WINE & DINE HUNTER VALLEY Issue 10 - Summer | Autumn | 2016 by WCP MEDIA

SUMMER | AUTUMN 2016

CELLAR DOORS | RESTAURANTS | LOCAL PRODUCE | TRAIL MAPS | REVIEWS

We Love Our Beer

Visit the Hunter Valley’s Oldest brewery... Hunter Beer Co. WHAT’S YOUR BEER EXPERIENCE? Sitting back, relaxing and enjoying a pint of your favourite beer? Sampling the delights of TEN hand-crafted beers? Checking out a tasting paddle? Chatting to the Brewers? Taking a Brewery Tour? It doesn’t matter which one is your favourite... You can do it all at Hunter Beer Co.

BREWERY TOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK - Monday to Friday 4pm Saturday and Sunday 12pm & 4pm The brewery is open to the public from 10AM - 5PM, with all beers available in the main bar until late.

POTTERS HOTEL BREWERY RESORT WINE COUNTRY DRIVE, NULKABA PH 4991 7922 BREWER@POTTERSHBR.COM.AU | WWW.HUNTERBEERCO.COM

The TheHunter’s Hunter’sPremier PremierWine Wine Destination Destination

Fine Dining. Craft Brewhouse. Pizza Functions Café. Fine Dining. Craft Brewhouse. Weddings. And the And theodd oddconcert concertfor for 20,000. 20,000. Visit hopeestate.com.au totofind on. Visit hopeestate.com.au findout out what’s what’s on.

Welcome... COVER IMAGE Cover image competition won by Circa 1876 located in the expansive acreage of Peppers Convent on Halls Road, Pokolbin. See more on page 36.

Quick Indexes

Pokolbin North

Pokolbin South

Lovedale, Rothbury & Branxton

Mount View, Cessnock & Nulkaba

Broke Fordwich

Wollombi

Wine & Food Experiences

103

EDITORS/PUBLISHERS Quentin von Essen & Di von Essen GRAPHIC DESIGN Jess Codrington CONTRIBUTORS Carla Elkin, Peter Firth, Salt&Peppa Reviews FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: +61 2 4943 2888 wineanddine@wcpmedia.com.au 4/2 Smith Street, Charlestown NSW 2290 Australia

Welcome to the Hunter Valley and the 2016 Summer/Autumn issue of Wine & Dine Hunter Valley. With a tradition of viticulture stretching back more than 180 years and celebrated as Australia’s primary wine and food destination, the Hunter Valley attracts food and wine lovers from all over the world and treats them to a journey of discovery into the world of great wine and food. Hunter Valley wines are equal to the best in the world and include a full range of wine styles and varietals to choose from - one to match every meal. It is no coincidence that some of the finest restaurants in the world can be found in the best wine growing regions. Where there is great wine, great food usually follows and the Hunter Valley, with a reputation for being the home of great Australian wines, is also one of the finest, most authentic culinary destinations in Australia. Go wine tasting, choose from a diversity of restaurants and cafés, book a wine tour or self-drive using one of the six Wine & Food Trail Maps provided in this guide. But more importantly... Enjoy!

© Copyright 2015/2016 WCP MEDIA. All rights reserved. Wine & Dine is a Registered Trademark. Reproduction in part or whole or use without permission is strictly prohibited. For information regarding permissions please contact us at the above address. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, WCP MEDIA cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily that of the publishers. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising due to inappropriate content.

www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au

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...to Australia’s

Contents Move Aside Chianti! Wine and Pasta Pairing

Hunter Valley Varietals – Reds 26 Matt's Produce - Gourmet Secrets in a Jar

Two Great Spots to Lunch – Alot! 53 Top Drops – Our Picks of the Season 56 Voices from the Vineyard - From Flowering to Harvest 68 Dining Review - Il Cacciatore Restaurant 72 Hunter Valley Varietals – Whites 76 When a Vineyard Full of Rotting Grapes can be a Good Thing! 87 Health Benefits of Red Wine

Mixing it up with Wine Blends

Big Things Happening in Local Breweries

Wollombi Valley - So much More Than Wine

Wine & Cheese Getting Along Naturally 100 Why Drive When you can Take a Tour?

102

wine & food region

Quick Index to Cellar Doors (A-M) Adina Vineyard

492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Ascella Pure Wines

203 Thompsons Road, Milbrodale

7 Days

Blueberry Hill Vineyard

999 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Briar Ridge Vineyard

593 Mount View Road, Mount View

7 Days

Brokes Promise Estate

725 Milbrodale Road, Broke

7 Days

Calais Estate

151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

7 Days

Capercaillie Wine Co.

4 Londons Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Constable Estate

205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

DeBortoli Wines

532 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin

7 Days

Drayton’s Family Wines

555 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Eclectic Wines

687 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Fri to Mon

Emmas Cottage Vineyard

438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale

Fri to Sun & Pub Hols

Ernest Hill Wines

307 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba

7 Days

First Creek Wines

600 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Gartelmann Wines

701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Gemelli Estate

168 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

Fri to Mon

Greenway Wines

350 Wollombi Road, Broke

Sat & Sun or by app.

Gundog Estate

101 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Hanging Tree Wines

294 O’Connors Road, Pokolbin

Fri to Sun & Pub Hols; Weekdays by app.

Hope Estate

2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Hungerford Hill Wines

2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Hunter Distillery

1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Iron Gate Estate

Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Ivanhoe Wines

525 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Kelman Vineyard

2 Oakey Creek Road, Mount View

7 Days

Kevin Sobels Wines

5 Halls Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard

712 Wollombi Road, Broke

Fri to Sun

Lambloch Estate

2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Leogate Estate

1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Macquariedale Organic Wines

170 Sweetwater Road, Rothbury

7 Days

4 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Quick Index to Cellar Doors (M-Z) McLeish Estate

462 DeBeyers Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Mistletoe Winery

771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Misty Glen Wines

293 Deasys Road, Pokolbin

Fri to Mon

Moorebank Private Vineyard

150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

7 Days

Mount Broke Wines

130 Adams Peak Road, Broke

Sat, Sun & Pub Hols

Mount View Estate

502 Mount View Road, Mount View

7 Days

Noyce Brothers Wines

2884 Wollombi Road, Wollombi

7 Days

Oakvale Wines

1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Peacock Hill Vineyard

29 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

7 Days

Peterson House

Cnr Broke Road & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin

7 Days

Petersons Wines - Pokolbin

2347 Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Petersons Wines - Mount View

552 Mount View Road, Mount View

7 Days

Pierre’s Wines

82 Elderslie Road, Branxton

Sat & Sun Mon to Fri by app.

Pokolbin Estate

298 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Ridgeview Wines

273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin

Wed to Sun

Rothvale Winery

223 Deasy’s Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Saddler’s Creek Wines

15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Sandalyn Estate

Wilderness Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Savannah Estate Wines

402 Mount View Road, Mount View

7 Days

Stomp! Wines

1273 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Fri to Sun

Stonehurst Cedar Creek

1840 Wollombi Road, Cedar Creek

7 Days

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

7 Days

Tatler Wines

477 Lovedale Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Thalgara Estate

536 DeBeyers Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Tintilla Estate

725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Vinden Estate

17 Gillards Road, Pokolbin

Wed to Sun

Wine Selectors

102

Visitor Information Centre, 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin

7 Days

Wollombi Village Vineyard

2971 Payne’s Crossing Road, Wollombi

Sat & Sun

Wynwood Estate

310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

7 Days SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 5

Quick Index to Restaurants (A-P) Al-Oi Thai Restaurant

19 Vincent St, Cessnock

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

Amandas on the Edge

1039 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Lunch Fri to Mon; Dinner 7 Nights

And the Winner is Oscars

Shop 15, HV Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Bistro Molines

749 Mount View Road, Mount View

Lunch Thurs - Mon; Dinner Fri & Sat

Bistro Vinden

17 Gillards Road, Pokolbin

Lunch Sat & Sun

Blaxlands Inn

2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Lunch & Dinner Wed to Sun

Buon Cibo Ristorante

Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Breakfast & Lunch 7 days; Dinner Fri to Mon

Circa 1876

64 Halls Road, Pokolbin

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

Drayton’s Log Press Café

555 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days

Eighty Eight

Peppers Convent, 88 Halls Road, Pokolbin

Breakfast 7 Days; Lunch & Dinner Thurs to Sun

Elements Bar and Dining

@ Mercure HVG, Cnr Broke & McDonalds Road’s, Pokolbin

Lunch Sat & Sun; Dinner 7 Nights

Epicure Café

2/426 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days

EXP. Restaurant

1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Lunch Wed to Sun; Dinner Wed to Sat

Goldfish Bar & Kitchen

@Tempus Two Complex, Cnr Broke & McDonalds Road’s, Pokolbin

Lunch and Dinner 7 Days

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

Broke Road, Pokolbin

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

Harvest Restaurant

@ Hope Estate, 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Lunch 7 Days; Dinner Fri & Sat

Hunter’s Quarter

@ Cockfighters Ghost, 576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin

Lunch Wed to Sun; Dinner Thurs to Sat

Il Cacciatore Restaurant

@ Hermitage Lodge, 609 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Dinner 7 Nights

Lovedale Smokehouse & Café

64 Majors Lane, Lovedale

Lunch Thurs to Mon

Matilda Bay Brewhouse

Cnr Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

7 Days, Lunch & Dinner

Mulla Villa

3174 Great North Road, km south of Wollombi

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days; Dinner Fri & Sat

Muse Kitchen

@ Keith Tulloch Wines, Lot 17 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Lunch Wed to Sun; Dinner Sat

Muse Restaurant

@ Hungerford Hill, Broke Road, Pokolbin

Lunch Sat & Sun; Dinner Wed to Sat

Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen

@ Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Thurs to Mon

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant

@ Tempus Two Complex, Cnr McDonalds & Broke Road’s , Pokolbin

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

Pedens Hotel

196 Vincent Street, Cessnock

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

6 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Quick Index to Restaurants (P-Z) PK’s on Pokolbin

455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days

Restaurant Cuvee

Cnr Broke Road & Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days

Ridgeview Restaurant

273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin

Breakfast Fri - Sun; Lunch & Dinner Thurs - Sun

Royal Federal Hotel

50 Maitland Road, Branxton

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

Route 33 Café

2994 Great North Road, Wollombi

7 Days

Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar

65 50

319 Wilderness Road, Lovedale; Sat & Sun @ Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin Thurs to Mon

The Brickworks Brasserie

@ Potters, Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

The Cellar Restaurant

Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin

Lunch and Dinner Mon - Sat

The Deck Café

701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days

The Verandah Restaurant

@ Calais Estate, Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

Lunch & Dinner Thurs - Sun

Twine Restaurant

310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

Lunch 7 Days; Dinner Fri - Sun

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen

1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Lunch 7 Days; Breakfast Sat & Sun

Quick Index to Providores (A-Z) Adina Vineyard - The Hunter Providore

492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Brokes Promise Estate

725 Milbrodale Road, Broke

7 Days

Gartelmann Wines

701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale

7 Days

Gundog Estate & Gourmet Pantry

101 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Hunter Honey Hive

HVG Shopping Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

@ McGuigans Complex, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days

Hunter Valley Chocolate Co.

HVG Shopping Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin; Peterson House, Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin; 2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

7 Days

Lovedale Smokehouse

64 Majors Lane, Lovedale

Lunch Thurs to Mon

Moorebank Private Vineyard

150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

7 Days

Pickled & Pitted

19 Singleton Street, Broke

Fri to Mon

Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar

65 50

319 Wilderness Road, Lovedale; @ Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Sat & Sun Thurs to Mon

Sandalyn Estate

Wilderness Road, Lovedale

7 Days

The Hunter Olive Centre

298 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

7 Days SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 7

WHAT'S IN A SYMBOL? Throughout this booklet you will see symbols relating to facilities and products offered by our wineries, cellar doors, restaurants & providores. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the meaning: Disabled Access

On Site Parking

Vineyard Views

Functions/ Events/ Weddings

Accommodation

Family Friendly

Cellar Door On Site

Free Wifi

Picnic/ BBQ Area

Onsite Restaurant/ Cafe

Beer on Tap

Picnic Hampers

On Site Gallery

On Site Golf Course

Scenic Views

Gourmet Produce

Order Online

A/C Air Conditioning

Cooking Classes

Baby Change Facilities

Great wine deserves a great glass.

Wine Glass Gallery Choose from 100's of beautiful Bohemia Crystal & colourful wine glasses for your Hunter Whites & Reds. We also stock classic flute & saucer champagne glasses & a variety of shot glasses. Cheryl Cusick's original artworks of Wine Glass paintings on canvas, plus many others. A display of over 3,000 colourful gifts, homewares, art glass & much more - you will be amazed!

Shop 3, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village Phone 4998 6888 Open 7 Days 8 | SUMMER â&#x20AC;˘ AUTUMN 2016

HOW TO USE WINE & DINE

Listings are sorted by area, are in alphabetical order where possible and can easily be identified by the symbols below. • Wineries will display the following symbols: PICK UP YOUR FREE FULL SIZE WINE & DINE MAP TODAY! AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT WINE COUNTRY.

White Wines

Sparkling Wines

Red Wines

Fortified Wines

• Restaurants will display the • Providores will display the

INDEX TO WINE & FOOD TRAIL MAPS Tips for self-touring Wine Country: • Locate your current area on the map above - note the large circled number - this is your closest trail. • Use the Index on your right to locate the page number for your selected trail. • Turn to the page indicated to find detailed information about the trail you have selected and an alphabetical listing of all Wineries and Restaurants you can discover along your trail. • Drive carefully and enjoy!

symbol symbol

Pokolbin North

Pokolbin South

Lovedale, Rothbury, Branxton

PG 60/61

Mount View, Cessnock & Nulkaba

PG 78/79

Broke Fordwich

PG 88

Wollombi Valley

PG 96

PG 12/13 PG 32/33

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 9

PASTA + WINE

10 | SUMMER â&#x20AC;¢ AUTUMN 2016

PASTA + WINE

What Wine Goes with What Pasta Dish? The automatic pasta-Chianti pairing is long dead, and matching pasta and wine is a little trickier than it might seem. Of course, the actual pasta itself doesn’t make much difference. When it comes to wine pairing, pasta alone is the ultimate blank food canvas – what really matters is the sauce. Classic Italian pasta dishes such as Linguine with pesto sauce, Orecchiette pasta with broccoli or Spaghetti al’ Amatriciana continue to rest comfortably on many menus throughout Australia - if not the world. Matching wines with pasta used to be a relatively simple matter in the age of traditional sauces. Pasta gets all its flavour from its sauces - red meat sauces, creamy sauces, simple garlic and oil coupled with some tasty additions (grilled chicken, broiled fish, and steaming veggies, to name a few). It is this adaptability and divergence of flavour that makes pasta a universally recognised and loved dish, but it also makes pairing with the perfect glass of wine a challenge. Given the significant diversity that typifies both sides of the pasta-wine equation, the rule of matching them is that there is no rule, instead there are some guiding principles. As many sommeliers remind us (even when we’re not talking about pasta), think about the sauce. Buttery sauces often require buttery wines and lighter sauces call for lighter bodies wines - such as Pinot Grigio. Similarly, acidity also needs to line up between the dish and the wine as, generally speaking, foods with high acidity are inclined to overwhelm wines that don’t have an equivalent level of acidity.

For example, the fresh acidity of Sangiovese wine makes it a good match for anything involving tomatoes. From a simple marinara sauce to sauces like puttanesca or amatriciana... the list goes on. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a sommelier to pick the perfect wine for your pasta feast - so if you’re making the pasta at home, have fun and use your imagination for the ingredients and don’t be afraid to experiment with the wine. Ultimately, it is the flavours and ingredients that you mix with your plate of pasta that will determine which wine should go in your glass so here are a few pairing tips: • Creamy sauce based dishes match well with delicious un-oaked Chardonnays or if you want a red try Nebbiolo – ideal with pasta and a wild mushroom cream sauce, enhanced with a little fresh thyme • Cheese sauce dishes are perfect with Pinot Grigio and buttery Chardonnays • Tomato based sauces should be tried with a crisp rosé, a dry white or a light red. Sangiovese-based blends are also great with a tomato and garlic sauce • Pesto based dishes go well with dry, crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc • Meat based sauces are well paired with medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz/Malbec blend • Pork dishes can be enjoyed with Chardonnay or Viognier • Seafood based pasta dishes are well matched to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Semillon or a Rosé Godere e buon appetito! SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 11

Pokolbin North Wine & Dine Trail

Pokolbin is internationally recognised for being Australia’s oldest commercial wine producing area and where viticulture (growing of grapes) in the Hunter Valley is believed to have first started when James Busby brought planted cuttings of European vines and established what is considered the first vineyard in the area in the 1830’s. However, it was not really until the 1960s that the wine industry of the Lower Hunter Valley really took off due to the closure of local mining operations and the arrival of European immigrants after the Second World War led to a reorientation of Australian tastes. By the 1980s the wine industry had replaced the mining industry as the centerpiece of the local economy. There are now numerous wineries, restaurants, cafes and gourmet food providers in the Pokolbin area, including some of the best known names in Australian wine - some of which have been in existence for well over a century. The majority offer tasting facilities and cellar door sales, and some of the larger enterprises provide additional facilities such as function rooms, restaurants, barbecue and picnic facilities.

THINGS TO SEE & DO Go Back to School! At Hunter Valley Wine School you can attend a 2 hour session which includes a vineyard inspection, instruction on the winemaking process and how to make and blend wines. Daily at 9AM. For more information call 4998 7777. Visit the Hunter Distillery If you’ve ever wondered how spirits are distilled then Hunter Distillery is the place to visit. Get a tour and sample the results from row after row of test tube tasters of award winning range of Vodkas, Schnapps and other spirits. See page 18 for details. 12

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Hermitage Rd

Old North Road

Deasys Road

nalds

The Pokolbin North Trail provides the location and information on cellar doors, restaurants and gourmet food providers located on the northern side of Pokolbin - stretching north from Broke road to Hermitage Rd and Old North Rd and includes some of the most renown and highly awarded wineries, restaurants and providores providing the most enjoyable wine and food experiences in the Hunter.

Mc do

Wine Country Dr

Broke Road

For more information about events visit www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au

NAME Amanda’s on the Edge

PAGE

MAP

Bistro Vinden

Blueberry Hill Vineyard

Calais Estate

Constable Estate

Eclectic Wines

EXP. Restaurant

First Creek Wines

Gemelli Estate

Hunter Distillery

Il Cacciatore

Leogate Estate

Macquariedale Organic Wines

Matilda Bay Brewhouse

Mistletoe Winery

Misty Glen Wines

Moorebank Private Vineyard

Muse Kitchen

Oakvale Wines

Peacock Hill Vineyard

Ridgeview Wines & Restaurant

Rothvale Winery

The Verandah Restaurant

Tintilla Estate

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen

Y Y Y

A SWEET WATER RD

Ridgeview Wines & Restaurant

Macquariedale Organic Wines

OLD NORTH RD

Eclectic Wines IRONBARK HILL RD

Amandas on the Edge

Mistletoe Winery

Blueberry Hill Vineyard

HERMITAGE RD

Misty Glen Wines

DEASYS RD

Muse Kitchen

Il Cacciatore

TO BROKE BROKE RD

Leogate Estate

EXP. Restaurant F Oakvale Wines Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen

The Verandah Restaurant & Calais Estate First Creek Wines

Hunter Distillery

BROKE RD

TO MAP 2 POKOLBIN WINE & FOOD TRAIL (SOUTH)

Winery/Cellar Door Restaurant/ Café Providore/ Gourmet Produce Distillery

Peacock Hill Vineyard

BROKE RD

MAP LEGEND

Moorebank

PALMERS LN

Vinden Estate & Bistro Vinden

Constable Estate Vineyard

Gemelli Estate

PALMERS LN

WINE COUNTRY DR

MISTLETOE LN

Rothvale Winery

Matilda Bay Brewhouse

MC DO NAL DS

COULSON RD

Tintilla Estate

TO MAP 2 POKOLBIN WINE & FOOD TRAIL (SOUTH)

RidgeView Wines and Restaurant

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

AMANDAS ON THE EDGE

1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7900

Located on the beautiful Windsor’s Edge Vineyard. Dine right on the edge on a picturesque vineyard. Get cozy by the fire in winter or dine alfresco in the warmer months.Breathtaking views from every table through the floor to ceiling windows.

www.amandas.com.au dine@amandas.com.au DINING STYLE Smart casual dining OPENING HOURS LUNCH Fri to Mon from 12PM DINNER 7 Days 6PM - 9PM (last booking) and Saturdays 5.30PM - 9.30PM Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Welcome - bookings essential AWARDS Winner Best Restaurant in a Winery 2010 Regional & State PRICE GUIDE Main meals from $29.50 to $39.50 Extensive vegetarian menu available

MAP REF: C7

BISTRO VINDEN @ VINDEN ESTATE Come and enjoy an indoors or alfresco lunch on the terrace overlooking the vineyard. Bistro Vinden offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh Hunter Valley produce, where possible, sourced from our organic kitchen garden on-site. The menu is an eclectic compilation of foods with a distinct focus on high quality meals with depth of flavour. Food is matched with wines from the extensive and highly awarded Vinden Estate Wines portfolio, available for tasting at the cellar door. Our mantra... “Life’s too short to eat bland food”

17 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7410 www.vindenestate.com.au finewines@vindenestate.com.au OPENING HOURS Cellar Door Wed to Sun 10AM to 5PM Bistro Sat & Sun Lunch 12PM - 3PM, Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day & Eve & Good Friday GROUPS By appointment Private functions by request up to 70 WHITE WINES Semillon, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Chardonnay RED WINES Premium Merlot, Basket Press Shiraz, Alicante Bouschet Tempranillo Petit Verdot SPARKLING Alicante Bouschet FORTIFIED WINES Late Harvest Semillon SPECIALTIES Alicante Bouschet Rosé and Sparkling WINEMAKER Guy Vinden, Daniel Binet & Angus Vinden PRICE RANGE Wines from $20 to $50. Main Meals from $28 to $36. Extensive Vegetarian Menu Available. Bistro reservations recommended.

MAP REF: E5 14

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

BLUEBERRY HILL VINEYARD

999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7295

You’ll find your thrill on Blueberry Hill! Blueberry Hill is a long established vineyard which was once part of the old McPherson Estate. Grapes from the well-established vines produce wonderful characteristics in the wines. Six varieties are grown – Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc – some featuring in wines winning international awards.

Book in for a unique underground candlelight tasting after 5PM daily!

Blueberry Hill has a uniquely positioned cellar door with magnificent views across Hunter vineyards to the Brokenback Range. It’s a ‘must see’ for tourists and wine lovers.

www.blueberryhill.com.au blueberryhill@pacific.net.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 10AM to 5PM Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Welcome WHITE WINES Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc RED WINES Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir SPARKLING Blanc de Noir, Rosé de Noir PRICING From $25 - $35 / bottle

MAP REF: C7

CALAIS ESTATE

151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7654

Come and discover our passion at Calais Estate! A family owned and run boutique winery in the heart of the Hunter Valley, we are famous for our great wine and hospitality. Home to one of the largest ranges of boutique wines in the Hunter, including a range of hand-made Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines & cider, there is always something for everyone. We are also home to the renowned Verandah Restaurant and Come What May, a vintage modern homewares & gift shop. Eat in the restaurant or take one of our gourmet picnic packs from the Cellar door and enjoy it in one of our numerous picnic spots, shop and enjoy great wine, all at Calais Estate. You can also join the Palmer’s Lane Wine eco-trail to walk, cycle or drive between the six Palmers Lane Cellar Doors.

Cellar Door is open 7 days a week, 9am - 5pm. Verandah Restaurant open for lunch and dinner Thursday - Sunday. Come What May is open Thursday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm or by appointment.

www.calaiswines.com.au info@calaiswines.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 9AM - 5PM; Open until 6PM during Summer on Fri & Sat Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome. Booking Essential

MAP REF: E7

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

CONSTABLE ESTATE

205 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7887

Established in 1981, Constable Estate is recognised for producing outstanding Hunter Valley estate-grown wines. The wines range from traditional Constable Estate to easy drinking Matilda. Visit the cellar door and discover our wines, beautiful gardens and sculptures. Capture fantastic 360-degree views over the valley from our lookout named after the legendary Len Evans. We have something for everyone!

www.constablevineyards.com.au

hunter@constablevineyards.com.au

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM to 5PM Closed some public holidays GROUPS Welcome by appointment WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot SPARKLING Semillon, Shiraz SPECIALTIES Sparking,Semillon, Shiraz, Botrytis Semillon WINEMAKER Liz Jackson PRICE RANGE From $10 - $50/bottle

Much more than a vineyard...

MAP REF: E4

GEMELLI ESTATE

168 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7910

Gemelli Estate – Family Owned Gemelli Estate is a boutique family owned and

www.gemelliestate.com.au

info@gemelliestate.com.au operated vineyard. Sitting on 25 acres, we grow the Chardonnay, Merlot and Muscat grape, which are WINE TASTING & SALES all hand-picked to make our exclusive selection of Mon & Fri 10AM - 4PM wines, only available at the Cellar Door. Sat & Sun 10AM - 5PM Come and relax; with outdoor seating overlooking Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday the vines – Enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese platter. Take a walk around the gardens and our GROUPS Bookings required for 10+ art gallery, or stay the night in our self contained accommodation. Gemelli Estate provides an intimate setting for MAP REF: D7 functions, including our popular monthly High Tea. “More than wine to double your experience!”

ECLECTIC WINES

687 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 0410 587 201

Eclectic wines reflect the innovative and special skills of several winemakers and viticulturists who have learned to innovate and experiment with climate, soils and techniques to craft our own “eclectic” style of wine. Our motto, ‘EUROPEAN INSPIRED, AUSTRALIAN CRAFTED’, pays homage to our background and recognition that our wines have forged their own unique place in the world of wine. Semillon • Verdelho • Sauvignon Blanc • Riesling • Chardonnay • Shiraz Mourvedre • Shiraz • Fortified Ask for your special Wine and Dine Bonus when visiting our cellar door!

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

www.eclecticwines.com.au pstuart@eclecticwines.com.au OPENING HOURS Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Monday 10am - 5pm Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday GROUPS Welcome. Booking required for 6 pax and over MAP REF: B2

EXP. RESTAURANT

1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin PH 4998-7264

Dining at EXP. restaurant is about the EXP.erience; everything from the EXP.erimental taste of the food and wine to the EXP.ertise of the service. The EXP.loration of music along with the EXP.ression of art, through to the paintings and crockery and even EXP.osure to aromas are all a vital part of the EXP.edition to create an everlasting EXP.erience. EXP. restaurant is a hidden gem located in Pokolbin, the heart of the Hunter Valley. The dining room is chic and intimate with hand crafted local furniture. Guests can sit along the bar and peer directly into the kitchen while interacting with Chef Frank Fawkner and his team. The restaurant garden sits just beyond the confines of the dining room. EXP. restaurant is infused in Oakvale Winery, a family owned and operated business that is passionate about all facets of winemaking. They strive to produce minimalist handcrafted wines that are unique, distinct and a true reflection of the Hunter Valley region. The synergy and bond of these two philosophies create a platform for an everlasting EXP.erience.

www.exprestaurant.com.au reservations@exprestaurant.com.au DINING STYLE A unique dining experience with a produce driven menu served in a relaxed atmosphere OPENING HOURS LUNCH Wed to Sun 12pm - 3pm DINNER Wed to Sat 6pm - 9pm Closed Christmas Day PRICE GUIDE 2 for $45.00 or 4 for $70 .00

E X P. restaurant

MAP REF: F2

FIRST CREEK

600 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-2992 www.firstcreekwines.com.au sales@firstcreekwines.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days Mon - Sat 9.30AM - 5PM; Sun 9.30AM - 4PM GROUPS By appointment

DAILY WINERY TOURS 10:30AM • The daily Winery Tour is a fantastic opportunity to see a working winery in action. Learn about the winemaking process and experience how wine is made. • Visit our Cellar Door to taste our multi medal and trophy winning wines. Mention this ad when booking to enjoy a complimentary cheese platter with your wine tasting (bookings essential). • 2011 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year, James Halliday 5 Red Star Winery since 2010.

WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Late Harvest Riesling RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Rosé, Grenache Shiraz Merlot, Late Harvest Shiraz SPARKLING NV Sparkling Chardonnay, NV Moscato FORTIFIED Muscat PRICE RANGE From $20 to $80/bottle WINEMAKER Liz Silkman

MAP REF: F7 WINERY TOURS

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

HUNTER DISTILLERY

1686 Broke Rd Pokolbin PH 4998 6737 www.HunterDistillery.com.au info@HunterDistillery.com.au

Hunter Distillery is the only certified organic distillery in Hunter Valley wine country. Locally owned and operated, we produce an exceptional range of top shelf spirits, including Vodkas, Liqueurs, Schnapps, and our award winning Copperwave Gin.

TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM to 5PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS By appointment only MAP REF: F3

Our Distillery Door is open for sales and tastings 7 days!

IL CACCIATORE RESTAURANT

@ Hermitage Lodge 609 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7639 www.hermitagelodge.com.au info@hermitagelodge.com.au RESTAURANT OPENING HOURS 7 Days from 6PM GROUPS Group menus available for groups of 12 or more

Hermitage Lodge’s award-winning restaurant Il Cacciatore specialises in Northern Italian inspired cuisine. Il Cacciatore has long been a favourite with visitors and locals alike being the number one Italian restaurant in the Hunter for 7 years running. The ambience is relaxed and casual and the service is professional, friendly and attentive. The seasonal menu takes advantage of fresh local produce, authentic Italian ingredients and house made pastas. Il Cacciatore is fully licensed, with full bar service, and a wine list showcasing some of the Hunter’s best wines.

Il Cacciatore also has a second dining area and a spacious adjoining deck, which overlooks the landscaped reed-lined lake. Perfect for al fresco dining, it is also available for private dinners or cocktail parties. Il Cacciatore is open for dinner nightly from 6pm and is not open for lunch however is available for private functions during the day. Reservations are strongly recommended. Children’s menu is available for 6pm and 6.30pm reservations only. Winner of Best Italian Restaurant Hunter Region 2007 - 2014 (Restaurant & Catering Awards).

MACQUARIEDALE ORGANIC WINES Certified Organic/Biodynamic Wines We are striving to produce a range of natural wines which reflect the true terroir of our vineyards. Come and experience the richness of flavour, fullness of colour and diversity of aromas from our award winning range of wines. Our fully sustainable biodynamic farming practices result in hand crafted wines that are free of synthetic chemicals and are low in sulphur preservative (220). Our Cellar Door is set amongst beautiful gardens and has some of the best views in the valley. Tours of the vineyard and winery are available to learn more about organic/biodynamic methods. Bookings are essential. We also offer a range of biodynamic olives & olive oil. Freshly grown biodynamic garlic is available in season (November to April). We look forward to welcoming you to our Cellar Door.

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

DINING STYLE The ambience is relaxed and casual and the service is professional, friendly and attentive SPECIALTIES The menu changes seasonally but some of the Il Cacciatore specialties include home-made gnocchi, sirloin steak and tiramisu PRICING Entrée $18 - $20; Main $30 - $38; Dessert $4.50 - $18. High Chairs & Vegetarian menu available

MAP REF: E6

170 Sweetwater Rd, Rothbury PH 6574-7012 www.macquariedale.com.au sales@macquariedale.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Group visits need to be booked MAP REF: B4 WINERY TOURS

LEOGATE ESTATE

1693 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7499 www.leogate.com.au sales@leogate.com.au

Situated at the foot of the rugged Brokenback Ranges. The very picturesque Brokenback Vineyard was planted over 50 years ago by Len Evans Rothbury syndicate.

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday.

Experience our trophy winning wines at our cellar door and our dry-aged, grass-fed beef in our onsite restaurant.

WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Gris RED WINES Shiraz, Rosé, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon SPARKLING Chardonnay, White Frizzante SPECIALTIES Shiraz & Chardonnay AWARDS IWC Best Hunter Shiraz; IWC Best Wine in it’s first Year of Production; NSW Small Winemaker’s Best Red/Shiraz; HVWS Best Named Vineyard WINEMAKER Mark Woods PRICE RANGE From $22.00

James Halliday 5 star.

MAP REF: F2

MATILDA BAY BREWHOUSE + DINING

Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7777

POKOLBIN’S FIRST BOUTIQUE BREWHOUSE This is where the amazing Bluetongue Brewery story began back in 2001 - now known as the Matilda Bay Brewhouse Hunter Valley. Winemakers often say “It takes a lot of beer to make a quality wine…” So what better way to finish a hard day of wine tasting in the Hunter Valley Wine Country than with a cleansing beer… Experience the unique Beer Tasting Paddle with accompanying tasting notes for each of the 12 brews. Enjoy the famous Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Minimum Chips Lager, Alpha Ale, Bohemian Pilsner, Dogbolter Black Ale, Beez Neez, Ruby Tuesday, Fat Yak, Redback, IGP, and Dirty Granny Cider. Plus the regular ‘special’ brews… This means we have 12 amazing craft brews for you to smell, look at, analyse, and taste… So come and laze away the afternoon listening to great music, or choose something delicious off the blackboard menu. Lunch – Open from 12pm until 4pm – 7 days Dinner – Open from 6pm until 9pm – 7 days

www.hunterresort.com.au functions@HunterResort.com.au OPENING HOURS Bar Open 7 Days from 10AM All Day Dining 7 Days from 12 NOON CLOSED Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome with booking ALSO ONSITE: • The Hunter Wine Theatre Wine School • The Hermitage Road Wine Tasting Cellars • Segway Tours • Horse Riding • Sally Margan’s Heavenly Hunter Massage Centre • Adjacent is the Binnorie Dairy Cheese factory

MAP REF: C2 SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

MISTLETOE WINERY

771 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7770

MISTLETOE is a small family owned and run winery

www.mistletoewines.com.au office@mistletoewines.com.au

Now in its 26th year, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quantities of “true to origin” premium quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds of awards and accolades.

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 10AM - 6PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Please book in advance - maximum of 15 people

that was established by the current owners in 1989. All Mistletoe wines are made in our on site winery.

Recent accolades / awards include:

WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho RED WINES Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet SPARKLING Bottle fermented Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay), Sparkling Rosé, Sparkling Mozcato (yes with a Z – it is from OZ!) FORTIFIED White Muscat SPECIALTIES Three different Rosés WINEMAKER Nick Paterson Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year 2012 PRICING From $18 - $65 / bottle

• Trophy – Best Semillon – Winewise Small Vignerons Awards 2014 • Trophy – Reserve Semillon 2013 – Hunter Valley Boutique Winemakers Show 2014 • Winestate 5 Star rating – 2013 Hunter Shiraz • Champion White Wine of Show – NSW Small Winemakers Show 2013 • Blue/Gold Top 100 Award – Sydney International Wine Competition 2013 • One of the Top 10 Australian Rosés – James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2015 Mistletoe wines are only sold direct to the public through our cellar door but are available at selected restaurants throughout the Hunter Valley, Sydney, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains.

MAP REF: C2

MISTY GLEN WINES

293 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7781

Taste a selection of single vineyard wines produced from the 16 acre Misty Glen Vineyard, located within the Hunter Valley, NSW. Varietals include Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin & Shiraz. Enjoy a friendly game of croquet or boules with family & friends, bring a picnic & enjoy a few wines from the Misty Glen Cellar Door! Mention ‘Wine & Dine’ to recieve a free tasting of Misty Glen Wines. Cheers, Eric & Vicci.

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

www.mistyglen.com.au wines@mistyglen.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES Fri, Sun, Mon 10AM-4PM; Sat 10AM-5PM Other days by appointment CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day MAP REF: D5

MOOREBANK VINEYARD ESTATE

150 Palmers Lane Pokolbin PH 4998-7610 www.moorebankvineyard.com.au grapes@moorebankvineyard.com.au

Get MooreScato at Moorebank! Taste a creative twist on the traditional Moscato style that is crimson in colour & slightly off dry.

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day & Good Friday GROUPS Welcome AWARDS ‘Best Small Vineyard’ for 3 consecutive years ‘Woman of Enterprise’ Award PRICE RANGE $20 - $47.50

“Conserve Water… Drink Moorebank Wines” The Moorebank family first produced wines in the Hunter Valley in the 1840’s, today they continue to produce outstanding wines at the family owned boutique vineyard. Moorebank Vineyard Estate’s also produce a range of handmade wine inspired products, some of which have come from Debra Moore’s 102 year old grandmother. Grape & Semillon Spread, Muscat Grape Coulis, Spiced Pickled Grapes and the famous Spice Grape Sauce are just some of the handmade condiments that are available for tasting in the cellar door, accompanied by the fresh homemade lemonade.

MAP REF: D7 ANIMALS

MUSE KITCHEN

Keith Tulloch Wines, Lot 17 Hermitage Rd Pokolbin PH 4998-7899

This modern European style restaurant is the latest venture for husband and wife team Troy and Megan Rhoades - Brown who established Muse Kitchen to complement their already highly popular Muse Restaurant. Tastefully decorated with French provincial furnishings, this charming and welcoming little restaurant is located at the Keith Tulloch Wine complex on Hermitage Rd and is the perfect venue to treat yourself to that Muse Kitchen boasts a more personal approach to perfect lunch. After a visit to food, wine and service delivering European inspired Muse Kitchen it’s easy to see food that is season and produce driven. why it is now considered one Muse Kitchen - where hearty regional fare is served with of the most enjoyable dining little fuss in an obliging and relaxed environment. experiences in the Hunter Valley.

www.musedining.com.au muse@musedining.com.au DINING STYLE European OPENING HOURS LUNCH Wed to Sun 12PM - 3PM DINNER Sat 6PM - 9PM GROUPS Bookings Essential for groups up to 45 Private functions by request (evenings only) PRICE GUIDE Main meals from $28 to $36 AWARDS SMH Good Food Guide One Chefs Hat 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016

MAP REF: D2

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

OAKVALE WINERY

1596 Broke Rd Pokolbin PH 4998-7088 www.oakvalewines.com.au info@oakvalewines.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM to 5PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS By appointment only. $5 per person “tasting donation” goes towards our work with Meals On Wheels. We produce 65,000 piccolos of wine each year, which are donated to Meals On Wheels customers. Oakvale Wines is the only winery in the country to take part in such an initiative.

EXPERIENCE THE NEW HUNTER Looking for a new experience in the Hunter Valley? Drop in to Oakvale Wines. Our family-owned winery is breathing new life into the traditional winery scene, with a passion for viticultural practices and minimal intervention winemaking. Our fresh, vibrant and elegant wines are sold exclusively through our welcoming cellar door, which sits at the foothills of the Brokenback Range. And as one of the Hunter’s only cider producers, Oakvale offers visitors a taste of its refreshing gourmet ciders.

SPECIALTIES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Apple Cider, Pear Cider & Bellini WINEMAKER James Becker RESTAURANT EXP Restaurant

Every face behind our cellar door is warm and receptive to all kinds of questions – from local knowledge and regional characteristics to insightful wine-tasting education. Please join us for a taste of the new Hunter Valley.

PEACOCK HILL

MAP REF: F2

29 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7661 www.peacockhill.com.au info@peacockhill.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day WHITE WINES Chardonnay RED WINES Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon/ Cabernet Franc/ Merlot SPARKLING Blanc de Blanc FORTIFIED Port Style, Dessert Wine SPECIALTIES Food friendly easy drinking styles,Classically dry styles PRICING From $15 - $80 / bottle

The best way to experience Peacock Hill is to visit our Cellar Door. We will guide you through a tasting of our uniquely different, handcrafted wines, incorporating the stories behind the names. Here, you can purchase by the bottle or by the case.

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

MAP REF: E8

RIDGEVIEW

273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7332

We invite you to try our estate grown, trophy winning wines from Riedel glasses. From our renowned “Generations” Reserve Semillon & Shiraz through to an eclectic mix of little known varietals, all wines are handcrafted in small batches and designed to accompany food. Fresh oils, balsamics and condiments are prepared daily from our restaurant to sample whilst tasting. The personal service we provide makes the difference.

“Our Passion, Your Reward” Darren & Tracey Scott

www.ridgeview.com.au wines@ridgeview.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES Wed to Sun 10AM to 5PM GROUPS Bookings Essential WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Viognier, Traminer, Pinot Gris, Botrytis Semillon, Late Harvest Viognier and other blends RED WINES Shiraz, Merlot, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet/Merlot, Rosé and other blends SPARKLING Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, Shiraz FORTIFIED WINES Shiraz, Verdelho WINEMAKER Darren Scott, Gary Maclean & Mark Woods PRICE RANGE From $20 - $50/bottle RESTAURANT OPENING HOURS

Set overlooking our picturesque vineyards, RidgeView Restaurant is the perfect setting for our ‘sharing’ style menu. Using the freshest produce from our onsite organic kitchen garden our Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired cuisine is designed as sharing dishes known as “Mezedhes”. With a choice of meat, seafood and vegetarian options we cater for all dietary requirements. For those with time and an appetite we offer our signature “Cypriot Meze”; a feast designed for 2 or more and comprising 12 Mezedhes dishes over 4 courses. Whether a couple or a group, slowly graze al fresco on our verandah overlooking the picturesque vineyards the perfect casual dining experience. RidgeView wines are also available at cellar door prices.

BREAKFAST Fri - Sun From 9AM LUNCH Thurs - Sun From Midday All Day Dining DINNER Thurs & Sun until 8PM; Fri & Sat until Late DINING STYLE ‘Mezedhes’ - sharing dishes. Signature taste plate with matching wines (samples of 3 mezedhes perfectly paired to estate grown wines) ‘Meze Feast’ - 12 mezedhes over 4 courses (allow 2 - 3 hours for a relaxed dining experience) Breakfast uses eggs from our free range hens Alfresco dining overlooking our picturesque vineyards Onsite organic kitchen garden Gluten free and vegetarian options All day dining MENU Cypriot Meze Feast (taste of 12 Mezedhes) $70pp Mezedhes $5 - $25

MAP REF: B4

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

ROTHVALE WINERY

223 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7290 www.rothvale.com.au wines@rothvale.com.au

Discover the “True Spirit of the Hunter” at our family operated boutique Winery. From Vines first planted in the 1970’s, we produce award winning classics of Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our premium boutique wines offer depth, complexity and true Hunter Valley terroir.

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM to 4PM Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Groups up to 24 people welcome Wine education and wine and food matching. Group bookings required WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Semillon / Chardonnay and Verdelho blend RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot FORTIFIED Port SPECIALTIES French and American oak barrel fermented chardonnay WINEMAKERS Luke Patton & Max Patton PRICE RANGE From $20 to $30/bottle

MAP REF: D4

THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT

Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7231

With sweeping views over the vineyards, Brokenback Range and manicured estate, all weather dining on the verandah or inside by the fire place on those cold winter nights, the Verandah Restaurant provides a dining experience that encapsulates the essence of the Hunter lifestyle. A modern Tapas style menu showcasing the best local produce ensures your time at The Verandah Restaurant will be one to remember. The Verandah Restaurant is the ultimate in dining for those who enjoy Modern Australian Food Served tapas Style. After Tapas try our sensational Soft centres Chocolate Souffles our ‘’Signature Dessert!’’

www.verandahrestaurant.com.au

bookings@verandahrestaurant.com.au

DINING STYLE Casual Tapas Style Dining OPENING HOURS LUNCH Thurs - Sun 12PM - 4PM DINNER Thurs - Sun 6PM - LATE GROUPS Groups menus available with a range of different prices SPECIALTIES Lunch time Tapas Towers Modern Australian Tapas Soft Centred Chocolate Soufflés

MAP REF: E7

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

TINTILLA ESTATE

725 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7093 www.tintilla.com.au info@tintilla.com.au

tintilla estate

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10.30AM to 6PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Bookings Essential PH 6574-7093

Essential Hunter Semillon, Shiraz, Sangiovese

WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay RED WINES Shiraz, Sangiovese, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet SPARKLING Red, White, Blush FORTIFIED WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz in Vintage and Barrel Aged Styles AWARDS James Halliday rating WINEMAKERS James Lusby & Robert Lusby PRICE RANGE From $20 to $60/bottle

Verjus, Olives and Tepenade

www.tintilla.com.au MAP REF: C2

TWO FAT BLOKES GOURMET KITCHEN

At de-Iuliis Wines 1616 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6699

Casual dining at its best. Great variety of food & wine matching platters & beer & food tasting platters. Picnic baskets, Lovely menu, great staff and great atmosphere. Come for coffee & sweets, lunch or a cheese & wine platter. Love your cheese and wine, but are not sure how to serve them together? Cheese & wine tutorials at 11am & 3pm 7 days - $25 pp. Bookings preferred.

www.twofatblokes.com.au info@twofatblokes.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM Breakfast Sat & Sun from 9AM Casual lunches, Food & Wine Tasting Platters, Beer & Wine Tasting Platters, Coffee & Sweets all day PRICE GUIDE Main Meal $20 - $30 MAP REF: F2

SUMMER â&#x20AC;¢ AUTUMN 2016

REDS Home to some of the oldest vines and biggest names in Australian wine, the Hunter Valley is a mecca for lovers of quality red wines renowned for their thoroughly unique and distinctive style and ageing ability and crafted in this region for over 180 years.

Shiraz - Shiraz is the Hunter’s premium red variety and the most widely planted grape variety in Australia. The typical young Hunter Valley Shiraz is a medium bodied wine showing red and dark berries, spices and a great deal of tannin. However it’s real character is seen in wines with longevity. With age, the wines become a far more complex, full bodied, and richly flavoured wine with some earthy tones. Pinot Noir - Described as “the most romantic of wines’’ due to its gratifying perfume, Pinot Noir is light to medium in body with a broad range of textures and flavours, including a variety of complex aromas reminiscent of black or red cherry, raspberry, currant and black berry. Pinot Noir is also highly reflective of its terroir with different wine growing regions often producing very different wines. Merlot - Merlot is renowned for its wonderfully fruity, well rounded, even fleshy character and is grown in just about every wine growing region of Australia. The summer heat of the Hunter is considered to provide the ideal growing conditions for this versatile grape variety. In recent years, Hunter Valley Merlot has experienced a surge in popularity and is often considered to be more robust and fleshy than other well regarded varieties with a rich bouquet 26 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

providing one of the most pleasurable wine experiences. Cabernet Sauvignon - The world’s most recognised red grape variety famous for its ability to age for decades at a time. This classic red variety of Bordeaux is second only to Shiraz in importance in Australia and can be medium to full bodied, typically leafy with ripe cassis like flavours, well structured and elegant and powerfully aromatic. The bouquet can be rich with fruity notes of black cherries and currants, herby notes of peppers and olives and spicy notes of ginger. Chambourcin - Relatively new to Australia, Chambourcin wines have a lovely, deep red colour. Most are big and fruity with a lot of raspberries, plums, prunes and even cranberries on the palate. It is not as heavy or robust as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, which can make it quite attractive to people who generally don’t like red wine. Because this variety is especially resistant to fungal diseases Chambourcin is a variety that succeeds wonderfully in the Hunter Valley climate. Sangiovese - This star amongst Italian wine grape varieties, Sangiovese is now making its mark in Australia where it has become increasingly popular over the last few decades. The variety produces elegant medium-bodied wines with powerful aromas and with moderate to high natural acidity. The characteristic flavours are cherries, tomatoes, herbs, spices and tea like flavours. Australian Sangiovese wines tend to be a little more fruity, with riper flavours and higher alcohol.

“Quality without compromise”

OPEN 10AM UNTIL 6PM DAILY MISTLETOE is a small family owned and run winery that was established by the current owners in 1989. Now in its 26th year, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quantities of “true to origin” premium quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds of awards and accolades. Recent accolades / awards include: • Trophy – Best Semillon – Winewise Small Vignerons Awards 2014 • Trophy – Reserve Semillon 2013 – Hunter Valley Boutique Winemakers Show 2014 • Winestate 5 Star rating – 2013 Hunter Shiraz • Champion White Wine of Show – NSW Small Winemakers Show 2013 • Blue/Gold Top 100 Award – Sydney International Wine Competition 2013 • One of the Top 10 Australian Rosés – James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2015 • NSW Wine of the Year 2011 With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, Fortified and Dessert styles on tasting, Mistletoe has one of the most comprehensive ranges of wines to be seen in the Hunter. • All wines are made in our onsite winery • Winery tastings available for larger groups – bookings essential! • Mistletoe Wines are only available for purchase from the Winery Cellar Door • Knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you welcome

When visiting Mistletoe be sure to take time to visit POKOLBIN GALLERY and MISTLETOE SCULPTURE GARDEN also in the grounds of the Cellar Door.

771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320

PH 1800 055 080 FAX 02 4998 7792 E office@mistletoewines.com | W www.mistletoewines.com

ENJOY A PINT AND A MEAL AT HARRIGAN’S

RELAX WITH LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AFTERNOON, AND PARTY ON WITH GREAT BANDS EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT! Relax and enjoy a hearty meal at Harrigan’s where you will be immersed in the authentic Irish décor and be surrounded by beautiful gardens, vineyards and mountains.

Ph: (02)

4998 4300

28 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Have a pint of Guinness, a glass of Hunter Shiraz in the Bistro or even “try the luck of the Irish” in the Sports bar.

Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW www.harrigans.com.au

V I N E Y A R D

Life beautifully balanced. More than a Vineyard – A Way of Life • A Unique Residential Vineyard • Cellar Door • Award Winning Classic Wines • A Range of Sweet Wines • Range of Gourmet Produce 2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Phone 4991 5456 Open 7 days 10am - 4pm www.kelmanvineyard.com.au

Try our medal winning and James Halliday rated wines!

Just two of our many gold medal and trophy winning wines. OPEN 7 DAYS • PH (02) 4930 7113 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale NSW 2320 • www.gartelmann.com.au SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 29

MATT’S PRODUCE

MATT’S PRODUCE Matt Dillow is the success story behind three local award-winning restaurants - The Verandah Restaurant located at Calais Estate, Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate and the very popular The Deck Café at Gartelmann Wines in Lovedale. Anyone who knows Matt quickly recognises that he is almost incapable of doing just one thing... If he is not working at one of the three restaurants, catering for an event, organising a locals night dinner, planning a launch, holding cooking classes, buying the latest commercial oven, arranging a culinary tour of Southern Tasmania or a cooking vacation in Tuscany, then he is working on his latest venture “Matt’s Produce.” Matt’s food is always fresh and exciting and he has a firm belief in supporting local providers, using only the freshest seasonal produce the Hunter has become famous for in his menus.

30 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Now Matt is making those excellent “chef-only flavours” available to everyone to use in their own kitchens. Matt’s Produce is really a culmination of his years of experience working in some of the best restaurants, along with his long list of “gourmet secrets” - in a jar, providing chefs and home cooks with the ability to include house-made flavour to their cuisine. Check out some of Matt’s “gourmet secrets” including the Apple Balsamic Glaze, which is superb drizzled over chicken breast, roasted capsicum and fresh rocket. Alternatively, when added to Matt’s Rosemary and Parmesan Oil it can be used as a dip with fresh crusty bread. Another favourite is the Confit Garlic with Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaves, which is great on bread, in pasta or risottos and can also be used as a marinade.

MATT’S PRODUCE

Highly recommended is the Beetroot Relish - just perfect with a steak sandwich and if you want to make a great dip, add equal parts of the beetroot relish and natural yoghurt with a splash of lemon juice. Absolutely awesome!

Wholegrain Mustard with Fresh Horseradish, Quince Jam, Summer Berry and Vanilla Scented Jam, Preserved Lemon and Fig Date & Walnut Roll - great when added to pasta or risotto dishes or on steak or chicken.

One of the all-time favourites is the Caramelised Onions with Balsamic and Thyme, which is excellent served with fresh bread and sliced meats, steak, chicken and gourmet sausages.

If you want to create meals that leave a lasting impression or you love to serve tapas with a twist to your own guests, Matt’s Produce is the ideal place to start.

And then there is the Asian Fusion Basting Marinade - a perfect marinade for slow cooked meats like pork belly or whole roast chicken. These are just a sample of what Matt has available, with his range (approximately 14 all up) also including Olive Tapenade, Capsicum Tomato & Chilli, Spicy Smoked Barbecue Flavoured Sauce,

Keep an eye out for Matt’s growing line of gourmet condiments and a variety of seasonal specialities - available at restaurants and select cellar doors and also online at www.mattsproduce.com.au Photos: Brent Leggett of Flash Me Photography

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 31

Pokolbin South Wine & Dine Trail DeBeyers

y untr e Co Win

M cd on al ds Rd

Broke Road

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Oakey Cr

eek Rd

Pokolbin South Trail provides information and the location of cellar doors, restaurants and gourmet food providers located on the southern side of Pokolbin - the area stretching from Broke Road to Oakey Creek Road and includes some of the most highly regarded and award winning restaurants and wines available in the Hunter. The area of Pokolbin is synonymous with all things relating to wine and food and is internationally recognised for its world class vineyards and restaurants and for being Australia’s oldest commercial wine producing area - with some vineyards being in operation for well over 120 years. Pokolbin is considered the ‘’hub’’ of the Hunter Valley wine region and where the largest collection of wineries, accommodation houses and restaurants can be found. Viticulture in the Hunter Valley is often considered to have commenced with James Busby when on returning from a tour of French and South African vineyards in the 1830’s brought with him numerous cuttings of vines, sending half to the newly established Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney and the remaining vines planted at the family estate of Kirkton - just north of Belford. It was there he established what was probably the first vineyard in the region. Some of the most well respected names in Hunter Valley wine history today shortly followed establishing vineyards in the area in the 1850’s Some of these long-established names are still in existence today.

NAME And the Winner is Oscars Blaxlands Inn

Y Y

Buon Cibo Ristorante

Drayton’s Log Press Café

Eighty Eight

Elements Bar & Dining

Epicure Café

Ernest Hill Wines

Goldfish Bar and Kitchen

Gundog Estate

Hanging Tree Wines

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

Y Y

Hope Estate/Harvest Restaurant

Hungerford Hill Wines

C7 C3

Hunter Honey Hive

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

Hunter Valley Chocolate Co.

C3/C6

D3 G7

Hunters Quarter Restaurant

Iron Gate Estate

Ivanhoe Wines

Kevin Sobels Wines

Lambloch Estate

McLeish Estate

Muse Restaurant

Oishii Japanese Thai Y

Pokolbin Estate

Restaurant Cuvee

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Sabor in the Hunter

Visit Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village With 17 specialty shops, 4 restaurants and cafes, an amazing hair salon & beauty spa, putt putt and aqua golf plus the largest display gardens in the southern hemisphere, this is a shopping village that is a fun day out for the whole family! Broke Road Pokolbin.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Thalgara Estate

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Drayton’s Family Wines

Petersons Wines

MAP

Circa 1876

Peterson House

For more information about events visit www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au or www.hvg.com.au

PAGE

The Cellar Restaurant

Y Y

Wine Selectors

Wynwood Estate

Twine Restaurant

Y Y

102

Hunter Valley Gardens Village Hunter Valley Chocolate Co. The Cellar Restaurant And The Winner is Oscars Hunter Honey Hive

Tempus Two Complex Oishii Japanese Thai Goldﬁsh

Elements Harrigan’s Irish Pub Bar & Dining

Hope Estate & Harvest Restaurant

Buon Cibo Ristaurante

EKERTS RD

BROKE

Petersons Wines

HV Cheese Factory

Blaxlands Inn

PS M SR

Circa 1876

HALLS RD

O TH

Epicure Café

Tamburlaine

MCDONALDS RD

Gundog Estate

DEBEYE

Hungerford Hill & Muse Restaurant

2320 HV Chocolate Co.

YE BE DE

Thalgara Estate Mcleish Estate DEBEYERS RD

Kevin Sobels

R RS

Lambloch Wine Estate & Sabor in Selectors the Hunter

RS RD

Hunters Quarter Restaurant

Ernest Hill Wines

Hanging Tree Wines

Wynwood Estate & Twine Restaurant

Ivanhoe Wines

INGLES LN

MAR ROW B

MAP LEGEND

ONE R

Iron Gate Estate

OAKE Y CRE E K RD

Winery/Cellar Door Restaurant/ Café Providore/ Gourmet Produce Distillery

O’CONN O

RS RD

KEY C Drayton’s Family REEK RD Wines & Log Press Café

R TRY D COUN WINE

Eighty Eight Pokolbin Estate & Hunter Olive Centre

HV Chocolate Co. Peterson House & Restaurant Cuvee

BROKE RD

Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Pokolbin South SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS And the Winner is Oscars Café is located in the Hunter valley gardens village. We serve honest wholesome food in a relaxed environment. We have a delicious breakfast menu, morning tea options, gourmet lunch options, great GLEE coffee and an ice creamery.

Shop 15, Hunter Valley Gardens Broke Rd Pokolbin PH 4998-7355 info@thewinnerisoscars.com.au OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm Sat & Sun 8am - 4pm DINING STYLE •Family Friendly •Casual Environment •Vegetarians & GF options available •Dine in & Takeaway

All of our menus are available to dine in or take away. We accommodate for groups and have GROUPS set menus, high teas and picnic •Welcome hampers available. •Set menu available upon request Come in and meet our friendly PRICE GUIDE team or call 4998 7355 to From $15 to $30. book now. BYO, no corkage!

MAP REF: C3

BUON CIBO RISTORANTE

Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Rd Pokolbin PH 4998-7945

Buon Cibo Ristorante is an exciting new Italian restaurant, situated within Pokolbin Village in the heart of the Hunter Valley, close to cellar doors, Hunter Valley Gardens and all concert venues. It’s the place for Breakfast & Lunch in the Hunter Valley! Casual, relaxed al-fresco dining at it’s best, offering a contemporary menu consisting of Italian flavours focusing on local produce that changes seasonally, with a predominantly Hunter wine list to complement your selections.

www.buoncibo.com.au buoncibo@bigpond.com DINING STYLE Casual Café Style Dining OPENING HOURS Fri - Mon All day dining - 8AM - Late Tues - Thurs Breakfast 8am - 11am, lunch from 12pm GROUPS Bookings Essential SPECIALITIES Fully Licensed Takeaways available

MAP REF: C4

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

BLAXLANDS INN

2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7550

Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, in Pokolbin. Blaxland’s Inn is situated next to Tower Estate on 100 acres of vineyards and gardens. Offering a relaxed experience with a casual enjoyable atmosphere, it is the perfect place for a great meal with family and friends, or a cold drink after a long day of exploring all that the beautiful Hunter Valley has to offer. Offering a warm country ambience, with friendly staff and great value meals, a trip to the Hunter Valley would not be complete without calling in to see us. Dine inside by our open fire, or outside under the stars. With an outdoor campfire, you can relax and unwind whilst enjoying a truly Australian experience. Our meals range from Certified Angus steaks, salads and burgers. You might also be tempted to try one of our famous deep dish pies! Blaxland’s provides an alternative watering hole, a place to relax and unwind with a refreshing ale or glass of wine selected from the best local boutique wineries. We are able to cater for small or large groups and for any functions. Our courtesy vehicle is available for pickup and drop off within the Valley (bookings advised).

www.blaxlandsinn.com.au info@blaxlandsinn.com.au DINING STYLE Casual dining OPENING HOURS LUNCH Wed - Sun from 12pm - 3pm DINNER Wed - Sun from 6pm - 9pm WINE CENTRE Wed - Sun from 12pm - 5pm GROUPS Groups welcome SPECIALITIES & AWARDS Certified angus beef & deep dish pies Trip Advisor Restaurant Excellence Award PRICE GUIDE Main meals from $19.95 - $44.95

MAP REF: C5

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

CIRCA 1876

64 Halls Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4998 www.theconventhuntervalley.com

Dine under the whimsical luxury of classical chandeliers in the grounds of one of Australia’s most picturesque wineries. Set in the expansive acreage of the glamorous guesthouse Peppers Convent, Hunter Valley and surrounded by rich, produce filled kitchen gardens Circa 1876 is a tranquil culinary treat pleasing to lovers of both food and wine. Experimental takes on Australian favourites are lovingly prepared by highly skilled Chefs who seek to draw out the full flavour of each dish element. The carefully curated menu is paired with an expansive wine and spirits list offering a robust experience created to delight.

info@circa1876.com DINING STYLE Fine Dining OPENING HOURS LUNCH 7 Days from 12PM DINNER 7 Nights 6.30pm until late GROUPS Bookings essential SPECIALTIES Ethical and sustainable Paddock to Plate menu PRICE GUIDE 2 Courses from $75 OTHER High-chairs and vegetarian options available

H U N T E R

V A L L E Y

MAP REF: C5

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

DRAYTON’S FAMILY WINES Drayton’s Family Wines is proud to be one of the oldest, 100% family-owned producers of quality wines. Their range of wines is indicative of the Hunter’s best and a visit to the cellar door will provide you with an authentic Hunter Valley Wine Country experience. It has been over one hundred and fifty years since the first Drayton trod on rich Hunter Valley soil. Joseph Drayton first arrived in the Hunter Valley from Lincolnshire, England, in 1853. By the end of that decade the first Drayton’s wines were being produced. Today, a combination of over 160 years of winemaking expertise, vines that are 100+ years old, modern winemaking techniques and equipment, allow the Drayton Family to

proudly produce wines of outstanding quality and standing. Drayton’s Family Wines provides something for everyone under the labels of Oakey Creek, New Generation, Hunter Valley, Vineyard Reserve and Heritage Vines. The range of Limited Release wines are also of exceptional quality. Drayton’s Family Wines are also prominent producers of premium ports and fortified wines, with one of the largest ranges of fortifieds in Hunter Valley Wine Country. Open 7 days, winery tours are available by appointment as well as private group tastings in our ‘Log Press Room’. To complete your visit the Drayton’s Log Press Cafe offers delicious morning teas, lunch and afternoon teas in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Pioneers of the Hunter – Since 1853

555 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7513 www.draytonswines.com.au drink@draytonswines.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days Mon - Fri 8AM - 5PM Sat & Sun 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome. We recommend bus groups make a booking WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Traminer, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot FORTIFIED WINES Vast range of fortified wines including Liqueur Verdelho & 1978 Tawny SPARKLING Traditional, Charmat Method AWARDS Over the past 20 years the Liqueur Verdelho has been awarded10 x Gold, 10 x Top Gold & 12 x Trophies. WINEMAKER Edgar Vales PRICE RANGE From $8 - $70/bottle MAP REF: F3 WINERY TOURS

DRAYTONS LOG PRESS CAFÉ

555 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7513

Located at Drayton’s Family Wines, Log Press Café offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, with many gluten free options available. For those with a sweet tooth, you must try our delicious cheese cakes made in house! The café has seating for up to 100 people inside and also includes a large undercover BBQ area outside. Opening hours are extended when there are concerts on and the café will trade for functions at night time on request.

cafe@draytons.com.au Follow Log Press Café on Facebook OPENING HOURS 7 DAYS Mon to Fri 9am - 4pm Sat & Sun 8am - 5pm Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Group bookings always welcome DINING STYLE Casual Dining SPECIALTIES House-made desserts & Gluten free menu MAIN MEAL PRICE $16.50 - $27

MAP REF: F3

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

EIGHTY EIGHT

88 Halls Road, Pokolbin PH 4998-4999 www.theconventhuntervalley.com convent@peppers.com.au

Eighty Eight is a restaurant for lovers. Those passionate about sustainability and fresh food will be enraptured with this experience.

OPENING HOURS Breakfast 7 days 8am - 10am Morning Tea Thurs - Sun 10.30am - 12pm Lunch Thurs - Sun 12pm -3pm High Tea 2.30pm - 4.30pm Dinner Thurs - Sun 6.30pm - late GROUPS For group bookings 12+ please call (02) 4998 4999 DINING STYLE Casual and fine dining, using fresh seasonal produce SPECIALTIES Organic and ethical menu, Caters to all dietary preferences allergies & intolerances PRICE RANGE Lunch from $15 - $28 Dinner from $65 - $80

The true heroes of the menu are the incredible flavours found in each dish due in large part to their local origins. When was the last time you remember tasting a whole meal prepared from ingredients so fresh that they have not used a single piece of motorised transport to get from the ground to your plate? Nestled within the grounds of Peppers Convent, and offering superb service and comfort, make sure to add Eighty Eight to your next foodie trail through the Hunter Valley. It is the future of farm to fork dining.

RESTAURANT

MAP REF: D5

ELEMENTS BAR & DINING

Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-2000 www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au reception@mercurehuntervalley.com.au

OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 5.30PM - 9PM Sat & Sun 12PM - 9PM Open on Christmas for lunch only. GROUPS Bookings in advance. DINING STYLE Casual dining with a menu that highlights the best of local produce as well as a french feel. Vegetarian menu available. SPECIALTIES & AWARDS ‘New Restaurant’ September 2014. Come and try our Snapper Souffle! PRICE RANGE 2-course $58.00 pp or 3-course $68.00 pp.

the inception of éléments bar and dining has unified the earthy stone feel with fresh water fountain views, a warm fire and art works delivering conversation pieces for your evening. 38

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

MAP REF: C3

EPICURE CAFÉ

2/426 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin PH 4998-6665

Epicure Café is nestled in the heart of wine country, offering relaxed dining and a welcoming atmosphere. Open for breakfast and lunch and anything in between. Dine indoor or al fresco in our stunning bushland setting with water views. Epicure Café offers great value meals passionately created by Chef and proprietor Andy Burri along with an extensive wine list, with great wines by the glass, as well as local beer on tap and a selection of excellent craft beers. Hunter hospitality at its best.

ERNEST HILL WINES

eat@epicurecafe.com.au OPENING HOURS

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days 9am - 5pm CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday & New Years Day PRICE $16 to $26 GROUPS Welcome. Bookings essential. Special group menu available. Able to be open in the evenings for groups of 20+ people with set menu.

MAP REF: C4

307 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba PH 4991-4418

It’s our pleasure to be part of your wine journey…

www.ernesthillwines.com.au wines@ernesthillwines.com.au

Unique & Boutique • Family owned and operated. Call in and meet the Wilson family. • Wines exclusive to the Cellar Door and selected local restaurants

OPENING HOURS 7 Days 10AM to 5PM, Closed on Christmas Day & New Years Day GROUPS Groups welcome

Internationally Acclaimed Wines • We are passionate about the quality of our wines and our winemaking practices, which enable us to produce wines of the highest quality. • Home of the multi-award winning ‘Cyril’ semillon, ‘Alexander’ chardonnay and the ‘William Henry’ shiraz Unique Wines • Sample our delicious quartet of unique lighter style dessert wines. The ‘Silver Moon’ Botrytis Semillon, the red and white moscato styles, ‘Luna Spark’ and ‘Luna Rouge’ and our late harvest Gewurztraminer ‘Moondance’. • Complete the tasting with our luscious liqueur Muscat, the 11 O’Clocker. Excellent Service • Friendly and informative service in the relaxed surroundings of our picturesque cellar door, with spectacular views of the Hunter Valley.

WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Unwooded Chardonnay, Moscato Style Semillon, Dessert Semillon, Dessert Gewurztraminer RED WINES Shiraz, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet, Shiraz (Rosé), Moscato (Red) SPECIALTIES & AWARDS Estate grown Tempranillo, Merlot/ Cabernet Range of lighter style sweet wines. Reserve William Henry Shiraz, Reserve Alexander Chardonnay, Liqueur Muscat 11 O’Clocker WINEMAKER Mark Woods PRICE RANGE From $18 - $50/bottle

MAP REF: E7

Goldfish Bar + Kitchen

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

GOLDFISH

At Roche Estate - Cnr Broke & McDonald’s Rds, Pokolbin PH 4998-7688 www.thegoldfish.com.au infohv@thegoldfish.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 Days Midday - Late Open for lunch and dinner GROUPS Welcome. Bookings required functions@thegoldfish.com.au

FOOD ♦ COCKTAILS ♦ WINE Goldfish Hunter Valley is many things: it’s an award-winning small bar, an acclaimed dining destination and a welcoming social hub.

DINING STYLE Casual share style dining AWARDS • 2015 R&C Awards – ‘Regional Small Bar & Tourism Restaurant’ Finalist • 2014 R&C Awards – ‘Regional Small Bar & Restaurant in a Winery’ Finalist • 2013 R&C Awards – ‘Small Bar’ National Winner

Our newly appointed terrace bar is the perfect location for private functions or to have a cocktail overlooking the vines at Roche Estate. •Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. •After hours menu between lunch and dinner. •Courtesy Shuttle Bus on Saturday Evenings. •No room hire charges for private events. •Cocktail Classes •Summer Saturdays - earlier opening times and later closing for live music for summer •Great Pre or Post concert meeting place for Hunter Valley events

SPECIALTIES World-Class Cocktails Must-have Pizzas Child Friendly Vegetarian Menu Options Terrace Dining MAIN MEAL PRICE $19 - $34

WWW.THEGOLDFISH.COM.AU

GUNDOG ESTATE

MAP REF: C4

101 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6873

“Best Small Cellar Door – Lower Hunter” Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine “Five Star Winery” 2016 James Halliday Wine Companion

www.gundogestate.com.au sales@gundogestate.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM-5PM Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day & Good Friday GROUPS Maximum group size 12 people

Gundog Estate is a boutique wine producer owned and operated by the Burton family. Our passion for high quality, regionally distinct wine has inspired us to pursue two of Australia’s most unique and highly acclaimed varieties - Semillon & Shiraz. The Gundog Hunter Cellar & Gourmet Pantry offers a premium Hunter Valley tasting experience like no other. Set in the historical Pokolbin Schoolhouse, visitors not only have the chance to taste and purchase our range of premium, award winning wines, but to also discover a hand-picked selection of gourmet products reflecting our quality over quantity philosophy. The personalised and relaxed ambience of the Gundog Hunter Cellar & Gourmet Pantry is complimented by our cheese and charcouterie plates, and carefully sourced fine teas and coffee.

Gundog – Redefining the tasting experience 40

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

WHITE WINES Semillon RED WINES Shiraz FORTIFIED WINES Muscat AWARDS - Numerous Gold and Silver Medals in 2014; Hunter Valley Wine Show, NSW Small Winemakers Show, Australian Boutique Winemakers Show, Royal Queensland Wine Show SPECIALTIES Semillon & Shiraz WINEMAKER Matt Burton PRICE RANGE From $25 to $60/bottle

MAP REF: E2

HANGING TREE WINES

294 O’Connors Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6608 www.hangingtreewines.com.au info@hangingtreewines.com.au

Hanging Tree Wines offers one of the most welcoming cellar doors in the Hunter Valley - housed within an old cow-shed and surrounded by vines, rose-beds, horse-whispering lodge and an original black-smith’s cottage. The Hanging Tree stands tall at the entrance of the property - the site where beasts (and rumoured bushrangers), from the first settlement, were hung. Hanging Tree grapes are handpicked from aged vines and handcrafted to produce various red, white, sparkling, and fortified wines. So come book your next getaway/ function or pop in today to taste our award-winning wines.

WINE TASTING & SALES Fri, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 10AM to 5PM Weekdays by appointment Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome on booking WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay RED WINES Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Grenache, Merlot, Blends FORTIFIED WINES Port, Botrytis Semillon, Reserve Aged Muscat SPARKLING Brut, Moscato SPECIALTIES & AWARDS Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Makers Show - Silver & Bronze Medals, Cowra Wine Show - Silver & Bronze Awards WINEMAKERS Gary Reed & Gary McCLean PRICE RANGE From $25 - $80/bottle MAP REF: F6

HARRIGANS IRISH PUB

Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4300

Harrigan’s Irish Pub offers excellent meals with generous servings in a friendly relaxed atmosphere at affordable prices. The bistro at Harrigan’s is well known for its great service and value for money.

www.harrigans.com.au enquiries@harrigans.com.au

DINING STYLE Casual pub-style dining OPENING HOURS BREAKFAST 7 Days 7AM - 10.30AM LUNCH 7 Days 12PM - 3PM A popular stable of hearty pub DINNER 7 Nights 6PM - 9.30PM meals, including the Beef & CLOSED 25th December Guinness Pie, provide tourists and locals alike with a great GROUPS alternative to café & restaurant Bookings essential meals. SPECIALTIES With an open fire in the cooler Beef & Guinness Pie months and an extensive deck Good hearty traditional pub meals and outdoor dining area available AWARDS on warmer days there are heaps Sydney Morning Herald - Top 3 Best of options at Harrigan’s! Country Pubs 2010. Score 18/20 On the weekends a free jumping PRICE GUIDE castle is on hand for the kids and Main meals from $18.90 to $39 regular promotions, events and live entertainment ensure there’s always something happening. The sports bar features a pool table and the only TAB in the winery precinct. Good times, great food and cool ale are always standard fare at Harrigan’s Irish Pub.

MAP REF: C3 SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

HOPE ESTATE Hope Estate is perfectly located in the heart of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley and set on 420 acres just two hours from Sydney. Hope Estate is the ultimate location for estate produced wines, fine dining, weddings, functions and is home to the Pokolbin’s newest Craft Brewery. The Estate is also home to the Australia’s largest purpose-built outdoor concert amphitheatre that hosts an array of international performers each concert season. Musical legends who have performed at the Estate include Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones. Hope Estate is dedicated to making sensational premium wines. We are firm believers in estate grown varietal wines. It’s the only way to ensure that the distinctive regional characters can shine through. Our brewhouse offers 12 beers on tap - the brewery is located behind the Cellar Door where guests can relax and view the brewing process while enjoying a tasting paddle. Cellar door visitors can enjoy a personalised tasting with our friendly & knowledgeable staff 7 days a week. During summer our cellar door is open until 8pm Friday and Saturday for twilight tastings. Harvest Restaurant offers breathtaking views of Hope Estate’s amphitheatre, vineyards & rolling countryside alongside a sumptuous meal complimented by Hope Estate wine and craft beer. Executive chef Mert Tansu and his team provide an innovative menu which reflects Mert’s cultural background and culinary training.

We invite you to visit our facilities and enjoy all that Hope Estate has to offer.

HUNGERFORD HILL Hungerford Hill is a boutique estate in the heart of the Hunter Valley making distinguished wines that are regional and authentic. The passion behind the wine comes from an able team guided by Winemaker Adrian Lockhart, making wines with a focus on cool climate regions from around NSW that are packed with character and interest. Our stylish Cellar Door offers... • Award winning wines • Espresso Bar Epic seated tasting experience – bookings essential • Gourmet produce • Extensive range of books and wine accessories • Home to hatted Muse Restaurant

2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin PH 4993-3555 or 4993-3599 (Restaurant) www.hopeestate.com.au info@hopeestate.com.au harvest@hopeestate.com.au OPENING TIMES Harvest Restaurant Lunch 7 Days 12pm-2pm Dinner Friday & Saturday 6pm-8pm Bookings essential Cellar Door Open 7 Days 10am - 5pm Bookings for Groups larger than 15 Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day & Good Friday WHITE WINES Semillon, Semillon/ Verdelho, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Late Harvest Verdelho RED WINES Cabernet/Merlot, Rose, Shiraz, Merlot, Virgin Hills Red Blend SPARKLING Pinot Chardonnay, Shiraz PRICE RANGE Main Meals $28 - $42, Wines $20 - $70 p/bottle DINING STYLE Exquisite food in a unique setting MAP REF: B5 WINERY TOURS

2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7666 www.hungerfordhill.com.au wines@hungerfordhill.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 Days Mon to Thurs & Sun 10AM to 5PM Fri & Sat 10AM to 6PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS By appointment WHITE WINES Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay RED WINES Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Rosè FORTIFIED WINES Liqueur Shiraz, Liqueur Muscat SPARKLING Chardonnay/ Pinot SPECIALTIES & AWARDS

5 STAR WINERY – James Halliday Wine Companion 2016, 97PTS HEAVY METAL 2013 – James Halliday Wine Companion 2016, BEST PINOT GRIS – Royal Queensland Food & Wine Show 2015, BEST SPARKLING – Canberra Regional Wine Show 2014, BEST SPARKLING – Le Concours des Vins du NSW 2014

WINEMAKERS Adrian Lockhart PRICE RANGE From $22 - $120/bottle MAP REF: C7 42

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

HUNTER HONEY HIVE

Shop 17, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7191 www.facebook.com/hunterhoneyhive yogspokolbin@gmail.com

Hunter Honey Hive has been established to provide visitors to the Hunter Valley with an additional taste experience. All honeys sold are cold extracted, meaning they not only taste as the bees intended but can improve your immune system and overall health. Best quality honey cosmetics, soaps and health products also stocked. Over 100 varieties are on display with at least 20 available for tasting daily.

OPEN 7 days 10am - 5pm Closed Christmas Day PRODUCE SOLD Best Quality cold extracted honeys from the Hunter Valley to West Australia and Tasmania SPECIALITIES Honey, honeycomb, honey cosmetics and beeswax candles

A/C

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE FACTORY

MAP REF: C3

447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7744 www.huntervalleycheese.com.au contact@huntervalleycheese.com.au

• 100% Australian & Regional Hand Made Cheese Factory. • Visit our cheese tasting room and sample an array of our in-season cheese and regional produce. • Lunch all day 9am to 5pm. • Factory outlet specials and product promotions change daily. • Cheese tutorial in front of the viewing windows daily at 11am and 3pm.

PRODUCE SOLD Handmade speciality cheeses, local produce, preserves, muscatels, deli supplies, fresh breads, gourmet crackers, cheese platters OPENING HOURS 7 Days 9AM-5.30PM GROUPS Bookings essential for groups of 10 or more SPECIALTIES Artisan Regional Cheesemakers We have been producing handmade preservative free cheeses on site for over 20 years

MAP REF: C3

Blessed are the Cheesemakers.

IVANHOE WINES

525 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7325

Home of the Big & Gutsy Reds. Come in and try our range of wines and experience the knowledgeable service and spectacular views.

2015

CERTIFICATE of EXCELLENCE

www.ivanhoewines.com.au tracy@ivanhoewines.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day GROUPS Welcome. Bookings essential for buses and large groups PRICE RANGE $25 - $65/ Bottle MAP REF: F2 SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

HUNTERS QUARTER

576 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin www.huntersquarter.com.au info@huntersquarter.com.au OPENING HOURS Lunch Wednesday - Sunday 12pm - 3.30pm Dinner Thursday - Saturday 6pm till late Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Welcome. Group menu available DINING STYLE Smart Casual. Vegetarian menu available.

Hunters Quarter (HQ) is a relaxed and elegant dining destination, located in the Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard of Pokolbin, in the heart of the picturesque Hunter Valley.

PRICE GUIDE From $15 to $35

Inspired by his international culinary experiences chef Brian Duncan’s menu combines first-class ingredients, bright, balanced flavours and expert technique. Our innovative menu is inspired by the area’s local and seasonal produce, and its dishes deliver balanced pure flavours and textures. Our restaurant is a dining space with something for everyone – whatever the occasion, come and discover a contemporary dining experience with welcoming service in a unique and beautiful setting.

MAP REF: D3

HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY Established more than 15 years ago and with 3 stores in the area, the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is one of the premier attractions in the Hunter. The latest outlet known as ‘’Twenty-3-Twenty’’ located on Broke Road in Pokolbin features a large viewing window where our Chocolatiers and Fudge-makers can be observed busily making our range of chocolate and fudge for our stores. ‘’Twenty-3-Twenty’’ also has a large Coffee Lounge area, alfresco seating offering wonderful views, a terrific range of Gelato and Frozen Yoghurt, delicious Churros and Chocolate Pots as well as an exciting range of gourmet products not to be missed. And so much more! A visit to one of our stores is a ‘must’ during your visit to the Hunter Valley... one bite will keep you coming back for more. • See the extensive range of wedding and corporate packaging. • Join the Chocolate Lovers VIP Club – with benefits that include, 15% discount on all purchases, monthly draws, on line ordering, gift vouchers. Enquire now! • Also available are a delightful selection of gourmet trays and baskets incorporating other fine products from the Wine Country region. • All stores open 7 days.

OPEN 7 DAYS

www.hvchocolate.com.au admin@hvchocolate.com.au RETAIL OUTLETS Twenty-3-Twenty 2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6999 The Stonehouse @ Petersons Champagne House, 2 Broke Rd, Pokolbin. PH 4998-7301 Shop 5, HV Gardens Village Broke Rd, Pokolbin. PH 4998-7221 OPENING HOURS All stores OPEN 7 DAYS Opening hours will vary from store to store. From 9 or 9.30AM to 4PM or 5PM with 2320 Broke Rd Open until 5.30PM weekends and Public Holidays. Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Bus groups most welcome with bookings advised SPECIALTIES Hand made chocolates and fudge, Candy, Gourmet produce and Gift items A/C

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PH 4930-7388

MAP REF: C3/C6

IRON GATE ESTATE

Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6570

Iron Gate Estate is one of the Hunters newest boutique wineries. The Estate offers true Hunter Wines, produced from grapes grown in its own vineyard and picked by hand. The winery incorporates the latest technology in wine making and is designed to enable small parcels of selected grapes to be crafted individually to provide the highest possible quality.

www.irongateestate.com sales@irongateestate.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 4PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day GROUPS Less than 26 welcome WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho and blends RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and blends SPARKLING Semillon/Verdelho, Shiraz/Cabernet SPECIALTIES Sweet Table Wines WINEMAKER Roger Lilliott PRICE RANGE From $25 - $40/bottle

MAP REF: G7

KEVIN SOBELS WINES Kevin Sobels Wines is a family owned business, producing 100% Hunter Valley Wines from locally grown grapes, and with Kevin, wife Margaret and son Jason playing a key role in the day-to-day running of the business from their unique and purpose built cellar door which is open 7 days a week. With Kevin being a 5th generation Australian winemaker, the Sobels family continues a long and unbroken wine making tradition in Australia which commenced when Carl August Sobels migrated to South Australia with his family in 1847 after learning the art of winemaking in both Champagne and Germany. Carl, history informs us, is recognised as having made the first wines in the Barossa Valley in 1848.

5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7766

Like his ancestors, Kevin Sobels and wife Margaret share the same love and dedication of the wine making industry and the making of high quality and distinctive styles of wine which are made with the consumer in mind. The winery which can be considered small and modern, utilises a mix of both new and traditional methods to producing the high quality wines Kevin Sobels Wines is renowned for and which are not readily available in the retail sector . Kevin Sobels Wines has developed a strong following over the years and have also become affectionately known by visitors to the Hunter Valley as ‘’the winery with the big dog”. Archie, the St Bernard is always present to give visitors to the cellar door a warm welcome.

www.sobelswines.com.au kevin@sobelswines.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days Mon - Fri 9AM to 5PM Sat & Sun 9.30AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Good Friday GROUPS Welcome with booking WHITE WINES Semillon, Quartet, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Traminer RED WINES Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, SweetnLuverley SPARKLING White, Red, Muscato (as we call it) FORTIFIED WINES White Port, Tawny Port SPECIALTIES White Port WINEMAKER Jason Sobels PRICE RANGE From $16 - $50/bottle

MAP REF: C5 Drop into the Cellar Door and you may meet Kevin Sobels who is the 2014 Hunter Valley Living Legend of Wine (as well as Archie, the Cellar Door Dog!)

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

LAMBLOCH ESTATE

2342 Broke Rd Pokolbin PH 4998-6722 www.lambloch.com cellardoor@lambloch.com TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years GROUPS Bookings needed for 8 or more.

There is no other Cellar Door quite like Lambloch Estate. The picturesque views of the vineyard are set on the stunning backdrop of the Broken Back Range, and offers the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy some of the Hunters finest premium wines. A taste of The Loch Shiraz whilst visiting this modern cellar door, is a must for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life, with a 96 point rating, 3 years running from James Halliday. Planted in the 1950’s on prized volcanic loam soils, this wine is sure to impress even the toughest critics. If you’re looking for some fun and exciting wine the Flipside range will certainly please. The Flipside Shiraz and Semillon will amaze you with their unique semi-sweet fruit filled refreshing taste.

McLEISH ESTATE

TROPHY Best Named Vineyard Semillon 2015 Hunter Valley Wine Show TWO TROPHIES 2015 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show NSW Wine of the Year 2014 FOUR TROPHIES 2014 Sydney Royal Wine Show TROPHIES Best Semillon in 2013 & 2014 Sydney International Wine Competition TROPHY Best International Semillon 2012 & 2013 London International Wine Challenge James Halliday “2016 Australian Wine Companion”

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MAP REF: C6

462 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7754

Australia’s Most Awarded Boutique Winery Celebrating 31st Vintage Family owned since 1985

WHITE WINES Semillon, Riesling & Chardonnay RED WINES Shiraz & Cabernet SPECIALTIES & AWARDS Highly rated Hunter Valley Shiraz- 96 points James Halliday in 2009/2010 PRICE RANGE From $19.50 - $95 per bottle

www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au info@mcleishhunterwines.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day GROUPS By appointment WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho RED WINES Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz SPARKLING Culloden NV Duke Cuvee, Culloden NV Shiraz Cuvee DESSERT WINES Botrytis Semillon SPECIALTIES & AWARDS Specialising in Semillon & Shiraz WINEMAKER Andrew Thomas PRICE RANGE From $25 to $60/ bottle MAP REF: E4

MUSE RESTAURANT

Hungerford Hill Wines, Broke Rd Pokolbin PH 4998-6777

In March 2009, Megan and Troy Rhoades-Brown opened Muse with the aim of evolving their establishment into one of Australia’s finest regional restaurants. Muse prides itself in providing superior contemporary Australian cuisine and professional and friendly service in a world class setting. Sourcing local produce when possible with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients. The menus are formed with strong depth of classic techniques and wellseasoned, balanced flavours in mind. At Muse, it’s not about dinner it’s about dining.

www.musedining.com.au muse@musedining.com.au DINING STYLE Contemporary Australian, Fine Dining Restaurant OPENING HOURS LUNCH Sat & Sun 12PM - 3PM DINNER Wed to Sat 6.30PM - 10PM CLOSED Christmas Day GROUPS welcome Shortened & set menus available AWARDS SMH Good Food Guide Two Chefs Hats 2016 & 2015; SMH Good Food Guide One Chef Hat 2014, 2013, 2012 & 2011; 2015 Delicious Magazine Annual Produce Awards, Next Gen Chef - Troy Rhoades-Brown; 2014 Electrolux Appetite for Excellence National Young Restaurateur - Troy Rhoades-Brown PRICE GUIDE 2 courses $75 pp, 3 courses $95 pp, 8 course degustation $120 pp

MAP REF: C7

OISHII JAPANESE THAI RESTAURANT Oishii Japanese and Thai at Roche Estate offers a welcome unique dining alternative in the Hunter Valley. The authentic Asian restaurant offers an award winning menu including popular favorites such as Sushi, Sashimi and Teppanyaki selections as well as fragrant Thai salads and curries. Many menu items can be adapted for vegetarians and gluten sensitive guests.

Most importantly it blends very well with the wines from the Hunter Valley. Oishii has become one of the favorite dining venues in the Hunter Valley as it offers a sharing menu ideal and affordable for families and parties. Join the many repeat patrons and enjoy the fare either inside the dining room, on the terrace overlooking the vineyards or choose the very popular take away option.

Cnr McDonalds & Broke Rd’s Pokolbin PH 4998-7051 www.oishii.com.au info@oishii.com.au DINING STYLE Casual authentic Japanese and Thai Dining OPENING HOURS LUNCH 7 Days from 11.30AM - 3PM DINNER 7 Nights from 5.30PM-9.30PM CLOSED Christmas Day GROUPS Bookings preferred SPECIALTIES Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki, Teriyaki PRICE GUIDE Starters $9 - $15 Mains $20 - $27

MAP REF: C4

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PETERSONS WINES Widely renowned for our award winning wines, Petersons have been producing fine wines for over 30 years. We create classic wines such as Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho; to big rich, gutsy reds such as our Back Block Shiraz. For those who enjoy bubbles we have a delicious sparkling Moscato. Petersons Wines now have another ‘home’ in the Hunter Valley, with the opening of our new cellar door on Broke Road in the heart of Wine Country. Conveniently located just along the road from Peterson House. Come, visit our cellar door, enjoy the picturesque backdrop and meet our friendly staff. We will give you a warm welcome and offer a tasting of some of our award winning wines.

2347 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7379 www.petersonswines.com.au brokeroad@petersonwines.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days Mon-Sat 9AM - 5PM; Sun 10AM-5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day GROUPS Welcome. Please book in advance. WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Fume Blanc, Muscat, Verdelho, Riesling RED WINES Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chambourcin, Durif, Petit Verdot SPARKLING Sparkling Chardonnay, Moscato, Sparkling Red FORTIFIED WINES Cellar Port, Muscat SPECIALTIES Back Block Shiraz, Old Block Shiraz, Strikes Shiraz, Botrytis Semillon, Moscato WINEMAKER Gary Reed PRICE RANGE From $19.50 -$100 p/b MAP REF: C6

PETERSON HOUSE Peterson House is unique to the Hunter Valley, as we specialise in premium sparkling wines made in the traditional method. We host a series of sparkling wine varieties, guaranteed to satisfy the discerning drinker. Our sparkling range consists of the easy drinking ‘Blush’ through to the premium blends and museum vintages enjoyed by all. Established in 1995, Peterson House is located at the ‘gateway’ to the Hunter Valley. Visit our friendly Cellar Door, and allow our staff to assist in helping you choose your favourite sparkling. With the diversity of our range, we can certainly cater for any sparkling wine occasion. 48

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Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4998-7881 www.petersonhouse.com.au bubbles@petersonhouse.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 Days 9AM to 5PM GROUPS Groups of 8 or more people require a booking WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay RED WINES Merlot, Shiraz SPARKLING Gateway, Cuvée Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Verdelho, Semillon Pinot, Chardonnay Pinot, Blanc de Blanc, Pinot Chardonnay Meunier, Pink Blush, Illusion Rosé, Moscato, Merlot, Shiraz, Chambourcin, Shiraz Voignier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Botrytis FORTIFIED WINES Muscat, Shiraz SPECIALTIES Sparkling Wine WINEMAKER John Reid PRICE RANGE From $7 to $70/bottle

MAP REF: C6

POKOLBIN ESTATE

298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7524 www.pokolbinestate.com.au sales@pokolbinestate.com.au

The Vineyards—Pokolbin Estate Vineyard was first planted in 1970 comprising of the Hunters more traditional wine varieties Shiraz, Semillon and Riesling, and developed to showcase true varietal character. Our sister label Belebula Vineyard was planted some time later in 1999 and not conforming to the tradition styles elected to propagate wine varieties with a more Mediterranean influence such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.

The Hunter Olive Centre was launched in late 2003 to integrate our love for food and wine and to showcase some of the finest gourmet foods produced in the Hunter Valley. Since then the Hunter Olive Centre has grown to be one of the largest specialty food outlets in the Hunter Valley, displaying a range of over 500 locally made and National products of which up to 50 gourmet food products are on tasting at any one time.

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 9AM to 5PM OLIVE CENTRE 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM (Olive tasting 10AM until 4PM) GROUPS Up to 50 - $3 pp wine tasting fee redeemed on purchase WHITE WINES Semillon, Riesling, Late Harvest Riesling, Chardonnay RED WINES Shiraz Viognier, Reserve Shiraz, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo Bella Rosa, Rosé DESSERT WINES Riesling FORTIFIED WINES Tawny Port, Solera Riesling WINEMAKER Andrew Thomas PRICE RANGE From $20 to $60/ bottle

MAP REF: D3

RESTAURANT CUVEE Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4998-7881 Restaurant Cuvee located at Peterson House offers modern Australian cuisine at its best. Our a-la-carte menu has been designed using fresh local produce - with seasonal menu changes, you will be sure to find something to please your palate. The romance of the building provides a beautiful setting for weddings, private functions, corporate dinners or any special occasion of celebration.

www.petersonhouse.com.au cuvee@petersonhouse.com.au DINING STYLE Casual inside & al fresco dining OPENING HOURS BREAKFAST 7 Days From 8.30AM - 11AM LUNCH 7 Days From 12PM - 3PM CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Yrs Day GROUPS Groups welcome. For groups of 12 or more we have a group menu. Please contact us for further details SPECIALTIES Bubbly breakfasts PRICE GUIDE Breakfast from $18, Main Meals from $28

MAP REF: C6

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

SABOR IN THE HUNTER

At Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin. PH 1300 958 939

SABOR IN THE HUNTER DESSERT BAR is the Valleys sweet spot, with the Hunters largest range of desserts paired with Wines & Dessert wines from the region. Indulge in our multi-award winning Portuguese Mousse, decadent cakes, Hand-made Chocolates & Portuguese tarts. A culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Our Dessert Bar offers a Gluten Free range, Cheese Plates, Barista made coffee & tea to enjoy on our alfresco patio or to takeaway.

ALSO at Lovedale: 319 Wilderness Road, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850 www.saborinthehunter.com.au saborpokolbin@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Thurs 10am - 4:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 9:30pm, Sun & Mon 10am - 4:30pm GROUPS & TOURS Bookings essential (set menu prices) Small function room available for large bookings.

SABOR HUNTER IN THE

DESSERT BAR

MAP REF: C6

TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES Wine - with body & soul. With a five red-star rating in James Halliday’s ‘Wine Companion’, as well as local, national and international wine show recognition, we continue to challenge industry conventions and lead others down a path less travelled in pursuit of wine excellence. Our approach, we term ‘contemporary organics’, is a result of our enthusiasm to re-define winemaking and experiment with modern best practice in vineyard management, incorporating practical and sustainable strategies that will continue to produce brilliant wine - with body and soul.

358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4200 www.tamburlaine.com.au info@tamburlaine.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 9AM to 5PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS By appointment WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Marsanne RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Chambourcin, Grenache SPARKLING Pinot Chardonnay FORTIFIED Liqueur Muscat, Framboise (raspberry liqueur) AWARDS James Halliday Winery Awards for individual wines can be viewed on our website WINEMAKER Mark Davidson & Ashley Horner PRICE RANGE From $20 - $40/bottle

MAP REF: D3 50

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

THALGARA

536 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7717 www.thalgara.com.au info@thalgara.com.au

Thalgara is a small vineyard and winery in the foothills of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. Our vines are some of the oldest in the area producing hand made parcels of premium wines made with great care.

OPENING HOURS 7 Days 10AM-5PM Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Our wines have won some 96 medals and 15 trophies, so please visit the Cellar Door and try them or stay in our accommodation set above vineyards with spectacular views.

GROUPS By appointment

MAP REF: E3

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT

HVG Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7584

“A summer and winter favourite, The Cellar’s real draw is chef and proprietor Andy Wright’s restrained treatment of outstanding local produce”. The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living

www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au thecellar@bigpond.com OPENING HOURS LUNCH Mon to Sat 12PM-3PM DINNER Mon to Fri 6.30PM-9PM and Sat 6PM-9PM CLOSED Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Contact us for details MAP REF: C3

TWINE RESTAURANT 310 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7449 Twine Restaurant is located on Wynwood Estate and serves up a great selection of Modern Australian cuisine cooked with passion. Try our signature dish…. Half dozen oysters done six different ways. Boasting some of the Hunters most amazing views with inside and outside dining you are sure to be impressed.

wwwtwinerestaurant.com.au bookings@twinerestaurant.com.au DINING STYLE Casual Fine Dining OPENING HOURS LUNCH 7 Days From 12PM - 3PM DINNER Fri & Sat 6PM - 9PM and Sunday “Tastes from Around the World” 5.30PM - 7.30PM GROUPS Groups welcome with reservations SPECIALTIES Private Dining room for up to 30 guests, Oysters done six different ways PRICE GUIDE Lunch from $49 for two courses Dinner Entrée from $18 Mains from $34

MAP REF: G5

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

WYNWOOD ESTATE

310 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7885

Wynwood Estate

www.wynwoodestate.com.au cellar@wynwoodestate.com.au

Recreating History

Wynwood Estate is one of the newest boutique wine brands with some of the oldest and most renowned vineyards, producing traditional, premium quality wines reminiscent of the grand vines of the 1970’s. Wy n w o o d E s t a t e o f f e r s a personalised and relaxing wine tasting experience like no other. Let our experienced staff guide you through our extensive range, from easy drinking styles through to Award winning Hunter Classics such as Shiraz, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Semillon, as well as varieties not regularly seen in the Hunter like Chambourcin, Durif and Merlot. Specialising in corporate and wine tasting you should plan your Hunter visit around a visit to Wynwood Estate. Experience the quality that comes from old vines at Wynwood Estate.

WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day GROUPS Welcome. Function Centre available, Corporate Groups welcome WHITE WINES Late Harvest selections, Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc RED WINES Rosé, Shiraz, Merlot, Chambourcin, Durif and special range from Barossa SPARKLING Moscato, Shiraz, Semillon SPECIALTIES Award Winning 2013 Semillon, Cabernet Fanc, Old Vine Dry Grown Shiraz WINEMAKER Peter Lane PRICE RANGE From $18 to $70 per /bottle

MUSEUM

MAP REF: G5

Gourmet Kitchen

all day menu with: • food-wine matching & food-beer matching mini-degustation menus • charcuterie platters • coffee & sweets • daily specials on fresh foods, pasta, seafood, steak and chicken • Receive a FREE glass of sparkling wine when you purchase 2 courses from our lunch menu p/p (Mon - Fri only)

Euro - deli with an outstanding selection of:

• local, Australian and international range of deli products • olives and olive oils • cheeses • venison products • salumi • smallgoods • ready to heat meals • BBQ packs • gourmet take away food • food hampers • Home of the Two Fat Blokes Chocolate balls and in the pink Moscato Granita

Open 7 days for breakfast or lunch. Picnic baskets, al-fresco or inside dining, shared platters, beer on tap.

1616 Broke Rd, Pokolbin. PH 4998 6699 E info@twofatblokes.com.au www.twofatblokes.com.au 52 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

SIR LUNCHALOT

Two great spots to Lunch - alot! Restaurant reviews by Sir Lunchalot - Peter Firth Welcome to all our readers old and new... Once again it does not feel like six months have passed since I wrote my last reviews. The Valley begins 2016 looking greener than usual and the vines are showing signs of hopefully producing an above average Vintage. Meanwhile, Lady Lunchalot and I have been busily carrying out our normal “duties” of checking out a number of restaurants for our readers. Here are two that we found that you may like to visit while you are in the area. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as we did.

HARVEST @ HOPE ESTATE Broke Road, Pokolbin

This restaurant started some 30 years ago when Rothbury Estate was founded by a few famous identities including Len Evans, Murray Tyrell and Gerry Sissingh. Over the years a vast number of wellknown chefs have worked here and we have been lucky enough to experience their culinary skills. The restaurant has both outdoor and indoor dining areas with superb views overlooking vineyards and a large dam. You are nearly always likely to also spot many kangaroos grazing below. The executive chef Mert Tansu has been at Harvest for 2 years. He was born in Turkey where he started his culinary career cooking with his mother and grandmother, hence the strong Mediterranean influence in his food. He later moved to America for 6 years and then made his way to Australia. Here are some of the dishes we shared on our recent visit. We started with the Heirloom Tomato Salad with watermelon, black olive brioche accompanied with goats cheese. An excellent way to start as the temperature was 41⁰c! Next came the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with daikon, Japanese horseradish, finger limes and chorizo crumbs. This dish, Mert’s version, has very definite Japanese flavours. It was delicate and light. Great for Summer. Then came Seared Sea Scallops with broadbean puree, home cured pickled onions with very thin breakfast radishes. Another winner! We both looked at each and said they will take some beating. Our next dish was the Glacier 51 Toothfish, a fish neither of us had ever eaten. It was served with a crispy miso glaze, mushroom soy consommé (which is made up with six different mushrooms)

Seared Sea Scallops

and tapioca pearls. The consommé also contained numerous very tiny Enoki mushrooms. This fish is caught in the Pacific Ocean off the East Coast of Australia. The fish was firm and very moist and the consommé was stunning. The flavours are perfectly balanced. It was one of the best fish dishes that we had ever tasted. The presentation of the dishes was simple and colourful. Speaking to Mert later he mentioned that the Nigella Crusted Lamb Loin with peas, thyme essence and celeriac puree was the most popular dish and has been on the menu for 2 years. Perhaps next time. There is also a sirloin dish and a pasta dish with home-made potato gnocchi with mushrooms, spinach and truffle cream. Unfortunately dessert was out of the question, but I did ask some of the other guests to assist me and their comments were all positive, especially the Coconut Panna Cotta. We both expect to return in the not too distant future! SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 53

SIR LUNCHALOT RESTAURANT CUVEE @ PETERSON HOUSE

Pork Striploin

Broke Road, Pokolbin

This landmark, as you turn onto Broke Road has been there for over 10 years and is very popular for tasting the famous Peterson’s Sparkling Wines. The building has been constructed with Sandstone from the Gosford Quarries and it is well worth a visit to taste the “bubbles” and then dine. The executive chef is Chad Pridure who has been there for some 7 years and is responsible for establishing this restaurant as among some of the best in the Vineyards. Again there are both indoor and outdoor dining areas overlooking vineyards. We started with six Natural Oysters and six Baked Oysters with a topping of braised pork belly with a smoky tomato and bourbon sauce. Loved it! The oysters are fresh, delivered daily from Port Stephens. Then came the Dukkah Crusted Prawn Skewers. These were served on bulgur wheat with mint and fresh pomegranate seeds. Chad makes his own dukkah and the flavours with this dish were sensational. This was followed by the Tea Smoked Sliced Duck Breast sprinkled with strawberry salsa, coriander, mint and caramelised balsamic. We both commented on how the smoked effect was very light and the dish was another winner. There are several other items on the menu including Pan Fried Scallops and a Beetroot and Goats Cheese Terrine. We decided to order one main course to share so we could keep space for some desserts. We chose the Pork Striploin with sweet onion and apple puree, pickled fennel and new potatoes. The pork was very tender and perfectly cooked. Again the combination of the sauce that Chad and his team have created was a delight! There are a number of other mains Zesty Blood Orange Curd

54 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

which sound delicious – Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

Breast with couscous, roast capsicum and tomato puree and cumin yoghurt sounds great. On our next visit we are definitely going to order the Barramundi Fillet on lime and cracked pepper risotto – this dish got the thumbs up from the table next to us. For dessert we started with the Zesty Blood Orange Curd with butter crumbs, honey and thyme sorbet and soft meringue. Just delicious! The other choice was Chocolate Sinners Delight – chocolate crème brûlée with pistachio biscotti, rich chocolate soil and white chocolate and peppermint bubbles. As we were starting, two glasses of Sparkling Fortified Shiraz suddenly appeared. I have not tasted this style of dessert wine before and the combination was amazing! A must try, please. Breakfast at Restaurant Cuvee is also highly recommended and no better way to start the day in Wine Country. Also Peterson House is a wonderful and popular venue for wedding receptions and any other celebration that comes to mind. We both hope you will be able to pay these two restaurants a visit and enjoy their food as much as we did!

“Best small cellar door Lower Hunter” Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine

“Five star winery”

2016 James Halliday Wine Companion

“Rising star”

Winemaker Matt Burton 2010 Hunter Wine Industry Awards

Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm 101 Mcdonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 PH: 02 4998 6873 info@gundogestate.com.au

MISTLETOE WINES 2014 Grand Reserve Shiraz

ERNEST HILL WINES 2014 ‘CEO’ Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a big wine for the Hunter, a direct result of the dry and hot conditions experienced leading up to the exceptional 2014 vintage, showcasing how good Hunter Shiraz can be when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

Trophy Winner at the 2015 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show.

TASTING This wine has amazing mid palate fruit and great length of palate that combine to give this wine near perfect balance. The palate is currently quite tight with generous tannin structure. This elegant wine showcases that the typical red plum fruit flavours of the Hunter that are well supported by the oak input from the use of mostly new French oak puncheons for maturation. CELLARING A wine to enjoy for many years to come. Drink now to 2040.

DONT MISS MISTLETOE! With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, Fortified and Dessert styles on tasting, Mistletoe has one of the most comprehensive ranges of wines to be seen in the Hunter. 771 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 1800 055 080 OPEN 10AM - 6PM

JAMES HALLIDAY 5 STAR RATING 2007 - 2012

56 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

From the outstanding 2014 vintage, the Ernest Hill Wines 2014 ‘CEO’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a superb example of this noble French grape variety. TASTING Made from a single vineyard parcel of Hunter Valley grapes, specially selected by the Ernest Hill CEO. It displays mouth filling flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, combined with some subtle toasty/vanillan highlights, from oak barrel maturation. Silky smooth tannins round off this exceptional wine. A must for your next roast meat and poultry feast. CELLARING Drink now or cellar to 2022.

TINTILLA ESTATE 2014 Rosalind Blush Sangiovese Tintilla Estate pioneered the Sangiovese variety in the Hunter to match Australia’s love affair with Italian food. TASTING The wine has a bright translucent blush appearance with fine bubbles that persist. It has a crisp attractive nose with fresh strawberry and watermelon, excellent structure with good mouth feel, crisp fruit on the palate with a slightly savoury, long lasting finish and a hint of sweetness at the end which offers refreshment and excitement. Ideal accompaniment to oysters, prawns, fish and a range of summer salads. Serve chilled. CELLARING Drink now.

TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES 2015 Wine Lovers Petite Fleur Rosé Although not a large winery in world terms, Tamburlaine Organic Wines is Australia’s largest producer of organic wines – producing award-winning wines from their Hunter Valley and Orange vineyards that are true to the terroir of the region. Tamburlaine is a pioneer of sustainable viticulture, with no synthetic chemical inputs used in the growing of the grapes which made this wine. TASTING This Petite Fleur Rosé is European in style, with soft pink hues with rose petal and musk aromas. The wine has juicy, fresh strawberry and Turkish delight flavours with subtle oak complexity. Not simply a light red pretending to be a Rosé! CELLARING Drink now, or cellar for up to 5 years.

Open 7 days 10:30pm to 6pm 725 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574 7093 www.tintilla.com.au SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 57

MCLEISH ESTATE 2015 Semillon

POKOLBIN ESTATE 2014 Riesling

The 2015 McLeish Estate Semillon is of a winning pedigree, hand-harvested from the estate single vineyard that has achieved the title of the World’s Semillon at the London International Wine Challenge, also starred as the Best Small Wine Producer and Best NSW Wine at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

While the Hunter may not generally be recognised for producing Rieslings, Pokolbin Estate on McDonalds Road in Pokolbin has been described as “The rogue Riesling producer of the Hunter.” Their 2011 Riesling won Riesling of the year at the 2011 Winestate Awards.

TASTING Vibrant quartz colour as a delicate youthful wine, with a lively harmonious lemon & lime zest aroma. The palate delivers a balance of lemon with delicate passion fruit and quince, these flavours are supported by equally fresh acidity. The fruit to acid balance ensure a long length and a framework for the future. Perfectly paired in Summer with freshly shucked oysters.

TASTING The Pokolbin Estate 2014 Hunter Valley Riesling is pale straw in colour with a tinge of green. This Riesling is showing a bouquet of orange blossom with crisp elegant, citrus lime flavours and green apple characters. Fine acidity with a touch of mineral, lime zest. CELLARING Young and vibrant, this Riesling will get more complex with age. Drink now or can be aged for the next ten to twelve years.

CELLARING Drink now to 2029

Australia’s Most Awarded Boutique Winery Celebrating our 31st Vintage TROPHY Best ‘Named Vineyard’ Semillon 2015 Hunter Valley Wine Show TWO TROPHIES 2015 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show NSW Wine of the Year 2014 FOUR TROPHIES 2014 Sydney Royal Wine Show TROPHIES Best Semillon in 2013 & 2014 Sydney International Wine Competition TROPHY Best International Semillon 2012 & 2013 London International Wine Challenge

MCLEISH ESTATE

Experience our ultra-premium range of Estate grown single vineyard wines at our Boutique Cellar Door.

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5pm

462 DeBeyers Road POKOLBIN NSW PH (02) 4998 7754 E info@mcleishhunterwines.com.au W www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au 58 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

TOP DROPS ADINA VINEYARD 2015 Pinot Gris

BRIAR RIDGE 2014 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer

Vines have been grown on Adina Vineyard in Lovedale since the 1860’s, with the modern vineyard mostly planted in the 1980’s.

Located in the Mount View region of the Hunter Valley, Briar Ridge is one of the leading producers of iconic Hunter Valley wines and has been awarded numerous accolades on both the national and international Wine Show Circuit. The grapes for this Gewürztraminer were picked late after ripening to allow for some dehydration and flavour concentration – allowing for a true late harvest style to be made.

Adina have become very well known for their Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris – produced from some of the oldest commercial Pinot Gris vines in Australia. TASTING The 2015 Adina Vineyard Pinot Gris is a clean, light strawberry coloured wine with apple and peach tones. Delicate full fruit flavours throughout the palate with a clean, crisp finish. A good aperitif that compliments anti-pasto foods, seafood dishes, Atlantic salmon, chicken dishes and all types of Thai stir-fry. CELLARING Ideal to drink now for the next 5 years.

TASTING This is a rich and opulent dessert wine. Perfumed rose petal and ginger spice nuances linger on the nose, with the palate displaying Turkish delight and lychee notes. The palate is finely balanced, finishing with subtle bush honey notes. CELLARING Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.

Wine. 358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | www.tamburlaine.com.au | 02 4998 4200

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 59

Lovedale, Rothbury & Branxton Wine & Dine Trail Lovedale, often referred to as the “Heart of the Hunter”, is located just east of Pokolbin and is renown for its interesting community, award-winning boutique wineries and cellar doors as well as quality accommodation, fine restaurants and unique galleries.

New England Hwy

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Wilderness Rd

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dale Rd

As one of the oldest wine producing areas of the Hunter Valley, the history of Lovedale dates back to the 1800s when local wheat, dairy and general produce farmers turned their hand to grape growing.

Allandale Rd Hun

Talga Rd

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The name Lovedale combines the name of one of the early families of the district, the Loves, with the memory of the dales of Yorkshire in England.

Settlement in Lovedale dates prior to 1825 when there were significant land grants along Black Creek. This area was particularly suitable for vineyards and was also favoured for its proximity to the ‘Old North Road’ to Windsor. Before the 1920s there were more wineries in the area than there are today. The Love’s Winery in Lovedale Road processed grapes from other vineyards as well as their own and closed in 1927. Unfortunately by the late 1920’s most of the Lovedale vineyards ceased operations due to the impact of the Depression and a widespread outbreak of downy mildew. In the 1960’s the vineyards began to reemerge and wine production began once again. Lovedale also hosts a number of events throughout the year, with the signature event being the famous Lovedale Long Lunch held on the third weekend in May each year.

For more information about events visit www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au or www.lovedalehuntervalley.com.au

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Adina Vineyard - The Hunter Providore

Capercaillie Wine DeBortoli Wines

Emmas Cottage Vineyard

Gartelmann Wines

Lovedale Smokehouse & Café Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen

Pierre’s Wines

Royal Federal Hotel

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Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar

Sandalyn Estate

Tatler Wines & Tapas

The Deck Café

THINGS TO SEE & DO Take in the scenery on horse-back If you’re up for a bit of adventure then Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures in Talga Road is the place to find it. Here you will find trails for both the beginner and the experienced rider... all with spectacular valley views. It’s advisable to book, phone 4930 7111.

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

MAP

Go Hot Air Ballooning Balloon Aloft run sunrise ballooning adventures daily, all year round. They are the most experienced ballooning company in Australia and provide a lovely gourmet champagne breakfast at a winery postflight. Contact 1300 723 279.

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Pierre’s Wines

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Royal Federal Hotel

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Emma’s Cottage Vineyard & Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen

Sandalyn Estate SS RD

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Sabor in the Hunter DR WINE COUNTRY

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Adina Vineyard The Hunter Providore

Debortoli Wines

Lovedale Smokehouse & Café

Tatler Wines & Tatler Tapas

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Gartelmann Wines & The Deck Café

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Adina Vineyard, Lovedale SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

ADINA VINEYARD

492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7473

Wine, Olives & The Hunter Providore

www.adinavineyard.com.au info@adinavineyard.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM GROUPS Welcome. Bookings necessary

Call into Adina Vineyard and enjoy wines from some of the oldest Pinot Gris and Sangiovese vines in Australia. You can also taste our other award winning wines.

WHITE WINES Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Verdelho RED WINES Rosé, Moscato, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Cabernets SPARKLING Traditional Methode Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé FORTIFIED Dessert Semillon, Liqueur Muscat AWARDS 40+ awards in the last three years including trophies WINEMAKER Dan Binet PRICE RANGE $10 - $45 per bottle

Adina also grows and processes on site olives, olive oils, tapenade and makes some outstanding vinegars such as our very popular Caramelised Balsamic. You can also taste and buy our unique Hunter Providore range of relishes, caramelised onions and exotic sauces…the perfect enhancement to any meal. The Adina wine club is certainly another reason to visit with great discounts to our A-list members.

MAP REF: G5

Our friendly staff look forward to welcoming you at our cellar door.

CAPERCAILLIE WINES

4 Londons Rd, Lovedale PH 4990-2904

Capercaillie’s ambition is to remain a small winery which is focused entirely upon the creation of premium quality wines. To enhance the range of individual Hunter Valley Wines they select parcels of grapes from other proven regions of Australia, creating exciting multi-area blends which highlight climatic and varietal differences. Critics and judges alike recognise the high standard Capercaillie maintains in their quest for distinctive and innovative wines. Varieties include the Hunter classics, multi-regional blends, and a range of sparkling and sweet dessert styles.

www.capercailliewine.com.au sales@capercailliewine.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 DAYS 10AM - 4.30PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day GROUPS Prefer small groups less than 20, Corporate Groups, Winery Tours by Appointment WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Gewϋrtztraminer (Dry & Dessert) RED WINES Rosé, Chambourcin, Shiraz, Cabernet Blend, Pinot Noir SPARKLING Chardonnay, Moscato FORTIFIED WINES Port SPECIALTIES Ghillie Shiraz, Clan Cabernet Blend, Creel Semillon AWARDS To date - 30 Trophies, 84 Gold, 183 Silver, 462 Bronze medals. Numerous Tourism Awards PRICE RANGE From $15 - $95/bottle

MAP REF: I4 62

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

DE BORTOLI WINES 532 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4993-8800 • Home of Noble One dessert wine • Family owned since 1928 • Over 25 wines for tasting including Semillon, Shiraz, Pink Moscato, Liqueur Muscat, sparkling wines and much, much more! • Local Artisan Craft Markets held every Saturday

www.debortoli.com.au hunter_info@debortoli.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday & Easter Sunday Open Anzac Day 1PM - 5PM

MAP REF: H3

EMMAS COTTAGE VINEYARD 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4998-7734 Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a small family owned vineyard found in the picturesque Lovedale region, the heart of the Hunter Valley. History tells us life is enhanced by three things – art, food, and wine. Some said it was relationships, roses, and the vine. To both, wine was paramount. Make your own decision at Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, and discover the estate-grown wines, friendly staff, restaurant, art gallery, abundant roses and cottages overlooking the vineyard. Partake in a wine tasting guided by our staff, whilst browsing the wonderfully eclectic collections of the gallery. Our wines are produced using handpicked grapes from our 7 acres of vines, nurtured at every step from soil to cellar door. In life, there should always be time to enjoy the beautiful things, and what better way than with a glass of Emma’s Cottage wine in hand.

www.emmascottage.com.au info@emmascottage.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES Friday 1pm - 5pm Sat, Sun & Pub/Hols 10am - 5pm Twilight tastings by appointment GROUPS Small groups under 8 people no charge WHITE WINES Semillon Chardonnay, Chardonnay Verdelho RED WINES Shiraz, Rosé, Cabernet Franc Merlot, Pinot Noir SPARKLING Chardonnay/ Pinot Noir FORTIFIED WINES Liqueur Chardonnay, Liqueur Shiraz WINEMAKER David Hook PRICE RANGE From $20 /bottle

MAP REF: E3

GARTELMANN WINES 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7113 Just 3 of our many award winning wines.

www.gartelmann.com.au sales@gartelmann.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 DAYS Mon to Sat 10AM - 5PM Sun 10AM - 4PM Small Groups only (up to 12 people) CAFÉ OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 8.30AM - 3.30PM Sat - Sun 8AM - 3.30PM MAP REF: F5 SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

LOVEDALE SMOKEHOUSE & CAFÉ

64 Majors Lane, Lovedale PH 4930-7832

LOVEDALE SMOKEHOUSE GOURMET PANTRY Creators and providores of artisanal charcuterie including grapevine smoked trout, salmon, mussels, octopus, cheese, beef, bacon, ham, chicken, duck, turkey, venison, kangaroo a variety of sausages and much more. Lovedale Smokehouse Gourmet Pantry also have a large range of cured meats including salami, air dried beef, prosciutto and jerky as well as terrines, pâtés, cheeses, olives, olive oils, dipping sauces, salad dressings, jams, chutneys, crackers, smoking equipment, wood chips, picnic supplies, local artwork and Majors Lane Wines at cellar door prices. Open Thursday to Monday 10am - 5pm.

LOVEDALE SMOKEHOUSE CAFÉ Enjoy a casual smokehouse produce lunch in our stunning courtyard surrounded by lush gardens, water fountains and vineyard views. Our platters and Chef’s creations showcase our range of smoked and cured produce including smoked sausages, artisan style cured meats, smoked seafood, smoked poultry, smoked cheeses, breads, hand made condiments and salads. Open for lunch Thursday to Monday 10.30am - 4pm.

NANNA KERR’S KITCHEN Nanna Kerr’s is a ‘mostly organic’ all day restaurant delivering wholesome, affordable, and of course homemade deliciousness. In a delightful vineyard setting that would make any Nanna proud, you’ll be treated to first class service (with a Nanna cuddle if you want one) accompanied by traditional crockery and crochet blankets for outside diners during the cooler months.

PIERRES WINES At Pierre’s Wines we specialize in true Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines. Our vineyard is managed to ensure the flavour chemistry is ideal for sparkling production. The wines are handmade using a traditional basket press with gentle pressure to produce wines which are elegant and rich. All other operations (bottling, disgorging and riddling) are done by hand to enhance these characteristics. We are also proud of our table wines which are made in small quantities using traditional techniques. At Pierre’s Wines you meet the people who grow and make the wines.

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

www.majorslane.com majorslane@bigpond.com DINING STYLE Casual café style dining OPENING HOURS RETAIL SALES & TASTINGS Thursday to Monday 10AM - 5PM CAFÉ Lunch Thurs - Mon from 10.30am 4pm Function bookings welcome on other days Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day ALSO AVAILABLE Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese & Sichuan Cooking Classes and Smoking Masterclasses SPECIALTIES Showcasing smoked local produce and charcuterie from our on site smokehouse Fully licenced BYO bottled wine welcome

MAP REF: F6

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale. PH 4998-7333 www.nannakerrskitchen.com.au nan@nannakerrskitchen.com.au

OPENING HOURS Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Thurs - Mon 8am - 9pm Closed Christmas Day PRICE GUIDE From $20 to $35 DINING STYLE Anglo-Australian menu with an Italian twist. GROUPS Bookings required for 12+

MAP REF: E3

82 Elderslie Rd, Branxton PH 0417 433 193 www.pierreswines.com.au info@pierreswines.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES Mon - Fri by appointment Sat & Sun 10AM - 5PM PRICE RANGE $15 to $60/bottle WINEMAKER Peter Went MAP REF: A2

ROYAL FEDERAL HOTEL

50 Maitland Rd, Branxton PH 4938-1335

Come along and dine at the Award winning Swill n Grill Bistro, situated in the beautifully renovated Royal Federal Hotel Branxton. Let your tastebuds be tempted by one of our famous steaks, stonegrill or kick back with a wood fire pizza. More than just a pub bistro, a trip out to Branxton will not disappoint. Sit on the balcony while taking in any number of great Hunter wines or relax over a cold beer. Come along & see what all the locals already know. Swill n Grill at the Royal Federal Hotel is the best known secret in the Valley.

www.royalfederal.com.au enquiries@royalfederal.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 DAYS 10AM - 12AM LUNCH 12PM - 2PM DINNER 6PM - LATE GROUPS Welcome. Bookings Essential MAP REF: B1

SABOR IN THE HUNTER

319 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850

SABOR HUNTER IN THE

DESSERT BAR

is the Valleys sweet spot, with the Hunters largest range of desserts paired with Wines & Dessert wines from the region. Indulge in our multi-award winning Portuguese Mousse, decadent cakes, Hand-made Chocolates & Portuguese tarts. Our Dessert Bar offers a Gluten Free range, Cheese Plates, Barista made coffee & tea to enjoy on our alfresco patio or to takeaway.

SANDALYN ESTATE

Also available… wine, champagne, cider and beer by the glass and cheese platters.

www.saborinthehunter.com.au saborlovedale@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4:30pm GROUPS & TOURS Bookings essential (set menu prices) MAP REF: E3

Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7611

Boutique Wines - Gourmet Produce Deli - Pasta & Sushi Classes. Sandalyn Wilderness Estate is situated in Lovedale in the beautiful Hunter Valley NSW. Family owned and operated and nestled in a garden setting surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the property has extensive views to the Watagan, Brokenback and Molly Morgan Ranges. Fuchs family named wines have been associated with Premium Wines since 1626. In the Hunter Region the tradition continues with our range of familyproduced sparkling wines. Since 2001 Sandalyn has hosted the Hunter Valley Original “hands on” Pasta making classes as seen on Getaway, Sydney Weekender and Mercurios Menu.

ALSO At Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin. PH 1300 958 939

www.sandalyn.com.au wine@sandalyn.com.au WINE & OLIVE OIL TASTING & SALES

7 Days 9.30AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday GROUPS Welcome. Bookings essential

“Let the effect of being in the centre of such tranquillity revitalise your soul ”

WHITE WINES Verdelho, Semillon/ Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon Late Harvest RED WINES Pinot Noir and Shiraz SPARKLING Fuchs NV Sparkling Cuvee, Sparkling Fuchsia SPECIALTIES Pinot Noir, Fuchs Sparkling Cuvée, Fuchsia WINEMAKER Lindsay Whaling PRICE RANGE $20 - $38/ bottle

MAP REF: E4

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

TATLER WINES

477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-9139

Tatler Wines is a destination not to be missed. Renowned for producing quality wines with timeless precision and strategically located in the heart of Lovedale, Tatler Wines is a family owned winery that continues to produce wines of outstanding quality year after year. Awarded 5 stars by James Halliday Wine Companion 2011, Tatler Wines is one of the most popular wine destinations in Hunter Valley Wine Country, Tatler Wines provide an authentic wine country experience blended with superior wines and true hospitality. Unwind in the lap of country style luxury with superb views and prized vineyards at your door step and even combine your wine tasting with a meal at the popular Tatler Tapas Café.

www.tatlerwines.com.au sales@tatlerwines.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Bookings essesntial. WHITE WINES Semillon, Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc Blend, Chardonnay RED WINES Shiraz, Rosé SPARKLING Frizzante Semillon, Chardonnay Cuvee SPECIALTIES Tatler Over the Ditch Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc (HV & NZ), Tatler Frizzante Semillon AWARDS 5 Stars James Halliday Wine Companion 2011 WINEMAKER Daniel Binet PRICE RANGE From $20 - $45/bottle

MAP REF: F4

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

701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930 9007 www.deckcafelovedale.com.au bookings@deckcafelovedale.com.au OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 8.30AM - 3.30PM Sat - Sun 8.AM - 3.30PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day DINING STYLE Casual Café MAP REF: F5

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

LEOGATE ESTATE

VILLA DU PAYS RESTAURANT

DRY – AGED EXPORT QUALITY BLACK ANGUS BEEF Winner 2015 NSW Regional Caterer of the Year Winner 2015 NSW Regional Wedding Caterer Succulent Black Angus beefs cuts are dry-aged on-premise. Indulge your senses! Open for dinner Thurs – Mon, and lunch Fri – Mon. AT LEOGATE ESTATE – WORLD RENOWNED SHIRAZ – 1693 BROKE RD, POKOLBIN Join our friendly cellar-door staﬀ today for a tasting of fantastic Hunter Wines from the famous Brokenback Vineyard! Home of ‘The Basin’ Shiraz Winner of the World’s Best New Wine at the International Wine Challenge 2014, and now on First Class Qantas International Flights! SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 67 FOR BOOKINGS – 4998 7499 – SALES@LEOGATE.COM.AU – WWW.LEOGATE.COM.AU

VOICES FROM THE VINEYARD

From Harvest

The annual growth cycle of the grape (and grapevine) in the vineyard commence each year with budburst taking place in Spring, culminating in leaf fall in Autumn followed by Winter dormancy.

high in organic acids. The viticulturists and vineyard managers are predominantly concerned with vine and fruit protection (protecting the grapes from birds and insects).

From a winemaker’s perspective, each step in the process plays a critical role in the development of the grape, which is the responsibility of the viticulturist and vineyard manager. These responsibilities include monitoring and controlling pests and diseases, fertilising, irrigation, canopy management, monitoring of fruit development, deciding when to harvest and pruning post-harvest.

This is the period when véraison, or berry colouration and softening, typically begins and the grower starts to estimate the total amount of fruit for the current vintage. The winemaker then uses this information to calculate how much tank and barrel space will be needed once the grapes are harvested.

Viticulturists are therefore intimately involved with winemakers, as vineyard management and the resulting grape characteristics provide the basis from which winemaking can begin. After Budburst in September and a period of rapid shoot growth occurring in October, the grapevine then enters the stage known as “flowering,” which typically takes place in November when flower clusters start to bloom and seed formation begins. This process of “flowering” occurs when average daily temperatures stay between 15–20°c with small flower clusters appearing on the tips of the young shoots. After a while, the flowers start to grow in size with individual flowers then becoming evident. Pollination and fertilisation of the grapevine now take place resulting in a grape berry, containing up to 4 seeds. This is also a time of “fruit set” when the berries start to develop on the vines. Come December - the beginning of Summer and bunches of grapes are now very visible on the vine although green and hard with very little sugar and 68 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

In January, the grapes are filling out as they ripen and develop full colour. Sugars are gradually building and viticulturists start to taste and monitor the grapes for sugar content and acid level in preparation for harvest. This is the time when harvest and crush equipment is tested for problems, pickers are employed and new barrels are soaked in preparation for the new harvest. The period January to February is when harvesting of the fruit typically occurs, with the winemaker and vineyard manager working closely to determine the optimum time to pick the fruit to ensure the best wine quality. Here in the Hunter Valley, because of our warmer conditions, vintage can commence very early in January with Semillon being the first variety to be picked - being low alcohol (between 10.5% and 11.5% alcohol). Harvesting may continue into March for late picked wine varieties and depend on the temperatures and how the vintage year developed over the summer period.

R E CREATING H IS TORY Bringing the old vines back to their former glory...

310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH (02) 4998 7885 E cellar@wynwoodestate.com.au www.wynwoodestate.com.au

Arak Gins Vodkas Premium Apple Lemon Myrtle Vanilla Chilli Coffee Chocolate Caramel Honey Liqueurs Strawberry Ginger Mango Mint Leaf Coconut Rum Choc Mint Turkish Delight Coffee Schnapps Blackberry Butterscotch

Much more than a

vineyard...

Hunter Distillery is the only locally owned and operated certified organic distillery in the Hunter Valley wine region of New South Wales. We use premium quality organic raw ingredients to produce an exceptional range of top shelf spirits. Our multi award winning spirits include Gins, Vodkas, Liqueurs and Schnapps.

Open for tastings and sales 7 days, 10am - 5pm 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH (02) 4998 6737 â&#x20AC;˘ info@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au

stablished in 1981, Constable Estate is recognised for producing outstanding Hunter Valley estate-grown wines. The wines range from traditional Constable Estate to easy drinking Matilda. Visit the cellar door and discover our wines, beautiful gardens and sculptures. Capture fantastic 360-degree views over the valley from our lookout named after the legendary Len Evans. Enjoy our freshly made coffee and selection of mouthwatering gourmet products.

205 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin Ph 02 4998 7887 E hunter@constablevineyards.com.au www.constablevineyards.com.au 70 | SUMMER â&#x20AC;˘ AUTUMN 2016

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

Restaurant Indoor/Outdoor Dining â&#x20AC;¢ Fresh Local Produce Weddings, Events and Private Functions Wood Fired Pizza Oven

At Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard, 576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin www.huntersquarter.com.au

DINNER REVIEW

Popular amongst both locals and visitors to the Hunter Valley, Hermitage Lodge’s award-winning restaurant Il Cacciatore specialises in Northern Italian inspired cuisine and is one of those unique dining venues that you look forward to returning to time and again. This is by far one of the most central and most convenient spots in the Hunter to go for a meal. The restaurant has a welcoming and "homely" feel to it and is cleverly divided into three dining areas, which includes a spacious deck overlooking the reed filled lake - just perfect for dining al-fresco on a warm evening. Adjacent to the restaurant is the guest lounge, complete with plush sofas and an open fire for those colder evenings, and where diners can enjoy a pre-dinner drink or an after dinner coffee and port. Executive Chef Adam Hoyle, who trained under renowned chef and food writer Peter Meier, has created a refreshingly diverse menu that includes a mix of both traditional and contemporary Northern Italian influences with a real emphasis on fresh local produce, authentic Italian ingredients and housemade pastas. With ingredients that typify the foods of Northern Italy, expect to see a menu that embraces much of which the Northern Italian regions have to offer world-famous Parmesan cheeses, preserved meats such as prosciutto, olives and dishes that include

risotto, gnocchi, succulent veal, lamb, pasta, beef and chicken. Like most Northern Italian cuisine, the flavours change with the season and the menus at Il Cacciatore change accordingly to reflect the seasons and seasonal produce. The wine list is extensive and includes a large range of excellent local Hunter Valley wines of all varieties. For starters, we decided upon the Smoked Herb Encrusted Beef Carpaccio and the Trio of Bruschetta, which were well matched to the Partners’ Pick Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Bruschetta derives from the Italian 'bruscare' meaning "to roast over coals” with the most popular of all being the tomato and basil bruschetta. When prepared well it can make your taste-buds sing and this one did not disappoint. Just as delicious was the mushroom, feta and pancetta bruschetta with its savoury flavours and perfect combination of tastes - the slight saltiness of the feta combined with the smoky bacon-like taste of the pancetta. The third bruschetta in the trio was just as flavoursome and with no funky flavours - just the clean, mildly salty and lightly smoked flavour of the cured salmon with the soft, sweet taste of red onion and dill. I could have eaten this all day - this is my idea of a luxury food! Smoked Herb encrusted Beef Carpaccio

72 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

IL CACCIATORE Pan-seared house-made Green Pea Gnocchi

Affogato

The Smoked Herb Encrusted Beef Carpaccio, was beautifully presented – a perfect Italian style starter of thinly sliced herb encrusted smoked beef, with a forest mushroom and pancetta salad, roasted macadamia nuts and vinocotto. The beef was sliced just perfectly, packed with flavour and practically melted in the mouth.

At Il Cacciatore you get the impression that there is a real commitment to the bold yet balanced flavours common to all great Italian cooking such as butterbased sauces and excellent use of fresh herbs such as sage, basil, dill and also garlic. This is real food and an honest indication of Chef Adam’s respect for produce.

For the main course we decided on the Pan-seared house-made Green Pea Gnocchi and the Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder – the ideal dish for a lazy Sunday and also one of the most flavourful cuts.

The final act was reserved for the dessert menu and after a brief debate over the Passionfruit Crème Brulee and Peanut Butter Parfait, we decided upon the Tiramisu and Affogato.

The lamb was succulent and cooked to perfection with the meat beautifully tender and practically falling off the bone. The creamy mash potato and wilted spinach were an excellent accompaniment with the mash soaking up all the delicious juices from the meat.

Meaning "pick me up" in Italian, Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert consisting of layers of coffee soaked sponge finger biscuits, mascarpone cheese and chocolate with cocoa dusted over the top. This dessert was a real treat, totally delicious and left me wanting more.

It’s true that lamb is one of the most wine-friendly of meats and this dish went very well with the Partners’ Pick Shiraz 2013 - a wonderful mediumbodied Hunter Valley Shiraz.

For a soul-warming dessert, look no further than the traditional Italian Affogato made with coffee crunch gelato served with individual shot glasses of hot espresso coffee, Frangelico liqueur and biscotti. When ready to eat, the espresso and liqueur is poured over the ice-cream. A truly decadent and fulfilling dessert!

The Green Pea Gnocchi (made using a pea puree) arrived well presented with speck, heirloom cherry tomatoes, roast pumpkin and feta. Being pan-fried and seared, the gnocchi had a thin crispy crust on the outside while the inside was airy and fluffy delivering a melt-in-your-mouth green pea heaven. This dish was absolutely delicious and the flavour combinations from this relatively simple dish were extraordinary. The roast pumpkin and feta also added a beautiful depth and texture to the dish, which was just lovely with a glass of 2014 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from Thomas Wines.

There's a great deal to love about Il Cacciatore – the wonderful setting – inside or out and the warm, attentive and friendly service. With the emphasis on simplicity of ingredients that typify Italian regional cuisine, Il Cacciatore gives traditional Italian dishes a well-executed and gentle twist that is hard to beat.

a Salt&Peppa review SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 73

You will meet passionate people with stories to tell. Here they grow the grapes and olives using organic and biodynamic farming principles; they make the wine and oil and can’t wait to share. A Little Bit of Italy in Broke, 8-10 April, 2016 - A weekend of Italian Food, wine, festivities & fun hosted throughout the region Relax a bit, enjoy the scenery of this unspoilt part of the Hunter Valley – an easy short cut back to Sydney via Wollombi and Peats Ridge. Fine and fun dining, cosy accommodation – expect the unexpected! www.facebook.com/BrokeFordwich www.facebook.com/ALittleBitofItalyinBroke

www.brokefordwich.com.au | info@brokefordwich.com.au

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best white wine areas - consistently winning a disproportionate number of awards in National Wine Shows. While the area is famous for its long lived Semillon white wines, the Hunter Valley is also known for producing Australia’s first Chardonnays in the 1970’s and the popular single varietal wine - Verdelho, has been planted in the Hunter Valley for over 100 years. SEMILLON - Often referred to as ‘’Australia’s unique gift to the wine world’’, Hunter Valley Semillon is a unique white wine which keeps getting better with age and is considered to be the highest quality and best example of dry white Sémillon wine produced anywhere in the world. Classic Hunter Sémillon is restrained, with piercing acidity and lemon flavours and are renown for their ability to age well, evolving through an array flavours, slowly developing into richer and more honeyed characters. Chardonnay - This adaptable and hearty grape flourishes easily in most climates and conditions, and is now one of the most widely-planted grape varieties worldwide, is planted in more wine regions than any other and is an important component of many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne. Verdelho - The characteristics of Verdelho vary significantly according to the climate, growing conditions, the wine-maker’s skill as well as the timing of the harvest. The Hunter Valley produces very distinctive styles of Verdelho wine displaying a spiciness, both on the nose and the palate.

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Pinot Grigio (also known as pinot gris) Although they are the same grape, the two names have over time come to infer two different styles of wine. Immensely popular, the Italian style Pinot Grigio wines are typically lighterbodied, crisp, fresh, with vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas and a hint of spice. In contrast, Pinot Gris wines are more full-bodied, richer, spicier, and more viscous in texture. They also tend to have greater cellaring and ageing potential. Viognier - Although a relatively new white grape variety to Australia, it is rapidly gaining a strong following. The most distinctive attribute of Viognier is its stone fruit character, most notably that of apricot or peach and its generous alcohol content and low acidity. There are other powerful flower, fruit and spice aromas evident in these wines - which are dependant on where the grapes are grown, the weather conditions and age of the vines. Most of these wines are intended to be consumed young, although some - especially those from old vines and the late-harvest wines, are suitable for ageing. Gewürztraminer - In Australia this variety is also known as Traminer, especially in the warmer regions where it is most commonly used as a blending companion for Riesling. The wines are highly perfumed and quite full-bodied, more so than other white wines. The bouquet is intense and complex, offering an explosion of exotic fruits such as lychee, passion fruit, pineapple and mango characters with rose petal, gardenia, honeysuckle and even spicy (gingerbread, peppermint, cloves and pepper) aromas. In fact the name Gewurztraminer literally translates as “spicy Traminer”.

Winner of 5 consecutive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Cellar Doorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; awards

Tastings | Dining | Shopping | Events Calais Estate is a family run winery and is home to one of the largest boutique wine lists in the Hunter Valley, as well as the renowned Verandah Restaurant and the vintage modern homewares and gift shop; Come What May. Wine taste, dine, shop or just relax in the beautiful grounds. Monthly winery long lunches with a champagne making session are an event not to be missed! Come and enjoy the hospitality for which we are famous!

PH (02) 4998 7654

151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320 info@calaiswines.com.au | www.calaiswines.com.au

Mount View, Cessnock & Nulkaba Trail Mount View is situated at the southern border of Pokolbin and nestled amongst the breathtaking surrounds of the Brokenback Range in the Hunter Valley. Mount View with its winding roads and panoramic views offers some of the most outstanding scenery available in the Hunter Valley. The history of the area dates back to the mid 1800’s when early pioneers recognised the quality of the land offered by the area.

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The nearby town of Cessnock was developed as a private village on the road that is now known as ‘’The Convict Trail’’ - the original Sydney to Hunter Valley road hand-built by 3,000 convicts. Cessnock became a major mining centre at the turn of the century; however, wine and tourism have since become the major local industries. Cessnock is considered the ‘’gateway’’ to the wine region and has a number of fine restaurants, guesthouses and galleries with visitors able to visit the local Hunter Beer Co. brewery in Nulkaba.

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Mount View provides a number of wine and dine options with respected restaurants and a handful of impressive and highly acclaimed boutique wineries that seem to appear out of nowhere and all providing a relaxed and idyllic wine tasting experience and superbly welcoming hospitality. At the end of Wollombi road is the historic town of Wollombi which was settled from 1838 as a service centre for the local farming community as well as travellers. Today Wollombi displays a fine architectural heritage, a selection of cafes, eateries and comfortable guesthouses and national parks with great bush walking trails, lookouts and ancient Aboriginal rock carvings.

Wollombi Rd

For more information about events visit www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au or www.mountview.biz

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Al-Oi Thai Restaurant

Bistro Molines

Briar Ridge Vineyard

Kelman Vineyard

Mount View Estate

Pedens Hotel

Petersons Wines

PK’s on Pokolbin

Saddler’s Creek Wines Savannah Estate The Brickworks Brasserie

THINGS TO SEE & DO Visit Hunter Valley Zoo Feed the animals... Hand feed kangaroos, wallabies, farmyard animals and some bird species as often as you like! Daily shows allow you to pat a wombat, cuddle up to a koala, touch a reptile and watch the monkeys being fed. Free gas barbecue facilities and undercover seating, so bring the family for a picnic lunch in a fun relaxed atmosphere. 78

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Brewery Tours Visit the Hunter Beer Company for a brewery tour - it’s the oldest Microbrewery in the Hunter and produces several signature beers such as the Hunter Kolsch and Hunter Witbier. Tours depart daily: Mon - Fri 4pm, and Sat - Sun 12PM and 4PM. Phone 4991 7922 to book.

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Wine Selectors & PK’s on Pokolbin The Brickworks Brasserie & Hunter Beer Co.

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Winery/Cellar Door Restaurant/ Café Providore/ Gourmet Produce

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AL-OI THAI Traditionally Thai food is to be shared and Al-OI Thai provides the perfect venue for sharing whether it be for a business lunch, romantic dinner or a celebration with family and friends. Al-Oi Thai has been serving customers for over 15 years in Newcastle and now has a restaurant in Cessnock. Al-Oi Thai is a family business and the food is authentic Thai food that is a ‘must try’ when you are in the Hunter Valley. Some of the most popular dishes are Pad Thai Prawn, Massamun Beef, Tom Yum Prawn, Chicken Satay, Beef Salad & Cashew Nut Chicken. Delivery is available every night in the local Hunter Valley area.

19 Vincent St, Cessnock PH 4990-8666 OPENING HOURS LUNCH 7 Days 11AM - 3PM DINNER 7 Days 5PM - 10PM Take Away and Delivery available BYO GROUPS Welcome. Bookings essential

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BISTRO MOLINES

749 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-9553 www.bistromolines.com.au dine@bistromolines.com.au

Bistro Molines is set among the peaceful surrounds of Tallavera Grove, overlooking a valley of terraced vineyards and grazing cattle. Robert & Sally Molines take pleasure in offering French Provincial cuisine and charming hospitality. Awarded a Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Chefs Hat 2010-2016, Bistro Molines combines the finest food with European influenced serenity.

DINING STYLE French Provençal style fine dining Unique and individually customised wedding receptions Alfresco dining available OPENING HOURS LUNCH Thurs to Mon 12PM - 3PM DINNER Fri & Sat 7PM - 9PM Open midweek for group bookings by special arrangement SPECIALTIES & AWARDS Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Chefs Hat 2010 - 2016 PRICE GUIDE Main meals from $38 to $43

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BRIAR RIDGE

593 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3670 www.briarridge.com.au cellardoor@briarridge.com.au WINE TASTING & SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM Antipasto & Cheese plates available to 4pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Mount View, Briar Ridge is an iconic vineyard producing classic Hunter Valley wines. Gwyn Olsen works her magic as Chief Winemaker and is passionate about producing estate grown wines for the Briar Ridge range. Enjoy a tasting while taking in the tranquil gardens and mountain views, or why not relax a little longer over an antipasto or cheese plate, and be ensconced in the beauty that is Briar Ridge. Looking for a perfect function or wedding venue? We can create the perfect tailored package just for you. GWYN OLSEN, GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE’S, YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR!

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WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Gewϋrztraminer, Fume Blanc RED WINES Rosé, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo SPARKLING Pinot Chardonnay FORTIFIED WINES Liqueur Muscat, Late Harvest Gewϋrztraminer AWARDS James Halliday 5 star rating. Gourmet Traveller WINE Young Winemaker of the Year WINEMAKER Gwyn Olsen CONSULTANT WINEMAKER Karl Stockhausen PRICE RANGE From $15 - $60/bottle MAP REF: G3

KELMAN VINEYARD

2 Oakey Creek Rd, Mount View PH 4991-5456 www.kelmanvineyard.com.au admin@kelmanvineyard.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 4PM Closed Christmas Day CLASSIC WINES Chardonnay (Sparkling & still), Semillon, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Shiraz

Life beautifully balanced... Nestled at the Gateway to Mt. View, Kelman is a unique, boutique vineyard producing both classic, premium wines and a sweet wine range. Sample our award-winning and James Halliday rated wines today.

SWEET WINES Moscato, Seduction (Chardonnay), Indulgence (Shiraz) All of Kelman Wines (with the exception of the Sauvignon Blanc) are made from grapes harvested from our own vineyard.

You can also sample a range of delicious local olives, olive oils and condiments.

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PEDENS HOTEL

196 Vincent St, Cessnock PH 4990-1014

Peden’s Hotel is Cessnock’s favourite family friendly Hotel. Catering for up to 150 people, we are always fully staffed and ready to handle walk in groups of any size. Serving more meals than any other hotel in Cessnock, our food is always fresh and fabulous with a great atmosphere that adds to your dining experience. We are fortunate enough to have the friendliest team in town, which again will only add to your time with us. With all our off street parking and separate entry, we are an ideal stop off on your way home to the Central Coast, Sydney or beyond. Come and experience some country like hospitality in a lovely clean and modern hotel.

MOUNT VIEW ESTATE James Halliday 2010 - 2015. 100% Estate Grown and Vintaged. For 40 years Mount View Estate has been producing some of the most awarded wines in the Hunter Valley. We own two of the oldest vineyards in the picturesque Mount View region of the Hunter Valley. Both vineyards produce fruit of exceptional quality which is handcrafted in our boutique winery. Come and visit Mount View Estate for an authentic taste of the Hunter Valley.

www.pedenshotel.com.au admin@pedenshotel.com.au OPENING HOURS 7 DAYS 10am-12pm Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm Sun LUNCH from 11.30am DINNER from 5.30pm CLOSED Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Welcome PRICE RANGE $16 - $28 MAP REF: G8

502 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3307 www.mtviewestate.com.au sales@mtviewestate.com.au WINE TASTING AND SALES 7 Days 10am - 5pm Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday GROUPS Max 20 people

MAP REF: F3 SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

PETERSONS WINES

552 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-1704 www.petersonswines.com.au sales@petersonswines.com.au

Widely renowned for our award winning wines, Petersons have been producing fine wines for over 30 years. We create classic wines such as Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho; to big rich, gutsy reds such as our Back Block Shiraz. For those who enjoy bubbles we have a delicious sparkling Moscato. Petersons Wines is situated on a small hill surrounded by vineyards in the heart of Mount View: the position is perfect, with uninterrupted views of Mount Sugarloaf and the Watagan Mountains. Come, visit our cellar door, enjoy the picturesque backdrop and meet our friendly staff. We will give you a warm welcome and offer a tasting of some of our award winning wines.

TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days Mon-Sat 9AM - 5PM; Sun 10AM-5PM Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day GROUPS Welcomed. Please book in advance. WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Fume Blanc, Muscat, Verdelho, Riesling RED WINES Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chambourcin, Durif, Petit Verdot SPARKLING Sparkling Chardonnay, Moscato, Sparkling Red FORTIFIED WINES Cellar Port, Muscat SPECIALTIES Back Block Shiraz, Old Block Shiraz, Strikes Shiraz, Botrytis Semillon, Moscato WINEMAKER Gary Reed PRICE RANGE From $19.50 -$100 p/b MAP REF: G2

PK’S ON POKOLBIN

455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4990-4002

PK’s on Pokolbin is a locally owned, recently refurbished café with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Our outdoor area is perfect for a quick catch up or a long lunch with friends and family, serving barista coffees and an all day breakfast from 8am. Create your own tasty gourmet toasted Turkish, sandwich or wrap or choose something sweet from our delicious patisserie range.

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OPENING HOURS Open 7 Days Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm Sunday 8am - 4pm Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome. Bookings required

We can also prepare platters of all sizes to take with you on your wine tasting adventure. PK’s on Pokolbin is conveniently located right next door to the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre, making it the first place you should stop when visiting Wine Country.

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SADDLERS CREEK

saddlerscreek.com winery@saddlerscreek.com WINE SALES & TASTING 7 Days Mon-Fri 9AM - 5PM Sat & Sun 10AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Bookings essential. Max size 12 by appointment Large groups by discretion

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SAVANNAH ESTATE WINES Savannah Estate Wines are produced from small select parcels of premium fruit grown in renowned viticulture regions throughout Australia. We hand select varietals from Australia’s most unique regions and produce wines that best reflect their unique regionality and character. Savannah Estate lies on the beautiful gateway to Mount View, which boasts some of the most stunning views of the whole Hunter Valley. Take the time to come and visit us at Savannah Estate. Our friendly staff will gladly guide you through a tasting of our wide range of luscious wines. BRING IN THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE PICCOLO BOTTLE WITH ANY BOTTLE PURCHASE (Limit 1 per person)

WHITE WINES Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling RED WINES Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz/Cabernet, Shiraz/Viognier DESSERT WINES Botrytis Supreme, Muscat Exclusif AWARDS Best Australian Sweet White Table Wine – Rutherglen Wine Show, Trophy – Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Awards, Trophy – Adelaide Wine Show, Trophy – Australian Boutique Wine, Runner up – Winestate Wine of the year Awards WINEMAKER Brett Woodward PRICE RANGE From $16 to $65/bottle

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Established in 1990, Saddler’s Creek is a boutique wine company situated at Mount View in the Hunter Valley, that specialises in producing premium and super premium wines from the grapes from some of Australia’s notable wine regions. Saddler’s wines are distinctly different than the vast majority of wine product available to wine lovers. Our wines are made to a relatively simple principle, that is, to produce intense lush flavour and yet have the ability to be enjoyed with the finest of foods. We believe that fine wine has to enhance the flavour of any accompanying food. After all, wine is the only alcohol made for the sole purpose of being enjoyed with food. The only real wine is good ‘food wine’. We are lucky enough to have a VIP customer group called Equus that has a substantial membership of very loyal and committed customers proud to be a member and have the chance to enjoy wines of this calibre.

15 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin PH 4991-1770

402 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-6326

Savannah Estate can provide for all your gifting needs – whether they be small volumes or large corporate quantities. We can provide wines for office parties, or wine gifts for valued friends, clients and staff. We can do branding on wine bottles, wine related gifts and a range of hampers from simple to extravagant depending on your requirements and budget. Savannah will also deliver your gifts straight to your recipient or to you.

www.savannahestate.com.au wine@savannahestate.com.au OPENING HOURS Mon to Sat 9AM - 5PM Sun 10AM - 5PM CLOSED Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Groups up to 30 people welcomed WHITE WINES Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Chardonnay RED WINES Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin SPARKLING Brut, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato, Zibibbo, Sparkling Red FORTIFIED WINES Muscat, Port SPECIALTIES Corporate gift packs WINEMAKER Michael Hudson PRICE RANGE From $19.50 - $55 per bottle

MAP REF: E5

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THE BRICKWORKS BRASSERIE @ POTTERS HOTEL Potters Old Brickworks Brasserie is famous for great food, great beer, and a great atmosphere. With both indoor and outdoor dining areas, a Lounge Bar and a range of delicious menu options, the Brickworks Brasserie has it all. The Brasserie can cater for all reservations, from an intimate table for two, to parties for birthdays and family get togethers, with a casual dining ambience and proximity to the fabulous children’s playground, Potters suits everyone’s needs. The Brickworks Brasserie’s menu is well known for its wonderful use of our very own on-site brewery, The Hunter Beer Co, beer as an essential ingredient of most dishes. Our courtesy bus will also pick you up and make sure you get home safely. Seating 11 people it makes it easy to organise a group lunch or dinner event at Potters Hotel Brewery Resort.

the perfect wine country dining experience.

Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba PH 4991-7922 www.pottershbr.com.au info@pottershbr.com.au DINING STYLE Casual dining Daily specials board

RESTAURANT OPENING HOURS 7 Days 7.30AM - 9PM CLOSED Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Bookings essential. Can pre-order PRICE GUIDE Main meals from $15 to $29.50

MAP REF: B5

french born executive chef of éléments bar & dining, jean marc pollet, is driven by the concept of terrior - allowing the natural characteristics of our regions produce to shine on your plate.

Corner Broke & McDonalds Rd’s, Pokolbin | PH 4998-2000 for reservations 84

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WHAT ROT!

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When a vineyard full of ROTTING GRAPES can be a good thing. “Botrytis” is a word commonly found on the labels of many sweet dessert style wines, however, many people remain unclear as to what it actually means or represents. For years, winemakers have struggled to prevent the development of mould in their vineyards such as powdery mildew and also Botrytis cinerea - a weather driven microscopic fungus or mould that, if left untended, can destroy an entire vineyard. But in the making of some wines, Botrytis cinerea (Noble Rot) is actually encouraged in the vineyard. Botrytis cinerea gives rise to two different kinds of infections on grapes. The first, grey rot, is the result of consistently wet or humid conditions, and typically results in the loss of the affected bunches. The second, noble rot occurs when drier conditions follow wetter, and can result in distinctive, sweet dessert wines. Grapes typically become infected with botrytis when they are ripe. High humidity or prolonged rain together with cool or mild temperatures results in constant moisture on berry surfaces and promotes infection and disease development. It first attacks the skin and then the pulp of grapes, causing the skin to perforate and the pulp to lose its water. In short, Botrytis infects grapes on the vine, dehydrating and then rotting them. If the Botrytis affected grapes are then exposed to drier conditions and become partially dehydrated, this form of infection brought about by the partial drying process is then known as Noble Rot. These grapes, when picked at a certain point during the infestation, can produce particularly fine and concentrated sweet wines. On the other hand, if the weather stays wet, the grape skins can split, exposing them to bacteria. The worst case scenario is that Botrytis progresses into grey rot (or bunch rot) - which bears nothing but rotten fruit and can destroy an entire vineyard.

So there’s the twist … while Botrytis may be the enemy of dry table wines, white or red, it is also the essential driver for the making of sweet table wines – by intensifying the sweetness level and adding flavour complexity. In fact, the world’s greatest sweet wines and wines such as such as Sauternes from Bordeaux and Spätlese level German Rieslings are all made from Noble Rot. Readers may be familiar with De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon - arguably Australia’s most famous dessert wine. Varieties such as Semillon and Riesling tend to make up the majority of botrytised wines due to the fact that botrytis prefers thin skinned, tightly bunched varieties. Semillon and Riesling fit into both of these categories. What then separates the great botrytis wines from the rest is the complexity of flavour and a fresh, acid finish. Sommeliers often use the words “honey,” “beeswax” and “ginger” to describe the flavours that botrytis adds to wine. This could be because Noble Rot wines often have higher levels of a special aroma compound called phenylacetaldehyde – a compound that is also commonly found in buckwheat and milk chocolate. Arguably the most famous incarnation of botrytised wine comes from the French district of Sauterne where it is based on Semillon with Sauvignon Blanc and small amounts of Muscadelle. In Australia, most botrytis wine comes from the Riverina region or from the Hunter Valley. Wines made from botrytised grapes are generally medium-sweet to very sweet, typically displaying aromas and flavours of tropical, stone and soft citrus fruits, honey, marzipan and liquorice. These wines are not only excellent with desserts such as a fruit tart but are also perfect when accompanied with sharp washed-rind cheese and blues such as Roquefort. SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 87

Broke Fordwich Wine & Food Trail Known as the “tranquil side of the Hunter Valley” and situated an easy 15 minute drive from Pokolbin and just 25 minutes from Singleton, the Broke Fordwich Wine Region is considered to be a separate viticultural subregion of the Hunter Valley and accounts for approximately 11% of the vineyard area planted in the Hunter Valley. The warm climate and fertile soils produce distinctive wines such as Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho as well as Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Barbera.

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Mount Broke Wines

For more information about events visit www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au or www.brokefordwich.com.au

THINGS TO SEE & DO Broke Village Markets Set in the beautiful, sheltered park in the main street of Broke, this little market is a must see. Held the first Sunday of each month. Pitted & Pickled Visit Pitted & Pickled to browse their superb range of olives, oils, cheeses, preserves & other specialty items all prepared locally with seasonal produce. You can also buy a selection of locally made olive oil soaps.

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BROKE Stomp! Wines

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Winery/Cellar Door Restaurant/ Café Providore/ Gourmet Produce

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Mount Broke Wines

Greenway Wines

MILBRODALE

Historically, the region was first inhabited by the indigenous Wanaruah tribe many thousands of years ago and were known as ‘the people of the hills and plains’ and many direct descendants still live in the area today. These culturally rich people left many significant cave paintings in the area which are still accessible today.

Ascella Organic Wine

Brokes Promise

Stomp! Wines

With the Brokenback Range and the iconic Yellow Rock escarpment in the background, the Broke Fordwich region consists of two villages - Broke and Bulga each with their own identity as well as the two smaller communities of Fordwich and Milbrodale.

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Ascella Pure Wines

Pickled & Pitted

The area was first settled as early as 1824 and despite being one of the oldest wine growing areas in Australia, it is only in the last 30 years that Broke Fordwich has started to become an important player in the Australian wine making industry.

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ASCELLA ORGANIC WINE

203 Thompsons Rd, Milbrodale PH 6574-5275 or 0431 357 105 www.ascellawine.com sales@ascellawine.com

Organic Wines

Taste Inspired by Passion! ASCELLA is the largest family owned certified organic vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

Located in the pristine Broke Fordwich region, Geoff and Barb welcome you to their picturesque Country Cellar Door. We are committed to maintaining a balanced, chemical free and sustainable environment. Become a Friend of Ascella or an Organic Partner and have access to great prices for highly awarded wines, and fantastic partner rewards. Join us for Jack’s Barbecue in the Orchard weekends and holidays, a unique kick back and relax experience.

OPENING HOURS Country Cellar Door open 7 Days GROUPS Small groups welcome by appointment. Book in for an exclusive tasting of Ascella wines, organic cheeses and olives. RESTAURANT Jacks Barbecue in the Orchard WHITE WINES Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Vintage White RED WINES Merlot, Shiraz, Vintage Red, Rosé SPARKLING Pure Vescence SPECIALTIES Shiraz 2009, Reserve Semillon 2014, Chardonnay 2011, Reserve Chardonnay 2014 WINEMAKER Liz Jackson PRICE RANGE From $15 - $50/bottle MAP REF: A1

BROKES PROMISE ESTATE Broke’s Promise Estate is a privately owned boutique vineyard, olive grove, Farm Stay, cellar door and art gallery with panoramic views of the Brokenback Range and Yellow Rock. We specialise in handcrafting wines from some of the Hunters most renowned varieties including Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Shiraz, Merlot, and for something a little different a Northern Italian red, Barbera and French Chambourcin. Our gallery includes paintings by our local aboriginal people the Wanaruah. Come Visit!

GREENWAY WINES

725 Milbrodale Rd, Broke PH 6579-1165 www.brokespromise.com.au graeme@drre.com.au TASTING & WINE, OLIVE & OLIVE OIL SALES 7 Days 10.30AM - 5.30PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome. Prefer 24 hours notice for groups larger than 10 people MAP REF: B2

350 Wollombi Rd, Broke PH 6579-1175 or 0418 164 382 www.greenwaywines.com.au anne@greenwaywines.com.au BRAND NEW!

Open weekends or by appointment. Visit us at our new cellar door to taste and enjoy the fruits of our vines and in doing so become part of the magic that is Greenway Wines. Our Vineyard makes Sparkling Fiano, delightful Taminer, Verdelho, award winning Rosè, Merlot and Shiraz. There is never a dull moment with a Greenway at your table!

• HAND PICKED • LIMITED RELEASE • BOUTIQUE • GREENWAY WINES •

MAP REF: B3 SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

KRINKLEWOOD BIODYNAMIC VINEYARD Krinklewood is a Certified Biodynamic Organic, family run vineyard & farm. We are passionate about the vineyard & farm being managed in a holistic and sustainable manner, thus biodynamic organic principles are part of everything we do. Working alongside nature & in alignment with the lunar cycles, we create wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Krinklewood terroir. Set amongst beautiful Provencal gardens overlooking the picturesque foothills of the Brokenback mountain range, the cellar door is a must visit when in the Hunter Valley.

712 Wollombi Rd, Broke PH 6579-1322 www.krinklewood.com info@krinklewood.com OPENING HOURS Fri, Sat & Sun 10AM - 5PM GROUPS Small groups welcome by prior appointment only

WHITE WINES Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Wild White, Spider Run Reserve White, Basket Press Chardonnay RED WINES Spider Run Reserve Red, Shiraz, Basket Press Shiraz, Wild Red, Francesca Rosé SPARKLING Blanc de Blanc FORTIFIED WINES Lucia Dessert Wine WINEMAKERS Rod & Peter Windrim PRICE RANGE From $18 - $50/bottle

Featuring our biodynamic organic wines for tasting, delicious cheese plates and a range of seasonal organic produce. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

MAP REF: B2

MOUNT BROKE WINES

130 Adams Peak Rd, Broke PH 6579-1314 www.mtbrokewines.com.au philmcnamara@outlook.com.au

Mount Broke Wines has defined Shiraz quality in the Broke Fordwich Region across the last decade. The vineyard also produces fine examples of Barbera, Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho. Stunning views from the Cellar door frame the setting for Blackboard Lunch. Weddings and functions by appointment.

TASTING & WINE SALES Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 10am - 5pm Blackboard Lunch Midday - 3pm

CELLAR DOOR · CAFÉ · BAR MAP REF: B1

STOMP! WINES Join us in our relaxed, friendly cellar to share the tastes, sights and people that make our stomping ground unique. Our winemakers will guide your tasting of our highly awarded, contemporary brands - stomp! and Pssst ‘n’ Broke. We’ll share knowledge, passion and our hands-on approach to crafting stylish, fresh, fruit driven wines.

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

1273 Milbrodale Rd, Broke PH 0409 774 280 stompwine.com.au meredith@stompwine.com.au OPENING HOURS Friday - Sun 10.30pm - 4.30pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Welcome

MAP REF: B2

PICKLED & PITTED - RIVER FLATS ESTATE

19 Singleton Street, Broke PH 6579-1063 or 0409 791 063 www.riverflatsestate.com.au marian@riverflatsestate.com.au OPENING HOURS Friday - Monday 10am - 5pm Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome

• Olive Oil • Locally Grown Olives • Gourmet Condiments Caremelised Vinegars, Chutneys and Relishes • BARE naturesKin Olive Oil Soap and Natural Body Products

MAP REF: B3

HEALTH BENEFITS OF RED WINE What’s that? Red wine is not only delicious, but it can also be good for you? If you are a wine lover, you probably don’t need an excuse to open a bottle, but let’s face it, knowing the contents just may be good for your health (when consumed in moderation), has to be an added bonus. Who does not want to be more creative, have a healthier heart or even lose a bit of weight? Here are just a few health advantages associated with wine consumption that’s going to make that next glass even more pleasurable: WINE BURNS FAT Fantastic news for those of us who like second and even third helpings. Researchers have found that ellagic acid, which is found in grapes, dramatically slows the growth of existing fat cells and the formation of new ones, boosting the metabolism of fatty acids in liver cells.

WINE MAKES YOU SMARTER Exactly what we’ve been thinking all along! Make sure you take that bottle of wine to the next brainstorming session… Recent studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago, show that a few glasses of wine actually relaxes our brains and allows us to think more clearly, and even assist in creative problem-solving. WINE HELPS WITH DIABETES Is it the wine, the water or the food? In a study of over 200 type 2 diabetes patients who regularly consume a Mediterranean diet, the patients who also drank a 150ml glass of red wine with dinner had higher HDL Cholesterol levels than those who did not (instead they drank mineral water). Since HDL cholesterol is the well-behaved “good cholesterol”, this friendly scavenger cruises the bloodstream removing harmful bad cholesterol from where it doesn’t belong. High HDL levels, therefore, reduce the risk for heart disease whereas low levels increase the risk. Good news right? SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Blended wines are some of the most complex and fascinating types of wines. They are the fruit salad of the wine world – a delicious mix of all the best bits of different varietals. After all, where would Bordeaux be without the five red varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère to play with? At its most basic, winemakers blend wine made from different grapes to add more complexity to the flavour and texture of the wine. Both reds and whites can be made from blends of varietals. In some cases, they may even blend whites and reds together to create the best possible combination of aromas and flavours. An example of this is blending Viognier with Shiraz – resulting in changes to the final colour intensity and flavour of the wine. In Australia, two main red grape varieties form the base of most red blends – Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and these are often blended together.

Mixing it up with Wine Blends Blending wines of different varieties and vineyards has gone on for centuries, the goal being to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. From Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot; Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Syrah and Merlot - winemakers around the world are becoming more adventurous and innovative with their blending techniques – creating masterful and unique wine blends to please the palate. If there were any rules in the winemaking game, it’s becoming clear that they were made to be broken, with winemakers (especially those in the New World) increasingly creating blends from grapes not traditionally combined, creating new and exciting flavour and aroma profiles. Why? Wine blends can offer more complexity than single varietal wines. In fact, some of the world’s greatest wines are made from blends – Chateau Margaux (Cabernet Dominant), Chateau Petrus (Merlot Dominant) and also Penfolds Grange for example. 92 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Australian Shiraz, with its many flavour and texture options, makes a great blending partner. Many winemakers are now also blending Viognier with Shiraz- calling it “Shiraz Viognier”, even though the quantity of Viognier may be very small. These wines are often not strictly blends as they are made by a process called co-pigmentation – a process that brightens the colour of the wine, adds fragrance to the aroma and texture to the palate. Sangiovese is another wine that is often blended with Shiraz. The savoury nature of Sangiovese grape is enriched by the bold and robust nature of Shiraz, coming together to create a rich, complex and spicy wine. Cabernet Sauvignon’s firm tannin structure ensures that it’s capable of producing wines with good potential to improve with cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon as a Shiraz partner is also popular and some of the greatest Australian wines ever made are a blend of these two varieties. These wines are complex and robust with incredible ageing potential. When it comes to blending, the possibility for combinations that result in a quality blend are endless. Here are a few wine blends worth trying: Semillon Sauvignon Blanc; Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot; Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon; Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; Shiraz and Mataro and Shiraz Viognier.

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

POKOLBIN ESTAT E VIN EYARD

Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese

Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate. POKOLBIN ESTATE VINEYARD 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | Open 7 Days 9am -5pm PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au SUMMER â&#x20AC;¢ AUTUMN 2016 | 93

Big Things are

Brewing in Local Breweries With well over 150 microbreweries dotting the landscape from coast to coast, and more opening every month, the craft beer market is being driven by passionate craft beer makers and sophisticated beer drinkers who are demanding a more boutique, unique, and premium product. There can be little doubt that Australia’s beer scene is one of the most exciting in the world, as more and more beer lovers throughout the country turn toward full-flavoured beers, especially India Pale Ales, seasonal beers and Belgians. It is this divergence of flavours and styles that is the driving force behind its growing appeal. Many of these microbreweries opened in popular tourist areas, such as the wine regions, providing an alternative to wineries and supplying to niche local markets. The HUNTER BEER COMPANY and the HOPE BREWHOUSE are two such breweries and are true beer havens situated right here in Hunter Valley Wine Country. Both have reputations for brewing exciting beers as well as experimenting with new fun and often unusual “out there” flavours. For over 10 years, and as the first microbrewery in the Hunter, the Hunter Beer Company has been brewing a unique range of handcrafted beers on site at their premises in Nulkaba, with all beers brewed from 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives used. For the adventurous beer drinker, the Hunter Beer Company offers a wide selection of multi-award winning beers. From the bold American style Pale Ale, the dark German-style Bock, the ever popular style full strength Lager - through to the refreshing Kolsch, the pale yet light flavoured Belgian Witbier and the deliciously crisp Ginger Beer. Currently on tap are a number of seasonal beers that include a fresh batch of the crowd favourite Cranky Pants IPA - a richly flavoured bitter beer with tropical fruit character and a nutty biscuit backbone 94 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Hunter Beer Co.

of malt that supports not only the big hop character but also the big hit of alcohol this beer carries. There’s also the Slaked Magpie - a vanilla infused milk porter beer that is rich and creamy from the lactose included in the brewing process. Visit the Hunter Beer Company’s spacious “beer bar” and see first-hand just how a micro-brewery functions, talk to the brewer and taste the wide selection of beers on tap. Located at Hope Estate in Pokolbin, Hope Brewhouse was built in 2014 with the goal to create the finest concert beer experience in the country – if not the world – with the beer made just metres from where it’s served – fresh and with no preservatives added and no pasteurisation. At any given time, Hope Brewhouse has about 10 different beers on the go, from classic sunny afternoon cleansers such as the Munich Lager to the mid-strength Pokolbin Blonde, the Golden Ale, the India Red Ale, the more substantial Pale Ale to the Barrel Fermented ESB – a rich and complex English Ale with old world character and the 2015 Hunter Harvest Imperial IPA, a beer for those seeking a totally new beer experience. There’s even a glutenfree number, the fruity Gluten–free Pilsner that’ll give you a whole new appreciation of rice. All beers are on tap at the cellar door where you can buy tasting paddles and even take home a fresh beer in one of their 2L growlers. Blessed are the Brewers!

HUNTER BREWERS

Hope Estate

Hunter Beer Co.

SUMMER â&#x20AC;¢ AUTUMN 2016 | 95

Wollombi Valley Food & Wine Trail A B

TO MOUNT VIEW & NULKABA TRAIL

MAP LEGEND

TO BROKE FORDWICH TRAIL

Winery/Cellar Door Restaurant/ Café Providore/ Gourmet Produce

TO CESSNOCK TRAIL

MOU

NT VIE

W RD

D SS CRO NES PAY

RD ING

F EEK

Stonehurst Wines Wollombi Village Vineyard Noyce Brothers Wines WOLLOMBI RD

Wollombi Tavern Route 33 Café Mulla Villa

TO SYDNEY

NARONE CREEK RD

BI RD

LOM

WOL

HR NORT GREAT

N YA

CEDAR CREEK RD

Wollombi is a small, picturesque and historic village that has always been an important base for travellers along the Great North Road and today retains its fine architectural heritage bolstered by cafes, wineries and comfortable guesthouses.

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The Wollombi Valley vineyards have been producing fine wines in this region since the 1850’s. The Wollombi Wine Trail is made up of six boutique wineries offering visitors a unique wine tasting experience, and passes through beautiful countryside at the southern gateway to Hunter Valley Wine Country.

Wollombi Tavern/ Route 33 Café

MULLA VILLA

Mulla Villa

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

MAP

Noyce Brothers

Stonehurst Cedar Creek

Wollombi Village Vineyard

Y Y

For more information about events visit www.HunterValleyOnline.com.au or www.visitwollombi.com.au

3174 Great North Rd, one km south of Wollombi PH 4998-3338 1840 Convict Built • Café • Restaurant • Accommodation • Weddings • Bus Groups Free visits to convict jail under the house and historic grounds, including the sandstone convict road and 4WD trips to the caves. This is a “must stop” on your way to Wine Country!

PAGE

www.mullavilla.com.au info@mullavilla.com.au OPENING HOURS Mon - Thurs 8am - 3.30pm, Fri & Sat 8am - 10pm, Sun 8am - 4pm PRICE $18 to $30 GROUPS Welcome. 20 to 150 require pre-booking MAP REF: H2

NOYCE BROTHERS

2884 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi PH 4998-3483 www.noycebros.com.au sales@noycebros.com.au

Noyce Brothers is a boutique wine producer at Wollombi in the Lower Hunter Valley. Our aim is to explore ways in which technology and tradition can push the boundaries of taste. Our cellar door offers a unique experience in an historic Georgian sandstone building in Wollombi Village. The beautiful and elegant gardens behind our cellar door provides a lovely and relaxing environment in which to taste and appreciate our wines.

TASTING & WINE SALES Mon, Tues & Wed 10.30AM - 3PM; Thurs - Sun 10.30AM - 5PM Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day GROUPS Welcome

MAP REF: G3

STONEHURST CEDAR CREEK 1840 Wollombi Rd, Cedar Creek PH 4998-1576 The Heslop family is committed to producing premium quality wines through sustainable viticulture, based on organic principles. The results of this labour of love are award and trophy winning wines! We welcome you to our sandstone Cellar Door, open 7 days.

ROUTE 33 CAFÉ Experience good old fashioned hospitality at the Wollombi Tavern situated in the historic village of Wollombi, gateway to Australia’s famous Hunter Valley Wine Country and, home of the infamous Dr. Jurd’s Jungle Juice. With its large open picnic area next to the picturesque Wollombi Brook, the Tavern offers ample room for family gatherings in this historic area. Or enjoy a meal at the Tavern, with the juicy steaks and mouthwatering burgers a hit amongst hungry travellers.

WOLLOMBI VILLAGE VINEYARD Come visit our Cellar Door, relax & enjoy peace amongst the vines on the verandah or unwind inside our air-conditioned cellar door. Sample our award winning wines, rated by James Halliday, all grown here on our surrounding vines. Try our authentic Italian family recipe liqueurs including our Limoncielo, Passione, Caffé & Moka. Our liqueurs, renowned digestifs & fortified wines offer lots of tastes to tempt a wide range of palates.

www.stonehurst.com.au wines@stonehurst.com.au TASTING & WINE SALES 7 Days 10AM - 5PM. Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday GROUPS Please book in advance

MAP REF: E6

2994 Great North Road, Wollombi PH 4998-3261 www.wollombitavern.com.au wollombitavern@bigpond.com RESTAURANT Mon to Thurs 10am 7.45pm, Fri 10am - 9pm, Sat 9.30am - 9pm, Sun 9am - 7.45pm DINING Large 400g steaks, hamburgers, nightime bar menu available. No BYO GROUPS Welcome, bookings preferred MAP REF: G2

2971 Payne’s Crossing Rd, Wollombi PH 0419 997 434 wollombivillagevineyard.com.au wollombivino@hotkey.net.au TASTING & WINE SALES Sat 9AM - 6PM; Sun 9AM-4PM Closed Christmas Day GROUPS Welcome

MAP REF: F2

SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

Explore boutique vineyards along the

Wollombi WineTrail

We welcome you to our cellar doors: Stonehurst Wines • Wollombi Wines Noyce Brothers • Millbrook Estate Wollombi Village Vineyard Enjoy a taste of country in historic Wollombi - cafes, shops, and Tavern’s Dr Jurds Jungle Juice!

www.wollombivalleywinetrail.com.au

WOLLOMBI VALLEY

Wollombi Village

So Much More Than Wine!

For many, it is the unique character of Wollombi Valley that is so special - vineyards in scenic surrounds producing award-winning wines, adjacent National Parks, rich Aboriginal heritage, and abundant native wildlife and the historic village of Wollombi at its centre. Only the Wollombi Valley has all of this! The name “Wollombi” is derived from the Aboriginal meaning “meeting place” and rock carvings and cave paintings found in the area stand as a visual reminder of the spiritual ties Aborigines held with the region. From the pioneering days of the 1800’s Wollombi was the gateway to the Hunter Valley. Today some two hundred years later, Wollombi with all its history and charm, still remains the gateway to wine country, with travellers choosing to take the scenic route along what was the old Convict Trail or Great North Road. Wollombi is part of early colonial history and today the most notable features of this small isolated village are its pastoral setting and collection of early buildings such as St John's Anglican Church, Wollombi Telegraph Office, the former Police Station and Courthouse, the stone School building and the timber General Store – all built between 1846 and 1860. The mere existence of these buildings indicates the administrative importance of Wollombi before 1860, with the courthouse and cell block open daily as a fascinating museum. Wollombi also has a wonderful collection of delightful shops and eateries and is a wonderful

place to use as a base to explore the other parts of the Hunter Valley. Great meals are available daily at Panino’s Café in Grays Inn, Café Wollombi opposite and also at the renowned Wollombi Tavern just down the road. Here every taste and budget are catered for. Of course, we are still in Wine Country and the 6 boutique cellar doors have loads of character and each boasts their own speciality. Millbrook, Noyce Brothers, Stonehurst, Undercliff and Wollombi Wines are open daily and Wollombi Village is open on weekends for tasting with the owners always ready to welcome visitors and share their winemaking secrets. This allows plenty of time for bushwalking, sightseeing and a cold beverage at Wollombi General Store, Wollombi Tavern or the Great Northern Trading Post at Laguna (the oldest liquor licence in Australia). With all this, you may need to stay at one of the various accommodations and the choice is extensive, from a quality bed and breakfast to selfcontained cottages and spa suite hilltop pavilions. Whether it's a weekend of wine tasting, a romantic weekend getaway, a concert in Pokolbin, a wedding or to take in one of the many local cultural events, the historic Wollombi Valley provides a tranquil place to stay on your Hunter Valley visit. This corner of the Hunter Valley truly has it all! SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 | 99

WINE + CHEESE

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

Wine & Cheese

Getting along naturally Wine and cheese are old friends with a strong affinity going back many thousands of years. Both are fermented products and require patience, care and moderate temperatures to mature naturally. Although a highly subjective topic, matching cheese and wine can be a great deal of fun and also one of the most difficult things to get right. While there are no hard and fast rules to wine and cheese matching, the following simple “rules of thumb” tend to work well:

Another handy tip is to consider the texture, colour or flavour of the cheese when choosing a wine.

A sparkling white wine for example goes well with a Brie or Ricotta, fruity flavours in cheese go well • Match white wines with soft cheese and those with fruity wines, weightier cheeses match well with stronger flavours with weightier wines and the white and fresher • Match red wines with hard cheese and those with the cheese, the whiter and crisper the wine choice milder flavours should be. • Fruity, sweet wines and dessert wines work well with a wide range of cheeses and therefore the For cheese tastings, visit the Hunter Valley safest option with cheese platters Cheese Factory on Mcdonalds Road, Pokolbin • The more pungent the cheese, the sweeter the (see page 43). wine should be 100 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

TWO CHEFS HATS - 2015 & 2016 ONE CHEFS HAT 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 SMH Good Food Guide

2015 DELICIOUS MAGAZINE ANNUAL PRODUCE AWARDS

2014 ELECTROLUX APPETITE FOR EXCELLENCE

Next Generation Chef Troy Rhoades-Brown

National Young Restaurateur Troy Rhoades-Brown

Hungerford Hill Wines, 2450 Broke Road Pokolbin 2320 PH 02 4998 6777 | E muse@musedining.com.au OPENING HOURS Dinner Wed - Sat 6.30pm - 10pm | Lunch Sat & Sun 12pm - 3pm

TAKE A TOUR

WHY DRIVE When You Can Take a Tour? The Hunter Valley is home to approximately 140 wineries offering a wide variety of wines to choose from. Add to this over 60 restaurants and cafes, a with you and tell you the secrets behind what large number of gourmet food providers and now makes their produce so special. also 3 craft breweries. Some tours specialise in the overall food and wine With so many choices, things to plan, places to experience – mixing it up with the best food and see, wine and food options and the myriad of wine tastings. things to do while here, it can often prove to be On offer are full day and half day wine tours for overwhelming and take the fun out of a trip to wine thirsty minds as well as thirsty palates. From country – not to mention the difficulty in navigating light-hearted and casual tours designed for fun your way around. to educational wine tours for beginners and also With a wine tour, this problem is resolved and you can begin the process of learning more about wine and local produce, the Hunter Valley's wine history and how to taste wine all at your own pace and even share in the experience with others - all without the concerns of drinking and driving. If you think that a winery tour, where you sit back, relax and let someone else do the organising and driving is the best way to experience the Hunter Valley, you’d be right. But winery tours offer even more than this. Winery tours can take you places where you often would not think of going yourself. Each tour is different, and some tours also specialise in getting you behind the scenes, perhaps an opportunity to have a private barrel room tasting or even meet the winemakers, brewers or local providores - all of whom are only too pleased to share their stories 102 | SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016

experts. Whatever you are looking for, there’s a tour to suit you. You can also choose from a small group tours or a private tailor-made tour.

Much more than just a "driver" for the day, an experienced and informative guide will enhance the experience beyond your expectations, showing you those hidden gems that only they know about. The best wine tours offer the most convenience and involve having your guide pick you up from accommodation and provide you with a fun day out coupled with the chance to learn more about wine in a relaxed and unpressured environment. Find out why the locals embrace the wine industry so much and discover for yourself the people, landscape, traditions and lifestyle behind one of the world’s greatest wine regions. Enjoy!

Wine & Food Experiences With over 140 wineries in the Hunter Valley you may prefer to avoid driving and choose instead to get on board one of the fun, friendly wine tours with itineraries that include a selection of cellar doors, gourmet food providers and in many cases lunch at one of the Valley’s many restaurants or cafes. Whatever you choose you will be well looked after by operators, instructors or drivers passionate about the region and keen to share its secrets.

BEST TOUR

ALL AROUND THE VINES Come and enjoy a tour all around the smaller boutique wineries with us sampling the wines, cheeses, chocolates and olives our valley has to offer. We also do transfers to all the fabulous restaurants. All you need to bring is anticipation for a good time all around the vines with us...

www.allaroundthevines.com.au

enquiries@allaroundthevines.com.au • MOB 0459 145 065

www.besttour.com.au • besttour@bigpond.com TO BOOK CALL BRUCE ON 0437 149 612 Hop aboard the Best Tour Bus and join a small group tour, showing you the beautiful Hunter Valley Wine country and tasting some of the best wines that the Hunter has to offer. Best Tour is family owned and operated, and has been giving the best escorted small group tours of the Hunter Valley vineyards since 2001. Your driver guide is friendly, flexible and knowledgeable. Your tour bus is modern, air conditioned and has adjustable seats. Join our tour and take home with you lasting memories of a great day out!

HUNTER VALLEY SAFARIS

PH 0458 875 502

Come on a safari with us! We can arrange an array of packages to suit your needs - Winery Tours, Horse Riding, Ballooning, Helicopter Rides, Golf Packages, Wine Tastings, Whisky Tastings, Beer Tastings, Cheese and Chocolate Tastings and Lunch or Dinner at Blaxlands Inn. We also offer Airport Transfers, Concert Transfers, Wedding Guest Transfers, plus free pickup and drop off for dinner at Blaxlands Inn. Our safari vehicles seat up to 12 people. Bookings Essential.

Operating 7 Days from 10AM 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin www.blaxlandsinn.com.au info@blaxlandsinn.com.au (Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day) SUMMER • AUTUMN 2016 103

Explore the Hunter Imagine being able to experience a diverse

From these, they select classic regional varieties

range of quality Hunter Valley wines delivered to

and exciting new styles to create mixed, red and

your door throughout the year.

white collections for you.

Since 1975, Wine Selectors has been unearthing

To enhance your wine experience you’ll receive

the Hunter Valley’s most exciting drops for winelovers like you to enjoy. Our expert Tasting Panel travels regularly to the Hunter, visiting 60 local wineries, including icons such as Tyrrell’s, Drayton’s,

a copy of the award-winning Selector magazine in your selection, tasting notes that explain the individual characters of each wine, plus much more.

McWilliam’s, Brokenwood and Tulloch, as well as

To find out more, visit the Wine Selectors counter in

leading boutique wineries.

the Visitor Information Centre.

6 FREE

stal European cry $47.94 glasses worth the when you join ase! le Re y Hunter Valle

Come and visit us at the Visitor Information Centre, 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin

wineselectors.com.au

Hunt er Valley RELEASES