private farm. situated in the hub of hunter valley wine country, éléments is open 7 days for café lunch and a-la-carte dinner.

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TASTE

GRAPES You Need to Know About in 2018 WORDS Quentin von Essen In Australia, we are fortunate to have access to so many great wines from around the world, as well as those grown on our home soil. While there are well over 1,000 different grape varieties used to make wine, most people tend to be drawn to the same six or seven better known varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

With so many different wine varieties available to us today, the world of wines is an adventurous, rich and wonderful world filled with everything from the subtlety of a Canadian unoaked Malbec, to the spiciness of a Spanish Sangiovese, or a strong sweet Montbazillac from the Bergerac wine producing area in South West France.

Wine varieties, local and foreign, are far more accessible than ever before and with the increased demand the supply of wine has soared, allowing for inexpensive and delicious wines available for all to enjoy.

It’s time to expand your wine horizons. If you love wine and you perhaps reach a little too often for that familiar variety, then why not branch out and explore other varieties that you are less familiar with?

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CHENIN BLANC

A white wine variety that has been cultivated in France for nearly 1300 years, Chenin Blanc is commonly associated with the Loire Valley. It is arguably the most versatile of all wine grape varieties – easy to grow, productive and high in acidity making it suitable for use in many different styles of wine. Crisp dry table wines, light sparkling wines, nectar-like dessert wines, and even brandy are all produced in various areas of the wine world, all using dominantly or entirely Chenin Blanc grapes.

Chenin Blanc is an aromatic wine that has great fruit concentration and yet shows an outstanding ability to age. Chenin Blanc is often associated with flavours of honey, melon and grass, with dryer wines becoming richer, rounder and more honeyed with age.

Where to find it? Here in the Hunter Valley, Hart & Hunter in Pokolbin have a wonderful example of Chenin Blanc produced from one of the very few parcels of Chenin remaining in the region.

FIANO

A white wine variety that comes from Italy’s Campania wine region in Southern Italy – an area close to Naples and Mount Vesuvius, where it has been cultivated for over two thousand years.

In Australia, Fiano is a relatively new grape, but is considered by many to be the next most fashionable grape variety. It’s the perfect outdoor wine - crisp, well-balanced, often with hints of honey, nuts, tropical fruit, peaches, lemons and apricot, with a steely backbone.

Vermentino is Spanish in origin but is believed to have travelled first to Corsica and then to Italy, where it is the dominant white wine grape of Sardinia. It is a late-ripening grape variety which loves a hot, dry climate, and therefore a natural choice for the Hunter Valley.

When it comes to food, the wines are robust and can be enjoyed with a variety of well-flavoured foods that include antipasto platters or strongly flavoured seafood dishes.

Where to find it? Mistletoe Winery on Hermitage Road started producing Where to find it? Vermentino can be found at a few Hunter Valley cellar doors - most notably First Creek, Bimbadgen Estate, Talavera Grove, Little Fiano in 2014 and it can also be found at Gardens Cellars located at Wine Co., Petersons, Pepper Tree Wines and De Bortoli. the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village. Greenway Wines in Broke produce a wonderful Sparkling Fiano.

VERMENTINO

One of the exciting new aromatic white wine varieties from Southern Italy, Vermentino is making an impression on the wine scene in Australia mainly due to its natural texture and versatility.

BARBERA

This variety is an Italian red wine variety that is best known as the second most important Piedmontese variety after Nebbiolo and is, in fact, the most widely planted variety in Piedmont. Its role has been mainly to produce the everyday drinking wines of the region. ► Your always welcome at...

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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 25 | JANUARY 2018 thb

(Continued) The naturally high acid levels of the grape are a beneficial characteristic of the variety, especially in warmer climates. There are considerable plantings elsewhere in Italy as well as in Argentina, California and Australia.

Where to find it? Here in the Hunter, you can find Barbera at Catherine Hill Wines and Mount Broke Wines in Broke -Fordwich and David Hook Wines in Pokolbin.

TEMPRANILLO

A premium red wine grape variety from the Rioja Region in Spain. It is also grown in many other regions in Spain and although a relative newcomer, it is present in many wine regions in Australia. What makes this variety so exciting is that it makes wines which have good colour and good fruit flavours, along with low acid and low tannins.

When you first taste a Spanish Tempranillo, you’ll get hit with the flavour of leather along with cherries. The finish is mild, smooth and lingers with tannin on both sides of your mouth.

The obvious food pairing with Tempranillo wine is to go with Spanish style dishes. A lighter bodied Tempranillo would go well with tapas-style dishes – prawns, olives, marinated mushrooms and sliced chorizo.

Where to find it? Mount Broke Wines, Briar Ridge Wines, Audrey Wilkinson, Hungerford Hill and Pokolbin Estate.

SANGIOVESE

This is the most-planted red grape in Italy and 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.

The variety produces elegant wines with powerful aromas and is notoriously high in tannin and acidity but lighter in fruit. Sangiovese flavours range from cherries and red plums to herbs, spices and tea-like

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flavours. The wines tend to be medium bodied, dry and usually quite savoury. While Italian styles tend to have more acid and tannin, the Australian Sangiovese wines tend to be a little fruitier, with riper flavours and higher alcohol. This wine is easy to understand and is enjoyable in its youth, but it’s also rewarding with moderate to long ageing.

Where to find it? Here in the Hunter, a good example can be found at Adina Vineyard in Lovedale, Pokolbin Estate on McDonalds Road and Tintilla Estate on Hermitage Road in Pokolbin. ■

Venture off the Usual Tourist Trails!

Do you appreciate the great outdoors and want to explore our local National Parks and State Forests but don’t know where to go? Adventure, Wine & Eco (AWE) Tours offer a range of guided scenic tours to provide locals and visitors to the Hunter Valley with the opportunity to venture beyond the usual tourist trails.

With AWE Tours you can get off the beaten track and experience the real Australia in their 4x4 Ranger to explore the Watagan National Park. Located under one hour from the Hunter Valley, the Watagans offer spectacular wilderness right on our doorstep, perfect for hiking or just to enjoy the stunning views from the many lookouts. AWE Tours will take you to Hunter lookout with views across the valley towards Pokolbin and Heaton lookout, offering views to the north and south coast as well as Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes. From Heaton lookout, you can take a short rainforest walk and then head down to Boarding House Dam, the original site for accommodation for the very first logging camp.

Or join AWE Tours on their Pokolbin State Forest Tour, where you will travel along the ridge that overlooks the vineyards and enjoy the incredible views as far north as Port Stephens from a special location.

From there you will head down to Yellow Rock, a significant Aboriginal heritage site, with views to the north over Broke and the open cut mines onto Singleton. The tour concludes by travelling through Cedar Creek and into the historic township of Wollombi. For more information or to book, visit www.awetours.com.au

The Trophies Keep Coming for McLeish Estate!

THE HUNTER VALLEY’S HIDDEN GEM -

Offering modern Australian cusine Relax the day away at Twine Restaurant with breathtaking views and enjoy the best of what the Hunter has to offer - great food, great service and premium Wines. Be sure to visit Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate to experience one of the Hunter Valley's most iconic destinations.

Open for gourmet breakfast & lunch | Private functions Ultimate wedding venue | Corporate groups Open 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday 310 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin | www.twinerestaurant.com.au

At the 38th Sydney International Wine Competition, McLeish Estate winery once again asserted its position as one of the most highly acclaimed boutique producers in Australia. Close to 2,000 wines from 13 countries were judged, with McLeish Estate taking home four trophies.

The Sydney International Wine Competition is unique amongst wine shows in that wines are judged alongside food, making it the most relevant competition for consumers. As most wines are complemented by certain foods, in this competition judges pair wines against tastes of a similar palate weight; the successful wines being those that are more harmonious and better balanced. Each category of wine is paired with a different dish. Celebrity chef Michael Manners was responsible for creating the delicious recipes for this year's competition.

McLeish Estate's 2009 Cellar Reserve Semillon received the trophy for the Best Medium Bodied Dry White, however the 2007 Cellar Reserve proved even more successful as a triple-trophy winning wine - awarded for Best Lighter Bodied Dry White, Best White Table Wine of Competition and Best Wine of Competition.

McLeish Estate’s 2007 Cellar Reserve Semillon is no stranger to accolades having been awarded over 20 trophies at various wine shows in Australia and around the world.

This spectacular Semillon excelled on the world stage in 2016 winning the title of World’s Best Semillon at the London International Wine Challenge, considered one of the world’s most highly regarded wine show, judging upwards of 13,000 wines from 50 countries.

You can find all the delicious recipe's from this year's competition created by chef Michael Manners online at www.top100wines.com.

All of McLeish Estate’s wines are available from their Cellar Door on De Beyers Road in Pokolbin or www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au

27 | JANUARY 2018 thb

NG

Y PINTS ALL DA FRIDAY IRE

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AP

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$9

ON

Celebrate Australia day at Harrigans with $9 pints of James Squire all day, jumping castle for the kids and the V-Dubs playing from 9pm for reservations call 4998 4300 or visit harrigans.m.au

PL I

ES TO

OUR JA MES

SQ

U

PLUS SCRATCH AND WIN COMPETITION

Buy any James Squire on tap to recieve a scratch card

From Passion to Profession WORDS Michelle Meehan

BISTRO • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS BAR Ph: 02 4998 4300 - harrigans.com.au - Broke Road Pokolbin

Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 21 dealers

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

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

OPEN 10am – 5pm, Thursday to Sunday & most public holidays 175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com

thb 28 | JANUARY 2018

Family has always been at the heart of Donna Hollis’ connection with food.

Inspired by the culinary creations of her father and grandmother, Donna learned a love of cooking at a young age, and after graduating from high school in the mid-1990s, she set out to turn her passion into a profession.

More than 15 years into her career as a chef, family is once again at the core of Donna’s dining experience as the Executive Chef and Functions Manager for RidgeView Restaurant.

RidgeView is a family-owned enterprise established by Darren and Tracey Scott in the early 2000’s. It includes four gorgeous self-contained guest cottages, as well as more than 25 acres of vineyards, which the Scotts have used to create an array of award-winning sparkling, white, red, fortified and dessert wines.

RidgeView has also developed a reputation for the quality of food coming out of its kitchen, with Donna dishing up a menu of Mediterranean-inspired fare at the vineyard’s restaurant that is ideal for sharing among loved ones.

It is a style of dining that resonates with the passionate Hunter Valley chef.

“My inspiration started when I was quite young,” Donna said.

“Cooking was a passion for my Grandmother and also for my Dad. They would create a lot of old-school dishes that were amazing, and they were always trying something new.

“Natural progression for me was to follow in their footsteps and try new things, as well as try to outdo them both (not always possible).

“

To me, food is an experience that you enjoy

with people you care about; I want my son to grow up having the same experience I had as a youngster, getting to sample a wide array of different styles of cooking and not being afraid to try something new.

“At RidgeView we specialise in Greek/Cypriot and Mediterranean styles of food. The dishes that we serve are typical of those areas and are large portions to share called mezzedes. The Greeks and Cypriot culture

are generally very family orientated and our style of dining is set up to reflect the sharing of dishes with family and friends, and certainly no one leaves hungry!”

Donna has worked in a number of restaurants across the Hunter throughout her career, from Il Cacciatore where she began her apprenticeship, to the Monte Pio in Maitland and Pokolbin’s Casuarina Estate.

She has also cooked a wide range of cuisines and is constantly trying out new things in the kitchen.

“I like cooking all different styles of food, but at the moment I have been going through a recipe book that belonged to my Mum when she was in school and trying to replicate some old school classics!” Donna said.

“My motivation comes from our guests and also my boss Darren; here at RidgeView there is a constant battle over whether the food or the wine is better, we are constantly trying to outdo each other!

“Presentation and taste are what I am most passionate about… oh, and a clean workbench!

“I guess the biggest challenge is always trying to come up with something different and pleasing our guests; with so many social media outlets available it’s extremely important that all of our guests leave happy and well fed.”

RidgeView regulars can expect to see a few new dishes on the menu in 2018, bursting with fresh ingredients from the restaurant’s evergrowing vegetable garden.

“There is nothing like home-grown produce picked fresh from the garden going straight to the plate,” Donna said.

“Looking forward we will be focusing on getting more fruit and veg growing in our onsite veggie patch to utilise in the restaurant; fresh is definitely best!

“We have a few different things happening at The Ridge next year, but everyone will have to like our Facebook page to see what will be happening! Our annual Ocean to Paddock dinner will be one to look out for in June.”

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

The Lad y in

Pokolbin Village Accommodation General Store • Pokolbin Bottle Shop Chocolate and Jam Company • Smelly Cheese Shop Buon Cibo Restaurant • Tempt and Vixen Giftware

2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 www.pokolbinvillage.com.au

Pin k

...

POKOL B IN E STAT E 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

29 | JANUARY 2018 thb

WINE VARIETY

THE PERFECT WINE FOR SUMMER Verdelho Verdelho is one of the more interesting grape varieties and the perfect wine for the warmer months – typically fresh and flavoursome, with a lovely balanced palate of fruit and a popular alternative to the marketdominant Sauvignon Blanc. While it is usually sold as a straight varietal, Verdelho also blends well with Chardonnay and Semillon.

Verdelho is a Portuguese grape variety that was first cultivated in the 1400’s and grown on Portugal’s mainland in the Douro Valley as well as the island of Madeira, which lends its name to the four main types of Madeira wine. The grape is used to make either a dry table white wine or a sweet, fortified wine. Before the vine-munching phylloxera bug reached Madeira in the late 19th century, Verdelho vines accounted for two-thirds of Madeira's vineyards. Nowadays very little remains, growing mostly on high ground along the north coast of the island.

Verdelho came to Australia in the 1820’s and was used in the production of fortified wines, before eventually being used to produce the modern, fruit driven, dry white table wine styles that we see today.

Verdelho is now seen as a fresh, tropical style that offers the wine consumer great value.

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

thb 30 | JANUARY 2018

Australian Verdelho has a steady following and seems to please everyone, no matter their typical wine palate. This is not surprising given how well the fresh, clean nature of these wines suit our food and lifestyle. While it is widely grown in areas that include Riverina and Langhorne Creek, it’s the wine growing regions of Western Australia and New South Wales that consistently produce the best examples of Verdelho with pristine aromas and flavours, which are made for early consumption.

Having its origins in a hot climate, the Hunter Valley was one of the first areas in Australia where Verdelho was planted in the 1820's. It has proved to be well suited to its warm conditions, can regain its sugar level after rain quickly and is resistant to bunch rot. The area now has numerous plantings producing wines of excellent quality, displaying typically sweet fruit, spicy notes, balanced acidity with a wonderfully zesty finish.

The characteristics of Verdelho varies significantly according to the climate, growing conditions, the winemaker and when the grape is picked. From cool to warm climates the varietal character will change from herbaceous, grassy and spice through to the more tropical flavours of pineapple, melon, guava and fruit salad.

These fruity white wines are also sufficiently adaptable to meet a number of food pairing options and are perfect for summer or lunchtime meals - pairing well with seafood, lighter meats such as veal, pork, or chicken and hard cheeses. The spicy varieties of Verdelho work well with roasted vegetables and pesto, while sweeter varieties go nicely with more Asian influenced dishes.

Verdelho is just as wonderful without food, say for a late afternoon drink with friends. You can try Verdelho wine with tapas or appetisers and a couple of freshly shucked oysters.

It’s the perfect wine for the warmer weather – so if you are looking for a flavoursome, everyday drinking wine that goes well with a wide variety of food, look no further than Verdelho.

Wine Glass Gallery Because great wine deserves a great wine glass

• 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!

Must Try

VERDELHO GARTELMANN WINES 'Jessica' 2017 Hunter Valley Verdelho Named after owner Jan Gartelmann’s mother Jessica, the 2017 Jessica Verdelho is a classic Hunter ‘bigger’ style of Verdelho.

TASTING The 2017 Jessica exudes passionfruit and pineapple on the nose with a waft of Tahitian lime sherbet. The palate demonstrates that the winemaker really understands this variety. In the mouth it is unctuous and rich with a subtle fruit sweetness acid balance. The finish is light and refreshing rendering this wine eminently drinkable.

FOOD MATCH This Verdelho is the perfect match for spicy foods, like Indian curries, Thai chillies, hot pepper, or stronger seafoods, like Mackerel.

CELLARING Drink now.

CAPERCAILLIE WINES 2017 Verdelho The fruit for the 2017 Verdelho was sourced from the Racecourse Lane Vineyard in Pokolbin and was picked in the third week of January. Only the free run juice from the crushed fruit was used for cold settling and fermentation. A cool 16-18˚C ferment over 9 days using a vigorous and expressive yeast strain has produced a wine displaying strong varietal characteristics.

TASTING This wine appears pale straw with green hues and has lifted primary floral and tropical fruit, melon and pear aromas with a hint of spice.

These characters are evident on the palate and are supported with fresh natural acidity, giving the palate an appealing zesty finish.

CELLARING Drink now.

WYNWOOD ESTATE 2014 'Grey Gum' Verdelho Wynwood Estate’s Grey Gum wine range offers excellent value and are made to showcase the varieties from which they are made. The wines in this range tend to be reliable from each vintage to the next and reflect the dedication and commitment from the viticultural team at Wynwood Estate.

This fruit for this wine was grown on the Wynwood vineyard on well drained clay based soils that contain some limestone.

TASTING The 2014 Grey Gum Verdelho is typical of the Verdelho variety displaying tropical fruits, pear and passion-fruit with a hint of spice. The palate is full flavoured with ripe fruit and natural acidity giving the wine a crisp long finish. CELLARING Drink now.

LUCY'S RUN 2016 Verdelho From their boutique, single vineyard estate, Lucy's Run 2016 Verdelho is usually harvested late in January, and brings with it the distinct tropical fruit flavours consistent with the Hunter Verdelho style.

TASTING The 2016 Verdelho possesses clean, bright pineapple and passionfruit notes that dance smoothly across the nose and palate, while also delivering a light spice finish, all showcasing the quality of Lucy's Run fruit combined with David Hook's signature winemaking style.

FOOD MATCH A beautiful wine to share chilled with seafood, pasta and vegetable dishes, this 2016 Verdelho also pairs very well with Spicy Asian creations.

CELLARING Drink now.

NIGHTINGALE WINES 2016 Verdelho The Broke Fordwich wine region is renowned for producing high quality Verdelho grapes. Seasonal conditions in 2016 offered outstanding slow ripening, resulting in intense fruit flavours epitomising this quality Verdelho.

TASTING This wine displays a bright lifted tropical bouquet with luscious mouth filling citrus followed by a burst of fruit salad flavours, giving a rich and complex palate with a long crisp finish.

FOOD MATCH A perfect accompaniment to seafood or Asian dishes.

CELLARING Drink now to 2021.

HUNGERFORD HILL 2016 Classic Hunter Valley Verdelho A wonderful example of Hunter Valley Verdelho where flavour ripeness is achieved and expressed early in the growing season, allowing a fuller flavoured aromatic white wine.

TASTING This wine is a brilliant youthful green in colour with a pungent aroma of spicy citrus, musk stick and hints of lavender.

The palate is constant and complemented with hints of lemon and passionfruit with a subtle near linear acid structure.

FOOD MATCH Ideal for summer or lunchtime meals – pairing with seafood, lighter meats such as veal, pork or chicken and hard cheeses.

CELLARING Drink now to 2019.

31 | JANUARY 2018 thb

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SHOPS

18

Read about Health + Wellness Trends for 2018 PAGE 13

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12

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COMING UP

February 10

3

23 & 24

CESSNOCK SHOW

at Cessnock Showground

RNB VINE DAYS - BOYS II MEN, TLC & SHAGGY

CROSSROADS IN THE VINES - BLUES

Kicking off at Bimbadgen Estate, the RNB Vine Days concert series will showcase some of the biggest names in contemporary RNB – Boyz II Men and TLC will lead the charge alongside JamaicanAmerican dancehall maestro Shaggy, DJ Horizon and YO! MAFIA. Over the past two decades Boyz II Men have won fans the world over with their soulful multi-octave sound and incredible vocals in mega hits like ‘End Of The Road’, ‘I’ll Make Love To You’ and ‘One Sweet Day (feat. Mariah Carey)’.

One of history’s most influential female hip-hop and R&B acts TLC captured the world’s attention with their sassy and sophisticated R&B set against a socially conscious lyrical style.

Dancehall reggae’s biggest hitmaker Shaggy will be keeping fans groovin’ at RNB Vine Days with his inescapable dance floor jams like ‘Mr Boombastic’, ‘It Wasn’t Me (feat. Rikork)’ and ‘Angel (feat.

Rayvon)’.

Tickets will go fast! For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.vinedays.com.au

Crossroads in the Vines is an exciting new festival series that will bring together the biggest names in country and blues for two massive days of premium music, food and entertainment. Roche Estate will host the first event on February 10th with some of the best international and Australian blues performers.

For blues fans, it doesn’t get much bigger than Buddy Guy. He is an exponent of Chicago blues and has influenced eminent guitarists including Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck and John Mayer.

Described by Eric Clapton as “the best guitar player alive”, Guy’s sixdecade career has been one of the most influential in blues history.

Australian blues/rock legends Ian Moss, Diesel, Ted Mulry Gang, Kevin Borich and Phil Emmanuel join modern Australian virtuosos Mia Dyson, Lachy Doley Group, Mark Moroney and many more to create a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the genre.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.crossroadsinthevines.com

at Bimbadgen Estate

10 & 24

HANDMADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS at Kevin Sobels Wines

thb 34 | JANUARY 2018

It’s show time again in Cessnock, as

24

at Roche Estate

17

A TASTE OF TASSIE LUNCH at The Lodge,

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

the annual Cessnock Show returns to the Cessnock Showground with all your show favourites!

The fun kicks off with the horse class and dog show competitions on the Friday, as well as the camp draft. Other highlights of the show will include speedway demonstrations, rides, sideshows and children’s entertainment.

The festivities will wrap up with a fireworks spectacular on the Saturday night.

A DAY ON THE GREEN at Bimbadgen Estate

Prepare for iconic indie rock anthems in the great outdoors when The Living End, Spiderbait, Veruca Salt, The Lemonheads, Tumbleweed and The Fauves combine for an almighty a day on the green performance at Bimbadgen Estate.

It’s a bill bursting with bands who were part of the alternative heyday of the 1990's, a period that has left a remarkable legacy for Australian music fans and continues to be held with much affection.

Between them, these six bands have notched up eight ARIA Awards, received more than 30 ARIA Award nominations, had 12 Top 10 albums and 19 Top 40 hit singles. They’ve played just about every major music festival in the world and worked with a wide range of collaborators – everyone from Kylie Minogue to The Wiggles!

In the live arena, their reputations were made through performances marked by energy, passion and verve.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

24

SHAKESPEARE IN THE VINES - TWELFTH NIGHT at Calais Estate

This Summer will see Essential Theatre visit Calais Estate once again, this time with one of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies Twelfth Night. Previously having performed several popular Shakespeare productions in the Estate's magnificent natural amphitheatre, Essential Theatre has been touring Australia's most picturesque wineries and gardens for the past 16 years.

Twelfth Night will bring plenty of laughter, energy and excitement to the Hunter Valley in an entertaining tale of mystery, wonder, mischief and unforgettable adventure. A fresh take on a much loved classic, this production will be a truthful, fast paced and energetic tale.

Tickets start at $50 per adult for general admission, with addon options including a VIP lunch package, a hamper for two, or a picnic blanket. Student General Admission is $40 (students up to 18 years old).

You can find more information at www.calaiswines.com.au, or buy tickets through www.ticketek.com.au

www.itmustbemorpeth.com.au

HunterValleyGardensShopping.com.au

Shopping Village Shop AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN - Specialises in quality Australian Alpaca fashion, homewares and accessories. Alpaca coats, sweaters, shawls, scarves, gloves, socks, beanies, throw rugs, bedding, yarn and alpaca toys.

PEPPERS CREEK ANTIQUES - An exquisite array of spectacular jewellery, stylish watches, amazing giftware and homewares. Gifts for all ages and occasions collected from all corners of the world.

CANDELABRA - One of Australia's most famous boutique candle stores - the stunning fragrances, colour and endless variety of product is truly amazing.

EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND CO. - An elegant and stunning new store to the village, offering a range of European, contemporary and individualised pieces. Choose a stunning natural diamond, tanzanite or gemstone piece or perhaps something from our exclusive Larimar range.

HUNTER VALLEY CHRISTMAS SHOP - Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is a magic land where it is Christmas every day of the year!

PULP ADDICTION - Satisfy your paper cravings with our delightful range of designer stationery which is guaranteed to intrigue and delight.

THE TWIG - A gorgeous selection of home furnishings and personal giftware unlike anything else on offer in the Valley.

THE WAITERS FRIEND - A great selection of quality kitchenware and barware and some of the best prices anywhere in Australia.

VILLAGE BOOKS - A fantastic range of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books and a unique collection of quality toys, games, souvenirs and gifts. Phone 4998 6530.

WILSON & HUNTER - A unique selection of Australian and New Zealand fashion and accessories from Camilla, Mela Purdie, Tigerlilly, Verge, Willow & Zac, Samantha Wills, Solsana and more. Plus a small range of menswear and accessories.

Play WINE GLASS GALLERY - Hundreds of beautiful wine glasses - Amazing glass vases, bowls, platters & ornaments plus gorgeous silk flowers.

Unique tea lights. Amusing collector teapots.

Infusers and candles. Seasonal Scarves.

Souvenirs Aust. & Hunter Valley. Comical wine glasses, coasters and much more.

Dine AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS - We are a family friendly café serving honest wholesome food and great coffee, in a casual relaxed environment. We are opened for breakfast, lunch and everything in between. Our menu is available dine in or take away and is sure to impress. Phone 4998 7355.

DEAR COFFEE - NITRO BEANS: Revolutionary new on tap cold brew coffee, tea and juice infused with Nitrogen, ensuring a crisp, healthy and refreshing drink. Tempt your tastebuds with our waffle on a stick with delicious toppings or other treats like the famous Hunter Valley Cookies, Peters Aussie Scoop ice cream, and various savoury treats.

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY - Experience a Taste of the Country in this award winning café and retail outlet. This popular café is like walking into an old fashioned, country kitchen. Phone 4998 6605.

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT - This award winning restaurant features an excellent selection of wines and serves Modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Bookings recommended. Phone 4998 7584.

Pamper JOLIE HAIR MAKEUP BEAUTY - Jolie offers style cuts, colour services, hairstyling and several beauty services including waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures, massage, makeup and more. Book today on 4998 6844.

AQUA GOLF & PUTT PUTT - If you fancy a bit of action then visit our Aqua Golf and Putt Putt Golf Course - fun for the whole family! Win cash & prizes! Phone 4998 7896.

Savour HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY 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 LIQUEURS & BAERAMI OLIVES - Featuring the finest hand Crafted Hunter Liqueurs, Extra Virgin Olive Oils, table olives and Boutique Gifts. This is your one stop flavour destination when visiting the Hunter.

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 - We stock a wide range of boutique Hunter Valley and other regional wines. See our Tunnel of Beer along with a variety of quality white, red, sweet, sparkling wines and much more.

HUNTER HONEY HIVE - Visit Hunter Honey Hive to experience everything honey and bee related, with free tastings daily!

Essentials POKOLBIN FARM SHOP - A modern convenience store & local produce collective.

Including meats, dairy, vegies, crafts & souvenirs. Phone 4998 7191.

POKOLBIN VILLAGE PHARMACY - Offering you friendly, professional service as well as a wide range of products: full PBS prescription service, medicines, vitamins, skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, sunglasses and much more. Phone 4998 6677.

BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN. OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM