Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival 2018

always more to discover

Wine&Food festival May - June 2018 winecountry.com.au

Official Partner

Welcome This much-anticipated annual event showcases the region’s diverse wine and food culture with two months of themed activities throughout May and June.

Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival is the perfect cure for the winter blues. It provides you with the chance to wine and dine with leading Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs, take part in array of fun and interactive classes to fine-tune your culinary skills or, if you’re after a relaxing experience, simply curl up beside an open fire with a glass of premium Hunter Valley wine and a cheese plate.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Full event details are available at winecountry.com.au

KEY TO SYMBOLS

HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD Festival SUPPORTERS

HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD Festival SUPPORTERS WINE DINE FOOD & WINE TRAIL Stay The 2018 Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival is proudly supported

by Wine Selectors and has been organised by Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association.

By the Fireside

HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL

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FEATURED EVENTS By the Fireside Intimate Winemaker Dinner

Around Hermitage

Come and hear the stories and play wine games with Lisa McGuigan as your host.

Enjoy the ambience of the vineyards watching fun and engaging films while enjoying locally made fine wines and gourmet food from local restaurants and providores.

Enjoy a four-course degustation meal perfectly matched to the winemaker’s best wines.

Saturday 16 June Details page 25

Lovedale Long Lunch Lovedale Seven wineries team up with local Hunter Valley restaurants for a weekend of fine wine, gourmet food and live entertainment.

19 and 20 May Details page 20

Hunter Valley Wine & Film Festival

5 and 26 May Details page 18

Olive Long Table Luncheon Whispering Brook Wine & Olive Discovery A sumptuous Mediterraneaninspired menu with wine, live music, a tutored walking tour through the olive grove and guest speaker included.

Saturday 2 June Details page 26

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FEATURED EVENTS Burning of the Barrel Blazing bonfire at Glandore Estate Wines When the sun begins to set, Glandore Estate lights the flame on the annual Burning of the Barrel bonfire! Warm up beside the blazing bonfire with a drop of Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Saturday 30 June Details page 28

Ocean to Paddock RidgeView Degustation Executive chef Donna Hollis draws inspiration from the local culinary offerings to bring you a seven-course degustation feast matched with RidgeView wines.

A gastronomic journey from the Ocean to the Paddock.

Saturday 23 June Details page 30

Hunter Valley Wine Festival Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley The sixth annual festival held in the picturesque grounds of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley with more than 60 exhibitors, including wine, food, beer and cider.

Saturday 30 June Details page 10

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FEATURED EVENTS Piggs Day Out Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort A combination of wonderful food, wine and music on the beautiful grounds of Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort.

Join Piggs Peake Winemaker Steve Langham and taste a selection of his finest.

Saturday 2 June Details page 33

Intimate Cellar Door Lunch 1813 @ Tinonee Vineyard Estate Visit the newly renovated cellar door at Broke Fordwich and be treated to a special cutting of the vines experience and tour, followed by an intimate lunch.

Saturday 23 June Details page 15

Cheeses of the World WINE MATCHING EXPERIENCE Two Fat Blokes Experience the perfect match made in heaven – cheese and wine. Sample a selection of international world-famous cheeses carefully matched with Hunter Valley wines.

Every weekend in May and June Details page 34

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FEATURED EVENTS Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight

Hunter Valley Stays

Hunter Valley leading chefs vs Sydney chefs

Private chef

Mitch Orr from Acme and Joel Bickford from the Gantry are pitted against two local chefs. Join us for an experience you’ll never forget: four courses, you vote for the winner.

Monday 18 June Details page 36

Enjoy an impressive long lunch, degustation dinner or celebration with your friends or family created by your own private chef when you book a stay during Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival.

Throughout May and June Details page 27

Meet the Farmer Dinner Margan Restaurant Margan joins forces with five local food producers to present a delicious five-course dinner featuring the best Hunter Valley produce and the people behind it.

Saturday 2 June Details page 30

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WINE

PURE WINE INDULGENCE For the aspiring ‘wine master’ or those who just want to know more. Discover more about your favourite wine variety, the different characteristics the vineyard can produce, and the essential steps in the winemaking process. This series of events will be hosted by Hunter Valley winemakers and wine educators in small groups, allowing an in-depth understanding of the various attributes of Hunter Valley wines.

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SEMILLON, SHIRAZ & CHEESE MATCHING EXPERIENCE De Iuliis Wines has recently received outstanding accolades for their Semillon and Shiraz wines. Michael De Iuliis Wines was also awarded ‘2015 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year’ and ‘2016 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year’. To showcase our wines we have paired two Semillons and two Shiraz with four sensational Hunter Valley cheeses from Binnorie Diary and Hunter Belle Cheese. This will certainly give your tastebuds a journey not to forget!

• Daily in May and June | 11am-4pm | $20 pp | $15 pp for club members bookings essential • De Iuliis Wines Cellar Door, 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin • dewine.com.au | 02 4993 8000

The O’Shea Experience Sit down for a vertical tasting during Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival, which sees the exclusive release of museum stock of one of Australia’s most collected wines, the Maurice O’Shea Shiraz. Explore four vintages served in premium Riedel glassware and enjoy a perfectly matched tasting plate crafted by The Red Apron, as you’re skilfully guided through each sample by one of our professional wine staff. Each guest will also receive a $25 voucher, redeemable off purchases over $200.

• Daily in May and June | 10am-3pm | $59 pp | Bookings essential • Mount Pleasant, 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin • Email mpwineclub@mcwilliamswines.com.au • mountpleasantwines.com.au | 02 4998 7505

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ANNUAL BARREL HALL SALE Grab a glass and taste your way through more than 100 choices of wine.

The range include medal winners, limited releases, museum reserve, great vintages as well as quaffers. Meet our winemaking team for structured tastings, wine education and cellaring advice. Complete your visit in the award-winning Margan Restaurant. Bookings essential for the restaurant to avoid disappointment.

• 9-11 June | 10am-5pm • Margan Family Wines, 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke • margan.com.au | 02 6579 1317

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HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL The sixth annual Hunter Valley Wine Festival will take place on June 30 within the grounds of the picturesque Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. A Schwartz Family Company initiative, this community event will be one to remember. With an extensive array of wine, food, beer and cider on offer, festival goers will be spoilt for choice, as is always the case with a Hunter Valley experience.

The Schwartz Family Company is dedicated to supporting local communities and industry, and is proud to be able to create such an event aimed at bringing together the best that the Hunter Valley has to offer. With family-friendly activities, light entertainment throughout the day and so many taste sensations to choose from everyone is well catered for and more than welcome.

Check out our website for tickets or accommodation and festival packages. Proudly supporting NSW Rural Fire Services.

• Saturday 30 June | 11am-5pm | $20 pp online/$25 pp at the door • Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale • huntervalleywinefestival.com

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Vermouth Cocktail Masterclass Become a master in the art of cocktails with the region’s first vermouth produced by Margan. Vermouth has its origins in Italy and several of the classic cocktails using vermouth were invented there. Learn how to shake, swirl and sip a Negroni, Americano and Cobbler! Limited spaces and bookings essential.

• Every Saturday in May and June | 10.30am | $25 pp • Margan Family Wines, 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke • margan.com.au | 02 6579 1317

Cabernet, Chocolate & Cold Drip Experience Pleasure your senses and indulge with a Pepper Tree Wines Cabernet, Chocolate & Cold Drip Experience. Showcasing a selection of our award-winning Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons matched perfectly to Cuvée chocolate and Contango Espresso-Roasters cold drip coffee. Truly a sensory delight to be explored. Bookings essential.

• Daily in May and June (except public holidays) | 10am-3.30pm | $25 pp • Pepper Tree Wines, 86 Halls Road, Pokolbin • peppertreewines.com.au | 02 4909 7100

Magnum Madness As part of the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival, come visit us and enjoy a flight of five wines poured from magnums matched superbly with five delicious canapés.

• 5-6 and 26-27 May | 10am-4pm | $30 pp • Hart & Hunter Cellar Door, 463 Deasys Road, Pokolbin • hartandhunter.com.au | 02 4998 7645

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Brokenwood Progressive Tour & Taste To celebrate our wonderful region during Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival, Brokenwood Wines is hosting a Progressive Tour & Taste every Saturday throughout May and June (excluding May 26). Taste some of our favourite wines as you move behind the scenes through our winery and vineyard learning about how the wine is made. We’ll start you off with our famous Semillon and oyster shooters and finish with a special tasting straight from barrel. Bookings essential.

• Every Saturday in May and June (excluding 26 May) | 10.30am | $30 pp • Brokenwood Wines, 401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin • brokenwood.com.au | 02 4998 7559

Viva Verdelho In the Hunter Valley, the Verdelho variety produces wines that are lively, tropical and vibrant – the perfect accompaniment to the Australian way of life. Tulloch, the pioneering family of Verdelho in the Hunter Valley, produces five different styles of this crowd-pleasing variety, from the fun celebratory sparkling style of ‘Verscato’ to the luscious fortified Creme de Vin and various styles inbetween. Take the journey with Tulloch as we show you our five styles and the versatility of Verdelho matched with five food accompaniments.

• Daily by appointment | $18 pp • Tulloch Wines, 638 DeBeyers Road, Pokolbin • tullochwines.com | 02 4998 7580

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Boutique Winery Tour & Barrel Tasting Ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes in a winery?

Or are you just curious for a look around? Visit Briar Ridge during May and June for a relaxed boutique winery tour and winetasting.

It’s a great way to learn more about wine and have a little fun in the process! The experience includes an exclusive sample taste of our ‘Mystery Wine’ straight from the barrel and a complimentary glass of wine from our popular Varietal Series to enjoy on the tasting deck post-tour.

Naturally, our delicious gourmet cheese and antipasto platters, featuring produce from our favourite Hunter providores, are also available to pre-order when you book.

• Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (incl Monday 26 June) | 11am | $20 pp • Briar Ridge, 593 Mount View Road, Mount View • briarridge.com.au | 02 4990 3670

DE IULIIS SHIRAZ MASTERCLASS De Iuliis Wines has received outstanding accolades for their Shiraz wines over a number of years. Michael De Iuliis was also awarded ‘2015 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year’ and ‘2016 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year’. To showcase our Shiraz wines we have put together a Shiraz Masterclass, which will take you on a journey of the origin of Shiraz, it’s past and present. You will also get to try a bracket tasting of De Iuliis Shiraz, which will give you an understanding of why we think our Shiraz is some of the best!

• Every Saturday in May and June | 11am and 3pm | $30 pp $20 pp for club members | bookings essential • De Iuliis Cellar Door, 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin • dewine.com.au | 02 4993 8000

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Ultimate Epic TASTING Experience For the discerning drinker, we have created the Ultimate Epic Tasting Experience – a mini-degustation of premium Hungerford Hill wines matched to bite-sized dishes prepared by award-winning Muse Restaurant.

Seated in our indoor terrace or outdoor sculpture courtyard, one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting.

You will be guided through an educational tasting highlighting the importance of food and wine matching.

• Every Wednesday to Sunday in May and June | 11am-3pm | $60 pp • Hungerford Hill, 2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin • hungerfordhill.com.au | 02 4990 0715

Annual Open Day @ Keith Tulloch Wines Fancy a chilled glass of wine and a game of croquet in the sunshine, or relaxing on the grass under the umbrellas, with one of our new releases in hand? Of course you do!

Open Day tickets are available for pre-sale at $35 pp, or $40 pp on the day until sold out. Includes admission until 3pm, games on the lawn, live entertainment at midday, tastings in the winery and a branded Keith Tulloch Wine glass for you to keep.

Gourmet food and share plates available to purchase on our Fireplace Terrace.

Come and join us!

• Saturday 26 May | 11am-3pm | from $35 pp • Keith Tulloch Wine, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin • keithtullochwine.com.au | 02 4998 7500

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Intimate Cellar Door Lunch Enjoy an informative tour of the vineyard followed by an intimate lunch in the newly renovated cellar door of Broke Fordwich’s latest wine label, 1813.

• Saturday 23 June | 11am-3pm | $118 pp • 1813 Cellar Door @ Tinonee Vineyard Estate, 1273 Milbrodale Road, Broke • 1813.com.au | 0488 127 321

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MIXOLOGY M/WINE MASTERCLASS Learn the bartender’s secrets on how to make simple and easy batch cocktails to enjoy next time you are hosting an event. Limited spaces (maximum 12 people per masterclass) and bookings are essential.

• Every Sunday in May and June | 2pm | $15 pp • Tempus Two Cellar Door, Cnr Broke & Mcdonalds Roads, Pokolbin • tempustwo.com.au | 02 4993 3900

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FOOD & WINE TRAILS

WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCES To unearth hidden gems, you just need to know where to look.

We’ve taken care of this for you in the Wine & Food Trails category to bring you some top wine and food experiences. No matter where you dine you’ll be treated to some of the freshest produce, plated creatively by our acclaimed chefs, using local olives, oils, cheeses, poultry and beef, along with a dose of true-blue Hunter hospitality.

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HUNTER VALLEY WINE, FOOD & FILM FESTIVAL Around Hermitages’ Wine, Food and Film Festival is in its third year and this year will run over two distinct weekends, the first and last weekends of May. Come along and enjoy the ambience of the vineyards while watching fun films and enjoying locally made wines and gourmet food from local restaurants and providores.

May 5 will see the return of Flickerfest at Peter Drayton’s Winery and Brewhouse, and on May 26 there will be a screening of a locally-made film based on Australia’s first cookery book: Cookery for the Many as well as for the Upper 10,000, published in 1864.

• Saturday 5 and Saturday 26 May | 6pm til late | From $20 pp • Various locations in Around Hermitage, Pokolbin • winefoodfilmfestival.com.au

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Music in the Woods A winter celebration of live music with fine wine and good friends.

Enjoy a day in the Wollombi Valley and cosy up with a range of Stonehurst wines, including mulled wine on pour. Dance away the afternoon amongst 100 poplar trees or simply relax beside the firepit in the woods. A unique winter experience, bring your picnic blankets and hampers, or enjoy a gourmet Ploughman’s Platter and BBQ. Visit the website for bands to be announced. Bookings essential. Shuttle bus available to local accommodation.

• Saturday 2 June | 11am-4pm | From $35 pp • Stonehurst Cedar Creek 1840 Wollombi Road, Wollombi • stonehurst.com.au

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Don’t be late, don’t be late for a very important date!

Slide down the rabbit hole to the Estate (Tuscany).

We’re having a tea party, at 12.30pm it starts.

On Saturday 9th June, why not come dressed as the Queen of Hearts.

Until 3.00pm, we’ll laugh and have fun.

We’ll be at The Conservatory, 28 Mistletoe Lane until the party is done.

With lawn games; croquet, bocce and giant chess.

Now please come dressed in your Saturday best.

Food, tea, Champagne and wine a flowing, come with some chums, you will sure to be glowing.

Our chef Daniel will be wearing a hat, You wear one too, we have prizes for that.

It’s a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, please mark the day.

Please RSVP so your presence is planned.

We hope that you’ll join us in our Wonderland.

• Saturday 9 June | 12.30pm-3pm | From $60 pp • The Conservatory, 28 Mistletoe Lane, Estate Tuscany • estatetuscany.com.au

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Lovedale Long Lunch The 25th Lovedale Long Lunch is a progressive-style lunch where food and wine lovers are invited to discover the wonders of Lovedale. Seven of Lovedale’s finest wineries team up with a decadent line-up of leading Hunter Valley chefs and their teams, and local entertainment for a weekend of foodie fun.

Gather a group of friends, stay in Lovedale accommodation, build your itinerary, book a bus and enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend away at the Hunter Valley’s biggest food and wine event of the year.

• Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May | 10am-4pm • Saturday $124 pp, Sunday $79 pp • Lovedale and Wilderness Roads • lovedalelonglunch.com.au

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DINE

THE EDIBLE EXPERIENCE For those who love a good food adventure, this is where the journey begins! Pull up a seat at a unique lunch or dinner hosted by leading producers and chefs who show off their skills and dish up creative gourmet fare; or become a connoisseur in the art of matching Hunter Valley wine and food.

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HEROES OF THE HUNTER A five-course degustation dinner with matched wines. $99 pp for Essentials wine match and a Premium wine pairing menu for $120 pp.

Wines will be chosen to highlight the best of the Hunter and, of course, complement the menu flavours. Bookings essential.

• Every night in May and June | 6pm-9pm | From $99 pp • Redsalt Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale • crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au | 02 4991 0944

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RIDGEVIEW Chefs Plate RidgeView Restaurant’s executive chef Donna Hollis and her team use fresh homegrown and local produce to create seasonal Mediterraneanstyle menus. For $39 pp, indulge in a main and a dessert, paired with a glass of our estate-made wine while enjoying stunning vineyard views.

• Thursday-Sunday during May and June | 12pm-5.30pm | $39 pp • RidgeView, 273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin • ridgeview.com.au | 02 6574 7332

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HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDs AWARDS Celebrating our past, our present, our future, the Hunter Valley Legends Awards recognises and honours those who have made major contributions and excelled within the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries. Please join us to celebrate and recognise the people we regard as mentors, peers, colleagues and friends. Bookings essential.

• Thursday 24 May | Dinner | E: Karlene@hvwta.com.au • Ben Ean, McDonalds Road, Pokolbin • winecountry.com.au

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BY THE FIRESIDE With Winemaker Lisa McGuigan This year for the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival our ‘By the Fireside’ is with Lisa McGuigan.

On the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy a four-course degustation of the finest local produce with wine rock star Lisa McGuigan. Hear her stories and play wine games over dinner while sampling her latest releases and discuss the amazing vintage.

Each of the four courses will be perfectly matched to Lisa’s best wines.

An intimate fireside experience. We have some very special stay packages too.

• Saturday 16 June | 6.30pm | $110 pp • Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin • hunterresort.com.au/fireside | 4998 7222

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WHISPERING BROOK OLIVE LONG TABLE LUNCHEON The 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 Andy Wright, with matching Whispering Brook wines, live music and guest speaker.

• Saturday 2 June | 12pm-4pm | $150 pp | Members $135 pp • Whispering Brook, Rodd Street, Broke • whispering-brook.com.au | 02 9818 4126

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Celebrate the best Stays, Wine and Food with Hunter Valley Stays Imagine hosting an effortless and impressive long lunch, degustation dinner or celebration for your friends or family in the Hunter Valley.

Dine in style as you and your guests relax in one of Hunter Valley Stays’ beautiful properties. Experience your choice of casual or formal dining as one of our private chefs prepares locally sourced, mouth-watering food, cooked right in front of you. Book your stay during Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival and let our chefs look after the rest.

• Throughout May and June | Catering prices available via Hunter Valley Stays (minimum 8 guests) • All locations throughout the Hunter Valley • Contact our Reservation Team today to make a booking stays@huntervalleystays.com.au | 0477 010 010 • huntervalleystays.com.au

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BURNING OF THE BARREL The Glandore Burning of the Barrel is a highlight event in the Hunter Valley each year.

Bigger and better plans are on the cards for 2018 as we want to give new and exciting reasons for people to come back each year... besides the giant fire, amazing food, fireworks, live music and cracking wines!

Tickets on sale via stickytickets in March.

• Saturday 30 June | From 5.30pm | $98.50 per adult | $32.50 kids • Glandore Estate Wines, 1595 Broke Road, Pokolbin • glandorewines.com | 02 4998 7140

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Tyrrell’s Winemaker’s Luncheon Restaurant Botanica and Tyrrell’s join forces for the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival. Develop your cooking skills with a hands-on workshop in the Restaurant Botanica garden, then sit back and enjoy a delicious long lunch featuring some spectacular Tyrrell’s wines. Hosted by Chris Tyrrell and Matthew Bremerkamp, this is a day not to be missed!

• Saturday 9 June | 11.30am-4pm | $195 pp • Spicers Vineyards Estate Hunter Valley, 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin • spicersretreats.com | 1300 192 868

Nose to Tail Cooking School Whole lamb butchery demo, roast lamb shoulder, Frenching the racks.

See a master at work while Margan’s head chef demonstrates the art of whole animal butchery of the Suffolk lambs reared on the estate.

Supporting the nose-to-tail agri-dining philosophy, you will get busy butchering and preparing different cuts of meat and receive chef’s tips for perfect meat cookery.

• Sunday 3 June | From 10am | $155 pp | Bookings essential • Margan Family Wines, 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke • margan.com.au | 02 6579 1317

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MEET THE FARMER DINNER Margan Restaurant joins forces with five leading Hunter Valley food producers to present a fantastic dinner featuring the best 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’s hatted restaurant, is the regional leader in ‘Agri Dining’, their authentic paddock-to-plate menu is not to be missed. Enjoy an all-inclusive, five-course dinner with matched Margan Limited Release Wines. Casual. Fun. Delicious! This one sells out fast so book your tickets now.

• Saturday 2 June | 6pm | $170 pp • Margan Family Wines, 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke • margan.com.au | 02 6579 1317

OCEAN TO PADDOCK Ocean to Paddock is RidgeView’s signature Winemaker’s Dinner using home-grown and local produce. Executive chef Donna Hollis and her team will take you on a gastronomic journey from the ocean to the paddock with a seven-course degustation perfectly paired with RidgeView wines. Bookings essential, payment upon booking.

• Saturday 23 June | 6pm | $125 pp • RidgeView, 273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin • ridgeview.com.au | 02 6574 7332

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Hunter Classics Fireside Tasting Take a seat by the fireplace at RidgeView and enjoy a tasting of six of our premium Generations Series Semillon and Shiraz to discover why these varieties are Hunter Valley royalty. Compare our current releases to rare museum vintages and experience how these wines mature with age. Each wine will be perfectly paired with canapés prepared by executive chef Donna Hollis. 20% discount on any wine purchases made on the night. Bookings essential.

• Saturday 19 May | 5pm | $40 pp • RidgeView Restaurant, 273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin • ridgeview.com.au | 02 6574 7332

THE ORIGINAL 100 METRE MEAL Margan are the leaders in ‘Agri Dining’ and their 100 metre meal showcases the provenance of their estate-grown/estate-made produce.

Everything on your plate and in your glass has been grown within 100 metres of your restaurant table. Enjoy Margan reared lamb, garden vegetables, orchard fruits, free-range eggs, fresh unfiltered honey and olives matched perfectly with a glass of Margan Barbera. Enjoy a Sunday morning garden tour with the head chef followed by a threecourse lunch matched with Margan wine made from the 100 hectares of beautiful Margan vineyards.

• Every Sunday in May and June | 11.15am | $95 pp • Margan Family Wines, 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke • margan.com.au | 02 6579 1317

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RidgeView’s Tasting Plate A well-matched glass of wine can take a meal from good to great!

RidgeView’s Tasting Plate invites you to experience this as executive chef Donna Hollis selects three of our Mediterranean-inspired signature dishes to be paired with three of our estate-made wines.

• Thursday-Sunday during May and June | 12pm-5.30pm | $39 pp • RidgeView Restaurant, 273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin • ridgeview.com.au | 02 6574 7332CL

BURNING OF THE CANES – A FLAMIN’ GOOD NIGHT! Enjoy a glass of wine on arrival & indulge in a Mediterranean feast by The Verandah Restaurant while being entertained by fire twirling & live music. Sip on a range of wines from the aged & new release wine bar, toast your own marshmallow s’moores & have dance around the fire. We look forward to seeing you for a flamin’ good night!

• Saturday 2 June | 6pm-late | $75 pp • Moorebank Vineyard, 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin • moorebankvineyard.com | 02 4998 7610

Hands-On Cooking Class & Lunch One of our chefs at Il Cacciatore Restaurant will lead you through a step-by-step, hands-on gnocchi making class, followed by lunch and wine. The chef will demonstrate the preparation of two different dishes featuring gnocchi.

• May 5, May 19, June 9, June 23 | 11am | $125 pp • Il Cacciatore Restaurant, 609 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin • hermitagelodge.com.au | 02 4998 7639

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2018 Piggs Day Out Hey Babe… you’ll squeal with delight about Piggs Day Out – a wonderful food, wine and music event on the lawn fronting Cypress Lakes. As we bring home the bacon preparing succulent slow-roast pig spits with all the trimmings, you can rub shoulders with Piggs Peake boss hog Steve Langham. All this while sipping on a selection of the incredible wines Steve has been hard at work creating.

You could say this event is just what the doctor ordered… Dr Goodvibe, one of the Central Coast’s favourite original bands, will provide music for the soul. Edu Valk (singer, songwriter guitarist) will be joined by Luke Gallen on saxophone and flute, and a very groovy rhythm section with Craig Ryan on drums and Dave Clews on bass.

A rasher decision you will never make, so book now.

Ticket price includes live music, spit roast with all the trimmings, dessert and five glasses from a selection of Piggs Peak wines. Workout for your hamstrings complimentary!

• Saturday 2 June | 12pm-3pm | $129 pp (over 18-year-old event) • Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, 15 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin • oakshotels.com | 02 4993 1848

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Cheeses of the world wine matching experience Love your cheeses and small goods, but are a little unsure of how to match them with a delicious wine? Join the club, 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. On this experience, one of the Two Fat Blokes will teach you all about cheese and wine matching in a fun and educational way by. You’ll know your French Epoisse from an English Charnwood cheddar and learn why a Hunter Valley Semillon can be a match made in heaven when served with one cheese but a disaster when matched with another. And why Spanish Jamon or an Italian Brescaola needs different reds to bring out the flavours in the meat as well as the wine. We held our first classes four years ago and they’re still the most popular in the Hunter Valley.

Maximum 20 people per session.

• Every weekend in May and June | Saturdays 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm Sundays 10.30am and 12.30pm | $39 pp • Two Fat Blokes, 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin • twofatblokes.com.au | 02 4998 6699

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Wollombi Winemakers’ Winter Dinner Enjoy a five-course winter degustation with matching wines from the five vineyards of the Wollombi Valley. Featuring local and regional Hunter Valley produce, experience a paddock-to-plate dining adventure and be immersed in the vibrant passion and soul of the surrounding vineyards. The five winemakers and vignerons will share their stories, knowledge and take you through a wine journey of the area, all set in the picturesque and historic village of Wollombi. Bookings essential.

Shuttle bus available to local accommodation.

• Saturday 23 June | 7pm | $110 pp • Wollombi Village • wollombivalleywinetrail.com.au | 02 4998 1576

Picnic in the Park Come and enjoy the best regional produce direct from a variety of market stalls and food trucks. Match hunter valley wines and seasonal delicacies all while relaxing with a picnic rug and breath taking views over the valley. Live entertainment starting from 12 pm and food served until 3pm.

• Saturday 16 June | 11am-4pm | $5 pp • Kirkton Park, 336 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin • kirktonparkhuntervalley.com.au | 02 4998 7680

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Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight Four high profile Australian chefs, each at the top of their game, will go head to head at the highly anticipated Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight. You decide the winner as guests will be tasked with voting for their favourite dish matched to premium Hunter Valley Wines - A sell out event not to be missed! Canapes from 11am.

• Monday 18 June | 11.30am | $220 pp includes four-course meal with matching wines • Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale • hunterculinary.com.au

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STAY

ACCOMMODATION OFFERS Escape the winter blues and explore the warmth of all the experiences the Hunter Valley has to offer.

Nothing beats the warm comforts of a country stay and the Hunter Valley is lucky enough to have its fair share of ritzy resorts as well as small, boutique B&Bs where the welcome mat is always out.

Check out our great short break deals, available over Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival at winecountry.com.au/special-offers | P 02 4990 0900 24 hunter winecountry.com.au valley wine & food FESTIVAL

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HUNTER VALLEY STAYS Indulge your inner foodie and reserve your accommodation for the Wine and Food Festival with Hunter Valley Stays. Unlock the doors to some of the Hunter’s most beautiful properties featuring all the right ingredients for a truly memorable stay. From couples through to large groups, you’ll find a property to suit every taste.

Contact our Reservations Team today to make a booking • stays@huntervalleystays.com.au • huntervalleystays.com.au | 0477 010 010

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CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY Treat yourself to an indulgent escape complete with overnight accommodation and our specially designed five-course Heroes of the Hunter degustation dinner with matched wines.

Package for two includes overnight accommodation, dinner from the five-course ‘Essential Heroes of the Hunter’ degustation menu with matched wines.

• Daily in May and June (subject to availability) from $325 per couple.

Prepayment is required at time of booking, non-refundable upon cancellation.

• Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale • crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au | 02 4991 0000

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HUNTER VALLEY RESORT Why not take advantage of the quieter time here in the Valley and escape for a couple of days with our Altogether Package, which includes two nights from $169 per night?

On-site attractions include our new Adventure Centre with Segway tours, horseriding adventures and electric bike hire. Close by you can enjoy cheese tastings, hot-air ballooning, a massage by Sally Margan from Heavenly Hunter… or maybe just finish that book you have been promising yourself to do …

Of course, Newcastle’s beaches are only 45 minutes away, and Port Stephens 80 minutes away. So much, so close…

Two-night package includes • Choice of guestroom or cottage for two nights • Buffet breakfast daily • Entry to the Hunter Wine Theatre • Free schooner with every beer-tasting paddle purchase • Tour of the on-site vineyard • Winetasting with the Resort’s cellarmaster • Discount vouchers for Segway tour • Horseriding adventure • Electric bike hire • Massage treatments • From $169 per night (subject to availability) • Hunter Valley Resort, Cnr Hermitage Rd and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin • hunterresort.com.au | 4998 7222

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