Calendar.
What’s on.
November
HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS.
ROSE SPECTACULAR @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS Sat Oct 11–Sun Nov 16 The phrase “stop and smell the roses” really comes into its own at this floral extravaganza, with more than two million rose blooms on over 35,000 rose bushes in 125 varieties, as well as talks by rose experts. hvg.com.au
Enjoy a bright start to 2015 with around one million lights in the Christmas Lights Display to see on the ground, and a fireworks spectacular in the sky at 9pm. hvg.com.au
NEW YEAR’S EVE @ HARRIGAN’S IRISH PUB
Sat 25 Oct–Sat 29 Nov
Wed 31 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS.
ROAD TO WOLLOMBI
Thu Nov 27–Sun Dec 21
Fri Nov 7–Mon Jan 26, 2015
An exhibition by two widely exhibited artists, Julianne Allcorn and Barbie Hooper, exploring the significance and history of the road between Cessnock and Wollombi, at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery. 02 4991 6619
See more than one million lights on show every night from 6.30pm to 10pm over the Christmas season. hvg.com.au
OAKVALE SIMPLY HUNTER ALFRESCO SUMMER LONG LUNCH
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
JIMMY BARNES � THE LIVING END Sat 8 To celebrate his 30th anniversary as a solo artist, Jimmy Barnes will be rockin’ at Bimbadgen Winery, along with The Living End, Baby Animals, Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates, and Nick Barker. adayonthegreen.com.au
THE ROLLING STONES
Sat 15
See the greatest rock’n’roll band – The Rolling Stones – strut their stuff among the vines at Hope Estate as part of the ‘14 On Fire’ Australian tour. ticketmaster.com.au 36 winecountry.com.au
NEW YEAR’S EVE @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS Wed 31
SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS Coupling more than 70 outdoor sculptures with boutique wines, this is an annual exhibition at four wineries along the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail. Includes guided tours, workshops, a twilight tour by Ngurra Bu Aboriginal Tours and the very first Sculpture by Night on November 29. sculptureinthevineyards.com.au
served in the Peppers Guest House garden with a Christmas carols soundtrack, followed by a movie under the stars. Dinner, movie and dessert $60pp. Dinner 6.30pm, movie 9pm. Bookings on 02 4993 8999.
Sat 29 Sit down to a seven-course degustation catered by Muse Restaurant, including matching wines and live music, at Oakvale Wines. This annual event is popular, so book early. $135pp. 02 4998 7088. oakvalewines.com.au
THANKSGIVING BANQUET FEAST Sun 30 Join Roberts Circa 1876’s Americanborn executive chef George Francisco for a banquet feast from 1pm to 6pm with platters brimming with abundant food. $85 per adult, $45 per child. Bookings essential on 02 4998 4998.
December
Dance the night away to the sounds of KDL and GENR8, then enjoy a spectacular midnight fireworks display at Harrigan’s Irish Pub & Accommodation. Bookings on 1800 800 522. harrigansirishpub.com.au
RIDGEVIEW SUMMER IN SEASON DINNER
CASINO ROYALE EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE VINTAGE
Fri 5
Wed 31
Enjoy a four-course dinner using the best seasonal produce from the onsite kitchen garden with canapes and a glass of RidgeView bubbles, at 6.30pm; $65pp, or $85 with matching wines. Bookings on 02 6574 7332. ridgeview.com.au
The Vintage brings the glitz and glamour of Vegas to the Hunter Valley with a glittering fancy-dress event to celebrate the New Year. There are amazing prizes to be won, including $10,000 worth of playing chips, as well as a photo booth, Vegas showgirls and entertainment. $229pp. Bookings on 02 4998 2201. thevintage.com.au
JACK NEWTON CELEBRITY CLASSIC Tue 16–Wed 17 Watch professional golfers and 50 celebrities get into the swing of things in the heart of Wine Country at the 36-hole pro-am Jack Newton Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament at Cypress Lakes Resort. celebrityclassic. jacknewtongroup.com
STARLIGHT CINEMA
Wed 24
Start your Christmas Eve with a casual barbecue dinner and dessert
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE ROSE GARDEN Wed 31 Ring in the New Year with a magnificent outdoor dinner in the rose garden at The Sebel Kirkton Park. The gala event includes a four-hour beverage package, canapes, three-course dinner and entertainment. $160pp. Bookings essential on 02 4998 7680. sebelhuntervalley.com.au