Your Hunter Valley Magazine | June 2019

The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country | JUNE 2019 | ISSUE #168

AT PRESTIGIOUS ESTATE BOTTLED HISTORY IN AGED WINES

ANNUAL WILDLIFE EXHIBITION

MEET THE TAMBURLAINE TEAM

VINTAGE WINGS FLYING HIGH

RUNNING HORSE WINES The most unique cellar door in Broke... A must visit!

Specialising in Aged Wines

Running Horse Wines cellar door provides a new look and experience to the Hunter wine region.

We at Running Horse Wines have been ageing our entire range of wines and have amassed an impressive, unique and true age worthy wine list that will take you on an adventurous ride to an unprecedented tasting experience.

The opportunity to taste and buy wines from 2005 to 2012 is very rare. Our classic aged range is comprising of the Hunter’s finest Shiraz, Semillon, Verdelho, Rosé and a Sparkling Rosé also being aged on lees for 4 years!

Running Horse Wines is open every day from 10am to 6pm.

From Monday to Thursday, please do not hesitate to call and confirm arrival as these hours can fluctuate.

1133 Milbrodale Road, Broke Fordwich PH David on 0474 156 786 | www.runninghorsewines.com.au

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IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...

JUNE

A WORD FROM THE EDITORS

PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: PH +61 2 4943 2888 www.yourhuntervalley.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au WCP MEDIA Level 1, 216 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown, NSW 2290 JUNE 2019 Copyright © 2019 WCP Media Published monthly by WCP Media All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, WCP Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE From 1st June 2019 until the 30th June 2019 inclusive, or while stocks last.

Historically, May and June are the months to celebrate wine and food in the Hunter Valley, and this year's festival is already in full swing. There’s a vast array of activities and events to revel in throughout the Hunter Valley during June – and we’ve featured a selection of our favourite activities in this month’s issue.

One of the most hotly contested events of the season is the annual Food Fight. The event is celebrating an impressive tenth anniversary, and this year's cook-off looks to be more closely contested than ever before with four alumni from The Ledbury in London going up against each other to create the prestigious title-winning dish. Read more about the food fight on page 37 alongside our first Seasonal Dining Guide for Winter.

Also celebrating ten years in business is Ben Merkenof of Hunter Valley Vintage Wings. Ben purchased the hanger at Cessnock Airport back in 2009 and set up an aviation museum designed to promote and share his late father’s passion for vintage aviation through stationary displays and joy flights.

We caught up with Ben this month to find out how he has honoured his fathers legacy while creating an

experience that can be enjoyed by aircraft enthusiasts and adventure junkies alike. Read more on page 21.

In this issue, we also take a step back in time to walk the haunted halls of Maitland Gaol. Thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to the commanding convict-built structure every year to explore the fascinating, frightening and sometimes far-fetched sounding stories of what life was like behind its grim stone walls and if you’re in the local area it’s a fun but frightening place to visit.

As we go to print, over 300 local identities have gathered to pay homage to the industry stalwarts who have contributed significantly to the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries. As always, the evening’s highest honour was presented to wine and tourism luminaries who have reached ‘Living Legend’ status through more than 30 years’ continuous involvement in the industry. Find out who the winners were on page 28.

Enjoy!

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s i h t n i ’s t a h W

14

Issue?

What's on in June & July

4

Hot in the Hunter

12

voco™ Kirkton Park – Lavish Opulence Abounds at Prestigious Estate 16

20 GET MOBILE! View this month’s issue of Your Hunter Valley Magazine on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Visit www.yourhuntervalley.com.au/read-online

Taking to the Air 21 All New Food Market That Puts Locals First 26 Legends Honoured at 2019 Awards 28

34

Boho Fashion in the Hunter Valley – Southon Styles 31 Meet the Team Doing it Better at Tamburlaine Organic Wines

32

Winter Dining Guide

36

Your Hunter Valley Map

38

3 | JUNE 2019 yhv

What's

ON Events not to miss in the Hunter Valley Region

FIND THE LATEST EVENTS ONLINE AT YOURHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU

JUNE

Markets Broke Village Market

At McNamara Park JUNE 2

Handmade in The Hunter Markets At Kevin Sobels Wines JUNE 8, 9 + 22

Dalwood Markets At Dalwood Estate JUNE 9

Wollombi Market Day Wollombi JUNE 10

HV Gourmet Market At First Creek Wines JUNE 15

yhv 4 | JUNE 2019

JUNE Scenes of Everyday Life Cessnock Regional Art Gallery

MON 3 – SUN 30 JUNE An exhibition of figurative art, both 2D and sculpture will be at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery this month, inspired by human activity in the Hunter Region. All art is for sale, with plenty of local artists featured in the month-long exhibition. You can find the gallery at 16 Vincent Street, Cessnock - open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm (closed public holidays). For more information visit www.crag.net.au

Winter Fireside Chats Glenguin Estate, Broke

EVERY SAT IN JUNE, JULY + AUG Join Glenguin Estate’s viticulturist and cellar door manager Phil Jones on a Saturday afternoon this Winter to open a few bottles from the archives plus some current releases in an educational and fun fireside tasting. On offer are wines that cannot be tasted anywhere else, and an exclusive look into what makes them unique, the estate and winemaking techniques. Cheese and charcuterie will accompany the tasting, as well as an open discussion – guests are encouraged to offer opinions and ask any questions they may have.

Each event will be an intimate affair, with a maximum of 10 people, running all through Winter. Tickets are $30 pp, visit www.glenguinestate.com.au to book your spot.

S M T W T F S

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Cessnock Performing Arts Centre

THURS 6 JUNE The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is doing the rounds again this year to over 80 destinations, and bringing a handful of fantastically funny comedians to Cessnock in June.

Catch MC Dave Callan, Cal Wilson, Sean Choolburra, Daniel Connell and Blake Freeman in what will be a jampacked 2 hour show. Tickets are $50pp ($45 CPAC members), or take advantage of $40pp for groups of 4+. Visit www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

Hunter Valley

Reflections Day Spa icks Sweet W s Candle le availab here!

COUPLES DELIGHT PACKAGE

Smoke in Broke

McNamara Park, Broke SAT 8 + SUN 9 JUNE It’s every BBQ lovers dream – a weekend of BBQ, beer, wine and music! Smoke in Broke is back this year promising to be bigger and better with more food vendors, more competitions and competitors, music, stalls and of course more BBQ.

This year’s event has grown to include a Steak Cookoff Competition on the Saturday, with the BBQ Competition on the Sunday (tasting tokens available). There will also be a separate demonstration stage for BBQ enthusiasts. Book accommodation nearby or camp free in the park next to the event (get in early for a good spot).

The event runs from 10am – 8pm on Saturday and 10am – 7pm on Sunday. Tickets for the weekend are $8.40 (incl. bf) online, or $15 at the gate.

Organisers encourage everyone to buy tickets online in advance to make sure they have enough BBQ goodness for everyone.

For details please visit www.smokeinbroke.com.au

2 x 50 min Relaxation Massages, 2 x ExpressFacials, 2 x Foot Massages, Finish with wine and chocolates.

$330 (normally $428) *T&C Apply

•Massage • Facials • Body Treatments •Pedicures/ Manicures •Hens Parties •Spa Packages at Adina Vineyard 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

OPEN 7 Days PH 4930 9006 • www.reflectionsdayspa.com.au

Celebrating the best

of the hunter

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Estate Tuscany

SAT 8 JUNE Don’t be late, for a very important date – slide down the rabbit hole to the Estate! An annual event, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is full of entertainment for all – and dressing up is highly encouraged with prizes up for grabs. Enjoy lawn games such as croquet, bocce and giant chess as you relax with friends and family on the lawn. An amazing high tea spread for lunch, tea and wine is

CROWNE PLAZA hunter valley SATURDAY JUNE 29 11am-5pm $15 + bf online or $22 at the door INCLUDES 5 TASTING TICKETS

included in the ticket price – $85 per adult, $45 per child. Visit www.stickytickets.com.au or call 4998 7288.

WINE, BEER & CIDER TASTINGS / GOURMET LOCAL FOOD / LIVE ENTERTAINMENT / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES / EXPERT GUEST SPEAKERS / Interactive Food & Wine Show

WWW.huntervalleywinefestival.COM

5 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Buddy Holly and The Beatles in Concert

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre SAT 15 JUNE Hey rock n roll music fans!

The wait is over – we can now go back to where it all began and relive the magic and hits of legendary music icons Buddy Holly and The Beatles Together in Concert.

With over 400 million record sales between them, Buddy Holly and The Beatles shook the world during the 50’s and 60’s with hit after hit, their timeless music still popular 60 years on.

In a very exciting rock n roll musical event, 5 authentic tribute legends will perform over 40 classic hits such as The Beatles’s She Loves You, All My Loving, and I Saw You Standing There, plus Buddy Holly’s That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue and Oh Boy. This is one night true rock n roll fans won’t want to miss! Visit the CPAC website for more information and tickets.

MON 17 JUNE Four well-known, young gun chefs will once again battle it out in this year’s highly-anticipated Hunter Culinary Food Fight!

The four chefs, who have all trained under the legendary Brett Graham at The Ledbury in London, include Sydney's Troy Christante (Quay Restaurant) and Eilish Maloney (Saint Peter), plus the Hunter's Thomas Boyd (Margan) and George Mirosevich (Restaurant Mason). Each chef will create a lunch dish of their choice, matched with a Hunter Valley Wine in order to take out the prestigious title. Guests will decide the winner at the end with a chance to vote for their favourite. This 4-course meal with wine is $195pp. Hurry to book, visit www.hunterculinary.com.au

Tutored Tasting and Tour Kelman Vineyard

EVERY SAT + SUN In a private informative tasting, Kelman is offering eight wines and a matching food tasting plate – from their Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Chardonnay, to whites and reds and finally the fortified Muscat. This is for groups of up to 8 people at $10 each, call ahead to book on 4991 5456.

Cork and Create Resin Workshop Thirsty Palette Vineyard

SAT 29 JUNE Get hands-on with Luna & Co in a safe and beginner friendly Resin Workshop at the picturesque Thirsty Palette Vineyard!

In this workshop you’ll be guided through the process of creating your very own serving platter and resin jewellery. First up you’ll be

Families will love our new outdoor dining area!

shown a demonstration of how to work with the medium, followed with colour mix and match techniques and then you are free to create your own. Be as experimental and creative as you want – there’s no creative bones needed! Afterwards be treated to a complimentary tasting of Thirsty Palette wines and graze on some Hunter Valley cheeses. www.lunaandcodesigns.com

LIVE MUSICD! ALL WEEKEN

Enjoy a pint and meal at Harrigan’s in our newly renovated outdoor dining area, sports bar and VIP lounge. Centrally located to many of the Hunter’s favourite attractions and offering great casual dining options including affordable kids meals, Harrigan’s is ideal stop for the family on your next visit. Come in today and see what is new at Harrigan’s.

For details visit harrigans.com.au or call 4998 4300 to make a booking yhv 6 | JUNE 2019

Broke Road Pokolbin

Grange vs. Hunter Wine House Hunter Valley

SAT 29 JUNE Throughout June, Wine House Hunter Valley will be putting the ‘100 point’ 2008 Penfolds Grange up against three

of the Hunter’s local icons – the 2009 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz, 2009 Tyrell’s Vat 9 Shiraz and the 2009 Thomas Kiss Shiraz.

These wines are available to taste daily, or for no extra cost you can join a Saturday Masterclass where one of the Hunter's leading winemakers will guide you through a blind tasting. Name each correctly, and you will enter the draw to win an Icon Pack valued at over $500. The cost is $96pp. To book into the Saturday class, phone 4998 7668 or visit winehousehuntervalley.com.au

2 9 JU

NE -

21 JU LY, 20 19

2019 Burning of the Barrel Glandore Estate

SAT 29 JUNE This iconic event is back again this month with an enormous bonfire, delicious wine, fantastic food, and great music.

Burning of the Barrel has long been a favourite on the Hunter Valley calendar, and has recently been named in the Top 50 Wine Experiences by Gourmet Traveller Wine.

Gates open at 3pm with the igniting of the fire from 6pm, and dinner will again be served by the exceptional Cellar Restaurant.

Kids will love their showbag and marshmellow fire, with the night topped off with a spectacular

fireworks display. To make things easier, Vineyard Shuttle will be running courtesy buses for $20 pp return to set locations, you'll just need to book this in advance by calling them on 4991 3655.

Tickets are $120 adults and $65 teens, and $40 kids – this includes food, a cheese board, plus a complimentary drink upon arrival.

Tickets will sell out! Find them at www.stickytickets.com.au

KS OF FUN! E E W E G U H JOIN US FOR 3

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN OUR GIANT SNOW CAVE, NEW FOR 2019!

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!

Hands-On Paella Classes

Visit hvg.com.au to learn more.

The Verandah Restaurant

SAT 29 JUNE Get cooking with one of the monthly fun and festive Spanish Paella cooking classes hosted by owner and Chef of The Verandah Restaurant, Tim Suffell.

On the menu is a 3-course meal beginning with Spanish Ibérico Jamón and freshly baked Spanish bread. Paella will follow, a delicious Spanish rice dish that includes different combinations of vegetables and meats. The Paella is also paired perfectly with Sangria. Dessert is, of course, Spanish Churros with chocolate dipping sauce. Yum! The cost is $95 per person, and bookings are essential (as is your appetite). For more information or to book email bookings@verandahrestaurant.com.au or call 4998 7231.

02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin - hvg.com.au Admission charges apply. Program subject to change. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and for unscheduled maintenance. Terms and conditions of entry apply. *Rides are user pay and height restrictions apply.

7 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Hungerford Hill 50th Vintage Celebration Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin

Two Fat Blokes Kitchen, Pokolbin

SUN 30 JUNE + SUN 28 JULY It’s the High Tea of your cheesy dreams! Two Fat Blokes has created the ultimate foodies experience with 4 courses of all your favourite cheeses served with multiple elements. To top off the experience, a bottomless glass of bubbles is included!

Examples of what you might receive include - triple cream brie in filo pastry served with quince paste and grissini; pear with gorgonzola, prosciutto and walnuts topped with honeycomb; beetroot and goats cheese terrine; caramalized onion and feta vol-au-vont; beef and halloumi sliders; creamy ricotta stuffed cannoli; whiskey and marmalade labna cheese cake. If those don’t get your tastebuds going we don’t know what would!

Tickets are $75 pp including bubbles.

Visit the events tab at www.twofatblokes.rezdy.com to book.

Snow Time in the Garden Hunter Valley Gardens

SAT 29 JUNE - SUN 21 JULY It’s that time of year again! Dust off your winter clothes and head down to the Hunter Valley Gardens for a fun filled day out for the whole family. There will be a giant ice-skating rink, mega ice toboggan, a snow play zone, and of course all your favourite Garden rides – the ferris wheel, carousel, swing chairs and super slides.

Plenty of tasty food and hot beverages will be available to keep you warm throughout the day. For more information, visit www.hvg.com.au

Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

SPECIALISING IN QUALITY AUSTRALIAN ALPACA FASHION, HOMEWARES & ACCESORIES OPEN 7 Days 10am - 5pm

Peppers Creek on Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Pokolbin

PH 4998 6669 • www.australianalpaca.com

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been a family owned and operated Hunter Valley gem for the last twenty years.

Luxuriously soft lightweight and warm

High Cheese with Two Fat Blokes

SAT 29 JUNE To celebrate half a century in winemaking, Hungerford Hill is holding a lunch at their onsite two-hatted restaurant, Muse Restaurant.

This renowned restaurant will be showcasing the best of fresh local Hunter produce with an emphasis on seasonal quality. Complete with surprise live entertainment, let Muse and Hungerford Hill enlighten you with an afternoon of amazing food and wine.

Tickets are $195 pp, visit www.stickytickets.com.au

Much more than a Vineyard.

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience, with a tantalising range of premium hand-made chocolate and chocolate products plus more than 30 flavours of freshly made fudge!

Open 7 Days 9am – 5pm. Ph 4998 6999 Three Great Locations in Pokolbin: Twenty-3-Twenty – 2320 Broke Road Peterson House – Broke Road Hunter Valley Gardens – Shop 5, HVG, Broke Road

www.hvchocolate.com.au | admin@hvchocolate.com.au

yhv 8 | JUNE 2019

Our Matilda range is made up of easy drinking styles that are produced for your enjoyment.

Come Waltzing with Matilda...

205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin • PH 4998 7887 www.constablevineyards.com.au

JULY

Markets

JULY Hunter Valley Cheese & Chocolate Festival

Broke Village Market

Hope Estate

At McNamara Park JULY 7

Handmade in The Hunter Markets At Kevin Sobels Wines JULY 6, 13, 14, 20 + 27

The Sunday Muster At Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton JULY 21

Dalwood Markets At Dalwood Estate JULY 14

HV Gourmet Market First Creek Wines JULY 20

Seussfest

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre

SAT 6 + SUN 7 JULY Back again for 2019, this year’s Cheese and Chocolate Festival will be a big one! Showcasing the Hunter Valley’s most talented cheese makers, chocolatiers, bakers and chefs all in one place for the ultimate tasting experience. There will be a range of great food, fine wine, craft beer, intriguing demonstrations, grape stomping, live entertainment and much more!

Spread out over two massive days, this is one for the calendar that you won’t want to miss, with plenty of ticket options there’s something to suit everyone. For more information and tickets check out www.hopeestate.com.au

WED 3 JULY Is the Cat wearing a hat? Does Horton hear a who? Does Sam like Green Eggs and Ham? You'll have to come along to the show to find out!

Hunter Drama’s mid-year festival, Seussfest, will bring a delightful collection of performances to the stage, featuring every Hunter Drama Student from the Hunter Region. Catch your favourite Dr Seuss stories at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre for one night only. For tickets visit www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

Take a left at Cloud 9, you can’t miss us.

A haven of relaxation, beauty and healing, our Day Spa offers over 50 therapies and treatments all designed to nourish your body, mind and spirit.

Watsu water therapy

goldendoor.com.au (02) 4993 8692

9 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Opera Highlights

Mercy Convent, Singleton SAT 13 JULY For an amazing afternoon of Opera favourites, be sure to join the Mercy Convent in Singleton in July.

The Lower Clarence Valley Rising Stars Troy Castle, Michelle Ryan, Emma Short, Connor Willmore and Madeline Short, accompanied by Sr Anne Gallagher and Gwen Berman will be performing Opera classics and more in the stunning chapel from 2pm. Tickets are $25 adults/ $20 concession – sold at the door from 1.30pm or to buy in advance visit www.trybooking. com/494892

Dreamworks' Madagascar JR

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre FRI 19 + SAT 20 JULY Hunter Drama are finishing off the School Holidays with three performances at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre of Madagascar Jr! Based on the smash hit animation motion picture, this musical follows your favourite characters Alex (lion), Marty (zebra), Gloria (hippo), Melman (giraffe) plus Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico (penguins). Music, dance and adventure galore, this entertaining production is for kids big and small. Visit the CPAC website for tickets.

Winery Running Festival Chateau Elan

SAT 20 + SUN 21 JULY See the wineries up close by joining in the Winery Running Festival! Hunter Valley vineyards have a lot to offer with their picturesque scenery, and runners of all types can experience it for themselves in a range of events – the inaugural 42.2km Moon Marathon, 21.1km

The Sunday Muster

Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton SUN 21 JULY The perfect place to discover and appreciate the talents and products of our local people. Come and meet the maker or designer and pick up a wonderful gift for yourself or someone else, choose from handmade and locally made products and artisan foods.

Enjoy live music, indoor and outdoor cafe dining, a sausage sizzle and the convenience of off street parking (cost $2). For more information, check out facebook.com/thesundaymuster or www.mortels.com.au

Half Marathon, Winery 10km, Winery Wander 6km and 2k Kids Marathon. With the new addition of the marathon distance, the event has extended to two days, with the marathon on the Saturday and all other races on the Sunday. Don’t miss the accompanying event expo and family entertainment. For more information and entry visit www.wineryrun.com

• Largest range of wine glasses in the Hunter Valley • Hand painted Hunter Valley souvenir wine/shot glasses • Various artworks • Amusing collector teapots • Amazing selection of glass platters, vases & ornaments • Beautiful seasonal scarves • Wonderful jewellery, handbags & interesting giftware • Aboriginal products • Hunter Valley T-Shirts • Great range of Australian souvenirs Come and see our colourful eclectic products & experience our helpful,

Wine Glass Gallery Because great wine deserves a great wine glass

yhv 10 | JUNE 2019

friendly Hunter Valley Service!

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

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

FOLLOW THE WINE & FOOD TRAIL! The latest issue of THE MAP has launched, helping visitors to Wine Country navigate their way around over 150 wineries and cellar doors and over 60 restaurants and providores that make up the Hunter Valley wine and food scene. THE MAP is the only map of the Hunter Valley that lists every winery, every cellar door, every restaurant or café and every providore. If visitors have received recommendations of places to visit from family or friends, then visitors can rest assured that they will find them on THE MAP. “Before moving to the Hunter almost 15 years ago, we were regular visitors to Wine Country and often found ourselves lost using inaccurate and incomplete maps! This meant that we were very aware that THE MAP needed to be designed in a way that is accurate, up to date, uncluttered and shows all of the businesses that visitors to the Hunter Valley need to enjoy a fabulous wine and food tourism experience – and nothing that they don’t,” said local publisher, Di von Essen.

Pick up your copy of THE MAP today at local Visitor Information Centres, accommodation providers or at over 500 distribution points throughout Wine Country. If you’re planning a trip from home, then check out the all-new interactive digital map at www.huntervalleymap.com.au

SMART CASUAL DINING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE WEDDINGS | EVENTS | PRIVATE FUNCTIONS LOCATED ON THE VINE AT COCKFIGHTERS GHOST VINEYARD 576 DE BEYERS ROAD, POKOLBIN PH: 4998 7776| info@huntersquarter.com.au www.huntersquarter.com.au

OPEN LUNCH THURS - SUN. DINNER THURS, FRI, SAT & MON.

WINE COUNTRY DRIVE NULKABA

BRASSERIE

BAR

BREWERY

ACCOMMODATION

CONFERENCE

FUNCTIONS

WEDDINGS

Ph (02) 4991 7922 | www.pottershbr.com.au E info@pottershbr.com.au

11 | JUNE 2019 yhv

WHAT'S HOT IN THE

Hunter

Winter Weekend ESCAPE...

TASTE

THE Ultimate Dining Destination STAY

Escape the busy city life this Winter and enjoy a weekend away at the breathtaking Emma’s Cottage Vineyard. This hidden gem in Lovedale is a boutique vineyard with an onsite art gallery, beautiful rose gardens, café and onsite accommodation and is the ultimate place to relax… Available are two, three and four-bedroom modern cottages overlooking the picturesque vineyard, that are perfect for a weekend getaway. The friendly cellar door staff will also guide you through the experience of tasting their boutique wines which are made from the 7 different varieties of grapes grown on the estate from 30 year old vines.

WHERE Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale PH 4998 7734 OPEN Cellar Door Fri 12pm – 5pm, Sat 10am – 5pm and Sun 10am – 4pm. Café Sat + Sun 10am – 4pm www.emmascottage.com.au

EDITORS PICK JUNE

If you are looking for the ultimate contemporary dining experience in the Hunter Valley you can’t go past The Wood Restaurant. Situated at Brokenwood Wines’ state of the art new cellar door facility, you will never want to leave as you enjoy quality ingredients cooked simply with flair while overlooking the picturesque view.

The new 90 seat restaurant features a large display of fresh seafood from the Sydney Fish Markets, which are available for retail along with condiments, Normandy fish stew, oyster knives and a verjuice made by Brokenwood.

The Wood Restaurant is also the perfect place for any kind of event including birthdays, engagements, Christmas parties, corporate events and more!

WHERE at Brokenwood Wines, 401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin PH 4993 1193 OPEN Lunch 7 days from 11:30am, Dinner Friday + Saturday from 6pm.

Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 25 dealers

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

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

Located at Gartelmann Wines.

The Deck Café Lovedale provides a diverse and delightful menu complemented by Gartelmann Wines and Piazza Doro Coffee.

Open 7 Days for Breakfast and Lunch.

Mon to Fri 8.30am till 3pm, Sat and Sun 8am till 3.30pm.

www.deckcafelovedale.com.au yhv 12 | JUNE 2019

OPEN 10am – 5pm, Thursday to Sunday and long weekend public holiday Mondays 175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com

V ISI T

Explore

LOCAL TREASURES

IN STYLE

Let Hunter Wine Journeys take you on a personalised tour of the picturesque Hunter Valley Wine Country this Winter exploring boutique cellar doors, award winning restaurants, hidden treasures, private wine tastings and much more! Sit back and relax in style with airconditioned comfort in a 11 seat bus or 7 seat Hyundai iMax for smaller groups while gaining knowledge and exploring the Hunter region. By customising your own itinerary means that you won’t miss out on any of your favourite hot spots in the Hunter Valley! Book now to experience a unique journey!

OPEN 7 Days PH 0428 165 519 www.hunterwinejourneys.com.au

EXP ERIEN C E

Balloon Aloft

WINTER SPECIAL The chill is in the air but this is the perfect time to experience some of the most breathtaking sunrises in the Hunter Valley from a bird’s eye view! Balloon Aloft is offering an incredible midweek winter special that is too good to pass up! Purchase a Hunter Valley Flight Voucher for only $249 pp (was $319) or a Hunter Valley Flexi Voucher for $269 pp (was $339) and hop aboard a sunrise balloon flight over the picturesque Hunter Valley Vineyards that is sure to have you mesmerised.

After sharing the magic of the balloon flight, you will be able to celebrate your exciting adventure with a delicious Champagne Breakfast at Restaurant Cuvee at Peterson House. This offer is for a limited time only so make sure you don't miss out! Visit www.balloonaloft.com to book and for all terms and conditions.

(Please note – this is a midweek special only)

PH 4990 9242 www.balloonaloft.com

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

13 | JUNE 2019 yhv

A Vintage Event

Hunter Valley Wine Festival The 7th annual Hunter Valley Wine Festival will be held on Saturday 29 June 2019, promising a vintage event with the best of Hunter Valley wines, craft beer, local foods and entertainment.

Wines from over 60 of the Hunter Valley’s best-known and boutique wineries will be available for tasting at the Festival, which is being held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley between 11am and 5pm.

The Festival will add a range of new attractions this year including interactive 'Expressions’ sessions featuring Organic Wine and Cheese Matching with Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Ascella Organic Wines and Macquariedale Organic Wines matched with cheese from Hunter Valley Cheese Factory (12.30pm); and Beer & Cider session hosted by Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley (2.30pm).

A feature this year will be the diversity of wine styles on offer. While the Hunter Valley is best regarded for its Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz varietals, this year will see a far wider spectrum of local wines on offer for tasting including Verdelho, Tempranillo and Sangiovese as well as sparkling and Rose styles.

Your always welcome at...

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant

There is nothing quite like a fes�ve sushi pla�er to impress your guests.

It tastes healthy, light and delicious.

A favourite dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Always fresh... Always vibrant Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Takeaway available every day.

Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rd’s Pokolbin, NSW 2320 PH 02 4998 7051 www.oishii.com.au

J A P A N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E

/OishiiPokolbin

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TODAY! Ph 0415 044 321 A unique, open cockpit adventure flight experience!

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT MUSEUM Open Thurs to Mon 10am till 3pm, free entry!

Cessnock Airport, Pokolbin

Present this voucher to recieve 20% off!

Terms and Conditions apply.

www.huntervalleyjoyflights.com.au

yhv 14 | JUNE 2019

The Festival is ideal for those who love craft beer as well, with Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley on site offering behind-the-scenes tours and premium beer and cider tastings throughout the day.

Jarrod Sherman and David D'Souza will offer live entertainment, and a wide selection of food stalls will operate to provide the best of Hunter Valley cuisine.

The Hunter Valley Wine Festival is a family-friendly event, with children receiving complimentary entry to the Festival, where they will enjoy a variety of activities including a jumping castle, train rides, carousel, mini car rides and face painting.

There is plenty of onsite parking at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, and for visitors from Newcastle, a bus service is available. See www. huntervalleywinefestival.com for more details.

Once again, the Festival will support the local Rural Fire Service, with fundraising activities on the day.

Presale tickets for the Festival are available for just $15 online (plus booking fee) and $22 at the door. Tickets include festival entry, five tasting tickets and a tasting glass..

For bookings and further information about accommodation and ticket packages, visit www.huntervalleywinefestival.com

Meet the Maker

Over a period of 29 days, the strictly controlled temperature and humidity of the fermentation chamber gradually transform their giant garlic bulbs into a softer, more delicate version with a strong molasseslike flavour and twice the antioxidants of regular garlic.

“

We were originally only going to sell

fresh and smoked garlic, but after we tasted black garlic at a market we were hooked.

CRAZY ABOUT

GARLIC!

WORDS Michelle Meehan

It’s only been a year-and-a-half since Peter and Michelle Forster swapped their suburban home on the Central Coast for an idyllic one-acre property in the heart of the Hunter.

“We then started to research it further and found out more about its powerful health benefits. I’d say only around 1 in 20 people have actually heard of black garlic, but once they try it, they nearly always purchase it, and the business is really starting to expand now.”

Aside from black garlic, the Forsters also sell turmeric infused cold smoked garlic and the latest addition to their product line – a powdered black garlic rub and seasoning made with a unique blend of black, smoked and natural garlic husks, as well as garlic scapes, a variety of herbs and spices and a hint of chilli.

The gluten-free product allows them to put 100 per cent of the garlic plant to use, minimising waste on their farm.

You can check out the whole range of Bellbird Garlic product at this month’s Handmade in the Hunter markets, which will be held at Kevin Sobels Wines on June 8, 9 and 22.

But the former painter and decorator and clothing sample machinist certainly haven’t wasted any time since making the tree change, establishing a boutique farm and setting up a burgeoning new business selling various home-grown garlic products.

The Forsters have just finished planting around 10,000 cloves of giant garlic – otherwise known as elephant or Russian garlic - on a halfacre plot at Bellbird. This will be their second growing season, having purchased the property in January last year and harvested their first crop in November.

It may seem like a pretty big job for a couple of newly converted farmers, but Peter said when they made the decision to move to the Hunter, they decided to commit 100 per cent to their new life on the land.

This commitment included importing what is now one of the biggest garlic fermentation chambers in Australia to enable them to transform their giant garlic into richly flavoured and incredibly nutritious black garlic.

the perfect wine country dining experience. located at mercure resort hunter valley gardens. open seven days for breakfast, café lunch and a la carte dinner.

Corner Broke & McDonalds Rd’s, Pokolbin | Phone (02) 4998 2000

15 | JUNE 2019 yhv

voco

TM

Kirkton Park

yhv 16 | JUNE 2019

Lavish OPULENCE Abounds at Prestigious Estate WORDS Michelle Meehan

More than 30 years after it was first built, one of the Hunter’s pioneering upmarket guest houses is entering a luxurious new era.

The historic Kirkton Park property on Oakey Creek Road in Pokolbin has been refreshed, rebadged and reopened by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) under the banner of their upscale new hotel brand, voco™.

IHG took over the management of the elegant Colonial-style property in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country in 2017. After successfully launching their voco™ brand globally in June 2018 with the conversion of the former Watermark Hotel & Spa on the Gold Coast, voco™ Kirkton Park was chosen as the site of only the second voco™ destination in Australia.

Renowned as one of the Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estates, the 70-acre property now embodies the bold characteristics of voco™, with exclusive features from its bright yellow accents to onsite beehives and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay.

Featuring 70 beautifully-appointed rooms, the vibrant voco™ experience extends to multiple facilities available onsite, including tennis courts, an indoor heated pool, sauna and spa, and gymnasium.

Sales and marketing director for voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, Caleb Morris, said the property offered a “charmingly different” destination built on the three distinctive hallmarks of the voco™ brand:

Come on in, Me time and voco™ life. Each hallmark is embodied in a trio of quirky “mascots” which are subtly integrated throughout the hotel.

“The mascots are the owl, the finch and the flamingo,” says Caleb.

“Each mascot personifies an experience within the hotel. The finch represents the host - making sure that each and every guest enjoys a really welcoming experience.

“The bold and interesting flamingo is all about connecting with people and creating memorable moments over meetings or socialising in a truly great restaurant or bar. A key feature for the voco™ brand is to offer a restaurant that can essentially stand on its own two feet with a reputation that stands apart from the hotel it is part of.

“Finally, the tranquil and serene owl represents Me-time – inviting guests to sink into luxurious beds complemented by luxurious amenities and seamless in-room technology.”

“

The word ‘voco™’ derives from a Latin

word that means ‘to welcome in.’ It’s appropriate then that the whole ethos of the voco™ brand is to make guests feel like they have come home.

Renowned interior designer Greg Natale was engaged to create the property’s transformation, tasked with the job of reflecting the voco™ design concept through the inventive use of colour and thoughtful consideration of artwork and textiles.

The hotel’s lavishly comfortable rooms have each undergone a voco™ refresh, including upgrades to luxury Aveda amenities and various creature comforts. From high-speed Wi-Fi to cosy bedding, each little luxury underpins the voco™ relaxation hallmark of Me-time.

This was not the first time Greg had been given the opportunity to make his mark on the hotel, having been commissioned in 2016 to transform the property from a classic country manor into a chic, contemporary hotel fit for the 21st century.

The multi-million dollar refurbishment fused elegant, traditional elements with luxurious, modern fittings, using bold monochrome patterns, inky blues and pops of gold to create a layered, decadent style.

(Continued next page) ►

17 | JUNE 2019 yhv

(Continued) This foundation style was further updated by Greg in the most recent facelift to incorporate the hotel brand’s signature elements, including incorporating the voco™ yellow, into the property.

“In mid-2016 Greg Natale was engaged to transform the property from a typical, colonial styled interior with a traditional maroon, cream, and green colour palette to a modern design with a completely bespoke, luxurious look and feel,” Caleb said.

“

When the voco™ brand became established, it

seemed the perfect time to re-engage Greg Natale to instil the new brand hallmarks into the design.”

“And so that's where we worked with him, on some of those styling changes that we now see in the property, like the voco™ yellow which reflects a kind of chirpiness, celebrating that we are fresh, young and different.”

Another hallmark that has become embedded into the voco™ brand is a focus on sustainability across its various properties.

At voco™ Kirkton Park, that has been encapsulated in a variety of ways. From the 370-panel, the 100-kilowatt solar farm installed on the property that provides up to 80 per cent of their electricity needs, to the extensive kitchen garden and on-site beehives that promote a true paddock to plate ethos in the kitchen.

Vegetable scraps from the kitchen are also fed to the various farm animals that live on the estate, ensuring there is practically zero food waste.

Caleb said sustainability underpinned the property’s world-class dining experiences, which offer a taste of ‘voco™ life’.

In addition to this, all rooms will be introducing sustainable bedding with soft, high-quality duvets made from recyclable plastics, while large

bottle amenities from Australian-owned Aveda have been welcomed to successfully reduce the volume of plastic waste traditionally associated with the industry.

The recent appointment of a new head chef will take the hotel’s various dining options to a whole new level, with a strong commitment to creating solid connections with local producers and suppliers.

Locavore Dining and Epoche Lounge Bar offer lunch and dinner, while The Conservatory is home to the iconic high tea experience overlooking the rose garden. The interactive vegetable garden is utilised daily and celebrates the connection between farmer, gardener and chef,

Stay at the voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley TM

Discover boutique accommodation, tailored experiences plus, the best Hunter Valley food and wine.

Relax and unwind, experiencing everything the newly refurbished voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley has to offer.

Get a head start and enjoy great value – book early and save up 20% off of your voco™ accommodation.

Enjoy the little things in life, your way – eat, sleep and everything in between at voco™

Get cosy. Get social Play a game of pool or sit by our glowing open fire in the Winter months. Epoche Lounge Bar Kirkton Park, the Hunter Valley’s new home of cocktails, local wines and craft beer.

Dine for less with Epoche mid-week specials.

To Book call 02 4998 7680 or search Epoche Bar in Opentable.com

(+61) 2 4998 7680 reservations.kirktonpark@ihg.com

yhv 18 | JUNE 2019

huntervalley.vocohotels.com

Organic Wines

Great Tasting • Award Winning • Certified Organic

TASTE with several beehives onsite to produce honey for various uses in the restaurant and bar.

Guests can choose to sit by the open fire and drink local craft beers with a crispy wood-fired pizza or indulge in the seasonal degustation menus with perfect wine pairings.

At Locavore Dining, guests can experience a delectable menu that features the best of seasonal and regional produce, including estate garden grown produce. With all ingredients sourced from within 100 miles of voco™ Kirkton Park, Lochinvar Dining is not only a food lover’s destination, but a restaurant with a focus on sustainability entwined into every dish presented.

The Epoche Lounge Bar offers a cosy, more casual atmosphere, with dinner and drinks by the open fire including seasonal salads, wood-fired pizzas, craft beers and expertly mixed cocktails. voco™ Kirkton Park is also well-known for its indulgent high tea served in the sun-filled Conservatory, which can be enjoyed while overlooking views of the rose garden, with the Brokenback Ranges cascading in the distance.

Sample petit tarts, French pastries, fresh scones and finger sandwiches made from regional ingredients and paired with soft, fruity and crisp bubbly or a glass of Peterson Gateway Sparkling.

Aside from its permanent dining experiences, voco™ Kirkton Park is also embracing a local community focus, with a series of events throughout the year that encourage Hunter residents, and not just tourists, to come and enjoy the glorious surrounds and amenities of Kirkton Park.

This includes the annual Picnic in the Park, with a date for this year’s event still to be set, as well as a new series of Long Lunch in the Park events from July to November. These will allow visitors to enjoy a three-course banquet of seasonal and locally-sourced produce, paired with a selection of wines from a local estate.

The first long lunch will be held on Saturday, July 13 from 1pm to 4pm, with wines provided by Brokenwood Estate.

Other wineries taking part in future themed lunches will include Drayton's Family Wines, Leogate Estate, Iron Gate Estate and Hanging Tree Wines.

Caleb said the long lunches and Picnic in the Park events were designed to signify that Kirkton Park was “back and supporting the community”, while also making the property more accessible to residents.

To find out more about voco™ Kirkton’s Park’s calendar of events, superb restaurants or glamorous accommodation offerings visit huntervalley.vocohotels.com ■

PASSION

ASCELLA is the largest organic vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

Barb and Geoff welcome you to enjoy tastings under the Silk Tree, or by the fireside or under the stars. Stay at the vineyard, enjoy the pristine environment, meander along the laneways.

Listen to the greatest music since the world started to rock!

We are committed to the health and well-being of our Ascella friends, partners, our vineyard family and to respecting the traditional caretakers of our land.

Come Share the Passion!

Open 7 days a week, from 10am to 5pm 203 Thompsons Rd Milbrodale, NSW 2330 Call or text 6574 5275 – 0431 357 105 www.ascellawines.com.au ● info@ascellawine.com

V I NEYARD

Boutique Hunter Win es

Kelman Vineyard has been producing high quality classic Hunter varietals since 1999.

It has been awarded numerous medals in the past year and has been recognised by wine critic, James Halliday, for the winery and the individual wines.

This zesty, crisp field blend is the result of a careful wine-making process. Both varieties were handpicked on 25 January 2018 and were pressed and matured together.

They have a wonderful balance and fruity characteristics enhanced by 8 months in seasoned French oak. The perfect wine to accompany summer BBQs and dinner with friends.

This is the first wine in 2019 to show our new Kelman label. Inspired by bud-burst the image reflects the winery philosophy of relying on the best grapes the vineyard and nature can produce.

2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Cellar Door open for tastings 7 days 10am - 4pm Phone 4991 5456 www.kelmanvineyard.com.au 19 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Geckos to Star at Annual Wildlife Exhibition!

The annual Wildlife Art Show at Morpeth Gallery over the June Long Weekend will feature Australian Geckos both as subjects of paintings as well as real live specimens in display areas. It's a tribute to our native wildlife and celebration of World Environment Day. Rick Worthy has bred Geckos for many years and over the last 6 years he has bred the rarest Gecko in the world, a purple Gecko with dots. It takes 2.5 years just for the Gecko to develop its purple colouring. Some of Rick's Geckos will be on display during the exhibition, from 8–10 June, and Rick will be there to answer visitors’ questions.

The exhibition will also include paintings of birds, animals, fish, insects and reptiles but there’s no doubt that the super-stars of the 2019 Exhibition will be the Geckos!

Geckos are a familiar sight to those who live in the tropical regions of Australia. A number of species are common ‘house geckos’, scuttling across our walls and ceilings in pursuit of insects. A few species can survive in very harsh, cold conditions.

By having a captive breeding program, Rick hopes to reduce the poaching of Geckos in the wild. Australian Geckos that have been poached bring big prices in USA and Germany where an individual Gecko will sell for $10,000.

Rick sells his captive bred Geckos for a fraction of this price thereby driving down the price and reducing the profits for poachers.

Geckos are easily recognised, being mostly nocturnal with soft bodies and tiny granular scales. They have well-developed limbs with five digits, large eyes with vertical pupils, no eyelids, and broad fleshy tongues. In the absence of eyelids, the tongue is used to lick the eye clean.

Many species have expanded toe pads that provide adhesion and allow them to run on vertical or slippery surfaces – even glass. Other geckos have narrow, bird-like feet for clinging to trees or rocks. The diversity in Australian geckos is remarkable.

Entry to the exhibition at Morpeth Gallery is free. You can find the gallery at 5 Green Street Morpeth. For more information visit www.morpethgallery.com.au

Come in and try our multi-award winning Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs and Schnapps!

OPEN FOR TASTINGS AND SALES

7 Days, 10am - 5pm 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley PH (02) 4998 6737 • info@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au yhv 20 | JUNE 2019

TAKING TO THE AIR In the World’s Best Arena

WORDS Michelle Meehan

It was ten years last month since Ben Merkenhof’s father, Bob, died suddenly from heart failure at the age of 59.

In the decade following the devastating loss, Ben has continued to pay tribute to his father the best way he knows how, by carrying on the aviation enthusiast’s work restoring vintage aircraft.

Bob had overseen the restoration of a 1940 VH-EEI Tiger Moth in 2004, in the process winning the title of Antique Aircraft Association of Australia’s Best Tiger Moth (2004).

Tragically, Bob died before finishing work on another classic wartime plane, a Stearman (Boeing) Model A75-L300 biplane, one of only 282 that were built for the US Navy in 1940.

In honour of his father’s memory, Ben began overseeing work on the World War Two training plane, aptly naming it “Big Bob” in his honour.

Ben also grabbed an opportunity to buy the hanger at Cessnock Airport where his father had been storing the Tiger Moth and set up Hunter Valley Vintage Wings, an aviation museum designed to promote and share his father’s passion for vintage aviation through stationary displays and joy flights.

The business has been a source of comfort and joy for Ben, who still hears his father’s voice every time he sees an eagle soar through the sky.

“May 7 this year was the tenth anniversary of his passing, so that sort of hit home fairly hard,” Ben said.

“He had a few iconic sayings, and one of them was, ‘Does an eagle’s arse pucker in a power dive?’, so when I see an eagle flying in the sky and the Tiger Moth sitting there with a customer on board and it’s a beautiful morning (I feel closer to him).

“The Hunter Valley is a wonderful area to fly in. We call it God’s Country for flying because of the vineyards and the Brokenback Mountain Range and in the morning you’ll get the fog or clouds dripping off the side of the mountain range... it's a magic sort of arena to take a vintage aircraft flying with passengers.

“I had a fair idea that I was going to give (the business) a crack, but I had no idea that it’d still be going ten years later, so it is quite an honour to be able to continue doing this in his memory.”

Over the years Ben has added to his father’s collection of planes, including his first solo restoration project, a Tiger Moth VH-YYI, which had spent 66 years on the ground from 1947 until March 2014 when the restoration was completed. Like his father’s Tiger Moth before it, Ben’s biplane also went on to win a Best Tiger Moth Restoration Award from the national antique aircraft organisation.

Aside from the two Tiger Moths and the Stearman, which are the planes most commonly used for their joy flights, Hunter Valley Vintage Wings also has several other aircraft on display in the hanger, which visitors can look at and learn more about.

Education is a major feature of the museum – Ben hosts weekly Sights, Sounds and Stories sessions to bring to life the history of the iconic planes, which were used to train the pilots of the British Empire and Allied Forces during World War II. “We’ve got four vintage 1940's aircraft in the hangar at the moment, which are two Tiger Moths, the Boeing Stearman and a Piper Cub, which was used throughout the European arena for World War Two as a spotting plane,” Ben said.

“Over and above that we’ve got a T-6 Texan (also known as a Harvard), which is a 600 horsepower aircraft. This particular model is a 1954 model, which is done up in colours from the Korean conflict. It was used for what they call Forward Air Control or FAC with a pilot and an observer, and they'd go and find targets of opportunity and help artillery and ground forces etc, adjust aim and where to go and what to do.

(Continued next page) ►

21 | JUNE 2019 yhv

(Continued) “We’ve also got a more modern Pitts Model 12, which is probably one of the most powerful of its type in the world.

“The experience starts (for a visitor) when they walk in the hangar; there’s 1940s era music playing in the background, and there's lots of artwork on the walls, so they spend time just wandering around looking at everything.

“It’s not just for the person who's flying, the experience is for everyone that comes with them, and it is about education because if people don't learn about the vintage aircraft they’ll end up dying away, and people will forget them.”

While Ben has a private pilot’s licence, having learnt to fly in his father’s original Tiger Moth, he has a team of commercial pilots that take the visitors on their joy flights, with his role focussed around the education side of the presentation. While he doesn’t get to spend as much time in the air himself these days, Ben is content seeing the smiles on the faces of the passengers after they return from their journeys.

“I was learning to fly in the Tiger Moth when Dad passed away, which I finished doing, but I’ve still only got a private license, so I have a few commercial pilots that work for me,” he said.

“I do what we call the meet, greet and seat on the ground, discuss the history of the planes, the role they have played and so forth. I guess my passion really stems towards the smiles on faces when they come back from their ride. That's where I get my buzz.

“Open cockpit flying, especially in a vintage aircraft, is a very visceral experience. You sense every minute of the flight, the wind in the wires, wind in the hair – that can be overwhelming for some, but quite frankly nervous flyers are our best customers because they come back with the biggest smiles.

“There can be some trepidation from passengers about doing the flight, but they get quite excited when they taxi out and line up on the runway… about 12 seconds after they’ve had the throttle applied they’re already off the ground in about 100-120 metres. The first thing that comes to mind as they look out the window, or over the side of the plane, is ‘Wow, we’re already off the ground.

“All of a sudden this feeling of flight really waves over them and then they’re looking around and having an absolute blast.”

Aside from taking in the spectacular scenery of the Hunter Valley, the flight path can sometimes be customised, especially for locals who get a thrill out of seeing familiar places from a whole new perspective.

“The pilots are very good, they’re continually talking to the passenger, so if the passengers are looking out the left at something they’ll note that and they'll tell them what they're looking at,” Ben said.

olives, olives, olives Come visit us for a range of Estate Grown Olives, Tapenade and local olive oils or a Cheese platter on the deck with a glass of wine

725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley www.tintilla.com.au #tintillaestate yhv 22 | JUNE 2019

“We tell people we're about to turn before we turn so there's no surprises, we don't do the aerobatic side of things, we leave that to other people. We want the passenger to have fun, not just the pilot.

“We can tailor the route that we do if they live locally, so if they wanted to look at their property, we can certainly go and do an orbit or two over their property. We’ve had customers fly over their house, and they’ve got toilet paper on the roof marking out a big sign with Happy Birthday or something of that nature, so that’s exciting for the locals.

“For the people who are coming from far and wide, they just can't believe how beautiful the countryside is for a start, and to experience it in the Rolls Royce of Tiger Moths… they’re able to really relax and enjoy the flight.

“Our feedback on Facebook and Trip Advisor and everything else says exactly that, and it's all five-star reviews because people have enjoyed the experience, and that’s where the enjoyment comes from for me.”

Hunter Valley Vintage Wings is located at Cessnock Airport, 3 DeHavilland Drive, Pokolbin and is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. They offer a range of joy flights from 15 minutes through to an hour, as well as information sessions and venue hire to create truly unique and intimate private or corporate events for up to 80 people.

Visit www.huntervalleyjoyflights.com.au for more information. ■

Hunter Wine Journeys

Includes Pick-up and Drop-off from your accommodation!

Let us take you on a wonderful journey around the Hunter Valley!

FULL AND HALF DAY WINE TOURS AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK Visiting boutique cellar doors, vodka distillery and much more.

Book with us for a more personal experience | 0428 165 519 or 4998 1678

www.hunterwinejourneys.com.au | hunterwinejourneys@gmail.com

23 | JUNE 2019 yhv

OPEN oAnLgL June L d Weeken

For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor Dessert Bar is a MUST! The Sabor Dessert Menu features over 50 different desserts, each one created individually. Nothing is served by the slice and this brings a new level of culinary delight to desserts in the Hunter Valley.

Pair something scrumptious with a delicious Hunter Valley wine... It’s a unique Hunter Valley experience that you can only enjoy at Sabor Dessert Bar. Indulge in multi-award winning Portuguese chocolate mousse, decadent cakes, pastries, hand-made chocolates, Portuguese tarts and gourmet ice-cream.

There is also a large range of gluten free desserts, barista-made Glinelli coffee and a selection of teas to enjoy with our amazing view of the vines and mountain ranges or to take away and savour in your home or hotel.

Enjoy a world of desserts at Sabor Dessert Bar in Pokolbin!

2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin Open Thurs & Fri 10am - 4.30pm, Sat 10am - 5.30pm, Sun & Mon 10am - 4.30pm 958 939 • www.sabordessertbar.com.au | JUNE 2019 yhvPH 24 1300

The Very Best of our Wine Region WORDS Quentin von Essen

The Hunter Valley is a wonderful and welcoming place to visit at any time of the year, but Winter in the Hunter Valley has that special magical something – with its collection of quaint boutique accommodation, mountain and vineyard landscapes, cool nights and days spent rugged up in front of open fires, cosy restaurants and welcoming cellar doors.

In June, the Hunter Valley is full of events encouraging locals and tourists alike to explore the region’s bountiful offering of premium wine and fine food. It’s a feast for the senses, with opportunities to explore and taste all the Hunter has to offer, see the region’s master chefs in action, take a cooking class and hear the winemakers explain the process of taking wine from the grape to the glass.

For me, one of the most exciting events is Smokey Sundays at Matilda Bay Brewhouse, which takes place every Sunday in June.

Roll up your sleeves and tuck into good old-fashioned comfort food as Chef Phil Collis serves up Asian herbs, bastes and sauces with the best of slow-cooked Texan Barbecue.

Smokey Sundays kick off at noon with pulled pork burgers, blackened brisket burgers and the ultimate smoked meats board with 16-hour blackened brisket, smoked chorizo sausages, eight-hour smoked pork shoulder with smoked BBQ sauce and chipotle. This is smokehouse cuisine at its best, and it comes with the perfect beer match for those delicious smokey flavours as well.

Rug up, grab a picnic blanket and some friends and head out to Stonehurst Cedar Creek on Wollombi Road on Saturday 8th of June for Music in the Woods. Enjoy a day in the fabulous Wollombi Valley with fine wine as you dance the afternoon away with three incredible live

bands set amongst 100 poplar trees or relax beside the fire pit in the woods as you sip from a range of Stonehurst award-winning wines, with mulled wine on pour.

Wine and cheese are old friends, with a strong affinity going back thousands of years and considered to be two of life’s true pleasures – especially when it involves a glass of the Hunter Valleys most iconic wines – Lovedale Semillon and Maurice O’Shea Shiraz accompanied by quality produce from the Artisan Cheese Room in Manly.

Each day in June, Mount Pleasant Wines are inviting wine and cheese lovers to enjoy three vintage vertical tastings of each wine served in premium Riedel glassware paired with some of the world’s finest cheeses.

But the party doesn’t end once night falls on June 29, with several other special events planned to cap off a month celebrating the Hunters premium wine and fine food.

Make your way to Glandore Estate for one of the most hotly anticipated evenings of the month – the traditional Burning of the Barrel.

Combining a massive bonfire with fantastic wines, cheese, food, live music and a fireworks display not to be missed, it’s no surprise that this event featured as one of the TOP 50 Worldwide Wine Experiences you must try with Gourmet Traveller Wine. Gates open at 3pm with the bonfire going up in flames at 6pm. A perfect winter night event – so get there early to grab a spot at the front of the fire.

For more information about what's hot and happening in the Hunter Valley this winter, including maps and guides, visit www.yourhuntervalley.com.au

25 | JUNE 2019 yhv

HUNTER VALLEY

CHEESE FACTORY

CHEESEMAKING CLASSES The Craft and the Art of Making Cheese at Home

ALL NEW FOOD MARKET

Discover Specialty Cheesemaking under the guidance and expertise of Artisan Cheesemaker David Bower and Affinuer & Fromagier Rosalia Lambert in an educational 2.5 hour workshop.

You will learn the process from start to finish, plus cheese origins, ingredients, ripening principles, milk quality, ageing and more in a Cheese Tasting Appreciation and Wine Matching session.

Your cheese will be yours to take home, along with recipes to enjoy with family and friends.

2019 DATES:

June 30th, 1.30pm – 4pm September 29th, 1.30pm – 4pm December 8th, 1.30pm – 4pm All Workshops are held Sunday afternoons, bookings required. Private Classes for 10+ by arrangement.

Contact us for more information or to book!

ARTISAN AUSTRALIAN CHEESEMAKERS Located at Mcguigan Wine Complex, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. PH 4998 7744 E contact@huntervalleycheese.com.au

www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

yhv 26 | JUNE 2019

The Hunter is about to experience a different style of 5-star event with the launch of Hunter Valley Gourmet Market – an authentic food and lifestyle market dedicated to giving locals direct and regular access to premium produce. The Hunter Valley Gourmet Market will focus on showcasing only the finest food and artisans at one of the Hunter’s most awarded wineries, First Creek Wines. The market will be held on the third Saturday of every month from 9am – 3pm, with the next event being held on June 15.

The Hunter Valley Gourmet Market means locals will no longer have to travel far to frequently purchase quality produce and products.

Taking advantage of their central location in Pokolbin and the ability to offer customers some of the Hunter’s finest wines as a part of their experience, First Creek Wines aims for the market to become a soughtafter destination event for the region and of course, one the whole family can enjoy.

“At First Creek, we are always looking at new ways to create interest in the region, and we are really excited to offer such a great initiative that can help do that. The Hunter has such wonderful producers and artisans, and we are so pleased that we get the opportunity to showcase not only our wines but the amazing produce the region has to offer,” said Greg Silkman, Manager Director of First Creek Wines.

Entry is free, and a combination of new and regular stallholders will feature each month that will cover a broad spectrum of outstanding produce from the essential to the indulgent. The market will look to introduce interactive elements over time, including demonstrations and classes to keep the event fresh and lively. Regular updates will be available via the social media pages so consumers can keep up to date on all that’s happening at each market.

The Hunter Valley Gourmet Market is a new and exciting initiative that looks forward to bringing the local community and visitors together to experience a first-class market right in the heart of the Hunter. For more information visit www.firstcreekwines.com.au

GUFFAWS & GOOD TIMES

Cal Wilson

With the Comedy Roadshow

Just as the curtains close on the funniest month of the year in Melbourne, the Festival’s most loved and laughed at comedians will pack their bags and hit the road for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, home-delivering hot and tasty comedic treats right around Australia and in particular a pit-stop at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on 6 June.

Forget I-Spy, Spotto and stale servo snacks; this road trip is jam-packed with a crew of fantastically funny comedians, specially selected to bring the fun of the Festival to towns and cities around the nation. The roadshow will visit 88 Australian towns, presenting 99 performances of sketch, stand-up, satire, silliness and song across 11 weeks.

Storming the stage in Cessnock will be Dave Callan (MC), Cal Wilson, Daniel Cullen, Blake Freeman and Sean Choolburra.

For 20 years the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been touring far and wide, bringing giggles, guffaws and good times to Australia and further afield. Whether you’re in Katherine, Quirindi,

Kyneton or Cairns, you can still experience Australia’s largest and best-loved comedy festival in your own backyard.

The journey doesn’t end there either, with the Roadshow taking its talent abroad with International tour dates across Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Malaysia to follow.

The Roadshow really has something for everyone! Grab a mate, grab a date… grab a ticket to the Roadshow! Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information and tickets.

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

The Lad y in

Pin k

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POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese | Nebbiolo Rosé Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate.

Winery – 2017 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion

Pokolbin Estate Vineyard 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au

27 | JUNE 2019 yhv

LEGENDS Honoured

at 2019 Awards

It was an evening to remember late last month as a record number of guests came together with their contemporaries, friends and colleagues at an incredible gala event to celebrate the highly anticipated 13th annual Hunter Valley Legends & Wine Industry Awards.

More than 300 people gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley to pay homage to the industry stalwarts who have contributed significantly to the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries. As always, the evening’s highest honour was presented to wine and tourism luminaries who have reached ‘Living Legend’ status through more than 30 years’ continuous involvement in the industry.

This year, the Wine Legend award was presented to Greg Silkman, owner of First Creek Winemaking Services and highly-regarded industry leader.

Greg came to the Hunter Valley in 1985 to establish Tamburlaine Wines and in the years since, has worked his magic at various iconic wineries in the region, making his mark as a winemaker and successful businessman. Today he is at the helm of our largest contract winemaking businesses – First Creek Winemaking services and state of the art bottling facility. Greg’s commitment and contribution to the Hunter Valley wine tourism industry is highly regarded by his peers.

The winners of the Tourism Legend Award were Bill Roche (AM) and Imelda Roche (AO), who were honoured for their establishment of the much-loved Hunter Valley Gardens, the result of the couple’s long-held ambition to build a garden that would be enjoyed by generations to come. The construction of Hunter Valley Gardens, began in 1999, on what was originally horse paddocks and vineyards. Over a period of five years, under the direct personal management and guidance of Bill and a team of up to 50 landscape gardeners, architects and engineers, the Gardens came to life.

Today, Hunter Valley Gardens includes 25 hectares of multi awardwinning international gardens, with ten individually themed gardens created by Bill and his team showcasing the artistry of gardens around the world. Since its opening in October 2003, it has welcomed more than four million guests and is the home of iconic events such as the Christmas Lights Spectacular and Snow Time. Greg, Bill and Imelda’s new status as Hunter Valley Living Legends puts them in the company of well-known names such as Greg Walls, Robert and Sally Molines, Jay Tulloch, Brian McGuigan (AM), Ian Scarborough, Fay McGuigan, Max Drayton and Ian Tinkler.

Hosted by NBN television presenter Georgia Maher, the evening was another who’s who event of the wine tourism industry, combining local cuisine, fine wine and company as the industry honoured the dedicated personalities who make Australia’s oldest continuous wine region the very special place it is today.

Other winners on the night were: • RSN Australia Hunter Valley 2019 Rising Star of the Year – Angus Vinden – Vinden Estate Wines • Laffort Australia Hunter Valley 2019 Viticulturist of the Year - Brett Keeping – Two Rivers Wines • Australian Wine Selectors Hunter Valley 2019 Cellar Door of the Year – Brokenwood Wines • First Creek Winemaking Services Hunter Valley 2019 Winemaker of the Year – Adrian Sparks – Mount Pleasant Wines • Hunter Valley Wine Industry 2019 Heritage Award - Pokolbin Memorial Gates • Hunter Valley 2019 Award for Excellence – Brian McGuigan (AM) Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association Vice President, Brian McGuigan said he was honoured to be among the winners, and congratulated and noted the many contributions to an industry which had reaped international recognition as a premier wine and food destination because of the hard work of its many passionate custodians.

“It’s no easy feat to make such an indelible mark on an industry that is so widely revered. The Hunter Valley is the oldest and most visited wine region in Australia by overseas tourists, thanks to the hard work, caretaking and vision of all our winners,” Mr McGuigan said.

Pictured: Back row (L-R): Brett Keeping (Two Rivers) Angus Vinden (Vinden Estate Wines) Adrian Sparks (Mount Pleasant Wines) Candace Crawford (Brokenwood Wines) Front row (L-R): Brian McGuigan AM; Imelda Roche AO (Roche Group) Bill Roche AM (Roche Group) Greg Silkman (First Creek Wines). Photo by Chris Elfes.

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard · CELLAR DOOR Fri 12pm–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm & Sun 10am–4pm · CAFÉ Sat+Sun 10am–4pm 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 · Ph (02) 4998 7734 · www.emmascottage.com.au

yhv 28 | JUNE 2019

cheese, chocolate, beer, wine, displays, demonstrations live MUSIC, GRAPE STOMPING, KIDS ZONE and loads more!

SAT 6th & sun 7th july 2019 10am-5pm hope estate, hunter valley for transport options visit rovercoaches.com.au

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OVER TWO BIG DAYS! sat 3rd & sun 4th august 2019

HOPE ESTATE, HUNTER VALLEY TICKETS FROM HOPEESTATE.COM.AU

10am - 5pm

29 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Bottled History WORDS Quentin von Essen At a recent dinner celebration for a long-time friend, we decided to open a bottle of Petersons Wines 2003 Cabernet Shiraz, which was just superb – displaying ripe stewed fruit aromas with wafts of aniseed.

What then followed was a discussion about what wines age well and the changes in ageing wines – especially since the introduction of the screw cap closure.

The wine industry loves to talk about ageing and collecting wine because drinking a really old wine brings with it a romantic allure, a chance to experience a year that has some special significance to us an anniversary, the birth of a child or a year of some other momentous occasion. But, drinking an aged wine also introduces us to flavours and textures that we would otherwise never have experienced had the wine not undergone ageing.

For experienced wine tasters, wine does not truly display its complexities until it has been properly cellared and aged. The point of ageing wine is that it can develop the complexity of aromas, flavours, and change in texture that can’t be duplicated. This makes for a unique drinking experience that only you can experience at that moment in time.

Most winemakers today would tell you that much of the wine made today should be consumed as early as possible – while the wines youthful fruit can be enjoyed.

Studies suggest only about 10% of red wines and 5% of whites will actually improve over time in the bottle, and only 1% of wines will improve beyond a decade.

That said, only 1% of all the wine produced in the world is meant to be aged.

Of course, this also means that 99% of all the wine we buy is meant to be consumed right now. This doesn’t mean that the wine expires soon after it’s purchased, it simply means you shouldn’t purposefully age it, as you won’t be getting any benefit from it.

yhv 30 | JUNE 2019

Only wines that are considered “premium” truly benefit from ageing, and there are all sorts of rules (depending on the grape variety of the wine you want to age) that determine just how long you should age it and when it will be ideal for drinking.

Those wines high in acids, tannins and phenols will stand up to extended ageing better than those that are low in these components.

When it comes to red wines, the most obvious candidates suitable for long-term ageing are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir.

The majority of white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Moscato are made to be enjoyed while still young. White wines that have good ageing potential include Oaked Chardonnay, and white wines with higher acidity, such as a dry Verdelho, Riesling and Semillon.

Ice wines are also candidates for extended ageing because they contain high acidity and high sugar levels.

Hunter Semillons are among the greatest and most distinctive wines in Australia – if not the world. As a cellaring wine, it is one of the greatest whites in the world, and can live for a good 20 years, often much longer, mellowing from a fresh, tangy, fruity, pale-coloured white wine into a deeper-coloured, softer, richer, fuller (but never full-bodied) wine.

When it comes to the best time to open your Hunter Semillon, Dave Fromberg – owner and winemaker of Running Horse Wines and aged wine specialist has some tips “When first bottled, Hunter Valley Semillon is almost water-white in appearance, crisp and delicious with aromas of citrus, grass, straw and subtle green herbs,” says Dave.

“After about five years they are in the first stage of bottle ageing and show signs of increased complexity and fresh acid, with new layers of flavour developing as the wine slowly transforms.

“Patience pays off, and after ten years the finest examples of this wine, with acidity that has mellowed and low alcohol transform into this amazing complexity – revealing the rich, honeyed, grilled nut characters that make this wine unique.”

“After that, the rate of change slows, but a great Semillon can live for 30 to 40- years with careful cellaring.”

When it comes to cellaring conditions, you do not need a purposebuilt cellar in the basement of your house to age your wines! The two most important factors for cellaring wine at home, are the stability of temperature and the physical stability of the wine - so try not to move it around too much.

The level of humidity was more important when wine was sealed with corks, as you didn’t want the cork to dry out, and no longer be airtight. For cellaring, those wines with a cork will need to lay flat to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering and oxidising the wine. Stelvin sealed wines (screw caps) can be stored upright.

It is also important to ensure that the wines are kept in the dark, as the light will lead to more variation in the temperature and can trigger chemical reactions which lead to the tainting of the wine.

Boho Fashion in the Hunter Valley

If you’ve ever wondered what a normal shape is when buying clothes, or if you have a normal shape you soon come to realise that normal is not, well… normal!

It was this frustration that led Tracy Southon of Southon Styles to open her own clothing label with a store at Rutherford in the lower Hunter Valley and more recently a second store at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village.

“I’m not the ‘normal’ size 10 bottom, size 10 top and found it hard to find any fashion without taking it in, up or remaking it in some way to fit my shape,” laughs Tracy.

Realising that this must be true for most women, Tracy started Southon Styles while still employed in a full-time role.

“I was just doing markets to begin with before I had the opportunity in opening a casual short term shop at Greenhills (before the renovations). It was a big risk leaving a full-time position going into the unknown, but it was a dream of mine – the business is a partnership with my husband who is a silent partner and leaves all the running of it to me,” says Tracy.

“We specialise in multi-fit designs that suit a number of different body shapes. We search out fashion for all shapes and sizes from our size 6 customers up to our ‘voluptuous vixens’ to size 24. At least 30% of our stock in both stores is my own label. We specialise in Boho feminine fashion at great prices – and that seems to be what exactly what our customers are looking for,” says Tracy.

With a firm focus on customer service, Tracy says she absolutely loves helping customers find affordable and beautiful fashion – both in-store and also online – which is a growing part of the business.

“We have quite a large number of repeat customers now – I believe we (the team at Southon Styles also includes Sandra, Tahnee and Jasmin) provide great service and a nice friendly atmosphere to our customers. Our clientele are from all walks of life – from someone who just wants a pair of jeans and a tee to a more extravagant wedding, party, races outfit.”

For more information or to shop online, visit www.southonstyles.com.au or pop into a store today!

“Largest beer range

Massive Wine Sale at The Garden Cellars $50 cases and $144 cases available throughout June.

in the valley!”

Come in and visit the ‘Tunnel of Beer’. Stocked to the brim with delicious brews from around the world.

alley Hunter V nter u Wine, H odka V y r e Distill beer and craft able ail v a tastings ! y il a d

THE GARDEN

Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of June purchase any mixed 6 beers and receive $1 off per bottle.

Not available on previously discounted items.

CELLARS

You will find us at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village Broke Road, Pokolbin OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5.30pm | PH 4998 7466 www.gardencellars.com.au

31 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Meet The Team

Doing it Better at Tamburlaine Organic Wines WORDS Michelle Meehan

As one of Australia’s largest producers of organic wines, with vineyards in the Hunter Valley and Orange regions, Tamburlaine has become a household name amongst discerning wine drinkers.

This month, Your Hunter Valley Magazine has gone behind the brand to introduce you to a few of the names responsible for making Tamburlaine the wine label and cellar door experience it is today.

Tamburlaine was first established by Dr Lance Allen in 1966 on approximately 80 acres in Pokolbin. When the winery was put up for sale in 1985, Managing Director and Chief Winemaker, Mark Davidson and a small group of investors purchased the Hunter Valley based winery, and then set about on the journey of turning Tamburlaine Organic Wines into Australia’s largest producer of labelled organic wine.

With a keen interest in wine, Mark’s enthusiasm for the industry was first sparked during a stint of external studies in viticulture and wine science at Riverina College (now known as Charles Sturt University). This led to Mark developing a long term wine-making philosophy around contemporary organic practices in the vineyard and winery.

yhv 32 | JUNE 2019

Over the years, Mark has seen the Australian organic wine movement progress from relative obscurity to being talked about and recognised worldwide. To this day, Mark continues to champion organic wine in Australia and overseas.

Mark’s wife Lou (General Manager Corporate Events and Weddings) has also been part of the Tamburlaine adventure since 1985. Involved in all aspects of the winery from the vineyard to the cellar door, Lou ultimately chose to focus her skills on ‘The Lodge’, Tamburlaine’s weddings and functions venue, where she and her team have seen many brides and grooms say ‘I do’ for the past 17 years.

Lou works alongside Crystal Allan on the weddings and functions at ‘The Lodge’, collaborating during the past 16 years to help create every dream wedding possible, from simple celebrations to more lavish affairs. Crystal also coordinates the many events Tamburlaine attends each year.

While Tamburlaine’s picturesque grounds make it a hugely popular wedding destination, the Pokolbin winery is, of course, most wellknown for its award-winning range of organic wines.

Guided by the ethos of producing wines of terroir while limiting their impact on the environment, the winemaking duties are shared by a close-knit team led by Mark and Tamburlaine’s Senior Winemaker Aaron Mercer.

Born and raised in the Hunter Valley, Aaron conducted a case study on sustainable agriculture at Tamburlaine in his first year at the University of Newcastle.

After gaining experience with some of the Hunter Valley’s most illustrious producers, Aaron moved to South Australia to complete his postgraduate degree in Oenology at the University of Adelaide, where he was exposed to cutting edge winemaking technology and research.

Aaron’s career then led him to France, Canada, Germany and California, before returning as Tamburlaine’s Senior Winemaker. In 2012, Aaron was awarded the Alasdair Sutherland scholarship and went on to win the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Awards Rising Star of the Year award in 2018. ►

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

Of course, if there’s anyone that knows Tamburlaine’s wines as well as its winemakers it would have to be Cellar Door Manager Jan Williams, who in 2019 celebrates her 25th year with the business.

The winery’s longest-serving team member outside of Mark and Lou, in 1994 Jan became the first salesperson to be employed by Tamburlaine outside of family members.

With a family business and Hunter Valley farming background on what used to be the original ‘Kirkton’ Vineyard established in the 1800's

by James Busby, Jan now leads the cellar door team at Tamburlaine, creating a lively and personalised customer-centric experience.

She has firsthand knowledge of the history and evolution of Tamburlaine and can share memories with loyal customers and experiences of days past, reinforcing just how much the company has grown and flourished.

Jan is ably supported in the cellar door by a team of knowledgeable staff, including Senior Wine Consultants Rob Butcher and Glenn Myers.

Rob has a background in horticulture and was initially employed at Tamburlaine as a groundsman, however, he quickly found his way into the sales arena and has now chalked up 20 years of service at the Pokolbin winery.

Glenn is another long-standing employee, having worked for Tamburlaine for 17 years, although his background before joining the team was in finance. Glenn raised his family locally, and all of his children have at some time been employed at Tamburlaine in sales.

Wine consultants Mitchell Unger, Nick Williams and Jarod Spinks also work within the cellar door team.

Like Rob, Mitchell has a background in horticulture and greenkeeping but has been working in sales at Tamburlaine for the past four years. Responsible for creating Tamburlaine’s weekly ‘Sign of the Time’, Mitchell represents the company in many and varied events.

Nick has also been in sales with Tamburlaine for the past four years and represents Tamburlaine at various wine shows and events. With a background in teaching, he was the obvious choice to coordinate and facilitate many of the tours given around the winery and vineyards to Year 11 and 12 high school students.

With a background in hospitality management, Jarod took a more traditional path into the wine industry and has been with Tamburlaine’s

sales team for just over two years. He is the newest recruit at the Pokolbin business and is known as a positive force around the cellar door and at various industry events.

While the cellar door team, wedding and events staff and winemakers are the most public faces of Tamburlaine, the winery actually employs around 60 people across their Hunter Valley and Orange sites, who all make valuable contributions to its ongoing success and longevity.

Among those working behind the scenes are Stephen Taylor and Irma Dupuis.

Stephen is Tamburlaine’s Head of Administration and has a long history in both the wine and finance sectors. After a taste of the wine industry working in Broke, Steve led a successful career in financial institutions for 26 years. In 2018, he came out of retirement to help Tamburlaine with administration, accounting and software system upgrades and oversees the winery’s admin team.

Irma has been with Tamburlaine for the past two years and is currently the Head of Branding, Strategy and Communications.

After living in China in 2008, Irma studied and worked in France and internationally, focusing on digital marketing. In 2017 she joined Tamburlaine to research the impact of sustainability on wine consumers as part of her MSc in Wine Business. Irma stayed on to manage change and innovation, leading the marketing and sales teams and supporting the managing director.

While’s Tamburlaine’s large and diverse team come from a variety of different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, according to Jan. “Our team really believes in our message,” she said.

“Every week we get together to share experiences, feedback and learn together about winemaking and organics.

“

Sharing that knowledge with our customers

is what makes the Tamburlaine experience unique… that and the great Hunter Valley and Orange wines, of course!

Jan said the ever-changing nature of the Tamburlaine business made working at the Hunter Valley-based winery so enjoyable.

“Being part of the growing Tamburlaine family, there is never a dull moment,” she said.

“We constantly learn from each other and share our wine experiences with one another. We work in an interesting, stimulating environment, and we all feel we play a part in the company growth.

“We live to challenge ourselves by asking how can we do it better?” ■

33 | JUNE 2019 yhv

STEP BACK IN TIME

The Infamous

Maitland Gaol

WORDS Michelle Meehan

For almost 150 years it kept some of Australia’s most infamous criminals contained behind its towering sandstone walls and razor wire fencing.

These days, however, Maitland Gaol welcomes a far more law-abiding crowd through its foreboding iron gates.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to the commanding convict-built structure every year to explore the fascinating, frightening and sometimes far-fetched sounding stories of what life was like behind its grim stone walls.

The award-winning tourist attraction is one of around a dozen historic gaols and similar sites that are now open to the public across Australia, providing an insight into the country’s prison system, as well as many other aspects of early life in the colony.

Positioned prominently on top of a hill in East Maitland, Maitland Gaol was built in the mid-1800s using sandstone sourced from the local area including Morpeth and Farley. The foundation stone was laid in

at hungerford hill wines Lunch Sat & Sun 12pm – 3pm Dinner Wed – Sat 6pm – 9pm P 4998 6777

at keith tulloch wines Lunch Wed – Sun 12pm – 3pm Dinner Fri & Sat 6pm – 9pm P 4998 7899

w w w. m u sedining .com.a u yhv 34 | JUNE 2019

1844, with the first prisoners incarcerated in the multi-building complex in December 1848.

The gaol was built over several stages between 1844 and 1900, with much of the masonry work carried out by prisoners. While some additions and alterations were undertaken in the late 1960s and ’70s, the closure of the gaol was announced in 1996 as part of an upgrade to the state’s prison system. It was determined that security at the site no longer met community expectations, while the overall conditions were considered unsuitable and the cost of operating the antiquated facility was excessive.

Maitland Gaol closed as a maximum security prison on January 29, 1998, with the honour of being Australia’s oldest structure in continuous use as a gaol. Thirteen months later Maitland City Council was awarded a 50-year lease for the site, with plans to adaptively reuse the Gaol as a museum. The Gaol was also added to the State Heritage Register in 1999.

Over the years since being reopened as a tourist attraction, a number of guided tours have been developed at the Gaol, with themes covering everything from crimes of passion to daring escapes.

There is certainly plenty of source material to draw from for the tours, with the Gaol housing some of the country’s most notorious criminals at one time or another. Previous ‘guests’ included Sydney underworld figure Arthur 'Neddy' Smith, John Travis and the Murphy Brothers, who were convicted of the murder of 26-year-old nurse Anita Cobby, bank robber Darcy Dugan and backpacker serial killer Ivan Milat.

A total of 16 executions (carried out as public hangings until 1861) were enacted on the Maitland Gaol site between 1843 and 1897, including 13 for murder and three for rape, while the last corporal punishment in NSW – the whipping of an inmate – occurred at Maitland in 1905.

The Gaol was also the site of numerous daring escapes, with almost 40 attempts made throughout its history, although most of them failed.

The last recorded escape plot, on May 17, 1997, was thwarted before it even began after drug baron George Savvas, Milat and two other prisoners planned to overpower the prison officer in A Wing, steal his keys and use them to gain access to the general yard. From here they would have escaped over the wall to a car waiting for them on the other side. However, increased security regulations meant the plot was uncovered before it could be put into action.

Not surprisingly, the ex-warder and ex-inmate guided tours are among the Gaols’ most popular offerings, providing a unique perspective into life behind bars with stories that are not for the fainthearted.

Among those who believe, Maitland Gaol is said to be the most haunted site in the Hunter, making its regular ghost tours another popular activity for those curious about the paranormal.

For more information about its history and the wide variety of activities now on offer at the site, visit www.maitlandgaol.com.au

35 | JUNE 2019 yhv

Winter Dining Guide

CIRCA 1876 Set in the expansive acreage of the luxury boutique hotel The Convent Hunter Valley, and surrounded by rich produce filled kitchen gardens. Circa 1876 literally brings the 'paddock to plate' ethos to life as guests overlook the organic kitchen garden that their food came from just beyond their plate.

64 Halls Road Pokolbin, MAP REF L12 | PH 02 4998 4999 www.convent.com.au | reservations@convent.com.au OPEN Fri-Tues | Lunch from 12 noon | Dinner from 5.30pm

HUNTERS QUARTER Hunters Quarter (HQ) is a relaxed and elegant dining destination, located in the Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard of Pokolbin, in the heart of the picturesque Hunter Valley. A culinary dream come true at Hunters Quarter with something for every occasion.

Butter Poached Bug Tail, Seared Prawns, Wild Rice, Shellfish Broth and Tempura Asparagus 576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF N10 | PH 4998 7776 info@huntersquarter.com.au | www.huntersquarter.com.au OPEN Mon night, Thurs - Sun for lunch & Thurs - Sat for dinner.

ELEMENTS The title éléments is derived from the natural elements of fire, water and soil, components that resonate with the Hunter Valley region and are reflected in the entire restaurant experience.

These basic elements and quality produce are transformed by our Executive Chef Michael Watson who has created a menu with an elements base, influenced by the flavours of France and Italy.

Cnr of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin, MAP REF K10 | PH 02 4998 2000 | www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au | reservations@mrhvg.com.au | Open 7 days for lunch and dinner

yhv 36 | JUNE 2019

THE WOOD RESTAURANT The Wood Restaurant opened its doors in December 2018 at Brokenwood Wines' state of the art new cellar door facility. With a seafood slant, the contemporary menu uses quality ingredients cooked simply with flair. Bookings highly recommended!

Located at Brokenwood Wines, 401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF L10 | PH 4993 1193 | Open 7 days for lunch from 11.30am and Friday and Saturday dinner from 6pm

ESCA BIMBADGEN Esca Bimbadgen showcases Bimbadgen wines by matching them with simple, elegant food in a jaw dropping setting. A pioneer of fine dining, Esca Bimbadgen exemplifies the unique nature of a winery restaurant. The spectacular entrance suspended above the winery is second only to the view from your table.

790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF H12 | PH 4998 4666 esca@bimbadgen.com.au | www.bimbadgen.com.au/dining OPEN Sun to Thurs 12pm–3pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–3pm; 6pm–9pm

OISHII JAPANESE THAI RESTAURANT The name says it all... Delicious. Open daily, Oishii has become one of the most popular eateries in the epicentre of Hunter Valley wineries and concerts. The market fresh seafood Sushi and Sashimi followed by a rich Massaman Beef Curry and finished with fried ice cream - a house speciality, begs a return visit to taste their unique Prawn Tempura and Green Curry Chicken.

Cnr McDonalds & Broke Rd’s Pokolbin, MAP REF L11 | OPEN 7 Days for Lunch Dinner + Takeaway | PH 4998 7051 | www.oishii.com.au

L–R: Thomas Boyd (Margan) Troy Crisante (Quay) Eilish Maloney (formerly Saint Peter) George Mirosevich (Restaurant Mason). Photo: Dominique Cherry

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT The iconic Cellar Restaurant located at Hunter Valley Gardens Village continues to provide Mediterranean style cuisine in a relaxed friendly environment. Here the chefs select the freshest, best quality ingredients to create seasonally inspired menus bursting with flavour. Bookings recommended!

HVG Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin, MAP REF K10 | PH 4998 7584 www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au | thecellar@bigpond.com Open Mon to Sat | Lunch from 12 noon | Dinner from 6PM

RESTAURANT CUVEE Restaurant Cuvee located at Peterson House offers Modern Australian cuisine at its best. Our al-a-carte menu has been designed using fresh local produce – with seasonal menu changes, you will be sure to find something to please your palate.

Cnr of Broke Road & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin, MAP REF K14 PH 4998 7881 | cuvee@petersonhouse.com.au www.petersonhouse.com.au | OPEN 7 days Breakfast & Lunch

BLAXLAND INN Blaxland Inn offers a warm and country ambience with friendly staff and great value meals. Dine on the verandah all year round or inside by our open fire during Winter. With an outdoor campfire too, you can relax and unwind whilst enjoying a truly Australian experience.

2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin, MAP REF K12 | PH 4998 7550 info@blaxlandinn.com.au | www.blaxlandinn.com.au OPEN 7 days for Lunch & Dinner

The Ledbury All-Stars Celebrating Ten Delicious Years of the Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight What happens when four of this country’s young gun chefs – all of who have cooked alongside Brett Graham at The Ledbury in London – sharpen their knives and go head-to-head in the kitchen?

The annual Food Fight is the signature event organised by the Hunter Culinary Association (HCA) and is a highly-anticipated occasion on the Hunter’s culinary calendar. This year’s clash promises to be as thrilling as ever, with the chefs working their magic and creating a dish of their choice to take out the prestigious title. Each chef will prepare one lunch course matched with a Hunter Valley wine. Guests will then vote for their preferred dish at the conclusion of lunch.

Fighting it out at this month’s event will be Thomas Boyd (Margan); Troy Crisante (Quay Restaurant); George Mirosevich (Restaurant Mason) and Eilish Maloney, formerly of Saint Peter.

HCA Chairman Gus Maher said the tenth annual Food Fight was set to be an unforgettable gourmet event, once again hosted by the inimitable duo Colin Fassnidge and Matt Kemp, who are longtime supporters of the Hunter Culinary Association.

“Each of these talented chefs has trained under the legendary Brett Graham at his acclaimed London Michelin-starred restaurant, so guests will be dining at an incredibly high standard,” Mr Maher said.

“That is extra special as the Food Fight, and its signature auction supports our region’s young chefs by giving them the opportunity to work with Brett in London through the Brett Graham Scholarship which we undertake in conjunction with TAFE NSW.” Gus Maher says the Food Fight has allowed the Brett Graham scholarship to grow, but most notably allow the overall HCA scholarship program to expand benefitting the career development of many young chefs.

“The key objective of the HCA is to provide scholarship opportunities to develop the careers of young and aspiring chefs and apprentices,” he said.

The Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight lunch attracts large industry support but is also open for members of the public to attend and immerse themselves in this special food experience.

WHAT Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight WHEN Monday 17 June 2019 from 11am WHERE Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Pokolbin.

TICKETS Cost: $175 for HCA members, $195 for nonmembers and $90 for apprentice chefs.

BOOK mail@hunterculinary.com.au MORE INFO www.hunterculinary.com.au

37 | JUNE 2019 yhv

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TO NEWCASTLE

TO BRANXTON MAITLAND MORPETH

LOVEDALE

Brickmans Lane

HV Reflec�ons Day Spa

20

MORPETH

Gartelmann Wines

The Brickworks Brasserie

Lomas Lane

St Swan

19

Australian Morpeth Alpaca Barn An�que Centre Morpeth Gallery

TO MORPETH RD EAST MAITLAND

ER HUNTER RIV

18

M

De Beyers Road

Londons Rd Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

DRIV NTRY OU C E

Hunters Quarter Restaurant

D

ad Ro rs e ey eB

De Beyers Rd

Visitor Information Hunter Valley Joy Flights

Muse Restaurant

N WI

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Pokolbin Estate

E IV DR

Blaxland Inn Handmade in the Hunter Markets at Kevin Sobels Wines

D

Campbells Lne

Pokolbin Village HV Cheese Factory Circa 1876 The Wood Restaurant

LOVEDA

n’s Golden Rd Door Elysia Cypress Lakes Bar & Bistro

Tho mp so

Australian Alpaca Barn Harrigans Irish Pub

BROKE ROAD

HV Chocolate Co.

Restaurant Cuvee

HV Chocolate Co. Balloon Alo� Mee�ng Point

Peterson House

Green Lane

Wilderness Road

Talga Road

HV Horseriding and Adventures

TO WINE COUNTRY DRIVE

To Mortels (Thornton)

TO MAITLAND THORNTON

17

L

D e Beyers Road

Ekerts Road

BROKE ROAD

éléments

Hope Estate

MCDONALDS ROAD

Southon Styles

Sabor Dessert Bar

Hunter Valley Gourmet Market

Palmers Lane

Emma’s Co�age Vineyard

Fleet St

Drinan St

D HWY

Lions Park

16

K

BROKE

TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

RD KE BRO

RD

OU NT R

NEW ENGLAN

Tuckers Lane

15

BRANXTON

14

J

s

DA L E

Gillards Road Roche Estate Oishii Japanese-Thai Restaurant

I

Cl

C NE

HV Chocolate Co. The Cellar Restaurant The Garden Cellars

Constable Estate

Palmers Lane

W

B lackburn

Esca Bimbadgen

13

LOVEDALE ROAD

Wine Glass Gallery

Hunter Valley Gardens HVG Shopping Village Australian Alpaca Barn

De

d

d oa sR asy

Coulso nR

Road rth No

TO BRANXTON

12

Y

POKOLBIN1 (NORTH)

Deasys Road

ad

Old

11

Sta�on St

I

am Ad

RO

Running M ILL Horse B Wines

HERMITAGE ROAD

Hermitage Road Cellars

Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse

Hunter Valley Resort Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes Hunter Valley Wine Theatre Hunter Valley Wine School

Old No rth Ro

10

k St

H

Thompsons’s Rd

O

M

TO SINGLETON

Ro ad

Sweetwater Road

G

Ascella Organic Wines

TO SINGLETON

ne

rth

9

ST BRIDGE

La Mistle to e

k Hill Rd Ironbar

No

8

DR IV

Tin�lla Estate

ld

7

C O UNTRY

Spa/Health Retreat

TO SINGLETON

6 Wydnham St

5

CLIFF ST

Markets

Gourmet Produce

Shopping

Cellar Door

Restaurant

MAP NOT TO SCALE

4

WI NE Tan

F

Ek

3

oad Camp R

A

2

N HU

R TE

AY W SS E PR EX

E

O LE R

E

1 k Rd Par onix Phe

D

Rd

C

ak

B

Pe

A N

e Lan rs ajo

McCarthy Rd

E

MC

Q

R

S

T

U

2

3

NG SSI RO C S NE

V

W

KM < 30 D A RO

6

X 8

9

Blaxland Inn K12 Circa 1876 L11 éléments K10 Esca Bimbadgen G11 voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley O11 Harrigans Irish Pub L9 Hunters Quarter M9 Locavore Dining O11 Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse F5 HV Wine Fes�val L15 Muse Restaurant K14 Oishii Japanese Thai L11 Restaurant Cuvee K14

EVENTS

D

STAY

10

nt B

RESTAURANTS+CAFÉS

7

12

13

14

Pokolbin Estate M10 HV Cheese Factory L10 HV Chocolate Co. K10/K13/K14

GOURMET PRODUCE

Sabor Dessert Bar K13 The Brickworks Brasserie (Potters Hotel) N16 The Cellar Restaurant K10 The Deck Café F18 The Wood Restaurant L10

11

adee n Rd

Tamburlaine Organic Wines M10 Tin�lla Estate E5 The Garden Cellars K10

5

d ar Ced C r e e k R

4

16

17

Balloon Alo� (Pickup Point) K14 Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa L9 Hunter Beer Co. N16 Hunter Valley Adventure Centre – Segways, Horseriding, Electric Bikes F5 HV Horseriding & Adventures D17 HV Reflec�ons Day Spa H17 Hunter Valley Gardens K10 Hunter Valley Joy Flights L15 Hunter Valley Wine Theatre F5 Hunter Valley Wine School F5 Morpeth Gallery C18

ACTIVITIES

15

20

Handmade in the Hunter Markets K12 Hunter Valley Gourmet Markets (First Creek) I11

MARKETS

SHOPS

19

Australian Alpaca Barn K9/K10 Australian Alpaca Barn (Morpeth) B19 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village K10 Morpeth An�que Centre (Morpeth) C18 Mortels B16 Pokolbin Village K11 Southon Styles K10 The Garden Cellars K10 Wine Glass Gallery K10

18

Annual Wildlife Exhibtion at Morpeth Gallery, June Long Weekend (C18)

TO SYDNEY M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY

X

Ascella Organic Wine I1 Constable Estate J9 Emma’s Co�age Vineyard G14 Gartelmann Wines F18 Hope Estate J11 Hunter Dis�llery K6 Ivanhoe Wines P8 Kelman Vineyard Q14 Peterson House K14 Pokolbin Estate M10 Running Horse Wines J3

PAY

W

CELLAR DOORS

1

Str ee t

TO QUORROBOLONG

V

Narone Creek Rd

M ou

Ke nd all

D ER AL D AN

CESSNOCK

St

U

GREAT NORTH ROAD TO SYDNEY VIA PEATS RIDGE

CDONALDS RD WOLLOMBI ROAD

Bimb

ABERDARE ROAD

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery

OAD MAITLAND R

TO ABERMAIN KURRI KURRI MAITLAND NEWCASTLE

T

24.5K M>

ht R

OM

AD RO

AL L

NULKABA

et tre tS en c n St Vin rwi Da

and

rig

L OL

BI

MOUNT VIEW ROAD

Kelman Vineyard

Kerlew Street

l ber Cum

MOUNTVIEW

Mount View Rd

Marrowbone Road

O’Connors Road

S

WOLLOMBI

Southon Styles at HVG Shopping Village (K10)

Bellbird Garlic at Handmade in the Hunter Markets (K12)

Ivanhoe Wines

OAKEY CREEK ROAD

voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley Locavore Dining & Epoche Lounge Bar

(SOUTH)

R

M

P

Q

<2 4.5 K

O P

W

O

39 | JUNE 2019 yhv

SHOP Australian Alpaca Barn brea + lulu Exclusive Diamond Co. Candelabra Hunter Valley Christmas Shop Hunter Valley Gift & Crystal Shop

Pokolbin Village Pharmacy

Peppers Creek Antiques

Cupcake Espresso

Southon Styles The Twig The Waiter’s Friend Village Books Wison & Hunter Wine Glass Gallery

EAT Cupcake Espresso Oscars Hunter Valley

Oscar’s Hunter Valley

Taste of the Country The Cellar Restaurant

PAMPER Jolie Hair Makeup Beauty

SAVOUR Hunter Valley Chocolate Company KissOfire The British Lolly Shop

Southon Styles

The Garden Cellars Hunter Honey Hive

ESSENTIALS Pokolbin Farm Shop Pokolbin Village Pharmacy

PLAY Oscar’s Hunter Valley 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Aqua Golf and Putt Putt huntervalleygardensshopping.com.au

Aqua Golf and Putt Putt