Hunter Valley Magazine Issue 10, 2018

MAGAZINE ISSUE

#10

new attractions you 10 need to know about*

*A bike-friendly wine trail is one!

SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO • 1 LOCAL LIVING IT UP ON THE GOLF COURSE • 2-MONTH FIESTA OF EPICUREAN PLEASURES • 6 FAB CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCES • 8 RIDICULOUSLY MOREISH RED WINES

REGIONAL GUIDE & MAP

PETERSON HOUSE PREMIUM SPARKLING WINES

CONTENTS

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18 COME VISIT The Hunter Valley has a remarkable blend of unique experiences. Book your accommodation and tours online winecountry.com.au

HunterValleyWineCountry

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EXPLORE

13 ON THE GRAPEVINE

39 10 NEW WINE COUNTRY WONDERS

The best snaps on social media

14 SNIPPETS

News, views and reviews from around the Valley

Huntervalleywc

Uncover some fresh experiences

49 FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

WINE

Meet a local who has a dream lifestyle

18 PASSION FOR PINOT

52 HOME WHEN AWAY

25 TOP TASTINGS

Fab cellar door experiences

DINE 31 ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS

Chefs’ favourite items

35 MADE IN THE HUNTER

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NEWS

Discover Hunter Pinot Noir

FOLLOW US

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Spotlight on Moorebank’s wine-inspired condiments

36 HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL A two-month fiesta of fantastic epicurean events

Discover your perfect property match

55 WHAT’S ON

A round-up of must-visit events in the region

DISCOVER 61 HUNTER VALLEY VISITOR GUIDE

Your official guide to Australia’s oldest wine region

66 CELLAR DOORS

Sample the region’s award-winning wines

52 81 RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Get a taste for the Hunter

89 GOURMET

Enjoy local produce & brews

93 TOURS

Discover the secrets of the Hunter Valley

99 EXPERIENCES

Enjoy a range of activities and attractions

107 ACCOMMODATION

Find your Hunter Valley home

117 WEDDINGS

Wedding venues and services

120 SERVICES

Essentials to cover all your needs

MAP 121 REGIONAL MAP Get where you want to go with our pull-out touring map

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Hunter Valley Magazine is produced for the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association by

WELCOME Welcome to the 10th issue of Hunter Valley Magazine, which showcases the best wine, food and other experiences in Australia’s oldest wine region.

Level 4, 10–14 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

EDITOR Brenda Christian EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Batten SUBEDITOR Lulu Wilkinson ART DIRECTOR Guy Pendlebury SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Emma Rogers ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Meghan Winger MANAGING PARTNERS Fergus Stoddart, Richard Parker ADVERTISING MANAGERS Nicole Prioste 02 4932 7123 Kylee Dixon 02 4932 7123

This issue is all about discovery and going beyond the obvious.

On page 18 we look at what some say is the most temperamental grape variety around – Pinot Noir – and reveal that its spiritual home is the Hunter Valley. On page 25 we’ve compiled a list of some outstanding cellar door experiences you may not know about and on page 31 we ask Hunter chefs what their secret weapon is in the kitchen – that favourite ingredient they just can’t cook without!

You can also discover a saucy sideline of wine-inspired condiments on page 35, 10 new attractions that have opened over the last few years on page 39, and meet a golf pro who loves his dream lifestyle living beside an award-winning golf course on page 49.

Finally, you’ll find visitor information, business listings and a regional map to help you get around.

As the new Chair of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, I am delighted to welcome you to the region. The Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association is constantly reviewing what it does to be relevant to ensure a vibrant, dynamic and sustainable wine tourism industry and we hope our magazine along with our winecountry.com.au website will give you the information to discover more about the Hunter Valley.

Lindy Hyam PRINTING PMP Printing Limited The distribution records of this publication have been submitted for independent audit with the Circulations Audit Board.

No responsibility will be taken for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, images or materials. The opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Reproduction of any content of this publication (including images and text) for any purpose is prohibited, unless prior written permission is obtained from the publisher. Prices, specifications and availability of products and services were correct at the time of printing and may change without prior notice. In this publication you will see advertising material submitted by third parties. Individual advertisers are solely responsible for the content of advertising material they submit to us, including ensuring that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Neither Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association nor the publisher accepts any responsibility whatsoever for the content of any advertising material contained herein, including, without limitation, any error, omission or inaccuracy therein.

A selection of the images featured have been sourced from Getty Images and Shutterstock.

Chair Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

COVER PHOTO

Shot on location at Scarborough on Hermitage by Chris Elfes.

Bikes from Sutton Estate Bicycle Hire.

DANIEL HONAN

Former BBC journalist, Daniel Honan is a food and drinks writer, photographer and presenter. He writes for The Newcastle Herald’s Weekender magazine, and contributes to Halliday, Selector, Alquimie and Wine NZ magazines.

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LULU WILKINSON

Lulu believes in creating quality content in the best form for what it needs to do. She has edited magazines, written features for Cleo and Cosmo, and headed up the digital offerings for Big Brother, Gallipoli, Offspring and more.

STEPHANIE CLIFFORD-SMITH

Stephanie is a food writer and author.

She co-edited the Sydney Eats guide for three years and now reviews for many guides, including The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

NATHALIE CRAIG

Nathalie has worked as a news journalist in Australia and the UK, and is now a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer based in Newcastle. You may spot her among the vines where she moonlights as a Segway tour guide.

133 reasons to visit Tempus Two 2 016 O U T S TA N D I N G W I N E S H O W S U C C E S S

6 x Trophies 1 x Top Gold 2 x Double Gold 16 x Gold 40 x Silver 68 x Bronze

We are proud to celebrate the success of our born and bred Hunter Valley winemaker, Andrew Duff. His passion to make quality wine has produced a record number of awards across our Pewter, Copper and Varietal series.

Cheers to you, Andrew.

Trophies include: CHINA WINE & SPIRITS AWARDS Australian Wine of the Year – Pewter Series Chardonnay 2014 CAIRNS WINE SHOW Champion White in Show – Pewter Series Chardonnay, Poppy’s Block 2015 CAIRNS WINE SHOW Champion Wine in Show – Pewter Series Chardonnay, Poppy’s Block 2015 RIVERINA WINE SHOW Best Chardonnay of Show – Pewter Series Chardonnay, Poppy’s Block 2015 RIVERINA WINE SHOW Best Wine in Show – Pewter Series Chardonnay, Poppy’s Block 2015 HUNTER VALLEY WINE SHOW Best Rosé of Show – Copper Series Shiraz Rosé 2016

Taste these award winners at our Cellar Door. #tempustwo

Contact

Taste

Enquiries welcome Cellar Door +61 2 4993 3999 Open 7 days

Tempus Two Cellar Door Crn Broke & McDonalds Rds Pokolbin NSW 2320

T E M P U S T W O.C O M . A U

NEWS SOCIAL

ON THE GRAPEVINE

THE TASTES, PLACES AND PLATES YOU’RE SHARING FROM YOUR HUNTER VALLEY TRIP. 1.

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TAG #HUNTERVALLEY OR @HUNTERVALLEYWC AND SHARE YOUR PICS ON INSTAGRAM

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1. Hump day vibes. @phoebelane1 2. What an amazing day wine tasting at Amanda’s On The Edge. @twopathstoadventure 3. Thanks for the ride Balloon Aloft. @harry.travel 4. Cooking up a storm with classes at Verandah Restaurant. @gaylegillett 5. Hills and vines. @shazz_phi 6. Taking in the local delights. @nicpolzi 7. Insane sunset in the Valley tonight. @jesswardphoto

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NEWS SNIPPETS

FRESH FACT

PHOTO: CHRIS ELFES

PIONEERS OF THE VALLEY Want to discover a bit about the history of the Hunter Valley? Take a self-drive tour and see some local landmarks and heritage spots, which are identified by a special symbol on the Hunter Valley Map so you can easily find them (you’ll find the map on page 121).

• Uncle Dan’s Hut @ Tyrrell’s Wines pictured above (built in 1858) • The Old Still House (distillery) @ Ben Ean winery (built in 1907) • Old Vats @ Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards (the 19th century vats can be seen in the onsite Museum) • Drayton’s Old Winery (The original winery built in 1863 has been preserved within the new winery) • Hall’s Cottage @ Circa 1876 (built in 1876) • Marthaville Homestead in Cessnock (built in 1885) • Rothbury Cemetery @ Emma’s Cottage (established circa 1851)

Did you know pumpkins are a fruit? They’re members of a plant family commonly called ‘vegetable fruits’ that also includes melons, watermelons, cucumbers, zucchini and gourds.

They’re also loaded with nutrients, so why not make a big batch of warming pumpkin soup using Hunter Valley pumpkins? You can buy them fresh from the farm until the end of winter at Tinklers Produce, which grows butternut, kent, Queensland blue and gramma pumpkins. Oranges and lemons are also in season, with avocados ripe towards the end of winter.

Open daily, 53 Pokolbin Mountains Road, Pokolbin tinklers.com.au/produce

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Want to find the wildest party animals in the Hunter Valley? Head to the Hunter Valley Zoo and meet the manic meerkat family, who will deliver 20 minutes of pure mayhem! Let the crazy critters climb all over you while you feed, pat and play with them. It’s just one of the animal encounters available at the Zoo, where you can get up close to the residents. You can also meet the dudes with the famous moustaches (the Emperor Tamarins) and compare your mo, and

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monkey around in the Marmoset enclosure with one of the world’s smallest monkeys, who have personality plus!

There are three interactive yards where you can wander in and meet kangaroos, farmyard animals and noisy lorikeets, which you can feed at all times. Marmoset encounter $80pp; Emperor Tamarins $90pp; Meerkat encounter $100pp. Open Thursday to Tuesdays on Lomas Lane, Nulkaba huntervalleyzoo.com.au

NEWS SNIPPETS

#HUNTER HOUNDS

Meet Coco, the Gemelli Estate’s mascot Name: Coco Breed: Labradoodle Age: 4 Owner: Sierra & Austin Boyd (the Gemelli kids) Pet Hate: Kangaroos Favourite Friend: I could just play with my bouncy ball all day long, but on the rare occasion I stop and rest, I do have a soft polar bear I curl up with.

Dirty Deeds: Jumping on to the dinner table and pinching any leftover food!

Share photos of the #hunterhounds you meet while touring our wine region on Facebook (HunterValleyWineCountry), Instagram (@ huntervalleywc) or Twitter (@huntervalleywc)

MOVERS & SHAKERS No matter how often you visit the Hunter Valley, there’s always something new happening. Brokenwood is building a schmick new cellar door, opening at the end of 2018, and Stomp! Wines just moved into cute new digs. The Stomp! team outgrew their old cellar door in Broke and as they make their wines in Lovedale, decided to move closer to the winery. New location, new labels and new tasting experiences! Head there to enjoy free and paid tastings, with local produce platters, a pre-booked picnic or BBQ hamper and giant picnic games. You can also stay onsite at Madigan Wine Country Cottages. 504 Wilderness Road, Lovedale stompwine.com.au You can read about other new Wine Country attractions on page 39.

ASK THE EXPERT Liz Riley, the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) 2017 Viticulturist of the Year answers some questions about our vines.

I’m planning a Winter visit to the Valley and was told the vines would be dormant. What does that mean?

Vines are a deciduous, perennial plant.

They lose their leaves in autumn/winter and are bare, with just the permanent trunk and the last season’s woody growth left. The growth is pruned back, to give the vines structure and enable us to manage the shape and crop load. This helps to ensure the vines grow a crop that meets the load, ripeness and flavour profile desired by the winemakers.

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‘Budburst’ is another term I’ve heard but been too scared to ask my wine snob friends what it means.

Can you help?

As spring comes along the new buds burst away (budburst) and fresh green shoots grow. These can grow to one to three metres and may be held up with wires or trimmed to get the best canopy shape for the variety. Each shoot usually has one to two bunches.

[Budburst signals the start of the grape season, which culminates in harvest that traditionally occurs about 100 days after the vines flower, usually between January and March in the Hunter Valley].

“THE INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC ARE IN LOVE WITH ANDREW MARGAN’S ‘A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT’ WINES…” JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION, FIVE STAR RATING

“SAVVY GOURMET TRAVELLERS HONE IN ON THIS HUNTER VALLEY DINING HOT SPOT FOR ITS EXCELLENT FOOD AND TERRIFIC WINE” TOP 10 REGIONAL RESTAURANT GOURMET TRAVELLER

ESTATE GROWN. ESTATE MADE. ENJOY.

“…IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE MEAL IN THE HUNTER, MAKE IT AT MARGAN. ALMOST EVERYTHING IS GROWN ONSITE… WONDERFUL, CONTEMPORARY FOOD. IT’S “WOW” STUFF.” JOHN LETHLEAN, THE AUSTRALIAN

“MODERN WINERY FARE IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING WITH CONSIDERATE TOUCHES” NATIONAL GOOD FOOD GUIDE – ONE CHEF HAT

WINERY / CELL AR DOOR / RESTAUR ANT / BARREL ROOM

1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

margan.com.au

WINE PINOT NOIR

PASSION FOR PINOT LOOKING FOR A LIGHTER RED? TRY A JUICY HUNTER VALLEY PINOT NOIR OR PINOT/SHIRAZ BLEND AND TASTE HISTORY IN A GLASS. WORDS: DANIEL HONAN PHOTOS: CHRIS ELFES

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WINE PINOT NOIR

SOME SAY PINOT NOIR is magic. Others believe it’s mercurial.

Either way, Pinot Noir can be quite powerful indeed. It’s a red grape variety that, if made well, has the potential to rewire your mind and compel you to change careers.

With its thin skins and tiny, close-knit bunches – similar in size and shape to a hand grenade – Pinot Noir is notorious for being one of the most temperamental grape varieties to grow anywhere. And, when you compound this with the Hunter Valley’s reputation for a warm climate and vintage rain, which can make it a challenging place to grow and make wine anyway, it’s easy for some ‘experts’ to write off Pinot Noir as unfit for growing in Wine Country.

It’s mostly affiliated with the Burgundy wine region of France, where the delicate grape has been inspiring winemakers and

“Pinot Noir is notorious for being one of the most temperamental grape varieties to grow anywhere.” lovers with its delicate colour, enchanting perfumes and exquisite textures for hundreds of years. It’s also one of the primary grape varieties used to make many sparkling wines.

In Champagne, they blend only the juice of the grape (so as not to pick up any colour from the red skin) with the juice of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the Hunter Valley, Adina Vineyard and Hunter’s Dream both make a deliciously effervescent traditional-method sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, while Blueberry Hill makes a fun and bubbly Rosé made from Pinot Noir grown on their estate.

Today, Pinot is planted throughout the world. In Australia, the grape has made a home in many of the cooler climates, such as Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Adelaide Hills, which is where Tempus Two and Poole’s Rock pick grapes to make their own pretty Pinots. Tumbarumba, in New South Wales, is also proving to be a great place for growing Pinot Noir. Many Hunter Valley wineries, including Hungerford Hill and Keith Tulloch, are making beautiful wines from Pinot Noir vineyards that are planted there.

THE MOTHER OF ALL PINOTS

THE PINOT NOIR VINEYARD AT TYRRELL’S WINES

Nonetheless, while many Hunter Valley wineries source Pinot Noir grapes from regions outside of Wine Country, as Scott McWilliam explains, the Hunter Valley is the original home of Pinot Noir in Australia.

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“Given the fact that the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and when you consider the age of the Pinot vines we grow out the front of our Mount Pleasant property, the Hunter Valley is certainly the spiritual home of Pinot Noir in Australia,” says Scott, sixth generation winemaker and McWilliam’s Wines Family Ambassador. Scott’s family have been the custodians of Mount Pleasant vineyard and winery since 1932.

Australia’s renowned winemaker, Maurice O’Shea, planted the Pinot vines that grow at the front of the Mount Pleasant cellar door. Legend has it that these vines are descendants of the collection of vines first brought to the Hunter Valley in the early 1800s by James Busby, the unofficial godfather of Australian wine.

“The vines are believed to be from the original Busby collection,” explains Scott. “They are the MV6 clone, which originate from a very special vineyard in France called Clos Vougeot, in Burgundy. Many years ago, cuttings from this very block were planted in other parts of the Hunter Valley, and sent to other wine regions in Australia, hence the name of our vineyard and of the clone itself, ‘Mother Vine’.”

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Murray Tyrrell of Tyrrell’s Wines received some vine cuttings from Mount Pleasant’s ‘Mother Vine’ vineyard in the late ’60s and started making wine from them in the 1970s.

“It was my grandfather’s love of red wine from Burgundy that gave him the idea to plant Pinot Noir on our own estate,” says Chris Tyrrell (Murray’s grandson). “Tyrrell’s produces two Pinot Noirs from grapevines grown in the Hunter Valley,” continues Chris. “Vat 6 is made only in the best years, from fruit taken from two vineyards (‘4’ and ‘8 Acres’) on our home block. Our Special Release Pinot Noir is made from fruit grown on our Short Flat and HVD vineyards. As a grape variety, Pinot Noir can be very challenging to grow here in the Hunter Valley,” he adds.

Scarborough Wine Co.’s winemaker Jerome Scarborough agrees. “Pinot grown in the Hunter is a bit of an enigma. The vintages here can be tough and unpredictable at times, but we’ve been making our Scarborough Pinot Noir since we started in 1987.

We make what’s called a vintage blend,” he continues, “which is a wine made up of multiple vintages, up to five years old. This is done to ensure the wine’s quality and consistency, as well as

WINE PINOT NOIR

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: MOUNT PLEASANT’S MOTHER VINE VINEYARD; TYRRELL’S PINOT GRAPES; JEROME SCARBOROUGH; PINOT NOIR IS ONE OF SCARBOROUGH’S MOST POPULAR WINES.

“It was my grandfather’s love of red wine from Burgundy that gave him the idea to plant Pinot Noir on our own estate.” quantity,” Jerome explains. “This is because, over the years, our Pinot Noir has become one of the most popular wines we make.”

THE RETURN OF THE SHIRAZ/PINOT BLEND To deal with the inconsistencies of vintage, some Hunter Valley wine producers, like Scarborough, have been clever in blending different vintages together to create a wine of consistent quality and deliciousness. In the past, however, many winemakers would blend their finicky Pinot Noir with Shiraz.

“There aren’t too many Pinots made in the Valley, because of vintage inconsistencies, so it’s not as widely planted as Shiraz,” Chris Tyrrell explains. “However,” he continues, “it’s encouraging to see more wines being made that are blended with Shiraz, like some of the classic Hunter wines of years gone by.”

Mount Pleasant’s Maurice O’Shea made such wines famous with his legendary Mount Henry Shiraz/Pinot Noir blends. In recent years, a new generation of Hunter Valley winemakers have been quietly reviving this historically significant blend.

“We stated making a Shiraz/Pinot blend in 2013 to pay homage

to the rich history of those classic Hunter Valley wines from the 1950s and ’60s,” explains Briar Ridge winemaker Gwyn Olsen.

“We make a single vineyard Shiraz/Pinot blend from fruit grown on our Mount View vineyard, and the Pinot Noir we grow is actually the MV6 clone from Mount Pleasant.”

“The resulting wines,” Gwyn continues, “are robust and dark, medium-bodied, with a delicious core of red and black fruit that’s supported by fine tannin structure that speaks of place and the Hunter Valley’s special history.”

Winemaker Mike De Iuliis, of De Iuliis Wines, is particularly excited to release his first ever blend of Hunter Valley Pinot Noir and Shiraz from the spectacular 2017 vintage; although, he says, his motivations for making such a wine are more to do with deliciousness, rather than any sort of homage to history.

“For me, whenever Pinot Noir gets carefully blended with Shiraz, and the wines are drunk young, they’re an absolute joy to drink,” explains Mike. “So, I just thought I’ve got to have a crack at making a wine in that style. Our 2017 ‘Special Release’ is exactly that, bright and crunchy and totally ‘gluggable’,” he adds.

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WINE PINOT NOIR

TOP DROPS

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Scarborough Wine Co. Vintage Blend Pinot Noir $23 A Pinot that defies the odds, this delicious blend of vintages past and present shimmers ruby red and smells of wild cherries, rose-petals and earth.

Juicy and sweet and made for fun Friday nights with friends and a slice of wood-fired pizza.

Tyrrell’s Wines 2017 Special Release Pinot Noir $30 A pretty purple-hue entices with an exotic nose of spiced strawberries and liquorice that would make a meal out of any duck dish, particularly one served in a ragout beside a roaring wintertime fire.

Mount Pleasant 2016 Mothervine Pinot Noir $48 Silken red, like the sheen of a Christmas cherry, rich with raspberry fruit, red earth and white pepper, a flash of liquorice, cranberries and pink flowers. Perfect for fancy dinner dates with better halves and thick, pressed, pure-white table linen.

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Macquariedale Organic Wines 2015 Pinot Noir $47 An elegant slow dance of ripe red cherries, blueberry, aniseed and herbs, juicy raspberry and sweet earth flavours. Best enjoyed eating gooey cheeses, sitting on a high hill with a sunset view on a warm night around twilight.

Briar Ridge Vineyard 2014 H.R.B. Shiraz/Pinot Noir $60 Gently red, its perfumed nose reveals blackcurrant, spice, and dark cherry. Fine, easy drinking pleasure for the joyfully serious wine lover who’s partial to, say, mushroom risotto served in a French dining room that overlooks the vineyard at Mount View.

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Blueberry Hill 2017 Rosé de Noir (Sparkling Pinot Noir) $40 Blushing pale pink with scents of cherries, crushed strawberries and the flavour of freshly picked raspberries. Best drunk on a warm spring day under the shade of a blooming Jacaranda with, believe it or not, a tub of strawberry gelato ice-cream.

2017 De Iuliis Pinot Noir/Shiraz $35 Utterly slurpable. Deep red, like glossy cherries and blackberry fruit, a crack of black pepper and musky violet florals. Serve slightly chilled at a barbecue lunch on a warm Sunday afternoon.

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Usher Tinkler Wines 2016 Nose to Tail ‘The Cow’ Shiraz/Pinot $25 Deep red with flashes of purple, shadowy notes of black and blue fruits with autumn leaves anchoring a playful cherry red sweetness. Keep the bendy straws on hand for a glass is not required to drink this smashingly beastly bottle.

It is with much delight that we are able to announce the new ownership of Ben Ean, Lindeman's estate, to the McGuigan and Peterson families, returning the property to its historical roots of the Hunter Valley.

The old winery now boasts one of the largest cellar doors in the Hunter as well as Cafe/Restaurant, Cheese Room, Olive Oil Room, Function Rooms, Private Tasting Room and a large outdoor heritage listed courtyard.

Ben Ean Cellar Door

The cellar door will continue to carry many products from the Lindeman's portfolio as well as; the Lisa McGuigan label, Savannah Estate label, & famous Treasury labels such as Penfolds and Wolf Blass.

The onsite Restaurant renamed Baume (pronounced bow-may) is now open 7 days a week for Lunch 11am-4pm, & Dinner Thurs-Mon 6pm- late.

We are also excited to open the first of our new retail spaces;

Shop 1- Hunter Belle Cheese Room, An indulgent experience of locally handmade cheese, decadent fudge, famous gelato, giftware & more!

Shop 2- Hunter Valley Olive Co, Experience the Hunter Valley, taste their complete range of olive oils, vinegars & olive related products.

The Ben Ean family look forward to welcoming you to this well loved piece of Hunter history!

Hunter Belle Cheese Room

Cellar Door P: 4993 3700 E: cellardoor@benean.com.au BaumĂŠ Restaurant, CafĂŠ, Bar P: 4993 3705 E: baume@benean.com.au Hunter Belle Cheese Room P: 0428 916 550 E: cheeseroom@hunterbellecheese.com.au Hunter Valley Olive Co. P: 0448 854 822 E: info@huntervalleyoliveco.com.au

Hunter Valley Olive Co.

Bookings Essential For Large Groups 119 Mcdonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320

WINE EXPERIENCES

TOP TASTINGS A WHOLE BUNCH OF OUTSTANDING CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCES YOU’LL LOVE. WORDS: DANIEL HONAN

PHOTO: CHRIS ELFES

NO MATTER HOW MANY times you’ve paid a visit to the Hunter Valley, there’s always something new to see, do and experience. From gorgeous gardens to raucous rock concerts, relaxed cafes and finedining restaurants, craft beer, balloon flights, horse riding, aqua golf... and, of course, the reason for it all, world-class wines!

Even if you’ve somehow managed to drive down every windy road there is and visited every cellar door in our beautiful wine region, we’ll lay bets there’s always one more wonderful wine experience you’ve yet to discover. Whether it’s chocolate and wine matching, winery tours, or even making your own bottle of bubbly, some of the best experiences in Wine Country are still waiting to be unearthed.

CALAIS ESTATE’S BUBBLES BONANZA.

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CALAIS ESTATE: BUBBLES BONANZA Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles... fun to say and even more fun to drink! Tucked away on the sleepy slopes of Palmers Lane, some sparkling celebrations are afoot each and every weekend.

Taste through Calais Estate’s range of

PHOTO: CHRIS ELFES

WINE EXPERIENCES

sparkling wines and then learn how to make your own bottle of bubbly with an experienced winemaker.

You’ll be shown how sparkling wine is made in the French traditional method, before getting hands-on experience disgorging the bottles and then styling the wine to your own taste

– sweet, dry or even transformed into a sparkling Rosé. Afterwards, you get to take your bottle away and enjoy with a relaxing picnic on the picturesque estate grounds. Cost is $65 per person, bookings essential.

151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin calaiswines.com.au.

FIRST CREEK WINES: HUNTER VALLEY 101 To get a real sense of Wine Country and the way we make our wines, First Creek has created the perfect introduction for wine lovers of all levels to experience and enjoy. Hunter Valley 101 gives guests an insight into the history of winemaking in the Hunter Valley, how wine is made and why our world-class wines taste the way they do. This experience includes a guided tour of the First Creek winery (be sure to wear enclosed shoes) to see first-hand the making of wine, followed by a structured and informative tasting of the classic white and red Hunter Valley wine varieties.

The experience also includes a platter of locally produced chesses, olives and other products expertly matched to your newly acquired wine knowledge. $15 per person. 600 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin firstcreekwines.com.au

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AUDREY WILKINSON VINEYARD: HUNTER VALLEY WINE HISTORY As Australia’s oldest winegrowing region, the Hunter Valley is steeped in wine heritage and history. Audrey Wilkinson was one of the first to plant grape vines beneath the foothills of the Brokenback Range, way back in 1866. Today, you can get a sense of this rich history inside the Audrey Wilkinson cellar door. Visitors are welcome to wander through the Wilkinson winemaking museum, housed in the original winery. The museum features plenty of detailed photographs, various winemaking tools and artefacts, including the heritage-listed cement fermentation vats, which Audrey himself would have used to make wine. It’s a fascinating wine experience that goes well beyond the glass. The museum is open at the same time as the cellar door and entry is free. 750 DeBeyers Road, Pokolbin audreywilkinson.com.au

KEITH TULLOCH WINE: WINE & CHOCOLATE TASTING At first glance, wine and chocolate seems like a bit of a romantic no-brainer. In fact, it can be really difficult to get right. For example, if you tried to match a dry red wine with a chunk of dark chocolate, the wine would taste bitter and sour because of the different types of tannin found in both the wine and the chocolate. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the professionals at Keith Tulloch Wine. Indulge in the experience of pairing delicious artisan Australian-made chocolate from nextdoor neighbours Cocoa Nib, with the right glass of Keith Tulloch fine wine. A dedicated wine professional will guide you beyond the bottle through a special selection of wines that have been perfectly matched to Cocoa Nib chocolates.

Delicious. $15 per person.

Corner Hermitage & Deasys Roads, Pokolbin keithtullochwine.com.au

PHOTO: CHRIS ELFES

WINE EXPERIENCES

TULLOCH WINES: MYSTERY WINE TOUR Let’s face it, wine can be a bit of a mystery, even for people who’ve spent their entire lives dedicated to it. But, did you know that one of the best ways to learn to discern between the different and sometimes subtle nuances of wine is to taste them blind? Tulloch Wines offer an immersive wine experience that will have you guessing which wine is what in a fun, guided tasting experience designed to improve your own wine-tasting knowledge and skill.

Use the Tulloch Wine Experience tasting mat and booklet to help you identify the mystery wines you’re tasting. Note down your thoughts and enjoy a freshly prepared charcuterie board that’s the perfect match to your six mystery wines. $35 per person. Corner McDonalds & DeBeyers Roads, Pokolbin tullochwines.com

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DISCOVER MORE CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCES AT WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES: TOUR & TASTE See how wine is made from the ground up on a tour that goes behind the scenes at one of Australia’s largest organic wine producers. Tamburlaine’s Tour & Taste experience gives you a guided glimpse into the wonderful world of winegrowing. The tour includes a short stroll down to the estate vineyard before taking a peek inside

the wonderfully scented barrel hall, followed by a wander through the winery, where you may even get to taste something from the tank.

It finishes with a special structured wine-tasting experience back at the cellar door. Tours run in the mornings, cost $65 per couple and include a complimentary bottle of wine.

358 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin tamburlaine.com.au

DINE FLAVOUR BOMBS

ESSENTIAL

INGREDIENTS EVER WONDERED WHAT HUNTER CHEFS JUST CAN’T COOK WITHOUT? HERE THEY REVEAL THAT GO-TO INGREDIENT THEY LOVE ABOVE ALL OTHERS. WORDS: STEPHANIE CLIFFORD-SMITH WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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DINE FLAVOUR BOMBS

CHEFS IN THE Hunter Valley are spoilt for choice. They can get their hands on some of the country’s best produce through local suppliers, resorting to national ones if they must, or grow what they desire themselves. When asked what ingredients stood out most of all, you might just be surprised by how elemental their choices are.

THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT @ Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, 02 4998 7231 verandahrestaurant.com.au Almost everything chef Tim Suffell cooks is built on an eschallot foundation. “With eschallots you get a very delicate flavour, it’s not too in your face, like a brown onion. You just simmer it gently in a pan with garlic, a bit of butter and olive oil, maybe a bit of duck fat.” His five-spice duck breast with porcini mushrooms and bok choy starts that way, but he says it’s great for sealing off lamb rump and beef fillets too. “You’d be amazed how much more flavoursome your food can become with that base.”

Wine match: First Creek Pinot Noir

MATILDA BAY BREWHOUSE + DINING, @ Hunter Valley Resort, cnr Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin, 02 4998 7777 hunterresort.com.au Chef Dylan Mraz attributes his love of smoked paprika to his Hungarian ancestry. “It adds interest to everything.

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ABOVE: RESTAURANT BOTANICA’S ROBATA- GRILLED SCALLOPS WITH LYCHEES, PICKLED GINGER GEL, PUFFED RICE AND A CORN PUREE. BELOW LEFT: THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT’S FIVE-SPICE DUCK BREAST WITH PORCINI MUSHROOMS AND BOK CHOY. It’s universal,” he says. His pumpkin soup and pea and ham soup really benefit from the touch of smoke. He also likes it to blacken meats such as lamb rump, which he serves with carrot puree and pickled fennel. “It’s best to add it early so you can cook it off and lose the bitterness. It’s great in a dry rub in meat combined with cumin and garlic powder. It’s nice and

aromatic, so I use it for smoking as well with brown sugar for beef brisket, pork shoulder and lamb.”

Wine match: Stormy Ridge Tempranillo

MUSE KITCHEN @ Keith Tulloch Wine, cnr Hermitage & Deasys Roads, Pokolbin, 02 4998 7899 musedining.com.au It’s all about the salt for chef Sean Townsend, as long as it’s good quality. “I’m talking about natural salt that hasn’t been bleached or processed. Knowing where it comes from is important. We use fleur de sel from France, Himalayan pink salt for overall seasoning and we use a Tasman sea salt from Tasmania.” It’s essential to his house-cured salmon. “We cure [the salmon] in Himalayan pink salt and sugar for 24 hours, then we wash it, dry it out for two days then smoke it over apple wood. It’s a three- to four-day process. You can’t do it without salt,” he says. Locally, he sources

OISHII RESTAURANT’S PAD KRAPOW BEEF

BISTRO MOLINES’ ESCARGOT

SERVES 2

“Garlic really enhances their flavour along with butter, parsley and a pinch of salt ”. most of his salts from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop.

Wine match: Keith Tulloch Semillon

RESTAURANT BOTANICA @ Spicers Vineyard Estate, 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, 02 6574 7229 spicersretreats.com Finding its way into many dishes on chef Matthew Bremerkamp’s diverse menu is white miso. “We find it really brings out the flavour in things,” he says. “One of my signature dishes is robata-grilled scallops with lychees, pickled ginger gel, puffed rice and a corn puree which has a big whack of miso flavour through it. It’s one of our biggest sellers.” But the salty, umami-rich paste isn’t limited to savoury uses. “You can also caramelise it in the oven by spreading it out nice and thin, drying it right out then flaking it over a dessert. It sounds a bit weird but it works really well.”

Wine match: Keith Tulloch Per Diem Pinot Gris

BISTRO MOLINES @ Tallavera Grove, 749 Mount View Road, Mount View, 02 4990 9553 bistromolines.com.au Unsurprisingly French chef Robert Molines can’t cook – or live – without garlic. “It’s a very good agent for your

health, it’s a good ingredient for flavour, it enhances and marries with other flavours. It’s used in many cuisines from the Middle East to India to France, to Italy. Normally we French wash down the garlic with a glass of red wine, which makes your life very healthy,” he says. Naturally, its starring role is in escargot. “Garlic really enhances their flavour along with butter, parsley and a pinch of salt.”

Wine match: Scarborough Pinot Noir

Ingredients • 1 cup jasmine rice • 2 tbs vegetable oil • 1 tbs garlic, minced • 1 tbs chilli, chopped • 500g beef fillet, thinly sliced • ¼ cup onion, sliced • ¼ cup capsicum, sliced • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves • 1 tbs oyster sauce • 2 tbs fish sauce • ½ tbs sugar • ⅛ tsp white pepper • coriander, chopped for garnish Method 1. Cook rice in rice cooker or in large saucepan of boiling water until cooked. Put aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in wok, add garlic and chilli, cook until fragrant.

3. Add beef and stir-fry for 1 minute.

4. Add onion, capsicum and basil, stir fry for 1 minute.

5. Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir fry until cooked.

6. Garnish with coriander and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Wine match: Tempus Two Shiraz

OISHII @ Roche Estate, cnr McDonalds & Broke Roads, Pokolbin, 02 4998 7051 oishii.com.au Patrick Boonsoong from pan Asian eatery, Oishii, can’t live without chilli, not just in the restaurant but in everything he cooks. “Whole chilli, chilli paste, chilli sauce, whatever form it takes, it adds so much flavour to food.” He admits you could make soup without it but, given the appealing kick it adds, wonders why you would. Chilli is essential to Pad Krapow Beef, on the menu as Stir Fried Spicy Beef with Thai Sweet Basil and Chilli. “If you go to Thailand this is our signature dish, you can find it everywhere!” Patrick only has to go as far as his garden to source this essential ingredient, where it grows abundantly.

WANT MORE?

FOR THE VERANDAH’S RECIPE FOR FIVE-SPICE DUCK BREAST WITH PORCINI MUSHROOMS AND BOK CHOY GO TO WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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Broke Rd

Visit our cellar door.

Open every day, with the exception of Christmas Day and Good Friday.

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Broke Rd

McDonalds Road, Pokolbin 02 4998 4111 mcguiganwines.com.au #McGuiganWines #BringaMcGuigan

DINE PRODUCE

MADE

IN THE HUNTER DISCOVER A SAUCY SIDELINE OF WINE-INSPIRED CONDIMENTS THAT WILL SPICE UP YOUR MEALS. WORDS: BRENDA CHRISTIAN “I’VE ALWAYS JOKED that if I told anyone the recipe for my grandmother’s Spicy Grape Sauce I’d have to kill them,” laughs Moorebank’s owner Debra Moore. “And I’ve kept the secret for 31 years now!”

You could say it’s the secret to her success as it really kick-started Moorebank’s large range of homegrown, handmade condiments.

Debra and husband Ian Burgess opened their Moorebank cellar door in 1986 planting a range of grape varieties, including Semillon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Shiraz but a few years later Debra decided she wanted to experiment with some wine-inspired condiments.

“Our famous Spicy Grape Sauce was my first addition to the condiment range and it was a red-hot seller, so I started to add some other recipes my grandmother had handed down to me, but I wanted to add my own little twist and decided to incorporate our wine into them,” Debra explains.

“That’s how we ended up with products like the Spiced Pickled Grapes with Semillon, Muscat Grape & Gewürztraminer

Coulis, and the Grape & Semillon Spread. As time went on I branched outside the grape vine and introduced other products like the Onion Condiment with Merlot, Lemon, Chilli & Semillon Dipper, as well as the Orange & Chardonnay spread.”

But teetotallers don’t miss out either, as Debra also makes other condiments that

don’t involve wine, including a Country Garden Pickle Paste, Chilli & Capsicum Spread, a Sweet Chilli Vinaigrette Dressing and a 20-year-old Caramelised Balsamic Vinegar. There’s also a fresh, handmade Lemonade Syrup.

And what do the foodies like best?

“Our biggest sellers are the Grape & Semillon Spread, Onion Condiment with Merlot, Chilli & Capsicum Spread, but hands-down the most popular of them all is the Spicy Grape Sauce. What makes it so popular is how versatile it is.”

Apart from the boutique wine and condiments, another big drawcard is Sheila, the family’s pet black sheep, who wanders into the cellar door and waits at the tasting bar for a treat. There’s a wine named after her too – Sheila The Black Sheep Shiraz, which is lip-smackingly good. You can also meet the geese, chickens, kangaroos and their new babydoll (miniature) sheep named Merlot, Semillon and Chardonnay.

Visit daily at 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin or buy online at moorebankvineyard.com.au

3 MUST-HAVES

SPICY GRAPE SAUCE

Use as a marinade, add a good dash in soups and stir-fries, drizzle over pizza or use as a dipping sauce. $20.90

SPICE PICKLED GRAPES WITH SEMILLON

A great addition to salads, an accompaniment to your antipasto or served on top of fetta or brie. $18.90

FRESH LEMONADE SYRUP Mix with soda or mineral water and add a dash of vodka or gin for a killer cocktail! $15.90

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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DINE FESTIVAL

HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL UNWIND THIS WINTER WITH RED WINE, CRACKLING FIRES, DELICIOUS BANQUETS AND STARRY, STARRY SKIES. THE HUNTER VALLEY’S annual fiesta of epicurean pleasures is back and it’s bigger and better than ever.

Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival, sponsored by Wine Selectors, is held each May and June, with heaps of activities and events that focus on pairing the region’s award-winning wines with gourmet produce. From vineyard and olive grove tours, cheese and cooking classes to mouthwatering meals in hatted restaurants, this festival has it all. Book now and enjoy a cosy winter getaway like no other.

Some of the must-do events include:

HUNTER VALLEY WINE, FOOD & FILM FESTIVAL

SAT 5 MAY & SAT 26 MAY Around Hermitage’s Wine, Food & Film Festival is in its third year and this year will run on the first and last weekends of May. May 5 will see the return of Flickerfest, the short film festival, at Peter Drayton’s Winery and Brewhouse. On May 26 there will be a screening of a local-made film based on Australia’s first cookbook Cookery for the Many as well as for the Upper 10,000, published in 1864. winefoodfilmfestival.com.au

HEROES OF THE HUNTER

EVERY DAY IN MAY & JUNE Celebrate local produce and wines with this five-course degustation dinner with matching wines at Redsalt Restaurant in Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. $99pp, Premium $120pp. Bookings on 02 4991 0944.

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CHEESE & WINE EXPERIENCE

EVERY WEEKEND OF THE FESTIVAL Love your cheeses and small goods, but unsure of how to match them with a delicious wine? You’re not alone. Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen has brought together an international selection of world-famous cheeses and small goods and matched them with outstanding Hunter Valley wines for you to enjoy. $30pp. Bookings on 02 4998 6699.

CELEBRATE THE BEST STAYS, WINE & FOOD

THROUGHOUT MAY & JUNE Dine in style as you and your guests relax in one of Hunter Valley Stays’ beautiful properties. Your choice of casual or formal dining as one of our private chefs prepares locally sourced food, cooked right in front of you. Book your stay during Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival and let our chefs look after the rest. Bookings on 0477 010 010.

OLIVE LONG TABLE LUNCHEON

SAT 2 JUNE Whispering Brook’s annual Olive Long Table Luncheon starts off with a walking tour of the olive groves and vineyard, followed by a four-course, olive-inspired lunch by a leading local chef with matching Whispering Brook wines, live music and guest speaker. $150pp. Bookings essential on 02 98184126.

MEET THE FARMER DINNER

SAT 2 JUNE Margan Restaurant joins forces with five leading local food producers to present a fantastic dinner featuring the best of regional produce and the people behind it. With their renowned kitchen garden, orchard, free-range chickens, estate-reared lambs, olive groves and bee hives Margan is the regional leader in agri dining. Authentic paddock-to-plate five-course dinner with matched Margan Limited Release Wines $170pp. Bookings essential on 02 6579 1317.

PIGGS DAY OUT

SAT 2 JUNE This wonderful food, wine and music event on the lawn fronting Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort will make you squeal with delight. Rub shoulders with Piggs Peake boss hog Steve Langham while sipping a selection of incredible wines with succulent slow-roast pig spits with all the trimmings. $129pp. Bookings on 02 4993 1848.

BY THE FIRESIDE

SAT 16 JUNE Savour the finest local produce with wine rock star Lisa McGuigan at this intimate fireside experience at Hunter Valley Resort. Lisa will be on hand to share her stories and play wine games over dinner while you enjoy sampling her latest releases and discussing the amazing vintage. $110pp. Bookings on 02 4998 7777.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: TAKE A SEAT AT WHISPERING BROOK’S LONG TABLE, WARM UP BESIDE GLANDORE’S BLAZING BONFIRE, ENJOY OCEAN TO PADDOCK FARE AT RIDGEVIEW, VOTE FOR THE WINNING CHEFS AT THE FOOD FIGHT.

HUNTER CULINARY ASSOCIATION FOOD FIGHT

MON 18 JUNE The 2018 Food Fight will pit two of the Hunter Valley’s top chefs against leading Sydney chefs Mitch Orr from Acme and Joel Bickford from The Gantry. You decide the winner by voting for your favourite dishes. Four-course meal with matching Hunter Valley wines $220pp. Bookings essential via hunterculinary.com.au

INTIMATE CELLAR DOOR LUNCH

SAT 23 JUNE Enjoy an informative tour of the vineyard and participate in the cutting

of the vines, followed by an intimate lunch in the newly renovated cellar door of Broke Fordwich’s latest wine label, 1813 at Tinonee Vineyard Estate. $118pp.

Bookings essential on 0488 068 899

OCEAN TO PADDOCK WINEMAKERS DINNER

SAT 23 JUNE Using home grown and local produce, RidgeView’s executive chef Donna Hollis will take you on a gastronomic journey from the ocean to the paddock with a seven-course degustation perfectly paired with RidgeView’s wines. $125pp. Bookings essential on 02 6574 7332.

BURNING OF THE BARREL

SAT 30 JUNE Bigger and better plans are on the cards for 2018. Glandore Estate wants to give new and exciting reasons for people to come back each year… besides the giant fire that’s lit at sunset, the amazing food, fireworks, live music and awardwinning Hunter Valley wines! $98.50 adults, $32.50 kids. Book via stickytickets.com.au

WANT MORE?

FOR THE FULL HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL PROGRAM, VISIT WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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PHOTO: CHRIS ELFES

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NEW WINE COUNTRY

Won der s

EAGER TO HAVE SOME FRESH EXPERIENCES ON YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE HUNTER VALLEY? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. WORDS: NATHALIE CRAIG

FREEWHEELING ON AN ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BIKE FROM SUTTON ESTATE BICYCLE HIRE

EXPLORE NEW ATTRACTIONS DO YOU ALWAYS find yourself returning to the same selection of tried-and-true cellar doors and restaurants when visiting the Hunter Valley? We certainly understand your loyalty, but it’s also worth making time to call in to some of the newcomers making their mark on the Valley. Here are 10 new additions to Wine Country that deserve your attention.

1

USHER TINKLER WINES

The original Pokolbin Church built in the early 1900s now houses the Usher Tinkler cellar door. Third generation winemaker Usher Tinkler and his wife Ebony have preserved the historical exterior of the church, while giving the interior a schmick makeover.

Inside you’ll find polished concrete floors, plush leather arm chairs and a panel of large glass windows looking out on the Brokenback Mountain Range. In a nod to his heritage, Usher makes his wines exclusively with grapes from his own family estate in Pokolbin and believes in sticking to 100 per cent Hunter Valley production. Try his fine selection of reds, whites and fortified wines which can be matched with a delicious selection of cured meats, salumi and cheeses.

97 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin ushertinklerwines.com

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COCOA NIB

If you love chocolate, Aymee Slaviero’s artisan chocolate shop Cocoa Nib is about to earn a big place in your heart. Aymee makes all her chocolate by hand in the Hunter Valley using fine French couverture. One of her most loved creations is a macadamia butter crunch made up of a layer of crisp butter toffee sandwiched between two big sheets of rich milk chocolate covered in roasted Australian macadamia nuts. She also has a beautiful selection of hand-painted chocolate bonbons filled with a delicious variety of pralines, ganaches and jellies. Linger longer and enjoy a cup of locally roasted Silverskin coffee with a selection of house-made cakes. 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin cocoanib.com.au

3

DARK HORSE VINEYARD

Dark Horse Vineyard was born out of Olivia and Martin Pukanic’s two greatest passions: wine and horses. Their Lovedale property is home to an equestrian-inspired cellar door, their beloved horses Doni, Doll and Dior and several acres of Semillon and Chardonnay grapes.

Quality, not quantity is their ethos with the vines carefully cane-pruned and the grapes hand-picked to ensure the best results.

Each year they produce just 1300 bottles of wine which are sold exclusively via the cellar door. Inside, you can enjoy a personalised tasting before browsing the equestrian- and country-themed homewares. Carrots are also on hand to feed the horses. According to Olivia, the animals have become quite accustomed to selfies with the visitors. Adding to the horse theme, Dark Horse Vineyard also hosts a Polo in the Vines event in April.

386 Wilderness Road, Lovedale darkhorsevineyard.com.au

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Balancing tradition with innovation

Dark Horse Winery James Halliday 2018 Wine Companion Cellar door Wed - Sun | 138 Gillards Road Pokolbin, NSW 2320 Australia T (02) 49987410 | E finewines@vindenestate.com.au | W www.vindenestate.com.au

EXPLORE NEW ATTRACTIONS

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SABOR TEA ROOM

Owners of Pokolbin’s Sabor Dessert Bar, Fernando and Renata Antao have expanded their presence in the Hunter Valley with their latest venture, Sabor Tea Room.

Every aspect of their quaint Lovedale tea house has been carefully thought out, from the white antique cabinets, to the elegant Egyptian crystal chandelier. The pair even spent half a year sourcing antique Royal Doulton and Royal Albert crockery and cutlery. Guests are greeted with a flute of local bubbles before being served their deluxe high tea menu. Head pastry chef Nicole Fang ensures it is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

The savoury delights are all baked in-house, including the mini hand-rolled croissants. Some of the most eye-catching sweet treats include a handmade chocolate teapot housing a berry parfait dessert inside. Lime and coconut macaron pops are also a favourite. Eight different varieties of Origin Tea are served along with a selection of delicious Hunter Valley dessert wines.

319 Wilderness Road, Lovedale sabortearoom.com.au

5

EXP RESTAURANT

The menu at EXP won’t present you with a list of choices to make, but rather a list of ‘EXP.eriences’ to have. Owner and head chef Frank Fawkner gives diners the choice of a fiveor eight-course tasting menu. Not only are the dishes made with local, native and seasonal produce, but almost everything is house made. “We make our own cheeses, curds, butter, sourdough fresh every morning,” Frank explains.

It’s not surprising given Frank’s impressive past, which most recently saw him in the role of head chef at the Hunter Valley’s two-hatted Muse restaurant. Some of Frank’s star dishes at EXP include warm blue cheese inside a brioche bun smothered with honey and marigold, kangaroo with black garlic, red cabbage, sebago and native spices and his leftover sourdough, chocolate and beer cake. Courses can be matched with wines or a selection of fresh non-alcoholic drinks. The dishes are all served by the chefs themselves. There is also the option to sit at the chef’s bar to watch the theatre of them plating and serving.

1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin exprestaurant.com.au

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Beautiful self-contained properties

Hunting for a vineyard estate or a large group stay for family and friends?

Dreaming of a destination for your wedding or celebration?

Searching for that quintessential Hunter cottage or secluded spa villa?

Stay with Hunter Valley Stays and unlock the doors to our collection of unique properties, all close to your favourite cellar doors, wineries, restaurants, wedding destinations and concert venues.

SPECIAL OFFER To celebrate Wine & Food Festival in the Hunter Valley reserve your stay with Hunter Valley Stays and receive 12 complimentary bottles of Hunter Valley wines from our own cellar. Quote code 0304B

huntervalleystays.com.au Reservations: stays@huntervalleystays.com.au or 0477 010 010

EXPLORE NEW ATTRACTIONS

6

BAUMÉ AT BEN EAN

Baumé restaurant at Ben Ean cellar door (formerly known as Lindeman’s) opened its doors at the tail end of 2017 and it’s been a hit from day one, thanks to its satisfying menu of Mediterranean-inspired share plates. Choose from a delicious selection of wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas or heartier options like slow-roasted lamb shoulder and suckling pig. Lunch is served daily with dinner from Thursday to Monday. Baumé’s wine list is identical to that at Ben Ean, meaning you can meander over to the cellar door after ordering to taste and select a wine to accompany your meal. If you’ve still got room for cheese tasting, Hunter Belle Cheese Room is just a stone’s throw away in the same building.

119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

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THOMAS WINES

One of the Hunter Valley’s most revered winemakers, Andrew Thomas has opened his first dedicated cellar door, and it hasn’t taken long for it to make an impression, with the establishment taking out the 2017 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year.

Andrew is a Hunter Valley stalwart, having made wines here for more than 30 years. His focus is on the two signature varieties of the region: Semillon and Shiraz. His grapes are sourced from select Hunter Valley vineyards.

During a premium tasting at Thomas Wines, guests can learn about terroir through soil samples and maps. Andrew jokes his sleek and stylish cellar door is a place to house all his haul of wine show trophies and medals. At the heart of it though, he says establishing it was all about creating a place for face-to-face interaction with those who are loving and drinking his wines.

Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin thomaswines.com.au

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HERMITAGE ROAD CYCLEWAY

PHOTO: CHRIS ELFES

Hunter Valley Wine Country just got a whole lot more bike friendly thanks to a new 10-kilometre cycleway along Hermitage Road. There are more than a dozen cellar doors to visit along the scenic, vine-fringed path which stretches from the New England Highway to Broke Road. The cycle path also passes an art gallery, antique shops and even a spa. If you’re worried about buying too much wine and trying to balance it while you cycle, never fear, all purchases can be delivered to your accommodation or back to your bike hire venue.

There are several places to hire bikes of all varieties from electric to fat tyre.

Convenient pick up points include Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire, Hunter Valley Resort and Grapemobile Bicycle Hire.

Hermitage Road, Pokolbin aroundhermitage.com.au

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JOIN US FOR 3 HUGE WEEKS OF WINTERY FUN! Glide on our giant ice skating rink, slide down our mega ice toboggan and build a snowman in our man-made Snow Play Zone. Enjoy our awesome rides, which include our Super Slide, 25 metre Ferris Wheel, speedy Swing Chair and traditional Venetian Carousel.

Plus, roving entertainment, hearty food and warming beverages.

There’s wintery fun for everyone!

30TH JUNE - 22ND JULY 2018

For information and online tickets go to hvg.com.au Broke Road Pokolbin - Ph: 02 4998 4000 Accommodation available at harrigans.com.au

Admission charges apply. Program subject to change. Snow Time activities are open during event hours only. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and for unscheduled maintenance. Terms and conditions of entry apply. *Swing Chair and HVG Super Slide 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone. User pay for HVG Super Slide, Swing Chair and Ferris Wheel.

EXPLORE NEW ATTRACTIONS

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IRONBARK HILL BREWHOUSE

The Hunter Valley is catching on to the craft beer movement.

One of the latest breweries to check out is the IronBark Hill Brewhouse, a microbrewery built on the grounds of Peter Drayton Wines. Their core beers include the easy-drinking Australia ale, a traditional pilsner made with Pokolbin rainwater, a tropical summer ale and two pale ales.

A favourite brew in hot demand right now is their Black Forest Stout made with real cherries and dark chocolate. There are also refreshing ciders to sample. Guests are invited to grab a tasting paddle with four beers of their choosing.

It’s not just about the beer here. There are delicious pizzas, made with dough which is hand rolled fresh every day. There are also chicken wings and antipasti plates.

694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin ironbarkhillbrewhouse.com.au

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BINNORIE DAIRY LOVEDALE

Hunter Valley favourite Binnorie Dairy has outgrown its original Pokolbin premises so has just upsized to a new location in Lovedale.

Binnorie specialises in soft cheeses made with locally sourced milk. Their selection includes a creamy marinated fetta, vine ash coated chevre, labna marinated in chilli, rosemary, garlic and olive oil, and a silky brie.

The new Lovedale digs has a cafe inside, which means you can kick back with a selection of Binnorie cheese, along with some delicious antipasto-style accompaniments. Just behind the retail front, the delicious cheeses are being made in the on-site factory. Curious customers are invited to take a look at the cheesemakers in action through a special viewing window.

25 Lodge Road, Lovedale binnorie.com.au

WANT MORE?

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WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

DISCOVER MORE CELLAR DOORS, RESTAURANTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

Hunter Valley Chocolate, a Valley icon, Family owned and operated for Eighteen years!

Our Boutique Chocolate and Fudge Factory offers a unique range of Chocolate and Chocolate products plus more than 30 Flavours of Fudge...

A “taste tempting” range of locally produced gourmet products... A Coffee Lounge with indoor/outdoor seating... and More!

PASSION - PERSISTANCE - DEDICATION - EXPERIENCE Come visit and ... “Taste the Difference”!

Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm Factory/Store - 2320 Broke Road Pokolbin NSW 2320 @ Peterson House - Broke Road Pokolbin NSW 2320 Shop 5 - Hunter Valley Gardens Pokolbin NSW 2320 admin@hvchocolate.com.au www.hvchocolate.com.au Ph:(02)4998 6999

EXPLORE PROFILE

FINDING THE SWEET SPOT THIS LOCAL HAS REALLY HIT IT SOLID WITH HIS DREAM LIFESTYLE AT THE VINTAGE. WORDS: CHRISTINE SALINS PHOTOS: CATH BOWEN

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FOR SOMEONE WHO has been passionate about golf since he was at his father’s knee, Richard Mercer couldn’t be in a better space than he is now. The golf pro at The Vintage lives in a house overlooking the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course. He drives his golf cart to work and spends his days teaching fellow golf enthusiasts how to improve their swing.

“It’s a really wonderful lifestyle I lead but it’s a great place to live as well. I love it,” he said. “Of all the resorts in the world, I don’t think there’s a better one than The Vintage and Chateau Elan.”

Since Richard moved in 14 years ago, the 100-room Chateau Elan hotel has been built on the estate, along with a luxury day spa. With a gym, tennis court and swimming pool onsite, not to mention one of his favourite restaurants, Legends Grill, it’s easy to see why he’s a contented man.

On the rare occasions he wants to escape, it’s a 45-minute drive to the beach and around two hours to Sydney. “It’s got everything this place. As my mate (former professional golfer) Jack Newton says, ‘It’s God’s country’.”

Richard and his wife Sharilyn, set up the Richard Mercer Golf Academy with sophisticated FlightScope technology that allows for video analysis of the golfers’ performances. This enables Richard to offer feedback on their swing, their shots and “all those things that make you a better player.”

“It’s hit the right nerve and is very successful,” said Richard, who can’t remember a time when he wasn’t playing golf.

“My father was a golf professional and was the golf pro at Killara Golf Club in Sydney for 45 years. He was also chairman of the Australian PGA. He nurtured me into the game and I used to love playing the game as a little bloke. My uncle is a well-known golf pro as well, so it is in my blood.”

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Richard turned professional in 1977 and toured for six years, playing in Australasia and Europe. However, he found his true passion lay in teaching others to play. “I prefer to do that these days [more] than playing, which sounds very funny for a golf pro.”

His lessons cater for a mixed clientele at all skill levels, from beginners to people thinking about becoming professional.

Although half-hour and one-hour lessons are available, most are held over one, two or three days. An average day begins with three hours on the range, during which Richard takes video footage and goes through it, point by point, with his students.

“We have lunches every day in the clubhouse, then I take them out on the course in the afternoon and we play nine holes of golf. I organise the accommodation for them here, and at night time they go to our beautiful restaurant, the Legends Grill. There’s no better steak in the valley, or probably even New South Wales, than here.”

The course ranks among Australia’s finest, with Greg Norman drawing on the region’s natural beauty for its design. “He designed the golf course around the undulations and the creeks and the water courses. There’s a little bit of trickery to the course but he’s made it absolutely open to [everyone from] beginners to great players. We’ve had NSW Opens here and we’ve had the best players in the world playing here and they don’t kill it off the back tees, but we’ve got middle tees which allow the ordinary player to come and enjoy it and not get smashed up too much.”

The signature hole is undoubtedly the eighth hole, with vistas to the Barrington Tops. Occasionally there might even be snow on the mountains. “It’s absolutely the most special golf hole, probably one of the hardest I’ve ever played really, because when there’s

“On most afternoons, Richard can be found on his back porch, looking out over the third green with a glass of wine in hand.”

EXPLORE PROFILE CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: RICHARD IN ACTION; GIVING YOUNGSTER HARRY PREECE SOME TIPS; QUALITY PUTTING; ROUTINE POLISHING; RELAXING AFTER A GAME.

a westerly blowing, which is the predominant wind we have, it makes the hole very difficult.

It’s water all the way from the tees to the hole, the green’s wrapped around the dam and there are bunkers all the way down the left-hand side of the green.”

On most afternoons, Richard can be found on his back porch, looking out over the third green with a glass of wine in hand. More than likely it will be a glass of Chardonnay from First Creek or Hart & Hunter, although he is also partial to Brokenwood’s Graveyard Shiraz and anything from Tyrrell’s.

He especially loves watching the junior players. Amongst the 24 youngsters in Mercer’s weekly junior class are students as young as four and five. One student, seven-year-old Harry Preece, won a world title in Las Vegas in 2017.

“Our junior school is quite unique. As we teach them, we grow them and move them up to become members of the club. They start to be able to communicate with older people because they’re playing not just with other kids, they’re playing in our comps which have 70-year-olds playing in them.

We teach them etiquette, how to act properly when they finish their round of golf, the firm handshake, the looking up at people’s eyes, taking their hats off and thanking their playing partners. It’s so wonderful to see these kids turning up for my junior clinics who aren’t sitting in front of a computer screen.”

In his rare moments away from the course, Richard enjoys dining at local restaurants, Muse Dining and Bistro Molines. He also enjoys a spot of fishing. But even when he’s away, golf figures prominently, as he and Sharilyn organise golf trips for paying guests who accompany them to the US Masters, Ireland and other countries.

Richard has played some “funny little courses” including the Kalgoorlie Boulder Goldfields Classic in the days when it was all red dust and gravel and very little green. His favourite course is

Cypress Point in Monterey, California. Australian favourites, other than The Vintage, include Lake Karrinyup in Western Australia, and the Australian Golf Club and NSW Golf Club, both in Sydney.

He has also had the privilege of playing at Ellerston, the course that belonged to media tycoon Kerry Packer.

“That’s an amazing course. I’ve been very lucky. I’m 60 years young. I’ve travelled the world, I’ve played with Prime Ministers and I’ve played with people who couldn’t scratch two bob together.

My father said, ‘You treat everyone the same and make sure they love the experience with you.’ That’s what I do, that’s what I love doing and it just keeps happening.”

To book a golf lesson or play a round of golf call 02 4998 2610 or go to thevintage.com.au/golf/play-and-book-golf

WANT MORE?

DISCOVER OTHER GOLF COURSES IN THE HUNTER VALLEY AT WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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EXPLORE STAY

HOME

WHEN

AWAY

A GETAWAY WITH HUNTER VALLEY STAYS WILL ENSURE YOU STAY JUST THAT BIT LONGER. WORDS: LULU WILKINSON

WITH SO MANY accommodation options and activities to enjoy, you can feel spoilt for choice in the Hunter Valley… or a little overwhelmed. With that in mind, Hunter Valley Stays was created, a privately owned accommodation and property management group focused on aligning people with their perfect property match.

Talking to guests, the common theme is that Hunter Valley Stays goes above and beyond to create a perfect experience with patrons’ needs at the very core.

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FAMILY REUNION

FOR BEN AND RACHEL @ HILLBROOK ESTATE, ELDERSLIE 7 BEDS, 5 BATHROOMS, POOL, PETS WELCOME, GAMES ROOM, ACCOMMODATES UP TO 17 GUESTS Ben: “We held a family reunion with my brother’s family, my parents and our 18-month-old baby Banjo and Rachel’s 11-year-old son Oliver.

My brother has three kids, Mum has a border collie and we wanted a place that accommodated everyone and gave them something to do – like a games room or a pool, and also an area we could escape to.

There are a lot of accommodation options out there and to come across Hunter Valley Stays was wonderful – our initial contact got us hooked.

They listened to what we wanted and ensured we found the right property to start with, and that it was set up in the right way.

To get the weekend off on that footing was really good and gave us a great feeling. Ultimately, we wanted somewhere special to have some family time together and what we found was a beautiful, private Estate and a friendly and helpful team to get us there.

It felt very private – almost like you had the whole Hunter Valley to yourself, with views all around.

We all love cooking, so the fantastic huge dining table got put to good use.

When we weren’t eating, we used it for board games and colouring in, it was a great hub. I quite liked sitting by the pool too but I definitely enjoyed standing at the BBQ, gazing up at the mountain range with a cold beer!”

A WEDDING

FOR ALEX AND ERIN @ DEGEN ESTATE, POKOLBIN 9 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHROOMS, POOL, DECK/PATIO, FIREPLACE, ACCOMMODATES UP TO 20 GUESTS

A COSY COUPLE’S RETREAT FOR BRONWYN AND DAVID @ CASA DELLA VIGNA, POKOLBIN

2 BEDS, 2 BATHROOMS, DECK/PATIO, OUTDOOR BBQ, FIREPLACE, ACCOMMODATES UP TO 4 GUESTS Bronwyn: “We have used Hunter Valley Stays before and this time we contacted the team via email and told them we wanted a private and ‘homey’ stay. An open fire was essential – and views! We also didn’t want a hotel or resort-style weekend – we get enough of that with work trips. Peace, quiet and privacy were on the priority list.

The property looked like a little piece of Italy in the Hunter.

We have travelled to Italy and adore the place. Hunter Valley Stays just ‘got’ what we asked for. They offer more than just a room for the night – they can help with pretty much anything and recommended some great places to visit.

At Casa Della Vigna there was space to slow down – to just sit and look at the hills over the olive trees… with wine, of course!”

Alex: “We are all about entertaining. Having our wedding party stay at the Estate with us was really important and to be able to fit so many people around a dining table in the main house was a big tick!

There was a back room where my groomsmen and I had a really good bottle of Scotch together the night before the wedding – that was really cool. Erin and I weren’t meant to see each other that night, so it was great we could split into different areas but still be in the same house.

[The property and outdoor space was being refurbished before our wedding and they worked so hard to get it ready in time and focus on every detail being perfect.] For them to do that was amazing. The pool area was literally the centrepiece of our wedding ceremony.

The team talked with us about having a bonfire, where to have lawn games, and we had all our wedding photos on the Estate, we didn’t have to leave. The vines were blooming and we went up into the trees with the backdrop of the ridge.

We were going for a rustic, classy but homely feel for the wedding and the Estate just fit so perfectly with what we were after. With the exposed sandstone and candles, it really felt like home, and then you go outside and you see that view…”

For more info and to book a getaway, go to huntervalleystays.com.au WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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S AY D N 7 TO N N PE R O HO T

THE BIG UGG BOOTS Leisurely 30 minute drive from the vineyards.

DAILY TOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 11AM, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED. SHOP Browse Mortels large range of sheepskin & Australiana products

MUSEUM Be fascinated with Australia’s rich sheepskin history & Mortels 60 years of manufacturing.

CAFÉ Sit, relax, and enjoy delicious meals & coffee at Mortels Café.

FACTORY TOURS Watch, hear, feel and smell the real workings of an UGG boot factory on a fully guided tour.

Since 1958

Directions

mortels.com.au

Hunter Valley NSW

MORTELS SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

Opening Hours:

1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton NSW

Monday - Friday

8:30am - 5pm

Saturday & Sunday

9am - 2pm

Public Holidays

Closed

(+61) 02 4966 0990

  

www.mortels.com.au

WHAT’S ON A round-up of events and activities you won’t want to miss.

lounge where you can rub shoulders with the players, live music and Fashions in the Field. ticketek.com.au

EASTER EGG HUNT @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS SAT 30 MARCH– MON 2 APRIL Join the Easter Bunny on Easter Saturday and Sunday to search for lots of coloured eggs in the Giant Easter Egg Hunt, plus, all weekend long there are fantastic rides, hatching chickens and a search for the GIANT golden egg with prizes to win!

KURRI COALFACE PEDAL SUN 8 The annual Kurri Coalface Pedal charity mountain bike ride will start at Pelaw Main School from 8am and caters for families as well as those looking for a challenge. It’s a bush ride with a mixture of tracks and distances, and raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. rescuehelicopter.com.au

A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY IN BROKE

hvg.com.au

MARCH

APRIL

KURRI KURRI NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL

JAMES REYNE – A CRAWL TO NOW

FRI 23–SUN 25 A fantastic line-up of rock’n’roll bands, rockabilly dances, classic cars, hot rods, fashion and market stalls.

FRI 6 Paying homage to an exceptional body of work, Reyne showcases a broad selection of Australian Crawl tracks, plus solo hits and songs from his time with Company of Strangers.

kurrikurrinostalgiafestival. com.au

CROSSROADS IN THE VINES SAT 24 See country music legends Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, John Williamson and many more at Roche Estate. crossroadsinthevines.com

SAT 7–SUN 8 A weekend of Italian-inspired food, Hunter Valley premium wines, masterclasses, workshops and demonstrations, festivities and fun hosted throughout the Broke Fordwich region. italyinbroke.com.au

THE MAILRUN CHARITY BIKE RIDE SUN 8 Join hundreds of other cyclists in this fun cycling event that starts and finishes in Singleton.

There’s a challenging 100km course, intermediate 65km course and easier 40km and 20km options. All courses take you through the picturesque agricultural landscape of the fertile Hunter Valley along lightly trafficked, tarred roads. themailrun.org

AWARD-WINNING BOSOM BUDDIES WED 11 Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney are pals, chums, bosom buddies. Both are multi-award winners and true showbiz legends. In this new show, they reflect on their stage careers and their lives off stage, as well as on. cessnockperforming artscentre.com.au

A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY IN BROKE

cessnockperforming artscentre.com.au

POLO IN THE VINES SAT 7 Hosted at the spectacular Dark Horse Vineyard, this event features gourmet food with matching wines, a polo WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

55

EXPLORE CALENDAR

TUFF TRUCK CHALLENGE FRI 13–SUN 15 Tuff as they come. This annual three-day off-road 4WD competition is a great spectacle and provides the victor with the title of being ‘The Tuffest Truck In The Country’. Plus, there are fireworks and kids’ activities including mini tuff trucks remote control race, rock climbing, trampoline, face painting and more.

LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH

tufftruck.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY STEAMFEST

THE GUM BALL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

SAT 14–SUN 15 Australia’s top festival of steam attracts tens of thousands of people each year with historic steam train trips, vintage machinery displays and demonstrations, live music, vintage car display, market and food stalls, kids’ activities and more.

FRI 27–SUN 29 This three-day boutique music and arts festival is set in secluded bushland at Dashville, near Belford in the Hunter Valley. Many consider it one of the greatest family-friendly BYO camping festivals around with a laidback vibe and live music performances by Australian and international artists. dashville.com.au

steamfest.com.au

CESSNOCK STOMP FESTIVAL SUN 8 APRIL This festival is a celebration of the city’s people, culture and lifestyle. It features a mix of entertainment and experiences, with market stalls offering local wine, gourmet food, arts and crafts and more. cessnockstomp festival.com.au

MAY HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL THU 1 MAY–SAT 30 JUNE This annual event showcases the region’s diverse wine and food culture over a two-month period with a series of themed activities throughout the Valley. See page 36 for some highlights and for the full program of events go to winecountry.com.au

SINGLETON FESTIVAL EARLY MAY Singleton Festival celebrates all things food, wine, music and art. It’s a biennial event, with a smaller festival being held on the years in between.

2018 will be one of the mini event years but still promises to be fun. winecountry.com.au

UPPER HUNTER WINE AND FOOD AFFAIR SAT 5 Enjoy free live bands, entertainment for the children, street theatre, food and Upper Hunter wines at Denman’s annual street party. upperhunterwineand foodaffair.com.au

LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH SAT 19–SUN 20 Seven wineries team up with local Hunter Valley restaurants for this progressive-style lunch full of fine wine, gourmet food and live entertainment. lovedalelonglunch.com.au

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“Quality without compromise”

WE ARE FAMILY MISTLETOE is a small family owned and run winery that was established by the current owners in 1989. Now in its 28th year, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quan��es of “true to origin” premium 17 0 2 é quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds s o R Hunter of awards and accolades. f o tage 20th Vin e!

With three genera�ons of the founding family now ac�vely engaged in running this Win the business on a day to day basis, Mistletoe is a truly unique family winery.

NOW TASTING

With over 20 different wines, including Sparkling, Whites, Reds, Rosés, For�fied and Dessert styles on tas�ng, 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 tas�ngs available for larger groups – bookings essen�al!

• Mistletoe Wines are only available for purchase from the Winery Cellar Door • Knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you welcome When visi�ng Mistletoe be sure to take �me to visit POKOLBIN GALLERY and MISTLETOE SCULPTURE GARDEN also in the grounds of the Cellar Door.

Open 10am until 6pm daily | 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH 1800 055 080 FAX 02 4998 7792 E office@mistletoewines.com.au | www.mistletoewines.com.au

EXPLORE CALENDAR HUNTER VALLEY WINERY RUNNING FESTIVAL SUN 22 This running festival through the grapevines includes a full marathon and a 10km fun run, kicking off and finishing at The Vintage, McDonalds Road, Rothbury. wineryrun.com

AUGUST

SNOW TIME @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS SAT 30 JUNE–SUN 22 JULY Snow Time in the Gardens is a great opportunity for families and friends to get together and experience an icy wonderland over three huge weeks, including the winter school holidays. Chill out on the giant ice-skating rink, ice toboggan and build a snowman in the man-made snow play zone! This day and night event also has games, entertainment, warm beverages and hearty food. hvg.com.au

all. It’s stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song – all in one side-splitting show!

THU 24 Frock up for this black-tie dinner and see who wins the coveted awards.

cessnockperforming artscentre.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL

THU 24–SUN 27 A four-day mountain bike race from Port Stephens, through the Hunter Valley to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

SAT 30 This one-day festival brings more than 40 Hunter Valley wineries and producers together in the one place at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Wine, beer, cider tastings, gourmet food, entertainment and more.

porttoportmtb.com

huntervalleywinefestival.com

JUNE

JULY

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

PIGSTY IN JULY

02 4990 0900.

PORT TO PORT

THU 7 Featuring fantastic funnymakers from Australia and beyond, the Roadshow has it

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SUN 12 A dog-friendly picnic day at Pepper Tree Wines with gate proceeds raising funds for Dog Rescue Newcastle. Gold coin entry fee. peppertreewines.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS & WINE INDUSTRY AWARDS

Tickets and enquiries on

POOCH PICNIC

SAT 7 The more fiery sister to The Gum Ball... this is a one-day, adults-only music event in secluded bushland at Belford.

Offering boutique beverages, warming winter food and live

music, you can camp onsite or come out on the bus. dashville.com.au

WINTER ROSE PRUNING MON 23–TUE 31 There are thousands of roses to prune, so let Hunter Valley Gardens show you how it’s done! With demonstrations and talks throughout the day, you can be sure you are caring for your roses correctly. hvg.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY WINE SHOW CELEBRATIONS LUNCHEON FRI 24 One of the leading regional wine shows in Australia, with winners announced at the Celebrations Luncheon. winecountry.com.au

WANT MORE?

FOR MORE EVENT INFO GO TO WINECOUNTRY. COM.AU

PIGSTY IN JULY

O F F I C I A L

G U I D E

Your guide to the region’s essential sights and services.

• Cellar Doors • Restaurants & Cafes • Gourmet • • Tours • Experiences • Accommodation • • Weddings • Services •

+ pull-out touring map WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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Cheers!

Here’s to using Newcastle Airport as your gateway to explore.

Land on the doorstep of Newcastle and the glorious Hunter Valley and take advantage of all the region has to offer. Or take-off directly to eight domestic destinations and in one-stop hub through to more than 65 destinations around Australia or overseas.

Go smarter to avoid tolls and big city parking fees while enjoying easy parking, fast check-in and more time to relax.

www.newcastleairport.com.au

Short drive

Easy parking

Fast check-in

Discover.

A world of wine

10 great reasons to visit

So close to Sydney yet truly a world away, the Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine. Wine Country – as the Hunter Valley is known – is a dynamic wine region with more than 150 premium wine producers, 60 tempting restaurants and 180 inviting places to stay. It has all the ingredients for a perfect getaway, from gourmet regional produce, boutique breweries, indulgent spas and action-packed adventures, to acclaimed gardens, galleries and heritage towns.

Pokolbin and Rothbury represent the traditional heart of the Hunter Valley, but there are plenty of other towns to explore and secrets to discover. The rural community of Wollombi is famed for its colonial architecture, convict-built buildings and lush bushland, while Lovedale, Mount View and Broke exude an air of tranquillity with boutique wineries, family-owned restaurants and cafes, and hospitable B&Bs. Wind your way between old delights and new surprises as you relax and unwind in this remarkable region.

� LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO DRINK BAD WINE

courses, which take advantage of the views.

The Hunter Valley is famous for its Semillon and Shiraz, but you’ll also find Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and specialty varieties (organic, biodynamic, sparkling, fortifieds and dessert wines).

� FLOWER POWER

Did you know?

There are 2664 hectares of wine grapes planted in the Hunter Valley (1153 red, 1511 white).

Source: ABS Vineyards Survey

Drive time Discover the Hunter Valley way of life – it’s just a two-hour drive north of Sydney. With the new Hunter Expressway you can now travel a more convenient route to the vineyards, and it will cut travel times between Newcastle and the Hunter Valley by up to 25 minutes.

� CREATIVE CUISINE Lunch at a casual alfresco cafe overlooking the vines or enjoy dinner at a fine-dining restaurant with a crackling fire.

� GOURMET PRODUCE Sample everything from olives, olive oils, tapenades, jams, chocolate, cheese and coffee to beer and spirits, all locally grown and made.

� TOURS OF ALL TYPES Take a tour in a horse-drawn carriage, a Cadillac convertible or a modern limousine or on the back of a bike (more tour options on page 93).

� CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF Tee off among the vines at one of three international-class

Hunter Valley Gardens has over 25 landscaped hectares of themed display gardens to see, which change from season to season.

� FLIGHTS OF FANCY

Greet the morning with a sunrise hot air balloon flight, then see the sights in your own private helicopter (see pages 93 and 99 for more aerial activities).

� RESCUE REMEDY

The Hunter Valley boasts several destination spas, so you can sign up for an hour, a day or a week of indulgent treatments.

� ARTISAN LANDSCAPES

Explore galleries showcasing a range of local artists’ work, from paint and sculpture to glasswork and woodwork.

�� EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Watch your favourite performer and enjoy great food and wine at one of the Valley’s signature events, concerts and festivals (see pages 55–58 for What’s On).

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: VINEYARDS IN BROKE AT THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BROKENBACK RANGE; SHIRAZ IS THE REGION'S FLAGSHIP RED; EXPLORING THE ABORIGINAL SITES OF WOLLLOMBI; MCDONALDS ROAD, POKOLBIN.

Hunter Valley subregions.

While it is the Hunter Valley as a whole that is recognised and remembered as a world-class food and wine destination, the region is made up of a number of smaller subregions. Each has its own secrets to reveal and subtle nuances in terms of wine characteristics. They can be discovered on their own or as part of the Hunter Valley food and wine trail.

BROKE FORDWICH The Broke Fordwich region, a 20-minute drive from Pokolbin, is nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Range in the shadow of the majestic Yellow Rock escarpment. It has a rustic charm and is pin-drop quiet, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing rural retreat. Peppered with boutique and biodynamic vineyards, olive groves, cosy accommodation options and restaurants, it has two big-ticket events: A Little Bit of Italy held each April and the Broke Village Fair & Vintage Car Display in September.

LOVEDALE When you exit the Hunter Expressway at Lovedale Road

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and turn left you’ve arrived in Lovedale, a relaxed neighbourhood east of Pokolbin.

The winding country roads are lined with cellar doors, eateries and an eclectic collection of places to stay – pick up a copy of the Tour De Lovedale map, painted by local artist Megan Barrass, and follow the self-drive route. It’s also home to mobs of kangaroos and wallabies, and the Lovedale Long Lunch, which takes place on the third weekend in May each year.

MOUNT VIEW As far as idyllic rural backdrops go, you can’t ask for much better than Mount View. Weaving its way past terraced vineyards, tasting

rooms and charming B&Bs, Mount View Road takes you up to the Bimbadeen and Mount Bright Lookouts, with breathtaking views in every direction. It’s off the beaten track, but the mountaintop outlook, peaceful setting and memorable food and wine experiences are worth seeking out.

POKOLBIN Pokolbin isn’t a town or village, but it’s hailed as the hub of the Hunter Valley because it has the highest concentration of wineries, restaurants, accommodation and activities in the region. The first vineyards were planted in Pokolbin in the mid-1800s, and it continues to play a pivotal role in winemaking today with winemakers producing the region’s award-winning flagship wines – Shiraz and Semillon – as well as new varieties that receive widespread acclaim. While Pokolbin revolves around Broke and McDonalds Roads, it also includes established trails such as Palmers ‘Wine Lovers’ Lane and the Around Hermitage Trail.

UPPER HUNTER The Upper Hunter is the largest horse-breeding region in Australia and has an extensive viticultural industry based around Denman, Muswellbrook and Jerrys Plains. Stretching from Singleton in the south to Murrurundi in the north, it has a bevy of paddock-to-plate produce to sample, including olives, cheese and boutique wines, as well as outdoor and water-based activities at Lake St Clair and Lake Glenbawn.

WOLLOMBI VALLEY Drive 30 minutes south-west of Pokolbin to the quaint village of Wollombi and you’ll be transported back to a bygone era. Established in the mid-1800s, the pretty hamlet is famed for its colonial architecture and oldworld general store. The gateway to the Wollombi Valley, it offers a heady mix of attractions, from ancient Aboriginal sites, national parks and the Great North Road convict trail to farmgate produce and boutique wines.

LA

N DA L E W IN

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EST. 1978

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EST 1

978

BR

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Cellar doors.

02 6579 1334

Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard

712 Wollombi Rd, Broke

02 6579 1322

Greenway Wines

350 Wollombi Rd, Broke

02 6579 1175

Margan Winery & Restaurant

1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

02 6579 1372

Mount Broke Wines

130 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

02 6579 1314

Whispering Brook

Rodd St, Broke

02 6579 1386

Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove

492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 7473

✓

Allandale Winery

132 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4990 4526

✓

✓

Capercaillie Wine

4 Londons Rd, Lovedale

02 4990 2904

✓

✓

Dark Horse Vineyard

386 Wilderness Rd , Lovedale

0450 206 398

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard

438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

02 4998 7734

Gartelmann Wines

701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 7113

Stomp! Wines

504 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

0409 774 280

✓

Tatler Wines

477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 9139

✓

Ernest Hill Wines

307 Wine Country Dr, Nulkaba

02 4991 4418

✓

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard

750 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 1866

Ben Ean

119 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 3700

Bimbadgen

790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4600

Blueberry Hill Vineyard

999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7295

Brokenwood Wines

401–427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7559

Calais Estate

151 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7668

Chateau Francois

Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7548

Cockfighter’s Ghost Wines

Cnr McDonalds & DeBeyers Rds, Pokolbin

02 4993 3600

Constable Estate

205 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7887

David Hook Wines

Cnr Ekerts & Broke Rds, Pokolbin

02 4998 7121

De Bortoli Wines

532 Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

02 4993 8800

Degen Wines

365 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

De Iuliis Wines Drayton’s Family Wines

✓

✓

KIDS’ PLAYGROUND

656 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich

FUNCTIONS

0488 127 321

Catherine Vale Wines

FREE WIFI

@ Tinonee Vineyard Estate, 1273 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

1813

BBQ

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RESTAURANT/CAFE

GROUP WINE TASTINGS

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SAMPLE THE REGION'S AWARD-WINNING WINES.

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BROKE FORDWICH ✓

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LOVEDALE & NULKABA

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POKOLBIN ✓ ✓

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0437 661 993

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1616 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 8000

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555 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7513

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0455 924 189

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Eclectic Wines

687 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

0410 587 201

Elbourne Wines

Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6996

First Creek Wines

600 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 2992

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Gemelli Estate

168 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7910

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Glandore Estate Wines

1595 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7140

Gundog Hunter Cellar & Gourmet Pantry

101 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6873

Hanging Tree Wines

294 O'Connors Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6608

Hart & Hunter

463 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7645

Hermitage Road Cellars & Winery

Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7777

Hungerford Hill Wines

2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7666

Kelman Vineyard

2 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

02 4991 5456

Keith Tulloch Wine

Cnr Hermitage & Deasys Rds, Pokolbin

02 4998 7500

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Eagles Rest Wines

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WINE VARIETIES The Hunter Valley produces less than two per cent of Australia’s wine, yet lays claim to some of the industry’s oldest and most well-known winemaking families, and consistently produces an impressive, awardwinning array of varieties and styles.

Semillon The Hunter Valley sets the world benchmark for Semillon, and it is, both nationally and internationally, the most highly awarded variety produced in the region. In its youth, it is zesty, bright with lemon/ lime aromas and flavours, and has a delicate acidity to finish – perfect for fresh seafood. Those who are prepared to wait are rewarded with complexity – biscuit, malt, honey and toasty richness.

Chardonnay Typically medium- to full-bodied in style, Hunter Valley Chardonnay is characterised by peach, fig and tropical fruit-like flavours with crisp and fresh unwooded styles, and full-bodied, rich and fulfilling wooded styles.

Verdelho A style unique to the Hunter Valley, Verdelho, customarily made without oak, is a fruit-driven medium-bodied wine.

Shiraz Shiraz is undoubtedly the most important red variety in the Hunter Valley. Regionally distinctive, it is medium- to fullbodied, characterised when young by blackberry, mulberry and plum characters, as well as spice, chocolate and liquorice with the characteristic regional earthy, leathery tones and complexity developing with age.

Cabernet Sauvignon Hunter Valley Cabernet is something of an enigma, producing wines with firm tannins, a fragrant bouquet and smoky aromas developing into cigar-box complexity with age.

Merlot Merlot from the Hunter Valley shows suppleness, fine tannins and leafy complexity.

A number of specialty wines, including organic, sparkling, fortified and dessert wines, are also produced. No matter what your preference, you’ll always find a style to share and enjoy in the Hunter Valley.

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

67

Cellar doors.

FREE WIFI

FUNCTIONS

✓

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PHONE

Kevin Sobels Wines

5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7766

Lake’s Folly

2416 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7507

Lambloch Estate

2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6722

McGuigan Wines

447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4111

McLeish Estate

462 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7754

Mistletoe Winery

771 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

1800 055 080

Misty Glen Wines & Cottage

293 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7781

✓

✓

Moorebank Vineyard Estate

150 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7610

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Mount Pleasant Cellar Door

401 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7505

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Oakvale Wines

1596 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7088

Pepper Tree Wines

86 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

02 4909 7100

Peter Drayton Wines

@ IronBark Hill Vineyard, 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7085

Peterson House

Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

02 4998 7881

Pokolbin Estate Vineyard

298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7524

RidgeView Wines

273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7332

✓

Rothvale Winery

223 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7290

✓

Saddler’s Creek Wines

15 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin

02 4991 1770

✓

Scarborough on Hermitage

972 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6538

Scarborough Wine Co.

179 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7563

Small Winemakers Centre

426 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7668

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4200

Tempus Two Cellar Door

Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rds, Pokolbin

02 4993 3999

✓

Thomas Wines

@ Estate Tuscany, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7134

✓

Tinklers

53 Pokolbin Mountains Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7435

✓

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Tintilla Estate Wines & Olives

725 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7093

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Tulloch Wines

638 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7580

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Tyrrell’s Wines

1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 7028

Usher Tinkler Wines

97 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7069

Vinden Estate Wines

138 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7410

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Wombat Crossing Vineyard

530 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7357

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Wynwood Estate

310 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7885

Hunter’s Dream

149 Deasys Rd, Rothbury

02 4998 6509

Macquariedale Organic Wines

170 Sweetwater Rd, Rothbury

02 6574 7012

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Briar Ridge Vineyard

593 Mount View Rd, Mount View

02 4990 3670

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Mount View Estate

502 Mount View Rd, Mount View

02 4990 3307

Petersons Wines

552 Mount View Rd, Mount View

02 4990 1704

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Savannah Estate

402 Mount View Rd, Mount View

02 4990 6326

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Tallavera Grove Vineyard

749 Mount View Rd, Mount View

02 4990 7535

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2 Yarrawa Rd, Denman

02 6547 2556

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Stonehurst Wines

1840 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

02 4998 1576

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Wollombi Wines

Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

02 4998 3427

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BBQ

ADDRESS

KIDS’ PLAYGROUND

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

ART GALLERY

ACCOMMODATION

LOCAL PRODUCE

RESTAURANT/CAFE

GROUP WINE TASTINGS

NAME

TOURS

SAMPLE THE REGION'S AWARD-WINNING WINES.

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UPPER HUNTER Two Rivers Wines

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WOLLOMBI

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Other award winners on the night were:

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Thomas Wines (pictured above) won the Cellar Door of the Year award, sponsored by CBA Local Business Banking and recognising all-round excellence at the cellar door.

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Andrew Pengilly from Tyrrell’s Wines took home the Viticulturist of the Year Award, sponsored by Laffort Australia.

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Rauri Tonkin from First Creek Wines was awarded the Rising Star of the Year award, sponsored by RSN Australia.

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Mark Richardson from Tyrrell’s Wines took home the Winemaker of the Year Award, which is sponsored by First Creek Winemaking Services.

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Hosted by Australian food and wine luminary Lyndey Milan OAM, this year’s event saw hundreds of locals gather to honour the outstanding achievements of the legends – past, present and future – who make Australia’s oldest wine region the very special place it is today.

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Congratulations to the 2017 Hunter Valley Legends Awards winners, who were announced at a gala event at Cypress Lakes Resort earlier this year.

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MEET OUR 2017 HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS

This year the revered ‘Living Legend’ status was bestowed on Ian Tinkler, who has been growing grapes and producing premium wines on his Pokolbin family properties for more than 35 years. He is in prestigious company, with past winners including Ian Scarborough, Bruce McGuigan, Bruce Tyrrell and Jay Tulloch.

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The Hunter Valley Heritage Award, sponsored by Brian and Fay McGuigan, honours the Hunter Valley’s history as Australia’s oldest commercial wine region. This year the award was given to Rothbury Cemetery (at Emma’s Cottage).

And the Hunter Valley Award for Excellence, acknowledging a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries, was won by Bruce Tyrrell.

For full details of the results, visit winecountry.com.au

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

69

CELLAR DOORS BROKE FORDWICH • LOVEDALE

1813

CATHERINE VALE WINES

@ TINONEE VINEYARD ESTATE, 1273 MILBRODALE RD, BROKE

656 MILBRODALE RD, FORDWICH

M 0488 127 321 E info@1813.com.au 1813.com.au

T 02 6579 1334 M 0417 657 915 E wine@catherinevale.com.au catherinevalewines.com.au

Set among the vines on the picturesque Tinonee Vineyard Estate, 1813 is a boutique cellar door offering a variety of single vineyard wines. Experience the distinctive flavours of the wines while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Brokenback Range.

Fri 12–5pm, Sat 10.30am–5pm, Sun 10.30am–4pm

This boutique label produces Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho and three Piemonte varieties - Arneis, Barbera and Dolcetto, all grown on the property. Taste wines in the atmospheric church-style cellar door, play bocce, have a picnic or just take in the amazing views. Fri 11am–3pm, Sat–Sun & public holidays 10.30am–5pm

Krinklewood is a certified biodynamic/organic, family-owned vineyard, managed in a holistic and sustainable way. The French-inspired cellar door is set in Provençal gardens with Wollombi Brook and the Brokenback Range spectacular backdrops. Cheese platters available. Fri–Sun 10am– 5pm

GREENWAY WINES

MARGAN WINERY � RESTAURANT

MOUNT BROKE WINES

350 WOLLOMBI RD, BROKE

���� MILBRODALE RD, BROKE

130 ADAMS PEAK RD, BROKE

Greenway is a family owned vineyard that offers an intimate wine-tasting experience. A breathtaking location on the banks of Wollombi Brook, surrounded by the Brokenback Range, its old world red barn cellar door showcases single-estate, limited release, award-winning wines. Ploughman’s platters available. Sat–Sun 10am–5pm

Leading winemaker Andrew Margan handcrafts premium estate-grown, estate-made wines from the Margan old vine vineyards. Enjoy expansive views of the vineyards and spectacular Brokenback Range from the cellar door. Awarded Best Winery NSW Tourism Hall of Fame and a red 5-star James Halliday rating 2009–2018. Daily 10am–5pm

Established in 1997, Mount Broke Wines has a low yielding, single origin vineyard focused on producing small batches of premium wines. Take in the beautiful outlook of the Brokenback Range while enjoying lunch at Mount Broke Restaurant.

Sat–Sun 10am–5pm

WHISPERING BROOK

ADINA VINEYARD � OLIVE GROVE

ALLANDALE WINERY

T 02 6579 1175 E info@greenwaywines.com.au greenwaywines.com.au

RODD ST, BROKE

T 02 6579 1386 E info@whispering-brook.com whispering-brook.com “Situated in the most idyllic site for wine production, Whispering Brook offers an impressive selection of red and white wines,” wrote travelanthropist.com See for yourself and experience a tutored tour through the winery, vineyards and olive groves followed by a wine tasting. Fri 1.30–4.30pm, Sat 10.30am–5pm, Sun 10.30am –4.30pm

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T 02 6579 1372 E cellardoor@margan.com.au margan.com.au

��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

T 02 4930 7473 E info@adinavineyard.com.au adinavineyard.com.au Adina Vineyard is a destination with something for everyone – great wines, estate-produced providore products, extra virgin olive oils, 4.5-star accommodation, cafe/restaurant and day spa. The friendly staff is ready to welcome you and ensure you enjoy the Adina experience. Daily 10am–5pm

KRINKLEWOOD BIODYNAMIC VINEYARD ��� WOLLOMBI RD, BROKE

T 02 6579 1322 E info@krinklewood.com krinklewood.com

T 02 6579 1314 E philmcnamara@outlook.com.au mountbrokewines.com.au

��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

T 02 4990 4526 E wines@allandalewinery.com.au allandalewinery.com.au Allandale boasts a distinguished portfolio of classic Hunter Valley wines, as well as more contemporary varieties such as Pinot Gris and Tempranillo. Tastings are held in the winery where friendly cellar door staff will help you find wines that you’ll enjoy while taking in the breathtaking Valley views.

Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm

CELLAR DOORS LOVEDALE • NULKABA • POKOLBIN

CAPERCAILLIE WINE

DARK HORSE VINEYARD

GARTELMANN WINES

� LONDONS RD, LOVEDALE

386 WILDERNESS RD, LOVEDALE

��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

Capercaillie winery and cellar door is situated on some of the best vineyards in the Lovedale region.

Producing a range of Hunter Valley wines, including the flagship ‘The Ghillie’ Shiraz and ‘The Creel’ Semillon, as well as selected multi-regional blends.

Daily 10am–4.30pm

The owners of Dark Horse Vineyard have combined their love of wine and horses to bring you the Hunter Valley’s first equestrian-inspired cellar door. The wines are small batch, single vineyard, hand-picked and exclusively Hunter Valley. By appointment

Experience the Gartelmann difference. Come in and be absorbed by the tranquil surrounds of this eco-friendly designed cellar door while you enjoy the quality boutique difference at Gartelmann Wines.

The wines represent the best of the Hunter and beyond. Family owned and operated with passion.

Mon–Sat 9am– 5pm, Sun 10am–4pm

STOMP! WINES

TATLER WINES

ERNEST HILL WINES

504 WILDERNESS RD, LOVEDALE

477 LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

��� WINE COUNTRY DR, NULKABA

Visitors to Stomp! are rewarded with a friendly, relaxed tasting of their two brands – Stomp! and Pssst ‘n’ Broke. Winemaking couple Meredith and Michael share their passion for crafting renowned Hunter Valley classics as well as some rarer and quirkier wines, such as Sparkling Verdelho and Fiano.

Thu–Mon 10am–5pm

Located in the heart of Lovedale, Tatler Wines is a well-known favourite for locals, wine lovers and visitors. Enjoy a relaxed tasting of Tatler’s wonderful wines at the unique oval bar overlooking the Brokenback Range. Daily 10am–5pm

Known for its superb wines and excellent service, this family-owned and operated cellar door is the home of the multi-award-winning Alexander Chardonnay and William Henry Shiraz. It also produces delicious lighter-style dessert wines and a liqueur Muscat.

All wines are exclusive to the cellar door.

Daily 10am–5pm

AUDREY WILKINSON VINEYARD

BEN EAN

BIMBADGEN

��� DEBEYERS RD, POKOLBIN

119 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

Planted in 1866, Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard was the first vineyard established in the Parish of Pokolbin, more than 140 years ago. With breathtaking views of the Hunter Valley, this James Halliday red 5-star winery is an absolute must-visit for visitors to the region.

Daily 10am–5pm (closed Xmas & Boxing Day)

Ben Ean, the former home of Lindeman’s Wines, continues to sell the classic Lindeman’s Hunter and Coonawarra ranges. The cellar door also boasts sales of Savannah Estate, Lisa McGuigan Wines as well as Penfolds, Rosemount Estate and Wolf Blass. Daily 10am–5pm

Located high on a hill in the heart of Hunter Valley, Bimbadgen is a striking winery and vineyard encompassing an expansive cellar door, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant, cafe, outdoor amphitheatre, modern tasting rooms and accommodation in the one stunning location. 5 star James Halliday winery.

Sun–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri–Sat 10am–7pm

T 02 4990 2904 E sales@capercailliewines.com.au capercailliewines.com.au

M 0409 774 280 E meredith@stompwine.com.au stompwine.com.au

T 02 4998 1866 E cellardoor@audreywilkinson.com.au audreywilkinson.com.au

M 0450 206 398 E darkhorsevineyard@hotmail.com darkhorsevineyard.com.au

T 02 4930 9139 E sales@tatlerwines.com tatlerwines.com.au

T 02 4993 3700 E cellardoor@benean.com.au benean.com.au

T 02 4930 7113 E sales@gartelmann.com.au gartelmann.com.au

T 02 4991 4418 E wines@ernesthillwines.com.au ernesthillwines.com.au

T 02 4998 4600 E cellardoor@bimbadgen.com.au bimbadgen.com.au

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BLUEBERRY HILL VINEYARD

BROKENWOOD WINES

CALAIS ESTATE

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

���–��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

151 PALMERS LN, POKOLBIN

You’ll find your thrill at Blueberry Hill, a wellestablished vineyard growing six varieties – Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The boutique cellar door boasts panoramic views across vineyards to the Brokenback Range and there’s lovely B&B accommodation too.

Daily 10am–5pm

Brokenwood’s cellar door boasts an impressive array of premium wines. From the flagship and highly acclaimed Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz to the popular Cricket Pitch range, Brokenwood is a red 5-star James Halliday winery and a must-visit while you’re in the Hunter Valley.

Mon–Sat 9.30am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm

Calais Estate is home to one of the largest boutique wine lists in the Valley, as well as the Come What May gift shop and the renowned Verandah Restaurant.

Wine taste, dine, shop or relax with a gourmet picnic pack in the beautiful Estate grounds.

Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm

CHATEAU FRANCOIS

COCKFIGHTER’S GHOST WINES

CONSTABLE ESTATE

BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN

CNR MCDONALDS � DEBEYERS RDS, POKOLBIN

��� GILLARDS RD, POKOLBIN

Established in 1969 by former NSW Director of Fisheries Dr Don Francois, who is dedicated to producing classic Hunter Valley varieties Semillon and Shiraz at modest prices. Rated a red 5-star winery in the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2015.

Sat–Sun 9am–5pm or by appointment

Located on the historic Post Office Block Vineyard dating from the 1890s. The fabulous cellar door team will introduce you to a great selection of cellar door exclusive and museum release wines from the popular Cockfighter’s Ghost and premium Poole’s Rock ranges.

Daily 10am–5pm (closed Xmas & Boxing Day)

Try the mouth-watering Sparkling Pink Moscato and Botrytis Semillon, and then meet Matilda the cow and solve the mystery tune painted on her shoulder at this delightful property. There are also beautifully landscaped gardens, bronze and marble sculptures, and a new lookout to explore.

Daily 10am–4pm

DAVID HOOK WINES

DE BORTOLI WINES

DEGEN WINES

CNR EKERTS � BROKE RDS, POKOLBIN

��� WINE COUNTRY DR, POKOLBIN

365 DEASYS RD, POKOLBIN

One of the district’s most exclusive small cellars, David Hook Wines specialises in single-vineyard wines made from the region’s traditional varieties including Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, and is also renowned for the Italian varieties Barbera and Pinot Grigio. A 5-star James Halliday winery.

Daily 10am–5pm

Proudly family owned since 1928. This cellar door, at the gateway to Wine Country, offers an extensive portfolio of wines, including the iconic Noble One dessert wine, local Semillon and Shiraz, delicious Moscato as well as premium fortified wines and sparkling wines.

Daily 10am–5pm

Taste 100% Hunter Valley single vineyard Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz wines and experience true Hunter hospitality at this beautiful cellar door. Savour delicious, premium wines made from one of the smallest commercial vineyards and take in the beautiful views from the Degen’s tasting table.

Fri 1–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm

T 02 4998 7295 E blueberryhill@pacific.net.au blueberryhill.com.au

T 02 4998 7548

T 02 4998 7121 E sales@davidhookwines.com.au davidhookwines.com.au

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T 02 4998 7559 E sales@brokenwood.com.au brokenwood.com.au

T 02 4993 3600 E info@cockfightersghost.com.au cockfightersghost.com.au

T 02 4993 8800 E hunter_info@debortoli.com.au debortoli.com.au

T 02 4998 7654 E cellardoor@calaiswines.com.au calaiswines.com.au

T 02 4998 7887 E hunter@constablevineyards.com.au constablevineyards.com.au

T 0437 661 993 E mail@degenwines.com.au degenwines.com.au

CELLAR DOORS POKOLBIN

DE IULIIS WINES

DRAYTON'S FAMILY WINES

ELBOURNE WINES

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

��� OAKEY CREEK RD, POKOLBIN

MARROWBONE RD, POKOLBIN

One of the hardest names to say in the Australian wine industry, but one of the best! This acclaimed producer focuses on regionality and a modern winemaking approach to ensure unique yet highly identifiable wines with a sense of time and place.

A James Halliday red 5-star winery.

Daily 10am–5pm

Drayton’s Family Wines is proud to be one of the oldest, 100 per cent family-owned producers of quality wines. The 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.

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm

Rated 5-Stars and named one of the ‘10 Of The Best New Wineries’ in the 2018 Halliday Wine Companion guide, this is a truly boutique family vineyard. The two-hectare vineyards produce high-quality Chardonnay and Shiraz. Private tastings are designed to bring a touch of “working farm” to the city.

By appointment only

FIRST CREEK WINES

GEMELLI ESTATE

GLANDORE ESTATE WINES

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

��� PALMERS LN, POKOLBIN

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

Awarded the Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and 2011, First Creek Wines is a proud James Halliday red 5-star rated winery. The Silkman family invites you to join the First Creek team for daily sales and tastings of its award-winning wines.

Mon–Wed 9am–6pm, Thu–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm

Enjoy a wine tasting at this boutique family owned vineyard. Relax with a bottle of wine and a cheese platter or fresh wraps, while taking in the picturesque views. Indulge further by booking in for the monthly high tea or stay onsite in the cosy cottage. Fri 10am–4pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm, Mon 10am–2pm

Glandore Estate’s aim has been to produce wines of great character, regionality and style from the traditional varieties known in the Hunter Valley to new and exciting alternative varieties such as Tempranillo and Savagnin. Visit the boutique cellar door and taste what everyone’s talking about.

Daily 10am–5pm

GUNDOG HUNTER CELLAR � GOURMET PANTRY

HANGING TREE WINES

HART & HUNTER

��� O'CONNORS RD, POKOLBIN

463 DEASYS RD, POKOLBIN

One of the most picturesque properties in the Hunter Valley with a rose garden, duck pond, olive grove, luxurious homestead and a cowshed-converted cellar door – all teeming with character. Book your next getaway or pop in to taste the award-winning wines.

Daily 10am–5pm

Winemaking couple Damien Stevens and Jodie Belleville are the hands behind Hart & Hunter. It’s a premium boutique brand doing things their own way, specialising in single vineyard wines that reflect provenance and a sense of place. A visit to this cellar door is a true Hunter Valley experience.

Thu–Sun 10am–4pm

T 02 4993 8000 E sales@dewine.com.au dewine.com.au

T 02 4998 2992 E sales@firstcreekwines.com.au firstcreekwines.com.au

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 6873 E info@gundogestate.com.au gundogestate.com.au Discover high-quality regionally distinct wines and a hand-picked selection of gourmet products, reflecting Gundog’s ‘quality over quantity’ philosophy at this 5-star James Halliday winery. Awarded Best Small Cellar Door – Lower Hunter by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine in 2013. Daily 10am–5pm

T 02 4998 7513 E drink@draytons.com.au draytonswines.com.au

T 02 4998 7910 E info@gemelliestate.com.au gemelliestate.com.au

T 02 4998 6608 E info@hangingtreewines.com.au hangingtreewines.com.au

T 02 4998 6996 E elbournewines@bigpond.com elbournewines.com.au

T 02 4998 7140 E info@glandorewines.com glandorewines.com

T 02 4998 7645 E info@hartandhunter.com.au hartandhunter.com.au

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HERMITAGE ROAD CELLARS � WINERY

HUNGERFORD HILL WINES

KELMAN VINEYARD

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

� OAKEY CREEK RD, POKOLBIN

Featuring local wines by Lisa McGuigan, Crisford, Hele, Hook, Margan, Stormy Ridge, and Majors Lane.

Also onsite is the Matilda Bay Brewhouse and the new Hunter Adventure Centre. Daily 10am–5pm (closed Xmas Day) Wine Theatre 11am & 2pm

Rated a 5-star winery in the 2014 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion, Hungerford Hill offers a premium tasting experience in stylish surrounds.

Enjoy a traditional stand-up tasting, or book in for a seated Epic™ food and wine tasting experience with bites prepared by Muse Restaurant.

Sun–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri–Sat 10am–6pm

Nestled at the gateway to Mount View, Kelman is a community-owned vineyard producing both classic, premium wines and a range of sweet wines. Kelman loves to share its passion for their wines. Visit the cellar door and enjoy an informative and personal wine tasting with the friendly cellar door staff.

Daily 10am–4pm

KEVIN SOBELS WINES

LAKE’S FOLLY

LAMBLOCH ESTATE

� HALLS RD, POKOLBIN

2416 BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

The Sobels winery stands on the corner of Broke and Halls Roads in Pokolbin, and every wine for sale under the Sobels label is made, aged and bottled onsite. The sales room is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable people offering a range of dry and sweeter style Hunter Valley wines.

Daily 9am–5pm

A Hunter icon, and Australia’s first boutique winery, Lake’s Folly was established in 1963. Its two flagship wines, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay, are produced in limited quantities and grown, made, and bottled on the Estate. James Halliday red 5-star winery. Daily 10am–4pm (when wine available)

The perfect place to relax. Producing a wide array of wines from the alternate Flipside styles to the Classics. Also home to Pokolbin Cider House. Allow the experienced staff to take you on a journey through the diverse range available.

Daily 10am–5pm

MCGUIGAN WINES

MCLEISH ESTATE

MISTLETOE WINERY

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

��� DEBEYERS RD, POKOLBIN

��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

Winner of the 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2016 International Winemaker of the Year, and 2009, 2012 and 2013 International White Winemaker of the Year, McGuigan Wines is a must-visit destination. Enjoy awardwinning museum and cellar-door-only wines in the recently refurbished tasting rooms.

Daily 9.30am–5pm

Over 32 vintages this James Halliday 5-star winery has established itself as one of the region’s most awarded premium boutique wineries, including winning the Best Semillon Trophy at the 2016 London International Wine Challenge. It’s an essential stop for anyone who enjoys exceptional wines.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm

Mistletoe is a small family-owned and operated vineyard and winery established by the current owners in 1989. From vineyard to bottle, Mistletoe’s ‘quality without compromise’ approach to producing small quantities of premium wine has earned it a James Halliday 5-star rating from 2007 to 2014.

Daily 10am–6pm (closed Xmas Day)

CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7777 E wines@hunterresort.com.au hunterresort.com.au

T 02 4998 7766 E kevin@sobelswines.com.au sobelswines.com.au

T 02 4998 4111 E hunter@mcguiganwines.com.au mcguiganwines.com.au

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T 02 4998 7666 E wines@hungerfordhill.com.au hungerfordhill.com.au

T 02 4998 7507 E wine@lakesfolly.com.au lakesfolly.com.au

T 02 4998 7754 E info@mcleishhunterwines.com.au mcleishhunterwines.com.au

T 02 4991 5456 E admin@kelmanvineyard.com.au kelmanvineyard.com.au

T 02 4998 6722 E cellardoor@lambloch.com lambloch.com

T 1800 055 080 E office@mistletoewines.com.au mistletoewines.com.au

CELLAR DOORS POKOLBIN

MISTY GLEN WINES � COTTAGE

MOOREBANK VINEYARD ESTATE

MOUNT PLEASANT CELLAR DOOR

��� DEASYS RD, POKOLBIN

150 PALMERS LN, POKOLBIN

��� MARROWBONE RD, POKOLBIN

Taste, play and stay at Misty Glen in the heart of the Hunter Valley! This boutique vineyard produces Semillon, Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which are created into traditional and unusual wine styles. Mention Hunter Valley Magazine and receive discounts on wine purchases. Fri, Sun & Mon 10am–4pm, Sat 10am–5pm

Moorebank is a boutique family-owned and operated business since 1986, specialising in premium wines and handmade, wine-inspired condiments. Take a selfie with Sheila the sheep, indulge in a tasting and relax on this picturesque vineyard estate while you wine a little and laugh a lot. Daily 10am–5pm

Mount Pleasant is one of the great wine estates of Australia with a 5-star James Halliday rating. Taste benchmark wines while enjoying the scenery of the surrounding vineyards and stunning backdrop of the Brokenback Range. Daily 10am–4pm

OAKVALE WINES

PEPPER TREE WINES

PETER DRAYTON WINES

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

�� HALLS RD, POKOLBIN

@ IRONBARK HILL VINEYARD, ��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 6574 7085

This family-owned winery has a real passion for viticultural practices and minimal intervention winemaking. The premium handcrafted wines are sold exclusively through the state-of-the-art cellar door and it is one of the Valley’s few gourmet cider and Bellini producers. Daily 10am–5pm, Anzac Day 12– 5pm (closed Xmas Day)

Pepper Tree was established in 1991 and hand-crafts wines of purity, elegance and distinction. It continues to receive national and international recognition for its wines, which you can taste at the picturesque cellar door and also relax with an award-winning coffee roasted onsite at Contango Espresso Roasters.

Daily 9am–5pm

T 02 4998 7781 E wines@mistyglen.com.au mistyglen.com.au

T 02 4998 7088 E info@oakvalewines.com.au oakvalewines.com.au

T 02 4998 7610 E sales@moorebankvineyard.com.au moorebankvineyard.com

T 02 4909 7100 E ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au peppertreewines.com.au

T 02 4998 7505 E mtpleasant@mcwilliamswines.com.au mountpleasantwines.com.au

E cellardoor@peterdraytonwines.com.au peterdraytonwines.com.au

Five-star rated James Halliday boutique cellar door with an outstanding collection of medal-winning wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon, as well as sparkling and fortified wines. Onsite accommodation and a relaxed coffee shop with vineyard vistas. Daily 10am–5pm

SOME OF OUR VINES ARE OLDER THAN THE ONES IN FR ANCE. LUCK Y YOU.

A curious fact but true. Planted in 1867, our vines were untouched by the phylloxera epidemic of the late 1800s which wiped out all of France's vineyards.

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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CELLAR DOORS POKOLBIN

PETERSON HOUSE

RIDGEVIEW WINES

ROTHVALE WINERY

CNR BROKE RD � WINE COUNTRY DR, POKOLBIN

��� SWEETWATER RD, POKOLBIN

��� DEASYS RD, POKOLBIN

With the bubbles floating and bubbles flowing, Peterson House is the experts in sparkling wine. From the fun fruity whites to the full-bodied reds, enjoy and indulge in what Peterson House does best, sparkling wine. Remember, “Life’s flat without bubbles!”

Daily 9am–5pm

Boutique family-owned winery showcasing award-winning wines in Riedel glasses. Renowned Generations and Impressions ranges, and an eclectic mix of lesser-known varietals. Private tasting room available for small groups (bookings essential). Onsite restaurant specialising in food-wine pairing and cottage accommodation. Wed–Sun 10am–5pm

Enjoy some classic Hunter Valley varieties and learn about the wine production process and how to taste wine with father-and-son team Max and Luke Patton at this 75-acre working vineyard. You can also sleep among the vines in one of the five comfortable country cottages.

Daily 10am–4pm

SADDLER’S CREEK WINES

SCARBOROUGH ON HERMITAGE

SCARBOROUGH WINE CO.

�� MARROWBONE RD, POKOLBIN

��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

��� GILLARDS RD, POKOLBIN

Saddler’s Creek, a James Halliday 5-star rated winery, crafts regional premium white, red and dessert wines that are distinctively different. Be welcomed at the cellar door and enjoy award-winning wines from some of Australia’s premium growing regions. Saddler’s, the home of Bluegrass and Club Equus.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm

Scarborough on Hermitage is another home for the Scarborough Wine Co. This bright, modern space is one of the Hunter Valley’s most exciting venues, offering an exceptional tasting experience, amazing views and winery tours. For the Scarboroughs, it’s not just making wine, it’s a way of life.

Thu–Mon 10am–5pm

This family-owned business is one of the leading names in quality Hunter Valley wine, specialising in Chardonnay. You’ll be wooed by the distinctly regional wines and the sweeping views at the cosy cellar door, which offers a relaxed seated tasting.

Daily 9am–5pm

SMALL WINEMAKERS CENTRE

TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES

TEMPUS TWO CELLAR DOOR

426 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

358 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

CNR BROKE � MCDONALDS RDS, POKOLBIN

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, the Small Winemakers Centre offers the largest range of premium wines in the Hunter Valley. With five of the best winemakers under one roof – Little Wine Co, Silkman, Thomas, David Hook and Hart & Hunter – this is your must-do cellar door. Daily 10am–5pm

Through embracing ‘contemporary organics’, Tamburlaine has gained a reputation as an innovator without compromising wine quality. Tamburlaine’s enthusiasm to experiment with sustainable agriculture and winemaking practices, is the driving force behind its success in producing brilliant wine, with body and soul. Daily 9am–5pm (closed Xmas Day)

The striking Tempus Two cellar door stands out from the crowd and so does the wine. There’s a fashionable collection of award-winning wines for tasting, many hand-crafted exclusively for the cellar door, including the Copper Series Shiraz and Semillon. Groups and private tastings welcome (bookings essential).

Daily 10am–5pm

T 02 4998 7881 E bubbles@petersonhouse.com.au petersonhouse.com.au

T 02 4991 1770 E winery@saddlerscreek.com saddlerscreek.com; clubequus.com.au

T 02 4998 7668 E info@smallwinemakers.com.au smallwinemakers.com.au

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T 02 6574 7332 E wines@ridgeview.com.au ridgeview.com.au

T 02 4998 6538 E cellar@scarboroughwine.com.au scarboroughwine.com.au

T 02 4998 4200 E sales@tamburlaine.com.au tamburlaine.com.au

T 02 4998 7290 E wines@rothvale.com.au rothvale.com.au

T 02 4998 7563 E info@scarboroughwine.com.au scarboroughwine.com.au

T 02 4993 3999 E cellardoor@tempustwo.com.au tempustwo.com.au

CELLAR DOORS POKOLBIN • ROTHBURY

THOMAS WINES

TINKLERS

@ ESTATE TUSCANY, CNR HERMITAGE RD & MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

�� POKOLBIN MOUNTAINS RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7134 E cellardoor@thomaswines.com.au thomaswines.com.au

T 02 4998 7435 E enjoy@tinklers.com.au tinklers.com.au

TINTILLA ESTATE WINES � OLIVES ��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 6574 7093 E info@tintilla.com.au tintilla.com.au

Specialising in single-vineyard Semillon and Shiraz, Thomas Wines has access to some of the Valley’s most distinguished vineyards, producing world-class, uniquely regional wine styles. A red 5-star James Halliday winery. Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year 2017. Daily 10am–5pm

Enjoy quality single-vineyard wines made from 100 per cent estate-grown grapes at this James Halliday 5-star winery in the foothills of the Pokolbin Mountains and share the history of the Tinkler family, who have lived in the Hunter Valley for more than 100 years.

Daily 10am–5pm

TULLOCH WINES

TYRRELL’S WINES

USHER TINKLER WINES

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

97 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

Tulloch’s story began in 1895 when John Younie Tulloch accepted a neglected vineyard as payment of a debt and so began the proud family tradition that continues today with 24 wines for tasting, including the acclaimed Verdelho. A James Halliday red 5-star winery.

Daily 10am–5pm (closed Good Friday & Xmas Day)

Celebrating 160 years of continuous wine production, Tyrrell’s is one of Australia’s pre-eminent familyowned wine companies and home to some of the world’s most iconic wines. The cellar door showcases an enormous range of award-winning local and regional wines. Winery tours daily at 10.30am & 1.30pm. Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm

Usher Tinkler Wines blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary winemaking. Usher’s wines have been created for discussion – born for sociability. Wine is best when shared with friends and food. Explore this yourself and enjoy some salumi and cheese with your tasting.

Daily 10am–5pm

VINDEN ESTATE WINES

WOMBAT CROSSING VINEYARD

HUNTER’S DREAM

��� GILLARDS RD, POKOLBIN

530 HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

149 DEASYS RD, ROTHBURY

Vinden Estate Wines is a family-owned and operated boutique Hunter Valley winery and vineyard. The Vinden family handcrafts its wines (literally, not figuratively) on-site from hand-picked grapes using the traditional methods of open fermentation, hand plunging and basket pressing.

Wed–Sun 10am–5pm

Some say the personalised tastings at this small cellar door are one of the Valley’s best wine-tasting experiences. You can enjoy outstanding aged, single vineyard wines in a lovely country setting, so visit and see if the smallest winegrower in the Valley can make great wine! Sat 10.30am–5pm, Fri and Mon by appointment

��� DEBEYERS RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7580 E cellardoor@tullochwines.com tullochwines.com

T 02 4998 7410 E finewines@vindenestate.com.au vindenestate.com.au

T 02 4993 7028 E cellardoor@tyrrells.com.au tyrrells.com.au

T 02 6574 7357 E wines@wombatcrossing.net wombatcrossing.com.au

Tintilla finds that perfect blend of food, wine and family. Take a seat at the table in the cellar door, sip the wines and taste estate-grown olives, vinegars, verjuice and homemade relishes while looking out over the rolling vines. Cheese platters also available.

Daily 10.30am–6pm

T 02 4998 7069 E enquiries@ushertinklerwines.com ushertinklerwines.com

T 02 4998 6509 E admin.hd@naturescare.com.au Discover the unforgettable tranquillity and beauty of this 77-hectare estate, owned and managed by renowned health care company, Nature’s Care. Enjoy exquisite gardens and vineyards whilst tasting an exceptional range of estate-produced wines at the newly opened cellar door.

Daily 10am–4.30pm

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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CELLAR DOORS

ROTHBURY • MOUNT VIEW • UPPER HUNTER • WOLLOMBI

MACQUARIEDALE ORGANIC WINES

BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD

MOUNT VIEW ESTATE

��� SWEETWATER RD, ROTHBURY

T 02 6574 7012 E sales@macquariedale.com.au macquariedale.com.au

��� MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW

T 02 4990 3670 E cellardoor@briarridge.com.au briarridge.com.au

502 MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW

Visit Macquariedale and experience striking views and an award-winning range of certified organic and biodynamic wines, rich in flavour, full of colour and with a fabulous diversity of aromas (as well as low in sulphur preservatives) achieved through sustainable farming practices. Vineyard tours by arrangement.

Daily 10am–5pm

This James Halliday 5-star rated winery is a leading producer of iconic Hunter Valley wines, consistently winning awards. The charming cellar door, with mountain views and tranquil gardens, offers wine tasting, sales and cheese and antipasto plates. The reception room is ideal for weddings.

Daily 10am–5pm

Located in the picturesque Mount View region, offering highly awarded wines all handmade on-site.

From vine to glass, Mount View Estate prides itself on producing exceptional boutique wines. This premium winery is a James Halliday red 5-star rated winery. Go and taste the wines, experience the hospitality and enjoy the incredible view! Daily 10am–5pm

PETERSONS WINES

SAVANNAH ESTATE

TALLAVERA GROVE VINEYARD

��� MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW

��� MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW

T 02 4990 6326 E wine@savannahestate.com.au savannahestate.com.au

��� MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW

T 02 4990 7535 E cellardoor@tallaveragrove.com.au tallaveragrove.com.au

The family-owned Petersons Wines has been making award-winning wines for more than 30 years. Sitting among the rolling hills of Mount View, the cellar door has a spectacular backdrop with impressive views and friendly staff who will treat you to a taste of the current releases.

Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm

Cosy and inviting boutique cellar door with medal-winning wines at the gateway to Mount View.

Taste a range of sparkling, dessert, red and white wines made from select parcels of fruit from the Hunter Valley and other regions on the verandah or indoors by the fire in winter.

Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm

Nestled in the scenic hills of Mount View with breathtaking views over the Valley, this James Halliday 5-star winery offers single-vineyard, small production wines, including cult Italian varieties such as Vermentino and Sagrantino. All wines are available to enjoy over lunch at the adjoining Bistro Molines restaurant. Thu–Mon 10am–5pm

TWO RIVERS WINES

STONEHURST WINES

WOLLOMBI WINES

� YARRAWA RD, DENMAN

T 02 6547 2556 E linda@tworivers.com.au tworivers.com.au

���� WOLLOMBI RD, WOLLOMBI

T 02 4998 1576 E wines@stonehurst.com.au stonehurst.com.au

WOLLOMBI RD, WOLLOMBI

Escape to the tranquillity of the Upper Hunter at Two Rivers, near the picturesque village of Denman, just an hour’s drive from Pokolbin. Enjoy award-winning wines with a tasting platter filled with local produce while relaxing on the sun-drenched deck overlooking the new sandstone sculpture collection. A James Halliday 5-star winery. Daily 11am–4pm

Stonehurst believes that a great wine begins in the vineyard, producing award-winning wines from organically grown, hand-picked fruit. Enjoy a warm welcome at this boutique winery, beside the original convict road on an 1820s Napoleonic War veteran’s land grant.

Daily 10am–5pm

Wollombi Wines boasts a scenic setting on the banks of Wollombi Brook, just 1km from the historic village of Wollombi. Savour winemaker Nick Paterson’s superb wines and enjoy a picnic and BBQ facilities under shady pergolas. Groups, kids and pets all welcome.

Wed–Mon 10am–5pm

T 02 4990 1704 E sales@petersonswines.com.au petersonswines.com.au

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T 02 4990 3307 E sales@mtviewestate.com.au mtviewestate.com.au

T 02 4998 3427 E orders@wollombiwines.com.au wollombiwines.com.au

Home Grown Traditions When you have someone to share your passion with, anything is possible. Ian & Merralea Scarborough may have started Scarborough Wine Co. in the late 70s, however creating amazing wine runs in this family.

Over 10 years ago Jerome Scarborough returned to the Hunter Valley to collaborate with Ian and became the second winemaker for Scarborough Wine Co. Working so closely with your family can be tough, however both Ian and Jerome have always found

Scarborough Wine Co. 179 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin

Scarborough on Hermitage 972 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

common ground when it comes to making great wine.

Their combined passion is driving Ian and Jerome to not only continue producing wines like their classic Yellow Label Chardonnay, but creating new traditions such as their Pinot Noir RosĂŠ and I.M Red blend.

Today you can taste Scarborough wines in two unique locations in the gorgeous Hunter Valley.

When you drink Scarborough wine, you get more than a great wine, you become part of the family. Our Home. Your Wine.

www.scarboroughwine.com.au 1300 888 545 or cellar@scarboroughwine.com.au

Restaurants & cafes.

LICENSED

VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

SPECIAL DIETS

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02 4990 9553

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FREE WIFI

@ Tallavera Grove, 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View

SUN

BYO

02 6579 1372

AL FRESCO DINING

1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

MAP

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PHONE

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ADDRESS

LUNCH

NAME

BREAKFAST

GET A TASTE FOR THE HUNTER VALLEY WAY OF LIFE.

BROKE Margan Winery & Restaurant

MOUNT VIEW Bistro Molines

LOVEDALE Emerson’s Cafe & Restaurant

@ Adina Vineyard, 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 7029

Lovedale Smokehouse Cafe

64 Majors Ln, Lovedale

02 4930 7832

Redsalt Restaurant

@ Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

02 4991 0944

Sabor Tea Room

319 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

1300 958 850

The Deck Cafe

@ Gartelmann Wines, 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 9007

Amanda’s on the Edge

@ Windsor’s Edge Vineyard, 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7900

FRI–MON

7 DAYS

Baumé @ Ben Ean

119 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 3705

7 DAYS

THU-MON

Brokenback Bar

@ Estate Tuscany, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7288

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

Cafe Enzo

@ Peppers Creek Village, Cnr Broke & Ekerts Rds, Pokolbin

02 4998 7233

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

Cypress Lakes Bistro & Bar

@ Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, 15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 1555

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

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Epoche Lounge Bar

@ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, 336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7680

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

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Esca Bimbadgen

@ Bimbadgen, 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4666

7 DAYS

FRI–SAT

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EXP Restaurant

@ Oakvale Wines, 1596 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7264

FRI–SUN

WED–SAT

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2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4300

7 DAYS

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Il Cacciatore Restaurant

@ Hermitage Lodge, 609 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7639

7 DAYS

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Locavore Dining

@ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, 336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7680

7 DAYS

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Matilda Bay Brewhouse + Dining

@ Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7777

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

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Muse Kitchen

@ Keith Tulloch Winery, Cnr Hermitage & Deasys Rds, Pokolbin

02 4998 7899

WED–SUN

SAT

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Muse Restaurant

@ Hungerford Hill Wines, 2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6777

SAT–SUN

WED–SAT

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Oishii

@ Roche Estate Complex, Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rds, Pokolbin

02 4998 7051

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

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Restaurant Botanica

@ Spicers Vineyards Estate, 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7229

SAT–SUN

5 DAYS

✓

Restaurant Cuvée

@ Peterson House, Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

02 4998 7881

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

RidgeView Restaurant

@ RidgeView Wines, 273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7332

FRI–SUN

THU–SUN

THU–SUN

Sabor Dessert Bar

@ Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

1300 958 939

THU–MON THU–MON

FRI–SAT

Taste of the Country

Shop 11, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6605

The Cellar Restaurant

@ Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7584

SAT–SUN

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7 DAYS

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POKOLBIN � ROTHBURY

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7 DAYS

7 DAYS

7 DAYS MON–SAT

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Restaurants & cafes.

@ The Vintage Golf Club, Vintage Dr, Rothbury

02 4998 2213

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

17 Vincent St, Cessnock

02 4990 8666

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

41–43 George St, Singleton

02 6572 1866

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02 4998 6699

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@ De Iuliis Wines, 1616 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen

LICENSED

02 4998 7231

KIDS’ MENU

@ Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

HAMPERS

02 4998 7288

The Verandah Restaurant

FUNCTIONS

THU–SUN

@ Estate Tuscany, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

FREE WIFI

7 DAYS

7 DAYS

The Mill Restaurant

BYO

SAT-SUN

PHONE

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7 DAYS

ADDRESS

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

NAME

BREAKFAST

GET A TASTE FOR THE HUNTER VALLEY WAY OF LIFE.

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ROTHBURY The Legends Grill

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CESSNOCK Al-Oi Thai Restaurant

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RUGS � ROLLS

Pick up some goodies from one of the Hunter Valley’s gourmet producers and head to a vineyard for a picnic or barbecue: Gemelli Estate

1 x Gas BBQ

Hermitage Road Cellars & Winery

2 x Gas BBQs

Kevin Sobels Wines

1 x Gas BBQ

McLeish Estate

4 x Gas BBQs

Pepper Tree Wines

Picnic Area

Petersons Wines

1 x Gas BBQ

Stonehurst Wines

Picnic Area

Tellace Wines

2 x Gas BBQs

Tyrrell’s Wines

3 x Electric BBQs

Wollombi Wines

2 x Gas BBQs

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Families should also consider making tracks to Hunter Valley Gardens Village, which offers the biggest and best public barbecue and picnic area, featuring six electric barbecues and a children’s playground to keep the little ones happy.

It’s all about the EXP.erience.

At EXP. our focus is to create a dining EXP.erience that is delicious, entertaining and interactive.

Lunch - Wed to Sun 12.00pm - 2.30pm / Dinner - Wed to Sat 6.00pm - 8.30pm

02 4998 7264 - reservations@exprestaurant.com.au 1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 NSW

Located on the right hand side of Oakvale Winery

www.exprestaurant.com.au

RESTAURANTS � CAFES BROKE • MOUNT VIEW • LOVEDALE • POKOLBIN

MARGAN WINERY � RESTAURANT

BISTRO MOLINES

EMERSON’S CAFE � RESTAURANT

���� MILBRODALE RD, BROKE

@ TALLAVERA GROVE, ��� MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW T 02 4990 9553

@ ADINA VINEYARD, ��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

Savour the complete food and wine experience, with seasonal cuisine sourced locally and from Margan’s kitchen garden with estate-grown wines. One Chef’s Hat SMH 2017, Excellence in Food Tourism, Australian Tourism Awards 2016, Sustainable Restaurant of the Year, SMH GFG 2014; NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

Lunch Fri–Sun 12–3pm, dinner Thu–Sat 6–9pm

Bistro Molines boasts spectacular views overlooking Mount View vineyards. Robert and Sally Molines take pleasure in offering French Provincial dishes combined with attentive, friendly service and beautiful surrounds. Awarded one chef’s hat Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2010–2014.

Lunch Thu–Mon 12–3pm, dinner Fri–Sat 7–9pm

Emerson’s caters for hungry diners with hearty breakfasts, lunches and Modern Australian cuisine during dinner service, with the option of an eight-course degustation menu Thu–Sun nights.

Breakfast Sat–Sun 8–11am, lunch Wed–Sun 11am–3pm, dinner Thu–Sun 6–10pm

LOVEDALE SMOKEHOUSE CAFE

REDSALT RESTAURANT

SABOR TEA ROOM

�� MAJORS LN, LOVEDALE

@ CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY, 430 WINE COUNTRY DR, LOVEDALE

319 WILDERNESS RD, LOVEDALE

T 02 6579 1372 E restaurant@margan.com.au margan.com.au

T 02 4930 7832 E majorslane@bigpond.com majorslane.com Lovedale Smokehouse Cafe serves handmade artisanal charcuterie including smoked and cured meats, fish and cheese. Enjoy a relaxing lunch with a glass of estate-grown wine in the stunning courtyard complete with water features and vineyard views, or indoors surrounded by local artwork.

Lunch Thu–Mon 10.30am–4pm

E dine@bistromolines.com.au bistromolines.com.au

T 02 4991 0944 E redsalt.hunter@ihg.com crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au Redsalt was inspired by the fundamental flavours of red river salts and has an uncompromising focus on enhancing excellent produce, particularly meat, with beef sourced direct from Australia’s very best producers.

Breakfast Mon–Fri 6.30–10am, Sat–Sun 6.30– 10.30am, dinner daily 6–10pm

Sabor Tea Room is the Hunter Valley’s premier tea house where you can enjoy the ultimate High Tea experience.

Vintage tea sets and a selection of savoury and sweet delights will please both your eyes and your palate.

Two tea sessions daily on weekends. Bookings essential.

Sat–Sun 10.30am & 2.30pm

AMANDA’S ON THE EDGE

@ GARTELMANN WINES, ��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

@ WINDSOR’S EDGE VINEYARD, ���� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

The Deck Cafe, located at Gartelmann Wines in Lovedale, is a stylish restaurant-style cafe open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The cafe provides a diverse menu complemented by Garltelmann wines and a generous range of beverages, including Piazza D'oro coffee. Mon–Fri 8.30am–3.30pm, Sat–Sun 8am–3.30pm

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

T 1300 958 850 E sabortearoom@gmail.com sabortearoom.com.au

THE DECK CAFE LOVEDALE T 02 4930 9007 E info@deckcafelovedale.com.au deckcafelovedale.com.au

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T 02 4930 7029 E info@emersonsrestaurant.com.au emersonsrestaurant.com.au

T 02 4998 7900 E dine@amandas.com.au amandas.com.au Amanda’s on the Edge offers magnificent vineyard views from every table. Dine on delicious international and Modern Australian seasonal flavours by the log fire in winter, al fresco on the verandah or at lawn tables that are ideal for families with young children.

Lunch Fri–Mon 12–3pm, dinner daily 5.30–9.30pm

RESTAURANTS � CAFES POKOLBIN

BAUMÉ @ BEN EAN

BROKENBACK BAR

CAFE ENZO

119 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

@ ESTATE TUSCANY, CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

@ PEPPERS CREEK VILLAGE, CNR BROKE � EKERTS RDS, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7233 E cafeenzo@westnet.com.au

T 02 4993 3705 E baume@benean.com.au Baumé is a measurement of sugar content in grapes at harvest time, ensuring they are picked at the perfect time to produce the highest quality wine. Baumé restaurant follows the same principle, meaning all ingredients are chosen for maximum freshness. Lunch daily 11am–4pm, dinner Thu–Mon 6–9pm

T 02 4998 7288 E reservations@estatetuscany.com.au estatetuscany.com.au

enzohuntervalley.com.au

Enjoy unsurpassed views overlooking vineyards and the mountain range while having a casual bite to eat.

Wood-fired pizzas, share plates, tapas, Movenpick ice-cream and sweet things to have with your coffee or tea. Takeaway, group and private bookings available.

Mon–Fri 12.30pm–late, Sat–Sun 12pm–late

Sip a Campos coffee while feasting on seasonal menus using homemade and locally grown produce.

Cafe Enzo is known for its sandstone surrounds, relaxed al fresco dining and Victorian fireplace.

Functions on request. Open for breakfast and lunch.

Mon–Thu 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–4.30pm, Sat 8.30am– 4.30pm, Sun 8am–4pm

CYPRESS LAKES BISTRO & BAR

EPOCHE LOUNGE BAR

ESCA BIMBADGEN

@ OAKS CYPRESS LAKES RESORT, 15 THOMPSONS RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4993 1555

@ KIRKTON PARK HUNTER VALLEY, 336 OAKEY CREEK RD, POKOLBIN

@ BIMBADGEN, ��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

Members, guests and locals relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Cypress Lakes Bistro & Bar overlooking the spectacular fairways, vineyards and Brockenback Range. Live entertainment on weekends.

Breakfast Mon–Fri 7–10am, Sat–Sun 7–10.30am, lunch daily 11am–5pm, dinner daily 5pm–late

Introducing Epoche Lounge Bar, the Hunter Valley's new home of cocktails, local wines and craft beer.

Enjoy burgers and tapas in front of the roaring open fire or pizza straight from the outdoor wood-fired oven. Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat noon–late

EXP RESTAURANT

HARRIGAN’S IRISH PUB � ACCOMMODATION

E RBMCypressLakes@theoaksgroup.com.au oakshotels.com

@ OAKVALE WINES, 1596 BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7264 E reservations@exprestaurant.com.au exprestaurant.com.au This hidden gem is chic and intimate with handcrafted local furniture and views overlooking the kitchen garden. Guests can sit along the bar and peer directly into the kitchen while interacting with chef Frank Fawkner and his team. Lunch Fri–Sun 12–3pm, dinner Wed–Sat 6–9pm

T 02 4998 7680 E reservationskirktonpark@ihg.com kirktonparkhuntervalley.com.au

T 02 4998 4666 E esca@bimbadgen.com.au bimbadgen.com.au

Dedicated to the art of food and wine matching, Esca’s Modern Australian cuisine and spectacular views make for a memorable dining experience.

Winner of over 15 awards for excellence in its 12-year history, Esca exemplifies the unique nature of a winery restaurant. Lunch daily from 12pm, dinner Fri–Sat from 6pm

IL CACCIATORE RESTAURANT

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

@ HERMITAGE LODGE, ��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7639

This family-friendly hotel offers excellent value meals with live entertainment every weekend and a jumping castle for the kids. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or select from the range of boutique Australian and imported beers. Daily, breakfast 7–10.30am, lunch 12–3pm, dinner 5.30–9pm

Il Cacciatore offers Northern Italian-inspired cuisine using fresh, local produce and authentic Italian ingredients. Dine in a relaxed atmosphere indoors or al fresco overlooking the reed-lined dam with friendly, attentive service. Takeaway pizzas and pastas from 5pm daily. Gnocchi-making classes on request. Dinner daily from 6pm; lunch for private functions only

T 02 4998 4300 E enquiries@harrigans.com.au harrigans.com.au

E info@hermitagelodge.com.au ilcacciatore.com.au

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LOCAVORE DINING @ KIRKTON PARK HUNTER VALLEY, ��� OAKEY CREEK RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7680 E reservationskirktonpark@ihg.com kirktonparkhuntervalley.com.au

MATILDA BAY BREWHOUSE + DINING @ HUNTER VALLEY RESORT, CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7777

E dining@hunterresort.com.au hunterresort.com.au

MUSE KITCHEN @ KEITH TULLOCH WINERY, CNR HERMITAGE � DEASYS RDS, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7899

E muse@musedining.com.au musedining.com.au

A locavore is a person interested in eating food that is produced locally within 100 miles of home. The Farm, Forage and Graze menu features ingredients from the grounds at Kirkton Park and local Hunter Valley producers. Private dining room available for group bookings. Dinner daily from 6pm

Offering bites, pizza and pasta, with all pasta made from scratch in the traditional Italian way. Sample the 12 craft brews, see the wine theatre, wine and cooking school, and the candymaking class. Dine in or takeaway. Daily, breakfast 7.30–9.30am, lunch 12–4pm, dinner 6pm–late

Located at Keith Tulloch Winery, this Europeaninspired bistro is the little sister to Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill Wines. Inspired by seasonal produce and quality-controlled cooking, Muse Kitchen offers an award-winning casual dining experience for you to enjoy, relax and share.

Lunch Wed–Sun 12–3pm, dinner Sat 6–9pm

MUSE RESTAURANT

OISHII

RESTAURANT BOTANICA

@ HUNGERFORD HILL WINES, ���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 6777

@ ROCHE ESTATE COMPLEX, CNR BROKE � MCDONALDS RDS, POKOLBIN

@ SPICERS VINEYARDS ESTATE, ��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 6574 7229

Focused on delivering refined, seasonal produce with professional, intuitive service that strives to impress, comfort and connect, Muse is one of Australia’s finest regional restaurants. After seven successful years, multiple awards and thousands of delighted diners, Muse continues to deliver a memorable experience.

Lunch Sat–Sun 12–3pm, dinner Wed–Sat 6.30–10pm

This Thai/Japanese restaurant offers an extensive menu including traditional favourites such as teriyaki chicken, Thai curries, sushi and sashimi.

Dine inside the Asian-themed room or on the covered terrace overlooking the vines and architecturally designed amphitheatre. Takeaway available.

Daily, lunch 11.30am–3pm, dinner 5.30–9.30pm

With stunning vineyard and mountain views, an award-winning wine list, a welcoming and passionate team, and an abundant kitchen garden, Restaurant Botanica offers intimate and relaxed regional dining at its best. Lunch Sat–Sun 12–3pm, dinner Wed–Sun from 6pm

RESTAURANT CUVÉE

RIDGEVIEW RESTAURANT

@ PETERSON HOUSE, CNR BROKE RD & WINE COUNTRY DR, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7881

@ RIDGEVIEW WINES, ��� SWEETWATER RD, POKOLBIN T 02 6574 7332

@ LAMBLOCH ESTATE, 2342 BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

E dine@ridgeview.com.au ridgeview.com.au

T 1300 958 939 E saborpokolbin@gmail.com saborinthehunter.com.au

Located within the atmospheric sandstone walls of Peterson House, Restaurant Cuvée is a popular stop for bubbles with breakfast or a leisurely lunch gazing over the vines. The á la carte menu uses local produce, offering modern Australia cuisine at its best. Daily, breakfast 8.30–11am, lunch 12–3pm

RidgeView’s Mediterranean and Middle Easterninspired cuisine uses fresh seasonal produce from the on-site kitchen garden. All dishes – both modern and traditional Mezedhes and Cypriot Meze Feast – are designed to share, with an emphasis on food/wine pairing. Breakfast uses free-range eggs from the owner’s hens. Thu 12–8pm, Fri–Sat 9am–late, Sun 9am–8pm

Offering over 50 desserts paired with local wines.

Indulge in the award-winning Portuguese chocolate mousse, individual decadent desserts, sweet gourmet products, gluten-free desserts, baristamade coffee and tea to dine-in or takeaway.

Thu–Fri 10am–4.30pm, Sat 10am–9.30pm, Sun-Mon 10am–4.30pm

E muse@musedining.com.au musedining.com.au

E cuvee@petersonhouse.com.au petersonhouse.com.au

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T 02 4998 7051 E info@oishii.com.au oishii.com.au

E reception.vineyards@spicersretreats.com spicersretreats.com/spicers-vineyards-estate

SABOR DESSERT BAR

RESTAURANTS � CAFES POKOLBIN • ROTHBURY • CESSNOCK • SINGLETON

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT

THE MILL RESTAURANT

@ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS VILLAGE, BROKE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7584 E thecellar@bigpond.com

@ ESTATE TUSCANY, CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

The Cellar Restaurant specialises in rustic Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on quality steaks, as well as a range of other meats, poultry and fish, all cooked to your liking on the char-grill.

Dine inside in the indoor garden setting or al fresco in the courtyard. Lunch Mon–Sat from 12pm, dinner Mon–Sat from 6pm

Savour fusion cuisine while enjoying panoramic vineyard and mountain views. This award-winning restaurant offers outstanding food and service, also catering for groups and weddings (exclusivity by application).

Bookings recommended. Breakfast daily 8–10am, lunch Sat–Sun 12.30–4pm, dinner daily from 6.30pm

Located on the award-winning Calais Estate, The Verandah Restaurant has sweeping views over the vineyards and Brokenback Range. Enjoy all weather-dining on the verandah or inside by the fire on winter nights, plus a modern tapas-style menu showcasing local produce. Lunch Mon–Fri 12–3pm, Sat–Sun 12–4pm, dinner Thu–Sun from 6pm

THE LEGENDS GRILL

AL-OI THAI RESTAURANT

@ THE VINTAGE GOLF CLUB, VINTAGE DR, ROTHBURY

�� VINCENT ST, CESSNOCK

With its contemporary interior and welcoming ambience, Legends Grill is the place to unwind, relax and indulge. Enjoy the experience of savouring mouth-watering Australian steaks, local produce, premium wines and delicious cocktails while overlooking the magnificent golf course and Brokenback Range. Daily 7am–late

Traditionally Thai food is to be shared and Al-Oi Thai provides the perfect venue for sharing, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a celebration with family and friends. Al-Oi Thai is a family-run restaurant that uses only the best produce. Deliveries available.

Lunch daily 11am–3pm, dinner Mon–Fri 4.45–10pm, Sat–Sun 4.30–10pm

the-cellar-restaurant.com.au

TWO FAT BLOKES GOURMET KITCHEN @ DE IULIIS WINES, ���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 6699 E info@twofatblokes.com.au twofatblokes.com.au

A European-style deli/cafe matching wine and beer with a menu that revolves around the deli, which is stocked with cheeses and smallgoods. Tasting platters, Swiss cheese and chocolate fondues, and a cheese and wine experience daily at 11am and 3pm (bookings essential). Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 7.30am–5pm

T 02 4998 7288 E reservations@estatetuscany.com.au estatetuscany.com.au

T 02 4998 2213 E reception@thevintage.com.au thevintage.com.au

THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT @ CALAIS ESTATE, ��� PALMERS LN, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7231 E bookings@verandahrestaurant.com.au verandahrestaurant.com.au

T 02 4990 8666 aloithai.com.au

WORN OUT WARES 41–43 GEORGE ST, SINGLETON

T 02 6572 1866 wornoutwares.com.au

A relaxed cafe incorporating delicious food, old and new homewares, gifts and a florist – a favourite destination, meeting place and tourist attraction for locals and travellers alike. "Every inch a delight to the senses", according to Country Style magazine.

Breakfast Mon–Fri 7–11.30am; Sat–Sun 8am–2pm, lunch Mon–Sat 11.30am–4pm, Sun 11.30am–2.30pm

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Dine right on the edge of our picturesque vineyard with views from every table.

Alfresco dining in the warmer months or in winter cosy up by the fire.

Gourmet.

PHONE

TOURS

Hunter Distillery

1686 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6737

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Lovedale Brewery

@ Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

02 4991 0900

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MAP 1 K10

Matilda Bay Brewhouse

@ Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7777

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Binnorie Dairy

25 Lodge Road, Lovedale

02 4998 6660

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Cocoa Nib

@ Keith Tulloch Wines, 982 Hermitage Rd (Cnr Deasys Rd), Pokolbin

02 4998 7350

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Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

@ McGuigans Complex, 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7744

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Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6999

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

@ Roche Estate Complex, Pavilion G, 2144 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

@ Pokolbin Village, 3/2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Lovedale Smokehouse

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FEAST ON LOCAL PRODUCE AND DISCOVER BOUTIQUE BEERS.

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PRODUCE

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02 4998 6713

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02 4998 6960

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64 Majors Ln, Lovedale

02 4930 7832

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Tinklers Produce

53 Pokolbin Mountains Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7435

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Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen

@ De Iuliis Wines, 1616 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6699

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HUNTER DISTILLERY

LOVEDALE BREWERY

MATILDA BAY BREWHOUSE

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

@ CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY, 430 WINE COUNTRY DR, LOVEDALE

@ HUNTER VALLEY RESORT, CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

From the heart of the Hunter Valley, Lovedale Brewery is dedicated to creating the best craft beers in Australia. Brewed lovingly by hand in small batches, each variant is designed to epitomise the style, personality and people that make the Hunter Valley and Sydney great. Daily 11am–late

What better way to finish a hard day of wine-tasting than with one of Matilda Bay Brewhouse’s 12 craft beers? Try the beer-tasting paddle with each of the brews, laze away the afternoon listening to great music or try something delicious off the blackboard menu. Daily 10am–late

T 02 4998 6737 E info@hunterdistillery.com.au hunterdistillery.com.au Enjoy a tasting experience like no other at the Valley’s only certified organic distillery. Hunter Distillery uses premium-quality organic raw ingredients to produce an exceptional range of top-shelf spirits, including vodka, flavoured vodkas, gin, liqueurs, schnapps and specialty spirits. Daily 10am–5pm

T 02 4991 0900 E reservations.hunter@ihg.com crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au

T 02 4998 7777 E brewery@hunterresort.com.au hunterresort.com.au

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GOURMET PRODUCE

BINNORIE DAIRY

COCOA NIB

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE FACTORY

25 LODGE RD, LOVEDALE

@ KEITH TULLOCH WINES, 982 HERMITAGE RD (CNR DEASYS RD), POKOLBIN

@ MCGUIGANS COMPLEX, ��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7744

Located at Keith Tulloch Wines, Cocoa Nib boasts a beautiful array of handmade chocolates, confections, cakes and sweet treats. Come and relax and enjoy a locally roasted coffee, tea or indulge in one of the luxurious housemade hot chocolates or iced drinks.

Wed–Mon 10am–5pm

Sample handmade cheese made on-site, and enjoy free cheesemaking talks daily at 11am and 3pm at this boutique cheesery. Plus, there’s a range of regional and housemade produce, cheeseboards and charcuterie for al fresco snacks.

Daily 9am–5.30pm

HUNTER VALLEY SMELLY CHEESE SHOP

LOVEDALE SMOKEHOUSE

T 02 4998 6660 E binnoriedairy@bigpond.com binnorie.com.au Simon Gough opened Binnorie Dairy in 2003 and in 2018 upsized to a new location with cafe in Lovedale. He creates hand-crafted soft cow and goat cheeses made from locally sourced milk, which are the gourmet choice in many local restaurants. Drop in for a free tasting. Mon–Sun 10am–5pm

HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY

2320 BROKE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 6999

E admin@hvchocolate.com.au hvchocolate.com.au

Known for its innovation and dedication to quality, The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is a must-do experience. Visit one of the three Wine Country locations to indulge in a fine range of unique, handmade chocolate products and huge variety of freshly made fudge. Daily 9am–5pm

TINKLERS PRODUCE �� POKOLBIN MOUNTAINS RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7435 E enjoy@tinklers.com.au tinklers.com.au

The Tinkler family has been farming for more than 60 years, growing an abundance of seasonal produce including table grapes, peaches, nectarines, avocados, figs, mixed citrus and vegetables. You can buy the home-grown, hand-picked produce fresh or there’s a wide range of jams and preserves.

Daily 10am–5pm

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T 02 4998 7350 E aymee@cocoanib.com.au cocoanib.com.au

@ ROCHE ESTATE COMPLEX, PAVILION G, ���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 6713 E info@smellycheese.net.au smellycheese.net.au Providores of the finest local and imported cheeses, gourmet foods and gelato, including their own product range. You can take the goodies home or sit down and enjoy a pizza, baguette or burger with a glass of local wine or beer. Daily 10am–5pm

E contact@huntervalleycheese.com.au huntervalleycheese.com.au

�� MAJORS LN, LOVEDALE

T 02 4930 7832 E majorslane@bigpond.com majorslane.com Creators and providores of handmade artisanal charcuterie, including smoked seafood, cheese, lamb, beef, pork, poultry, game and sausages. The Gourmet Pantry is also stocked with cured meats, terrines, pates, olive oils, sauces, salad dressings, chutneys, jams and sweet treats. Smoking and curing masterclasses also available. Thu–Mon 10am–5pm

CELEBRATE

long Sunday lunches

the perfect wine country dining experience executive chef jean-marc pollet has created a menu driven by the fusion of classic french cuisine with local, seasonal australian produce including produce from his privately owned farm.

open 7 days for café lunch and à la carte dinner

SUNDAY L UN C H F R O M 12P M T O 3P M Enjoy a relaxed lunch every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm at Restaurant Botanica at Spicers Vineyards Estate.

With live music all afternoon and the vineyard just outside, it’s the perfect way to spend a long, lazy Sunday afternoon.

Book on 6574 7229 or visit spicersretreats.com 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

corner broke and mcdonalds roads, pokolbin, hunter valley reservations ph 4998 2000

get hooked

Open 10am to 4.30pm daily for sales and tastings. Corner Ekerts and Broke Roads, Pokolbin NSW 2320 | www.davidhookwines.com.au | T: 0249 987121

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david hook wines 9/02/2017 10:27 am

Tours.

Almighty Tours & Transport

Hunter Valley

0401 827 568

Best Tour

0437 149 612

Cheers Bus

0408 987 057

diVine tours

0414 858 671

Fine Wine Tours

0421 855 355

Grape Vine Tours

0437 451 742

Hall’s Private Transfers Hertz Rent A Car

0431 810 548 1A Aberdare Rd, Cessnock

PAGE

0459 145 065

SMALL GROUP TOURS

PHONE

LARGE GROUP TOURS

ADDRESS

All Around the Vines

TRANSFER SERVICES

NAME

SYDNEY PICK-UP

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE HUNTER VALLEY.

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02 4991 2500

Hunter Valley Cadillacs

0429 346 759

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Hunter Valley Classic Carriages

02 4991 3655

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Hunter Valley Horses

@ Hunter Valley Resort, 917 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Private Tours by Wendt on Tours

0431 337 367 0434 842 034

Hunter Valley Tours

Cessnock

0456 737 888

Hunter Valley Tours 4U

Hunter Valley

0488 190 884

Hunter Valley Vine Link Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours

✓ ✓

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02 9550 2100

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Hunter Valley

0455 535 035

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Kings Hunter Hire Car Services

Cessnock

0421 855 115

✓

Off the Vine Wine Tours

Hunter Valley

Silver Service Limousines

0490 465 973

✓

0499 300 467

✓

02 6571 1600

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02 4930 7689

iHop Hunter Valley Luxlift Airport Transfers

✓

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Skyline Aviation

@ Lake Macquarie Airport, 864 Pacific Hwy, Marks Point

02 4945 1491

✓

SydneyDriver.com

Sydney

0408 987 788

✓

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Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours

0403 001 154

✓

✓

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Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Tours

0414 316 859

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Vineyard Shuttle Service

02 4991 3655

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Wine Country Limousines

02 4990 2852

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MAP 1 Q8

Wine Country Tours

02 9484 0477

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Wine D Road Tours

Hunter Valley

0437 543 078

Zepher Tours

154 Redfern St, Redfern

0406 757 295

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REMARKABLE BLEND OF UNIQUE EXPERIENCES. A

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TOURS

ALL AROUND THE VINES

BEST TOUR

DIVINE TOURS

M 0459 145 065 E enquiries@allaroundthevines.com.au

M 0437 149 612 E besttour@bigpond.com

M 0414 858 671 E info@divinetours.com.au

Family-owned and operated, Best Tour has been running winery tours since 2001. For a great day out, hop aboard the Best Tour bus and join a small-group tour that showcases the best of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, including tastings of some benchmark wines. Bookings essential

Offering gourmet wine tours for small groups including restaurant lunch, wine tasting, cheese and chocolate tasting, commentary and a behind-the-scenes winery tour to make the day informative and fun. Private tours with exclusive use of the bus and an itinerary tailored to you are available on request. Daily

allaroundthevines.com.au

Join All Around the Vines and tour the picturesque Hunter Valley on a half- or full-day wine tour. The company caters for small or large groups, runs private tailor-made tours, golf packages, and cheese, chocolate and olive tours. Restaurant, social functions and airport transfers also available. Daily

FINE WINE TOURS

besttour.com.au

GRAPE VINE TOURS

M 0421 855 355 E info@finewinetours.net

M 0437 451 742 E info@grapevinetours.com.au grapevinetours.com.au

Discover, learn and enjoy with Fine Wine Tours.

This tour company offers guided educational wine appreciation tours of the Hunter Valley and other regions within NSW/ACT. Specialises in small readily formed groups of 10–20 guests, but caters for larger groups on request. On request

Grape Vine Tours is family owned and operated out of the Hunter Valley, and is committed to providing you with the most enjoyable wine tour experience, whether you’re completely new to wine or a wine connoisseur. Daily

HUNTER VALLEY CADILLACS

HUNTER VALLEY CLASSIC CARRIAGES

finewinetours.net

M 0429 346 759 E cruise@huntervalleycadillacs.com.au

huntervalleycadillacs.com.au

Private and exclusive wine-tasting tours. Fun, friendly and unique, a tour in a 1960 Cadillac convertible or 1958 Cadillac limousine is the ultimate way to enjoy all the Hunter Valley has to offer. Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Daily

94

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

T 02 4991 3655 E tours@huntervalleyclassiccarriages.com.au huntervalleyclassiccarriages.com.au Clip-clop your way along tree-lined back roads of Pokolbin in unique old-style covered wagons or Victorian and Landau carriages. Offering full- or half-day general tours for couples or groups, plus exclusive tours for two to four guests. Family horse-drawn carriage rides and wedding carriage hire available. Daily

divinetours.com.au

HERTZ RENT A CAR �A ABERDARE RD, CESSNOCK

T 02 4991 2500 E hertzcessnonk@dkthompson.com.au hertz.com.au Explore the Hunter Valley at your own pace with a Hertz rental car. Hertz offers competitive rates, one-way rentals, delivery to your hotel, hatches, sedans, wagons and buses, and you can earn Virgin Australia frequent flyer points. The friendly team is waiting to assist you. Also covers Maitland.

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 8am–12pm

HUNTER VALLEY HORSES @ HUNTER VALLEY RESORT, ��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

M 0431 337 367 E hvhorseriding@yahoo.com.au huntervalleycarriages.com.au A ride on the horse or a drink in the carriage, it’s fun for the kids and good for the marriage! Offering horseriding, pony rides, full- and half-day horse and carriage wine tours, private charters and wedding carriage hire. Daily 9am–5pm, bookings essential

TOURS

HUNTER VALLEY WINE TASTING TOURS � TRANSFERS T 02 9550 2100 E info@huntervalleywinetastingtours.com.au huntervalleywinetastingtours.com.au

Specialists in small, personal day tours of the Hunter Valley wineries in luxury Mercedes-Benz mini-coaches.

Daily 10am-4pm wine tours include wine tastings at a selection of five cellar doors, lunch options and visits to cheese and chocolate outlets. Half-day tours and restaurant transfers available. Daily 10am–4pm

iHOP HUNTER VALLEY

M 0455 535 035 E explore@ihophuntervalley.com.au ihophuntervalley.com.au Unique range of tours to suit all budgets and tastes; hop-on hop-off bus; progressive dinner night tours; fly ‘n’ hop helicopter packages. TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017 and Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards finalist 2016 and 2017.

Refer to website for tour operating days

SILVER SERVICE LIMOUSINES T 02 6571 1600 E admin@taxico.com.au

taxico.com.au

Silver Service Limousines provides transfer services and private wine tours by sedan, minibus or stretch limousine. Coordinators Derek and Dave have many years of experience as a cellar door manager and assistant winemaker, which ensures you have a unique tour every time you visit. Daily 24 hours

Gartelmann Wines

d e n w o y l i m a F rated with and opepassion!

Meet the family in beautiful Lovedale and taste our unique award winning range of wines. Voted one of the top 10 cellar doors to visit in the Hunter Valley.

Open 7 days: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm 701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale NSW 2320 02 4930 7113 www.gartelmann.com.au sales@gartelmann.com.au

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

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TOURS

SKYLINE AVIATION

SYDNEYDRIVER.COM

@ LAKE MACQUARIE AIRPORT, 864 PACIFIC HWY, MARKS POINT T 02 4945 1491 E brett@skylineav.com.au

SYDNEY M 0408 987 788 E info@sydneydriver.com

sydneydriver.com

skylineav.com.au

TWO FAT BLOKES GOURMET TOURS M 0414 316 859 E info@twofatblokes.com.au

twofatblokes.com.au

Sydney Driver is a private and personal door-to-door hire car and chauffeur service established 2004.

Offering a high level of sophistication and service, with your own private first-class sedan or luxury minibus for a Hunter Valley day tour. Daily

The Hunter Valley’s No. 1 tour operator – awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the past four years by TripAdvisor. Offering full- and half-day snapshot tours, or tailor a tour to suit your needs. Small groups only (2–10 guests). Daily (closed Good Friday, Xmas, Boxing & New Year’s Day)

VINEYARD SHUTTLE SERVICE

WINE D ROAD TOURS

ZEPHER TOURS

T 02 4991 3655 E tours@vineyardshuttle.com.au

M 0437 543 078 E dan@winedroadtours.com.au

Relax and enjoy the best the Hunter Valley has to offer in air-conditioned comfort with daily guided tours. Visit wineries of your choice or leave it up to Vineyard Shuttle Service to show you the highlights.

Restaurant shuttle service, airport transfers and wedding guest transfers available. Daily

Spend your day at hand-selected wineries being guided through their offerings in private tastings.

Travel in comfort stopping for a beautiful restaurant lunch, some Hunter Valley cheese tasting and finish with an optional beer tasting. Limited to 11 guests to keep your tour personal.

Daily, bookings essential

154 REDFERN ST, REDFERN M 0406 757 295 E bookings@zephertours.com zephertours.com.au

Skyline Aviation Group offers helicopter lunch and wine tours, as well as private charters direct into the Hunter Valley. The customised charters can fly you to nearly every Hunter Valley resort and restaurant, with amazing views from every seat. Daily

vineyardshuttle.com.au

winedroadtours.com.au

Join the wine tour with a difference! Visit boutique wineries, sample locally made cheese and chocolate plus taste organic vodka, schnapps and gin. Public tours and private charters available with pick-ups from Sydney and the Hunter Valley.

Tours run Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun

WHY DRIVE YOUR SELF ?

BOOK A TOUR OR TRANSFER ONLINE.

winecountry.com.au

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WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

Hunter

WINE TASTING TOURS

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures Spectacular Hunter Valley and Wine Country Views Incredible Native Wildlife - Kangaroos HORSE RIDING - For the Beginner and Experienced Rider Sunset Rides - Picnic Rides - Personalised Rides Hens & Bucks Days - Corporate Groups Pony Rides through the trail Tractor Hay Rides to feed the animals Weddings on Horse Back Ride over 300 Magnificent acres Enjoy a Farm Stay - Peace & Tranquility STAY in Villas or Guest House Accommodation Just 3.88 ks from the Hunter Expressway 288 Talga Road, Lovedale, 2325 Phone: 0249307111 Email:Â ride@huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au Web:Â www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

MEEREA PARK WINES

a total spa

experience... not just a

treatment Take time to rejuvenate at Golden Door Elysia Day Spa. Choose from our extensive range of spa, beauty and massage therapies.

All treatments include complimentary use of the Day Spa facilities including steam room, spa bath and relaxation lounge.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL CALL 02 4993 8500 EMAIL SPA@ELYSIA.COM.AU VIEW SPA MENU GOLDENDOOR.COM.AU

Experiences.

ADDRESS

PHONE

PAGE

FREE WIFI

ENJOY A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS.

MAP

Aqua Golf & Putt Putt

@ Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7896

101

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Diff-Rent Cycles

Shop 17, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, 2090, Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7191

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@ Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

1300 465 636

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771 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7770

101

MAP 1 F2

Cessnock Racecourse

Racecourse Rd, Cessnock

02 4961 1573

N/A

MAP 1 R11

Hunter Valley Gardens

2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4000

101

MAP 1 J5

Hunter Valley Zoo

138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba

02 4990 7714

N/A

MAP 1 L11

Roche Estate

Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rds, Pokolbin

02 4998 4000

101

MAP 1 J6

Meeting @ Peterson House, Broke Rd, Pokolbin

1300 723 279

101

MAP 1 J9

1800 818 191

102

MAP 1 J9

Meeting @ Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4991 7533

102

MAP 1 J6

Hunter Valley Wine, Cooking & Wine Theatre

@ Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7777

102

MAP 1 F2

Majors Lane Cooking School

64 Majors Ln, Lovedale

02 4930 7832

102

MAP 1 H12

The Cooking School

@ Estate Tuscany, Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7288

102

MAP 1 F2

Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club

@ Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, 15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 1555

102

MAP1 K5

Hunter Valley Golf

@ Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

02 4991 0977

102

MAP 1 K10

The Vintage Golf Club

Vintage Dr, Rothbury

02 4998 2610

102

MAP 1 H7

Chapman Valley Horse Riding

7054 Putty Rd, Howes Valley

02 6579 4593

N/A

MAP 1 I00

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures

288 Talga Rd, Rothbury

02 4930 7111

102

MAP 1 F11

Australian Alpaca Barn

1946 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6669

103

MAP 1 J4

Come What May

@ Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

0400 747 072

103

MAP 1 I8

Handmade Hunter Markets

@ Kevin Sobels Wines, 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

02 4936 6726

N/A

MAP1 J8

Hunter Valley Christmas Shop

Shop 16, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6834

N/A

MAP 1 J5

Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village

2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4000

103

MAP 1 J5

Lovedale Antiques Old Wares & Gallery

820 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 7239

103

MAP 1 G13

Mortels Sheepskin Factory

1 Weakleys Dr, Thornton

02 4966 0990

103

MAP 1 E15

Pokolbin General Store

@ Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7633

N/A

MAP 1 J6

Pokolbin Village

2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7670

103

MAP 1 J6

Ye Olde General Store Pokolbin

Shop 17, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7191

N/A

MAP 1 J5

Bhutra Thai Massage

185 Wollombi Rd, Cessnock

02 4991 2630

104

MAP 2 B3

Château Élan Spa

Vintage Dr, Rothbury

02 4998 2500

104

MAP 1 H7

Golden Door Elysia, Spa

165 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 8500

104

MAP 1 K4

Spa Anise

@ Spicers Vineyards Estate, 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7229

104

MAP 1 D2

Ubika Spa

@ Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

02 4991 0959

104

MAP1 K10

NAME ACTIVITIES

ARTS � CRAFTS Pokolbin Gallery & Mistletoe Sculpture Garden

ATTRACTIONS

BALLOON FLIGHTS Balloon Aloft Balloon Safaris Wine Country Ballooning

COOKING

GOLF

HORSERIDING ✓

SHOPPING

✓

SPAS ✓

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

99

Visit: 293 Deasys Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 l Call: 02 4998 7781 Online: mistyglen.com.au l Cellar Door: Friday to Monday 10am - 5pm 3 Bedroom Self Contained Cottage l Pet Friendly

TASTE - PLAY - STAY

EXPERIENCES

ACTIVITIES • ARTS � CRAFTS • ATTRACTIONS • BALLOON FLIGHTS

AQUA GOLF � PUTT PUTT @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS VILLAGE, BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7896 E aquagolf@golftothemax.com.au golftothemax.com.au

POKOLBIN GALLERY � MISTLETOE SCULPTURE GARDEN ��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7770 E sales@mistletoewines.com.au pokolbingallery.com.au

Hit golf balls into a beautiful lake and land them in the target net to win cash or vouchers to restaurants, cellar doors and activities. You can also challenge family and friends to 18 holes of mini golf on the picturesque putt putt course. Golf club hire is free.

Daily 9.30am–4.30pm

Pokolbin Gallery and Mistletoe Sculpture Garden are located in the grounds of Mistletoe Winery. Unique collectable art, sculptures, internal and external, paintings in all media, photography, ceramics and exclusive handmade jewellery are all on exhibit and available for purchase. Daily 10am–6pm

HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS

ROCHE ESTATE

BALLOON ALOFT

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

CNR BROKE � MCDONALDS RDS, POKOLBIN

MEETING @ PETERSON HOUSE, BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

Winner of NSW Best Tourist Attraction and inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame, Hunter Valley Gardens is exquisite. Explore 10 internationallythemed feature gardens over 60 acres, enjoy garden talks and annual family events such as the Christmas Lights Spectacular, or plan your perfect wedding.

Daily 9am–5pm (closed Dec 25)

Roche Estate is a premier concert venue attracting international and national artists alike. Experience exceptional fine dining, award-winning wines, signature cocktails and spirits, local gourmet produce and a sophisticated function room all in one exclusive venue. Check with the individual businesses for trading hours

Experience a balloon flight over the vineyards with award-winning Balloon Aloft, followed by gourmet breakfast and bubbles at Peterson House. The most experienced hot-air balloon operator in Australia has been offering daily sunrise flights for more than 35 years. Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the last five years. Daily

T 02 4998 4000 E welcome@hvg.com.au hvg.com.au

T 02 4998 4000 rocheestate.com.au

T 1300 723 279 E balloons@balloonaloft.com balloonaloft.com

EXPLORE THE VALLEY WITH OUR MAP & TOURING GUIDE. PAGE 121

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101

EXPERIENCES

BALLOON FLIGHTS • COOKING • GOLF • HORSERIDING

BALLOON SAFARIS

T 1800 818 191 E flights@balloonsafaris.com.au balloonsafaris.com.au Enjoy panoramic views of Wine Country from a Balloon Safaris hot-air balloon. This award-winning local operator uses local pilots with local knowledge and boasts a 100 per cent safety record. Features modern, colourful balloons, VIP and group flights, in-flight photos and optional gourmet breakfast.

Daily sunrise flights

WINE COUNTRY BALLOONING MEETING @ MERCURE RESORT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS, ���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4991 7533 E info@winecountryballooning.com.au winecountryballooning.com.au Keep it special! Fly with the Hunter Valley's original boutique balloon flight company, which guarantees no more than 10 people ballooning on any morning. Come fly with Daren, the region’s most experienced full-time local pilot. VIP flights, photos, videos and breakfast all available. Daily sunrise flights

MAJORS LANE COOKING SCHOOL

THE COOKING SCHOOL

E majorslane@bigpond.com majorslane.com

E reservations@estatetuscany.com.au estatetuscany.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY WINE, COOKING & WINE THEATRE @ HUNTER VALLEY RESORT, CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7777 E events@hunterresort.com.au hunterresort.com.au

Take part in a fun, hands-on class and learn a new skill, be it a daily two-hour wine or cooking school, candymaking class, craft beer-making tutorial or learn about the Hunter Valley wine heritage in our theatre.

Minimum numbers apply, bookings essential. Daily

CYPRESS LAKES GOLF � COUNTRY CLUB

�� MAJORS LN, LOVEDALE T 02 4930 7832

@ ESTATE TUSCANY, CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN T 02 4998 7288

Have fun and be inspired by a hands-on, outdoor Asian cooking class on a beautiful vineyard. Learn how to balance the fundamental flavours of Asian cuisine as you prepare and enjoy a wonderful feast featuring Hunter Valley produce. Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Sichuan classes available. Sat 10am–1pm, smoking and curing classes also available

Cook up a storm with friends, family, work colleagues or a great idea for your hens party; book The Cooking School at Estate Tuscany. This hands-on cooking school is for groups of two people and upwards.

Brilliant fun, educational and team building.

By appointment

Ranked among the top resort courses in Australia, Cypress Lakes has just had a multi-million dollar upgrade and is now arguably one of the finest courses in the Hunter Valley. Visitors are welcomed and will quickly feel like family at this social championship course. Daily 6am–dusk

HUNTER VALLEY GOLF

THE VINTAGE GOLF CLUB

@ CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY, 430 WINE COUNTRY DR, LOVEDALE T 02 4991 0977 E huntervalleygolf@ihg.com

VINTAGE DR, ROTHBURY

HUNTER VALLEY HORSE RIDING � ADVENTURES

huntervalleygolfclub.com.au

Enjoy a spectacular 18-hole championship course set among the Hunter Valley’s world-famous vineyards with premium resort facilities, impressive mountain range views and warm, friendly service. Experience the home of golf in the Hunter Valley. Daily 6.30am–5.30pm (daylight savings 6.30am–6.30pm)

102

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

T 02 4998 2610 E golf@thevintage.com.au thevintage.com.au Tee off at the Hunter Valley’s prestigious Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship golf course, which is ranked among the best in Australia and ideal for golfers of all levels. Facilities include a fully stocked golf shop, Spike Bar, Cafe and Grill.

Stay & Play packages available.

Daily from 7am

@ OAKS CYPRESS LAKES RESORT, 15 THOMPSONS RD, POKOLBIN T 02 4993 1555 E golfcypresslakes@

theoaksgroup.com.au oakshotels.com

��� TALGA RD, LOVEDALE T 02 4930 7111

E ride@huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

Spectacular Valley views, riding beautiful horses over 300 acres on the Molly Morgan Range. Trail rides, pony rides through the trail or undercover, romantic picnic rides, sunset rides. Weddings on horseback, tractor hay rides, feeding the animals, night/day kangaroo spotting, accommodation. Daily 8am–sunset

EXPERIENCES SHOPPING

AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN

COME WHAT MAY

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

@ CALAIS ESTATE, ��� PALMERS LN, POKOLBIN

The Australian Alpaca Barn specialises in quality Australian alpaca fashion, homewares and accessories.

Discover the luxury, the softness and the lightness of alpaca by visiting the Australian Alpaca Barn at Peppers Creek Village or the new outlet in the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village.

Daily 10am–5pm

Located on Calais Estate, this homewares and gift shop combines vintage treasures, unique modern pieces and handmade specialties. The collection has many unusual and unique items that help make your house a home, ranging from locally made soaps to unique furniture. Thu–Sun 10am–5pm or by appointment

LOVEDALE ANTIQUES OLD WARES � GALLERY

MORTELS SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

POKOLBIN VILLAGE

��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

1 WEAKLEYS DR, THORNTON

T 02 4966 0990 E allaboutsheepskins@mortels.com.au mortels.com.au

���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

Lovedale Antiques Old Wares & Gallery is an antique store with a difference. It has that ‘wow’ factor with plenty of genuine, unusual and interesting antiques, together with many collectables and artworks. Visit this collector's paradise for a glimpse into the past.

Fri–Sun (and some public holidays) 10am­–3pm

The Mortel family has been making sheepskin products since 1958. Watch and learn how their UGG boots are made on a guided factory tour weekdays at 11am. Enjoy shopping, meals at the cafe or browse The Sheep’s Back Museum. Take a selfie with The Big UGG Boots.

Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm, Sat–Sun 9am–2pm

The Pokolbin Village complex in the heart of Wine Country has something for everyone. Explore the range of specialty stores selling chocolate, cheese, homewares and jewellery, or enjoy relaxed dining at the restaurant and general store. Self-contained and hotel-style accommodation is available.

Daily, breakfast from 8am, shopping from 10am

T 02 4998 6669 E sales@australianalpaca.com australianalpaca.com

T 02 4930 7239 E lovedaleantiques@bigpond.com

M 0400 747 072 E info@comewhatmay.com.au comewhatmay.com.au

DISCOVER OF THE

HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS SHOPPING VILLAGE ���� BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 4000 E welcome@hvg.com.au hvg.com.au Located next to the Gardens in the heart of Pokolbin, the Village features boutique shops, restaurants, essential services such as a pharmacy and more. Visit the Aqua Golf driving range or enjoy the BBQ facilities and children’s playground. Daily 10am–5pm (check individual store trading hours)

T 02 4998 7670 E relax@pokolbinvillage.com.au pokolbinvillage.com.au

THE SECRETS

HUNTER VALLEY.

winecountry.com.au

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

103

EXPERIENCES SPAS

BHUTRA THAI MASSAGE

CHÂTEAU ÉLAN SPA

��� WOLLOMBI RD, CESSNOCK

VINTAGE DR, ROTHBURY

Feel your body relax and your thoughts drift away at this Thai massage spa, only a few minutes from Wine Country. Customised services for your romantic spa getaway, honeymoon, anniversary or just relieve muscle tension from your travels. This treatment is for you. Daily 9am–9pm

Relaxation, rejuvenation, recuperation – whatever your reason for visiting the Spa at Château Élan Hunter Valley, it’s dedicated to your peace of mind and physical wellbeing. The Spa has highly trained staff and a large range of indulgent treatments and products to cater to your needs. Daily 9am–6pm

GOLDEN DOOR ELYSIA, SPA

SPA ANISE

UBIKA SPA

��� THOMPSONS RD, POKOLBIN

@ SPICERS VINEYARDS ESTATE, ��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 6574 7229 E reception.vineyards@

@ CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY, 430 WINE COUNTRY DR, LOVEDALE T 02 4991 0959

Spa Anise is located at leading Hunter Valley retreat, Spicers Vineyards Estate, and offers intimate spa experiences in relaxed luxury. Matching breathtaking Australian-made Waterlily products with indulgent treatments carried out by highly experienced therapists, Spa Anise is home to your own private spa experience. Daily 10am–6pm

Relax your body, soothe your soul and uplift your spirits with a visit to the recently refurbished Ubika Spa. Spoil yourself with a treatment from the extensive spa menu or indulge in the Spa Sanctuary and VIP suites, perfect for couples as well as groups.

Sun–Thu 9am–6pm, Fri–Sat 9am–7pm

T 02 4991 2630 E cessnock@thaimassagespa.com.au cessnock.thaimassagespa.com.au

T 02 4993 8500 E spa@elysia.com.au goldendoor.com.au Have a spa experience, not just a treatment. Elysia Day Spa is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation within Australia’s largest health retreat. Offering more than 50 beauty or massage therapies with Divine Organics or Babor Cosmeceuticals. Enjoy access to relaxation lounges, steam room and spa bath during your visit.

Daily 9am–6pm

spicersretreats.com spicersretreats.com

T 02 4998 2500 E enquiries@chateauelan.com.au chateauelan.com.au

E spa.hunter@ihg.com ubikaspa.com

RELAX...

REJUVENATE...

REVIVE.

104

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

HUNTER VALLEY HORSES

Up y d Gid 20% OFF! When you mention this advert*

Daily Sunrise Balloon Flight Adventures over the Hunter Valley.

on Flights Sunrise Ballo

All Flights conclude with a Champagne Breakfast

Exclusiv e Fligh ts Availa ble

To book your flight contact

1300 723 279 www.balloonaloft.com

* Discounts apply to full priced flight vouchers and gift vouchers only.

!

• Horseback Riding • Horse Drawn Carriage Wine Tours • Corporate Groups • Private Charters • Weddings • Romantic Tours

0431 337 367

www.huntervalleyhorses.com.au

ARTISAN WINES ~ OLIVES ~ GUESTHOUSE

Accommodation.

430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Estate Tuscany

Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

Grand Mercure The Vintage

PAGE

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

WINERY/CELLAR DOOR

02 4998 2500

SWIMMING POOL

Vintage Dr, Rothbury

MAP

✓ ✓ ✓

110

MAP 1 K7

✓

110

MAP 1 H3

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

110

MAP 1 H7

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

110

MAP 1 K10

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

SPAS

Cháteau Élan at The Vintage

RESTAURANT

$$

PET FRIENDLY

$$$

02 4998 6990

LOG OR GAS FIRES

02 4998 7591

1023 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

FUNCTION AREA

112 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

Casuarina Estate

FREE WIFI

Carriages Boutique Hotel & Vineyard

BREAKFAST (INCL’D)

PHONE

BBQ

ADDRESS

AIR CONDITIONED

NAME

TARIFF

FIND YOUR HUNTER VALLEY HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

RESORTS/HOTELS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

$$$$

✓ ✓

02 4991 0000

$$$

02 4998 7288

$$$

Vintage Dr, Rothbury

02 4998 2222

$$$

✓

Harrigan’s Irish Pub & Accommodation

Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4300

$$

✓

✓ ✓

Hermitage Lodge

609 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7639

$$$

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Hunter Valley Resort

Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7777

$$

Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7680

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

02 4993 1555

Vine Valley Inn

163-167 Vincent St, Cessnock

1300 846 870

$$

✓

Billabong Moon

393 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7053

$$$$

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Bluebush Estate

196 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 7177

$$

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

Breemiloy Homestead

Abernethy

0401 225 341

$$$$

✓ ✓

✓

Broken View Estate

547 Old North Rd, Pokolbin

0400 112 341

$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

110

MAP 1 F2

✓

110

MAP 1 H7 MAP 1 J5

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

110

✓ ✓ ✓

111

MAP 1 I7

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

111

MAP 1 F2

$$$

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

111

MAP 1 M7

$$$$

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

111

MAP 1 K5

N/A

N/A

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

SELF-CONTAINED ✓ ✓ ✓

111

MAP 1 D2

✓

N/A

MAP 1 G10

✓

✓ ✓

N/A

N/A

✓

✓ ✓

111

MAP 1 F4

111

MAP 1 K6

Cam-Way Estate

81 Campbells Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7655

$$$

Casa La Vina

657 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

0406 770 294

$$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

Cedar Creek Cottages

1840 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

02 4998 1576

$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

Cedars Mount View

60 Mitchells Rd, Mount View

02 4990 9009

$$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

112

MAP 1 P6

Cottages on Mount View

1329 Mount View Rd, Mount View

02 4990 8989

$$$

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

112

MAP 1 Q6

Crosswood Estate

120 Old North Rd, Pokolbin

0418 649 554

$$$$

✓ ✓

112

MAP 1 D3

Dandaloo Cottages

70 Green Ln, Lovedale

0419 200 017

$$$

✓ ✓

✓

N/A

N/A

Degen Estate and Cottages

349 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

0477 010 010

$$$$

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

Deja Vu Estate

280 Old North Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7178

$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

Eighth Hole Rest

33 Cessnock Rd, Branxton

0421 907 323

$$$

✓ ✓

Englewood Ridge

65 Talga Rd, Lovedale

0417 287 345

$

✓ ✓

Hill Top Country Guest House

288 Talga Rd, Rothbury

02 4930 7111

$$

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

Hunter Valley Lodge & Retreat

188 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba

0488 881 100

$$$

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Hunter Valley Stays

Hunter Valley

0477 010 010

$$$

Lillians on Lovedale

356 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4990 6958

Lovedale Cottages

77 Brickmans Ln, Lovedale

Midnight’s Promise Estate

300 Talga Rd, Lovedale

Nirvana Vista Resort Old Hillside Homestead

MAP 1 R4

✓ ✓ ✓

112

N/A

✓

N/A

MAP 1 E3

112

MAP 1 B10

N/A

MAP 1 F12

112

MAP 1 F11

✓

112

MAP 1 L11

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

N/A

MAP 1 F8

$$$

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

112

MAP 1 I11

0409 246 661

$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

02 9235 3947

$$$$

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

Lot 3 Sweetwater Rd, Rothbury

0409 461 711

$$$

493 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7504

$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓

65 Wollombi St, Broke

02 4998 6961

$$$

0419 475 221

$$$$

Rothvale Vineyard Cottages

223 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7290

$$$

Tatler Wines

477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

02 4930 9139

$$$

Tellace Wines Accommodation

356 Tuckers Ln, North Rothbury

02 4938 7173

$$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

The Grange on Hermitage

820 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7388

$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

$201–$300

$301–upwards

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

Red Tractor Retreat

$101–$200

MAP 1 I7

111

✓

✓

RidgeView Cottages

$0–$100

✓

111

✓

✓

113

MAP 1 I11

N/A

MAP 1 F11

N/A

MAP 1 E4

N/A

MAP 1 N4

N/A

MAP 1 H0

113

MAP 1 E4

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

113

MAP 1 G4

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

113

MAP 1 H12

✓

113

MAP 1 D12

113

MAP 1 F2

✓

INDICATIVE ONLY. TARIFFS BASED ON TWO ADULTS FOR ONE NIGHT AT WEEKEND RACK RATES.

WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU

107

Accommodation.

MAP

✓ ✓ ✓

113

MAP 1 I10

✓

114

MAP 1 F1

114

MAP 1 K5

✓

114

MAP 1 L11

✓ ✓ ✓

114

MAP 1 D2

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

114

MAP 1 S14

✓ ✓

114

MAP 1 P11

114

MAP 1 O10

SPAS

PAGE

WINERY/CELLAR DOOR

SWIMMING POOL

RESTAURANT

PET FRIENDLY

LOG OR GAS FIRES

FUNCTION AREA

FREE WIFI

BREAKFAST (INCL’D)

PHONE

BBQ

ADDRESS

AIR CONDITIONED

NAME

TARIFF

FIND YOUR HUNTER VALLEY HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

SELF-CONTAINED CONTINUED Tinonee Vineyard Estate

1273 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

0488 127 321

$$$

✓ ✓

✓

Willow Tree Estate

96 Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

0420 742 000

$$$

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

Wine Country Villas

136 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 7630

$$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

Wirral Grange Cottage

168 Lomas Ln, Lovedale

02 4991 2874

$$$

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

02 6574 7229

$$$$

Hunter Valley Retreat

626 Sandy Creek Rd, Quorrobolong

02 4998 6007

$$

Wine Country Motor Inn

5 Darwin St, Cessnock

02 4993 2999

$$

✓

137 Mount View Rd, Cessnock

1800 649 156

$$

✓ ✓

✓

GUESTHOUSES Spicers Vineyards Estate

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

MOTELS ✓

CARAVAN PARKS AND BACKPACKERS Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

$0–$100 RESTAURANT

$101–$200

$201–$300

$301–upwards

✓

INDICATIVE ONLY. TARIFFS BASED ON TWO ADULTS FOR ONE NIGHT AT WEEKEND RACK RATES.

WINERY/CELLAR DOOR

THE LUXURY OF MANY A C C O M M O D A T I O N O P T I O N S, WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF O N L I N E B O O K I N G.

winecountry.com.au

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✓

✓

R E S T A U R A N T

Rustic Mediterranean inspired cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment.

A little birdie told me ...

Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.

.... it ’s magic!

Lunch: Thursday - Monday Dinner: Friday - Saturday Open for group bookings by special arrangement Tel: (02) 4990 9553 www.bistromolines.com.au

Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin 02 4998 7584 • www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au

OPEN FOR SALES & TASTINGS

7 Days, 10am - 5pm 1686 Broke Road, POKOLBIN Ph (02) 4998 6737 info@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au

ACCOMMODATION RESORTS/HOTELS

CARRIAGES BOUTIQUE HOTEL � VINEYARD ��� HALLS RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7591 E stay@thecarriages.com.au thecarriages.com.au Meander down a pretty lane to the peace and quiet of the Carriages. Ten luxury suites feature crisp white sheets, goose-down duvets and log fires. The saltwater swimming pool, tennis court and accommodation are set in an expansive lawned garden. Breakfast included.

CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY 430 WINE COUNTRY DR, LOVEDALE

T 02 4991 0000 E reservations.hunter@ihg.com crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and golf course greens, and framed by the rugged Brokenback Range, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley epitomises the best in award-winning hospitality and deluxe accommodation, including one-, two- and three-bedroom villas and a range of onsite facilities for you to enjoy.

CASUARINA ESTATE

CHÂTEAU ÉLAN AT THE VINTAGE

1023 HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

VINTAGE DR, ROTHBURY

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, Casuarina Estate is an iconic and beautiful property featuring fine dining, themed suites and private cottages. Casuarina Estate Restaurant & Cafe has been a Pokolbin favourite for decades, where you can enjoy flambé mains, classic desserts and some entrees prepared tableside.

Inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame for luxury accommodation, Chateau Élan features 100 stunning rooms, with outlooks over the fairways of the championship golf course and mountain range.

Guests can also enjoy the state-of-the-art Spa facility and adjoining Salon, or unwind at the decadent Whiskey Bar 1820.

ESTATE TUSCANY

GRAND MERCURE THE VINTAGE

CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

VINTAGE DR, ROTHBURY

T 02 4998 6990 E dining@casuarinaestate.com.au casuarinaestate.com.au

T 02 4998 7288 E reservations@estatetuscany.com.au estatetuscany.com.au This award-winning, four-star boutique hotel is set on 26 acres with a stunning backdrop of the Brokenback Range and vineyards. It features 38 rooms, a tennis court, a swimming pool and a massage therapist, as well as Thomas Wines Cellar Door, the acclaimed Binnorie Dairy, Mill Restaurant and Brokenback Bar.

E X P E R I E N C E A DAY YO U W I L L A LWAYS R E M E M B E R I N A P L A C E YO U W I L L N E V E R F O R G E T.

T 02 4998 2500 E reservations@chateauelan.com.au chateauelan.com.au

T 02 4998 2222 E reservations@grandmercurethevintage.com.au grandmercurehuntervalley.com.au Grand Mercure The Vintage offers resort-style living with spacious one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments clustered around a sparkling swimming pool. Facilities within The Vintage precinct include an award-winning restaurant, spa, BBQ area and Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship golf course.

HARRIGAN’S IRISH PUB � ACCOMMODATION BROKE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 4300 E enquiries@harrigans.com.au harrigans.com.au

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Harrigan’s offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with hotel facilities including a pool and conferencing facilities. It is the perfect venue for business or pleasure, close to Hunter Valley Gardens, Roche Estate and Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, including aqua golf, a picnic area and playground.

ACCOMMODATION RESORTS/HOTELS • SELF-CONTAINED

HERMITAGE LODGE

HUNTER VALLEY RESORT

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

Set on 25 acres, the award-winning Hermitage Lodge is nestled in the centre of the vineyards, within easy walking distance of many wineries and tourist attractions. It also has an award-winning restaurant, Il Cacciatore, which is open seven nights and serves Northern Italian-inspired cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

Everything you love about the Hunter Valley at one resort. Featuring four-star accommodation as well as Matilda Bay Brewhouse + Dining, La Glace Dessert Bar, wine, cooking and candy schools, cellar door/winery, wine theatre, massage centre, horseriding and Segway and carriage tours, all nestled within 40-year-old vineyards.

OAKS CYPRESS LAKES RESORT

BILLABONG MOON

BROKEN VIEW ESTATE

15 THOMPSONS RD, POKOLBIN

393 HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

��� OLD NORTH RD, POKOLBIN

Your home among the cellar doors. Large villas complemented by exceptional resort facilities and the region’s iconic golf course. Best location to visit the wineries and Hunter Valley Gardens next door.

Above all, it’s the Cypress Lakes friendly staff who will make your stay.

Billabong Moon is a luxurious retreat located among the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries and restaurants.

Sprawled across 20 acres of vibrant greens are six stylish, contemporary self-contained cottages with amenities including a swimming pool, forest walk and putting greens. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Looking for the perfect place to recharge, rekindle, rediscover and relax? The ★★★★ AAA-rated villas at Broken View Estate combine privacy, luxury and romance with king-sized beds, two-person spa baths and open fires, overlooking the expansive dam to the picturesque Brokenback Range.

CAM-WAY ESTATE

CASA LA VINA

CEDAR CREEK COTTAGES

81 CAMPBELLS LN, POKOLBIN

��� MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

M 0406 770 294 E stay@casalavina.com.au casalavina.com.au

T 02 4998 1576 E relax@cedarcreekcottages.com.au cedarcreekcottages.com.au

Featuring suites, one-bedroom villas, two-, threeand four-bedroom cottages set on 60 tranquil acres in the very heart of central Pokolbin, all connected to town water. Walk to vineyards, restaurants, Hunter Valley Gardens and the concert venues at Hope and Roche Estates. Pool, tennis court, guest laundry, conference centre and outdoor fire pits.

Luxury, unique private villas for that intimate special occasion. An adults’ escape in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Three Santa Fe-inspired adobe villas boast exposed log timber ceilings, gas log fireplaces, air-conditioning, plush king-sized beds, private outdoor jacuzzis in a courtyard and covered parking.

AAA ★★★★ rating.

Picturesque self-contained cottages overlooking vineyards in beautiful Wollombi Valley – for two, four, six or more. Relax and enjoy bushwalks, bird-watching and a taste of Stonehurst premium wines at the sandstone cellar door. Includes spa bath, log fire, BBQ, breakfast hamper and noon check-out.

T 02 4998 7639 E info@hermitagelodge.com.au hermitagelodge.com.au

T 02 4993 1555 E cypresslakes@theoaksgroup.com.au oakshotels.com

T 02 4998 7655 E stay@camwayestate.com.au camwayestate.com.au

T 02 4998 7777 E stay@hunterresort.com.au hunterresort.com.au

T 02 6574 7053 E stay@billabongmoon.com.au billabongmoon.com.au

KIRKTON PARK HUNTER VALLEY ��� OAKEY CREEK RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7680 E reservations.kirktonpark@ihg.com kirktonparkhuntervalley.com.au Combining classic country heritage character with contemporary elegance, an all-new luxury accommodation and dining experience awaits. Set on 70 acres with stunning views, the refurbished Kirkton Park is the epitome of quintessential Hunter Valley style from the guest rooms to the new Locavore Dining and Epoche Lounge Bar.

M 0400 112 341 E info@brokenviewestate.com.au brokenviewestate.com.au

���� WOLLOMBI RD, WOLLOMBI

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ACCOMMODATION SELF-CONTAINED

CEDARS MOUNT VIEW

COTTAGES ON MOUNT VIEW

CROSSWOOD ESTATE

�� MITCHELLS RD, MOUNT VIEW

���� MOUNT VIEW RD, MOUNT VIEW

120 OLD NORTH RD, POKOLBIN

Designed specially for couples celebrating a special occasion, these fully equipped, modern spa villas are scattered over a beautiful mountain valley with a meandering creek. Cedars offers unparalleled privacy, gas log fires, expansive views, WiFi, flatscreen satellite TVs, personalised itineraries and in-house romance packages.

Expect wallabies, birdsong, peace and quiet at this tranquil retreat. The deluxe spa cottages sleep up to six and feature your own private open-air spa, wood fire, fully equipped kitchen and hammock under the gumtrees where you can drift away.

AAA ★★★★ rating.

Crosswood Estate is located on the Old North Road ridge off Hermitage Road. It produces eclectic varieties such as Tannat, Fiano and Chambourcin, along with traditional Hunter Shiraz. A stunning, two-bedroom loft apartment is available for escapes with private dining/BBQs in the landscaped grounds of the cellar door.

DEGEN ESTATE AND COTTAGES

EIGHTH HOLE REST

349 DEASYS RD, POKOLBIN

33 CESSNOCK RD, BRANXTON

HILL TOP COUNTRY GUEST HOUSE

Luxury at its best! This 54-acre vineyard estate offers exceptional accommodation for up to 20 guests with stunning 360 degree views and onsite cellar door.

Moments away from the best the Valley has to offer.

Popular for executive conferences, training workshops, yoga retreats, and for weddings/special events designed by Hunter Concierge.

Newly renovated early Australian cottage directly backing on to Branxton Golf Course with lovely views over the eighth green. House features polished floorboards, leather couches, a great deck overlooking the golf course, air-conditioning and combustion fireplace. Just 10 minutes’ drive to Wine Country wineries and restaurants.

HUNTER VALLEY LODGE & RETREAT

HUNTER VALLEY STAYS

LILLIANS ON LOVEDALE

HUNTER VALLEY

��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

Unlock the doors to Hunter Valley Stays’ collection of beautiful self-contained properties and discover your next must-stay accommodation in the Hunter Valley. In season all-year-round, the properties are as individual in style and character as each welcomed guest.

Minutes from wineries and restaurants, this very private, generously proportioned, elegantly furnished country house is set on 25 acres and caters for four. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large spa, A/C, open fire, hooded BBQ, full kitchen, breakfast provisions and TV/DVD/CD. It’s a supremely relaxing house... go on, you deserve it.

T 02 4990 9009 E relax@cedars.com.au cedars.com.au

M 0477 010 010 E mail@degenwines.com.au

188 LOMAS LN, NULKABA

M 0488 881 100 E info@huntervalleylodge.com.au huntervalleylodge.com.au The magnificent lodge is set on five beautiful acres and boasts 10 spacious bedrooms and seven bathrooms. With a swimming pool, mineral jacuzzi, games room, a bocce court and huge entertainment deck with stunning views, the property can accommodate 16-32 guests. It’s the perfect solution for large groups or conferences.

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T 02 4990 8989 E stay@cottagesonmountview.com.au cottagesonmountview.com.au

M 0421 907 323 E rodheard77@gmail.com eighthholerest.com

M 0477 010 010 E stays@huntervalleystays.com.au huntervalleystays.com.au

M 0418 649 554 E greg@marketownmedia.com

288 TALGA RD, LOVEDALE

T 02 4930 7111 E stay@hilltopguesthouse.com.au hilltopguesthouse.com.au Peace and tranquillity on 300 acres with spectacular Hunter Valley views. The Guest House has seven double rooms, The Villas for couples and families. Onsite activities: farm stay, horseriding, pony rides through trail or undercover, tractor hay rides, feeding animals, hiking, day/night kangaroo spotting and weddings on horseback.

T 02 4990 6958 E info@lillians.com.au lillians.com.au

ACCOMMODATION SELF-CONTAINED

LOVEDALE COTTAGES

RIDGEVIEW COTTAGES

ROTHVALE VINEYARD COTTAGES

�� BRICKMANS LN, LOVEDALE

��� SWEETWATER RD, POKOLBIN

��� DEASYS RD, POKOLBIN

Private one-, two- or three-bedroom self-contained, log fire and spa cottages, walking distance from wineries and restaurants. Free tennis, WiFi, mini-golf, heated indoor pool and golf course.

Perfect romantic escape for two or can cater for up to 34 guests.

Beautifully furnished country cottages in a secluded setting among vineyards and bushland. Features include spa bath, double shower, log fire, A/C, full kitchen, covered parking, private undercover BBQ area, jacuzzi, sauna, infinity-edge swimming pool and tennis court – plus on-site cellar door and restaurant.

Stay on a 75-acre working vineyard complete with winery and cellar door. One-, two- and three-bedroom rustic, self-contained country cottages offer all you need for a comfortable getaway. Enjoy fires in winter.

Cook a barbecue or taste wines with father-and-son team Luke and Max all year round.

TATLER WINES

TELLACE WINES ACCOMMODATION

THE GRANGE ON HERMITAGE

M 0409 246 661 E relax@lovedalecottages.com.au lovedalecottages.com.au

��� LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

T 02 4930 9139 E sales@tatlerwines.com tatlerwines.com Offering luxury accommodation for up to 14 on a working vineyard. Choose between the contemporary loft apartment or Tatler Lodge, and enjoy a complimentary bottle of Tatler wine while watching the sun set over the majestic Brokenback Range or cuddling up by the fire.

M 0419 475 221 E sleep@ridgeview.com.au ridgeview.com.au

T 02 4998 7290 E wines@rothvale.com.au rothvale.com.au

��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7388 E stay@thegrangeonhermitage.com.au thegrangeonhermitage.com.au

��� TUCKERS LN, NORTH ROTHBURY

T 02 4938 7173 E info@tellace.com.au

Watch kangaroos at play and take in the fabulous views across the vineyard from this modern three-bedroom, self-contained homestead, just a short walk from the Tellace Wines cellar door. It’s a tranquil spot with all the activities and attractions just a 10-minute drive away.

Quality affordable country accommodation on a 28-acre property, with a family-run vineyard. Offering guestrooms and two-bedroom cottages with complimentary breakfast hamper, ensuites, equipped kitchens, disability facilities, king- and queen-sized beds, spa, A/C, log fire and WiFi. Close to wineries, restaurants and other attractions.

DID YOU KNOW? The Hunter Valley was named after John Hunter, an officer of the Royal Navy and second governor of New South Wales.

TINONEE VINEYARD ESTATE 1273 MILBRODALE RD, BROKE

M 0488 127 321 E tinoneevineyardestate@gmail.com tinonee-vineyardestate.squarespace.com Tinonee Vineyard Estate is a private working vineyard on a 50-acre parcel of land. The Residence, an expansive homestead built in 1930, and The Dairy, originally a milking shed, have been elegantly furnished providing a luxurious setting to stay among the vines.

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ACCOMMODATION SELF-CONTAINED • GUESTHOUSES • MOTELS

WILLOW TREE ESTATE

WINE COUNTRY VILLAS

WIRRAL GRANGE COTTAGE

96 MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

��� THOMPSONS RD, POKOLBIN

��� LOMAS LN, LOVEDALE

An elegant, luxurious large self-contained estate on seven stunning acres boasting 12 generous, well-appointed bedrooms with 11 bathrooms. Willow Tree Estate has some of the most magnificent views in the Valley over the surrounding vineyards, and can accommodate 20-40 guests in style. Perfect for large groups and conferences.

Escape to your haven in the Hunter. With eight stylish split-level villas overlooking 25 acres of lush Aussie bush, Wine Country Villas is the ideal spot to chill out. Each villa has a king-sized bed, full kitchen, generous breakfast basket, coffee maker, deck with BBQ and views.

This delightful three-bedroom cottage is set in the centre of a working vineyard and farm in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, and features a fully equipped kitchen, log fire, A/C, pool and BBQ. Breakfast provisions and complimentary bottle of wine included. Pets welcome.

SPICERS VINEYARDS ESTATE

HUNTER VALLEY RETREAT

WINE COUNTRY MOTOR INN

��� SANDY CREEK RD, QUORROBOLONG

� DARWIN ST, CESSNOCK

Awarded 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Situated on 200 acres of bushland at the foot of the Watagan Mountains, ideal for a weekend away, family gathering, wedding or conference. Friendly team, relaxed environment. Accommodates 140 people in garden studios through to six-bedroom villas.

Conference room seats 180 guests.

Located in the centre of the Cessnock CBD, Wine Country Motor Inn is only 10 minutes’ drive from Hunter Valley Gardens and all of the other major attractions. It has 50 rooms on two floors offering a range of room types in a 100 per cent non-smoking environment, with free WiFi and parking.

M 0420 742 000 E info@willowtreeestate.com.au willowtreeestate.com.au

��� HERMITAGE RD, POKOLBIN T 02 6574 7229

E reception.vineyards@spicersretreats.com spicersretreats.com/spicers-vineyards-estate Intimate escape, special celebration or gourmet indulgence – whatever your reason, Spicers has all the ingredients for the perfect Wine Country getaway. All 12 guestrooms offer an open fire and spa ensuite, and access to the property's outdoor pool, spa, games area, day spa and Restaurant Botanica.

T 02 4998 7630 E info@winecountryvillas.com.au winecountryvillas.com.au

T 02 4998 6007 E info@huntervalleyretreat.com.au huntervalleyretreat.com.au

T 02 4991 2874 E carol@lioncrest.com.au wirralgrange.com.au

T 02 4993 2999 E stay@winecountrymotorinn.com.au winecountrymotorinn.com.au

BOOK YOUR ACCO M M O DAT I O N INGENIA HOLIDAYS HUNTER VALLEY

O N L I N E.

137 MOUNT VIEW RD, CESSNOCK

T 1800 649 156 E huntervalley@ingeniaholidays.com.au ingeniaholidays.com.au/huntervalley With a variety of accommodation types, from three-bedroom villas to budget-style accommodation, as well as powered caravan and camp sites, this is the perfect location for a Hunter Valley getaway. Park facilities include a jumping cushion, camp kitchen, barbecues as well as a wood-fired pizza oven.

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820 HERMITAGE ROAD, POKOLBIN 2320 T: 02 4998 7388 E: stay@thegrangeonhermitage.com.au W: www.thegrangeonhermitage.com.au

Affordable country style self catering cottages & guestrooms situated on 28 acres of natural bush and our family vineyard.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Hunter Wine Country, by relaxing on the verandah, watching kangaroos at dusk or wandering through our vineyard, accompanied by Zena, our friendly Black Labrador.

Our property is situated within minutes from a wide range of wineries, restaurants, gardens, golf courses and other attractions.

HUNTER VALLEY

enzo hunter valley OPEN 7 DAYS BREAKFAST AND LUNCH • BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED CNR BROKE & EKERTS ROAD, POKOLBIN • 4998 7233 WWW.ENZOHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU

Weddings.

VENUES AND SERVICES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY. a thousand words, to celebrants who will craft a ceremony just for you, Wine Country has them all. You will also find myriad hair and beauty consultants who will pamper you from top to toe and ensure you look your best on the big day, entertainment to get the party started, specialists in theming for a unique wedding, head-turning transport options, luxurious lodgings for your friends and family, and the perfect honeymoon options to begin your new life together.

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

PAGE

Serene beauty, breathtaking views… there’s no setting more romantic to begin your married life than the spectacular Hunter Valley.

Whether you’re imagining an intimate event tucked away from the madding crowds or a large gala celebration, the Hunter Valley can confidently meet all of your expectations – no matter your tastes.

From distinctive venues to hold your ceremony or reception, an award-winning photographer who will produce a picture that is worth

MAP

Beveridge’s Menswear

88 Vincent St, Cessnock

02 4990 1310

N/A

MAP 2 D4

Estate Tuscany

Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7288

117

MAP 1 F2

Fuse Gallery Hair. Skin. Body

89 Vincent St, Cessnock

02 4991 4247

117

MAP 2 C3

Hunter Valley Resort

Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7777

117

MAP 1 F2

Jason Thomas Marriage Celebrant

Small Winemakers Centre, Suite 5, 426 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

0409 337 000

N/A

MAP 1 J6

Lovedale Wedding Chapel & Reception

842 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

0447 923 888

118

MAP 1 G13

Margan Winery & Restaurant

1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

02 6579 1372

118

MAP 1 I0

Photography on Hermitage

Hunter Valley

0413 805 222

N/A

MAP 1 B9

Premier Entertainment

145 Macquarie Ave, Cessnock

0499 300 467

118

N/A

Premiere Wedding Photographic Studio

Unit 2b, 94 Park Ave, Kotara

0405 040 300

118

N/A

Prestige Wedding & Event Hire

13 Ace Cres, Tuggerah

02 4353 4599

118

N/A

Restaurant Cuvée

@ Peterson House, Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

02 4998 7881

118

MAP 1 J9

St Michael’s Wollombi

2887 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

0417 436 279

N/A

MAP 1 S2

Stonehurst Cedar Creek

1840 Wollombi Rd, Cedar Creek

02 4998 1576

118

MAP 1 R4

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 4217

118

MAP 1 K6

The Verandah Restaurant

@ Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

02 4998 7231

118

MAP 1 I8

ESTATE TUSCANY CNR HERMITAGE RD & MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7288 E reservations@estatetuscany.com.au estatetuscany.com.au Wedding Caterer of the Year, Tuscany is the perfect venue that has it all – accommodation, pre-wedding events, ceremony, reception and after party, with vineyard and mountain views as your majestic backdrop – be it winter with the stark rustic beauty or the flourishing lush green hues of summer.

Daily, by appointment

FUSE GALLERY HAIR. SKIN. BODY

�� VINCENT ST, CESSNOCK T 02 4991 4247

E info@fusegallery.com.au fusegallery.com.au 5000 brides can’t be wrong... The Hunter Valley’s leading and most contemporary salon in hair, skin and body is located in the Cessnock CBD, just five minutes from Pokolbin. The large salon boasts cutting-edge technology and facilities.

Mon, Wed & Fri 9am–5.30pm, Tue 9am–7pm, Thu 9am–8pm, Sat 8am–2pm

HUNTER VALLEY RESORT CNR HERMITAGE RD � MISTLETOE LN, POKOLBIN

T 02 4998 7777 E events@hunterresort.com.au hunterresort.com.au

Hunter Valley Resort caters for small and intimate weddings, and for occasions of up to 250 guests. Most importantly, the management and staff recognise this is your special day and aim to make it nothing short of perfect. Call for a tailored proposal

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LOVEDALE WEDDING CHAPEL & RECEPTION 842 LOVEDALE RD, LOVEDALE

M 0447 923 888 E lovedaleweddings@gmail.com lovedaleweddingchapel.com.au Lovedale Wedding Chapel & Reception is situated on a private estate offering an all-in-one wedding venue with the chapel, which seats 108 guests, the reception centre seating up to 120 guests, and cottage accommodation set within a parkland setting with spectacular views. Daily, by appointment

MARGAN WINERY & RESTAURANT

PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT

1238 MILBRODALE RD, BROKE

145 MACQUARIE AVE, CESSNOCK

T 02 6579 1372 E cellardoor@margan.com.au margan.com.au Margan offers a unique wedding destination for the discerning couple who appreciates quality food, great wine and friendly service with a dash of the all-important 'wow factor'! Awarded Australian Tourism Awards Best Restaurant, NSW Best Winery and One Chef’s Hat SMH GFG. Daily, by appointment

M 0499 300 467 E premierentertainmentmail@gmail.com premierentertainmentservices.com.au Offering you fully customised entertainment packages, including DJ/MC, organist, live artists, pyrotechnics and lighting. We are the one-stop-shop for your wedding needs – from the ceremony to the reception. With 25 years' experience, we are the wedding experts. Daily, by appointment

PREMIERE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO

PRESTIGE WEDDING � EVENT HIRE

UNIT 2B, 94 PARK AVE, KOTARA

�� ACE CRES, TUGGERAH

@ PETERSON HOUSE, CNR BROKE RD & WINE COUNTRY DR, POKOLBIN

Thierry Boudan Photography is one of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley’s most experienced photographic studios.

With 12-plus years in the Hunter Valley region, photographing over 600 weddings, you can trust Thierry Boudan Photography will capture your day with fun, love and your own uniqueness. Daily, by appointment

Prestige prides itself on hiring quality equipment and providing excellent personal service. It offers AV, exhibition/trade booths, marquees, lighting, dance floors, furniture, coolrooms and more. With many years of expertise, Prestige can ensure your event is a success. Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm, Sat 8.30am–12pm

An award-winning wedding venue beautifully crafted from sandstone with sweeping vineyard views provides an ideal backdrop for your reception. Whether it’s a small, intimate wedding or a larger wedding of 140, Restaurant Cuvée can tailor a package that will suit any dream.

Marquee weddings also available. Daily, evenings

STONEHURST CEDAR CREEK

TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES

THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT

1840 WOLLOMBI RD, CEDAR CREEK

358 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN

@ CALAIS ESTATE, 151 PALMERS LN, POKOLBIN

A private estate that’s exclusively yours. Celebrate your ceremony and reception in the poplar grove, vineyards, deer paddocks, creek banks or the industrial wine cellar with 22-foot-high ceilings. 550 unforgettable private acres with country cottages onsite. Outdoor long tables, tipis and marquees all welcome. Daily, by appointment

A hidden Hunter Valley treasure, located on a privately owned vineyard, Tamburlaine Organic Wines offers the perfect venue for your dream wedding. Whether it’s a simple celebration or a lavish affair, every wedding is unique and Tamburlaine will work with you to design the best day possible.

Daily, by appointment

The charming colonial buildings, stunning landscaped grounds and sweeping verandahs provide a stunning setting for your wedding. Catering for intimate weddings of 30 guests to grand weddings of 250 guests. Select one of the packages or let the team tailor something for your special day.

Daily, by appointment

M 0405 040 300 E info@thierryboudanphotograrphy. com.au thierryboudanphotography.com

T 02 4998 1576 E weddings@stonehurst.com.au stonehurst.com.au

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T 02 4353 4599 E mp@prestigepartyhire.com.au prestigepartyhire.com.au

T 02 4998 4217 E weddings@tamburlaine.com.au tamburlaine.com.au

RESTAURANT CUVÉE T 02 4998 7881 E cuvee@petersonhouse.com.au petersonhouse.com.au

T 02 4998 7231 E bookings@verandahrestaurant.com.au verandahrestaurant.com.au

Hunter Valley Christmas Shop

Open 7 Days, 10am to 5pm Hunter Valley Gardens Village Shops.

Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW Ph 02 4998 6834. www.hvchristmasshop.com.au

Services.

ESSENTIALS TO COVER ALL YOUR NEEDS.

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

Airport – Newcastle

1 Williamtown Dr, Williamtown

02 4928 9800

Bespoke Hunter

Hunter Valley

0418 148 283

N/A

Council – Cessnock

62–78 Vincent St, Cessnock

02 4993 4300

MAP 2 C4

Council – Singleton

Cnr Queen St & Civic Ave, Singleton

02 6578 7290

MAP 4 A4

EMERGENCY – Ambulance, Fire & Police

MAP N/A

000

N/A N/A

Everest Team Events

Hunter Valley

1300 434 512

H Events

Unit 5, 522-524 High St, Maitland

02 4934 8138

N/A

HOSPITAL – Cessnock

View St, Cessnock

02 4991 0555

MAP 2 A1

HOSPITAL – Singleton

Dangar Rd, Singleton

02 6571 9222

MAP 4 C5

Hunter Valley Events

Hunter Valley

02 4933 5400

N/A

Mai-Wel Limited

115A South St, Telarah

02 4932 8599

N/A

Newspaper – The Advertiser

155 Vincent St, Cessnock

02 4990 1244

MAP 2 D3

Pharmacy – Pokolbin Village Pharmacy

Shop 13, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin

02 4998 6677

MAP 1 J5

Pinnacle Team Events

Hunter Valley

02 4962 5034

MAP 1 K5

Sally Sneddon Graphic Design

12 Yilen Cl, Beresfield

02 4088 7032

N/A

Saywells Chartered Accountants

12 Vincent St, Cessnock

02 4990 9766

N/A

Sheer Design

Maitland

02 4933 9000

MAP 1 N11

Sparkd Events & Marketing Communications

Hunter Valley

0410 477 774

N/A

TAXI – Cessnock Radio Cabs

52 Cumberland St, Nulkaba

02 4990 1111

MAP 2 E5

TAXI – Singleton Taxico

15 Mary St, Singleton

02 6572 1133

MAP 1 B0

Visitor Information – Hunter Valley

455 Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

02 4993 6700

MAP1 K10

Visitor Information – Maitland

Cnr New England Hwy & High St, Maitland

02 4931 2800

MAP 1 K10

Visitor Information – Newcastle

@ The Maritime Centre, 3 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

1800 654 558

N/A

Visitor Information – Singleton

Townhead Park, New England Hwy, Singleton

1800 499 888

MAP 4 D5

BIG-NAME ACTS from rock legend bruce springsteen to swedish pop - rockers roxette ,

the hunter valley plays host to some of the world ’ s biggest acts .

Recent star performers also include The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Sting & Paul Simon, Jimmy Barnes, Fleetwood Mac, Bernard Fanning, Alicia Keys, Leonard Cohen, Lionel Richie, John Farnham, Hunters & Collectors, Daryl Braithwaite, Ian ‘Mossy’ Moss, Richard Clapton and country music favourites Toby Keith and Lee Kernaghan.

Visit winecountry.com.au to find out who’s headlining in 2018 and book your tickets.

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WINECOUNTRY.COM.AU