16 minute read
What's on in March & April
On WHAT'S
Events not to miss in the Hunter Valley Region FIND THE LATEST EVENTS ONLINE AT YOURHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU
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Markets MARCH
Tower Estate Markets At Tower Estate MARCH 15
Slow Food Earth Market At The Levee, Maitland MARCH 19
MARCH
Locals Night Hunters Quarter EVERY MONDAY NIGHT Monday nights are locals night at HQ. From 6pm enjoy an exclusive menu crafted by owner and Executive Chef, Brian Duncan.
You don't need to be local or work within the industry to enjoy this fabulous offering! Enjoy 2 courses for $65, or 3 courses for $80 (BYO welcome). Full wine list also available. To book phone 4998 7776 or visit www.huntersquarter.com.au
BOOK NOW!
The Ultimate Winery Tour! McGuigan Wines EVERYDAY Immerse yourself in the history of one of Australia’s most iconic wineries. Take an in-depth guided tour of the working winery, hosted by a member of the talented cellar door team.
To complete your McGuigan experience, taste a selection of award-winning wines from their exclusive cellar door collection. These tours leave daily at midday. Fully enclosed shoes must be worn, no children under 16. For more information visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on experiences.
Festival of Two Palettes Morpeth Gallery SAT 14 + SUN 15 MAR Immerse yourself in local talent as you wander through the Morpeth Gallery for the Festival of Two Palettes between 10am–2pm. One artist (Australian, Maegan Oberhardt) will be painting with fire and soot – this is something you definitely don't want to miss! For more information visit www.morpethgallery.com
Maitland Taste Festival The Levee, Maitland SAT 14 + SUN 15 Returning for another big year, Maitland Taste sees local makers and producers set market stalls up along the Levee, bringing the community together to ‘Grow, Create and Taste’. Spread across 2 days enjoy a host of entertainment and activities for all ages including cooking demonstrations featuring celebrated Hunter chefs and Celebrity Chef Adam Liaw. Indulge in the sparkling and seafood lane, and don't miss the cheese and beer tastings on offer. Enjoy the soothing music of live performers as you wander through the many markets stalls and take in the surroundings of beautiful Maitland. Entry to the festival is free, for more information visit www.maitlandtaste.com.au
Wine Machine Roche Estate, Pokolbin SAT 14 MAR Wine Machine is a full-bodied day of wine, food and live music, showcasing both the splendour of our nation’s most picturesque wine regions and the spectacular music artists borne from Australian soil. The Hunter Valley is welcoming back Wine Machine for the fourth year and is sure to include a firey lineup – details yet to be announced, so stay tuned! Tickets are from $79, with return buses running from Newcastle, Gosford and Sydney at an extra cost. For more information visit www.wine-machine.com
Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant Your always welcome at...
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 Home Delivery Fri–Sun
J A P A N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E
/OishiiPokolbin
Much more than a Vineyard.
Come Waltzing with Matilda... Our Matilda range is made up of easy drinking styles that are produced for your enjoyment.
205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin • PH 4998 7887 www.constableestate.com.au
The MAP is the most comprehensive map of Wine Country and the ONLY Map listing ALL Cellar Doors, Restaurants and Providores divided into handy to use Wine Trails. It’s your expert tour guide! DON’T WASTE TIME GETTING LOST!
DINO MIGHTS PERFORMING AT 11:30AM & 1:30PM DAILY
ARE TAKING OVER!
PLUS, OPENING WEEKEND EASTER CELEBRATIONS
JOIN THE FUN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! Come and see amazing creatures, including our new flying Pterosaur, Woolly Mammoth and giant Brachiosaurus. Plus, all your favourites like T-Rex, Triceratops, Dragons, Amazing Rides* and more!
DAILY ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN GARDEN ENTRY
Robertson Brothers 60’s Variety TV Show Cessnock Performing Arts Centre SAT 14 MAR Relive the good old days with Australia’s very own multi-award-winning harmony duo the Robertson Brothers, with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan – from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys! Hits by The Seekers, The Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Bee Gees and Neil Sedaka will be heard on stages across the country as these leading music talents join
Walking with Llamas Ben Ean, Pokolbin SAT 15 MAR Have you ever wanted to meet a llama? Well this is your chance! The Llama Collective is running Walking With Llamas at Ben Ean – where you’ll first get acquainted, then get to enjoy a one hour stroll through the winery with your very own walking companion. Don’t forget your camera! Bookings are essential and spots will fill quickly. If you miss out this time there are more dates in the future.
forces for a national tour like no other.
In an incredible interactive Variety TV style show, be led through the glorious melodies of well-known 60’s icons that have been carefully and meticulously re-created. For tickets visit the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre website.
The cost is $80, 2 people per llama $120, 3 people $140 and maximum 4 people is $160. To book visit www.thellamacollective.com.au
St Patrick’s Day Harrigan's Hunter Valley TUES 17 MAR It’s March and that can only mean one thing… ST PATRICK’S DAY!
Join in on all the festivities at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley, from live Irish bands kicking off at 12pm, Irish dancers, an Irish pipe band, drink specials
plus huge prizes to win all day– they have it covered! So, celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this year with drinks, music and dancing in the heart of Wine Country.
For more information visit www.harriganshuntervalley. com.au
Hunter Valley Kombi Festival Saltire Estate SAT 21 MAR Feel all the retro vibes! Join in the classic veedub fun and cruise over to Saltire Estate in beautiful Lovedale for the Hunter Valley Kombi Festival.
From 10am–3pm there will be market stalls, activities for the kids including free mini putt putt golf and a jumping castle, the coolest food trucks, premium wine and a whole lot of cars on display, all backed by retro tunes performed by the Wine Country Music Association. Award categories include Best Beetle, Best Bay, Best Split and Best Rat. For more information visit www.hvkombifest.com.au
Tintilla Estate Long Lunch Tintilla Estate, Pokolbin SAT 28 MAR Tintilla Estate's Long Lunches are very popular – it's the ultimate gourmet food and wine experience! Due to popular demand, the French Provincial Long Lunch is on again this March, with a 4-course meal and wines to match. Why not get a group together and celebrate the start of Autumn in the beautiful grounds of Tintilla Estate.
Bookings are essential as numbers are limited. Email info@tintilla.com.au or phone 6574 7093 to book. For more information visit www.tintilla.com.au
High Cheese Two Fat Blokes, Pokolbin EVERY SUNDAY It’s the High Tea of your cheesy dreams! Two Fat Blokes has created the ultimate foodies experience every Sunday at 2pm featuring four courses of cheesy goodness with bottomless bubbles!
Your four incredible courses may include some of the following – triple cream brie in filo pastry served with quince paste and grissini; poached pear with duetto and walnuts topped with honeycomb; beetroot and goats cheese terrine; crispy mac n' cheese balls; mushroom and halloumi sliders with relish on a pumpkin and poppyseed bun; apple strudel parfait; Portuguese tart with creamy ricotta and orange custard; whiskey and marmalade labna cheese cake.
Tickets are $75 pp, including bubbles. Visit twofatblokes.rezdy.com to book.
Hunter Valley
Wine Country’s Native Wildlife Sanctury Lovedale’s Hill Top Farm Stay Spectacular Valley Views • Riding over 300 acres Trail Rides for Adults and Children, for Beginners and Experienced Riders Personalised Rides • Marriage Proposals • Weddings on Horseback Pony Rides • Pony Parties • Family Rides • Sunset Rides Picnic Rides • BBQ • Tractor Hay Rides to Feed the Farm Animals Peddle Go Karts for Ages 5 – 99 Years Ask About our ATV Tours to the Top of the Range Accomodation and horse riding is available this Easter and School Holidays!
For Bookings Phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 Stay & Play at Hilltop 288 Talga Road, Lovedale So close to all of Wine Country’s attractions, yet you feel a million miles away..
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.
Markets APRIL
Broke Village Market At McNamara Park APRIL 5
Kurri Kurri Community Markets At Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri APRIL 11
Singleton Sunday Markets At Townhead Park, Singleton APRIL 12
Handmade in The Hunter Markets At Kevin Sobels Wines APRIL 4, 11 & 12 + 18
Beergustation Dinner Hope Estate, Pokolbin SAT 4 APR Following up on the success of February's Beergustation Dinner, the event is back again for one night only! Enjoy a mouthwatering degustation dinner by acclaimed chef Nichol Papandreou, paired perfectly with Hope’s own beers. Gain exclusive insight into their brewing process and see behind the scenes of one of the Hunter’s favourite breweries. Give your taste buds something to remember! Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options are available. For more information visit www.hopeestate.com.au
Cessnock Stomp Festival Vincent St, Cessnock SUN 5 APR The Hunter Valley’s biggest street party is back this year in the heart of Cessnock! Stomp is a free event, inviting you to explore 600m worth of wine, food, local shops, beer, cider, entertainment and of course the main event – the Big Grape Stomp. Tickets into the Big Grape Stomp are already sold out, however you can still head down to watch one of 4 Stomp events happening on the hour from 10.30am–2.30pm. Grab your essential souvenir Stomp wine glass ($5 online or at the event) to try and buy from over 30 wineries (some may have a tasting cost). A High Tea will also be happening during the day – for more information or to buy tickets visit www.cessnockstomp.com
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
CHOMP at STOMP 2020 Burgerfiend, Cooper St Cessnock SUN 5 APR Chomp at Stomp is back at Burgerfiend this year, inviting all those with big appetites to compete for bigger prizes and bigger glory. This test
Mitchell Coombes – Psychic Medium Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock FRI 17 APR Women’s Day & The Morning Show’s psychic medium Mitchell Coombes will be heading our way in April, bringing with him his ability to connect to the spirit world. Engage with him as he connects with his audience and gives spontaneous readings, bringing insight and healing from family and friends on the other side. His compassionate, caring and uplifting nature makes him one of Australia’s favourite and of speed and appetite involves two categories – Hulk (2kg) and Banner (1.6kg). This high-calorie competition has cash prizes on offer, with 1st place in Hulk being $500, and Banner $150! Limited registrations are available – visit the event page on facebook, or email through your interest to hello@burgerfiend.com.au
most loved psychic mediums. To get tickets for this amazing experience visit the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre website.
The Sunday Muster Artisan Market Mortels, Thornton SUN 19 APR The Sunday Muster is a roundup of creative people; artists, crafts persons, and designers, in a boutique artisan market held on the grounds at Mortels Sheepskin Factory in Thornton. 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. For more information, check out www.mortels.com.au or facebook.com/thesundaymuster
Hunter Valley Resort Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin (02) 49987777 sales@HunterResort.com.au www.HunterResort.com.au
Experience ‘a little bit of Italy in Broke’ and enjoy a weekend of all things Italian while exploring the magnificent wines of Broke Fordwich.
Friday 1st May, Evening Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May, 10am – 5pm
Start the weekend with La Grande Fiesta at Margan Wines, or visit Mount Broke Wines for Pizza A La Carte. Experience an Italian Feast at Catherine Vale. Take a Pizza masterclass at Tinonee Vineyard Estate. Tour the vineyards & olive groves at Whispering Brook. Pair wine and cheese at Ascella and Greenway Wines. Enjoy A La Carte dining at Nightingale Wines and Somerville Friday and Saturday nights. Visit the brand new cellar doors at Winmark Wines and Talits Estate. Join a Tuscany-inspired long table and live music at Krinklewood.
For all that is on offer visit www.italyinbroke.com.au
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland SAT 18-SUN 19 APR Steamfest is a celebration of the Hunter’s industrial heritage, hosting an impressive collection of antique machinery, cars and of course the main show – steam trains. An exciting array of activities is on the program this year, all family friendly. Maitland Station is the centre of the event with merchandise, kids rides and the main stage – it’s also the best vantage point to see all the vintage steam and diesel trains pull into the station. Nearby Church Street is where you will find all the markets, with a collection of over 100 stalls. For more information visit www.steamfest.com.au
The Gum Ball Dashville FRI 24-SUN 26 APR If you like your festivals easy, comfortable, inspiring and cost effective, then we’re pretty confident we’ve got your best option – the 15th annual Gum Ball!
It’s one of those pristine moments where you can escape to a bushland oasis, connect with like-minded people, great music and essential art. Soak up a bit of fresh air, kick back, relax and re-jig. There is always something for everyone (for both music and entertainment), with a focus on providing the ultimate all-age adventure. For tickets visit www.dashville.com.au/ gumball
Re-Discover Mortels Daily Factory Tours Mon–Fri 11am – No bookings required
FIND US Located 2.5km from the end of the M1 1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton. Open 7 Days Visit www.mortels.com.au for more information
Home of the BigUGG Boots · FactoryTours · Shop · Café · Museum
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
Wild West Action at Upper Hunter Show
THE 2020 BENGALLA UPPER HUNTER SHOW will be packed with entertainment, exciting rides and sideshow alley action for the entire family when it hits the Muswellbrook Showgrounds over the weekend of 20–21 March.
Live music, fireworks, Bulls Broncs and Barrels, tug-of-war, Upper Hunter Showgirl and Teen Showgirl, young farmer challenge, wife carrying competition, tent pegging, whip cracking, coal shovelling race, mechanical bull ride and demolition derby are just some of a few events on offer throughout the weekend.
Headlining the show will be the wild-west arena spectacular – The Rooftop Express. After its runaway success around Australia, the show is bringing the heroes of the outback to Muswellbrook with some highly refined and visually enchanting stunts and moments that will take horseplay and cattle mustering to a new level.
The Rooftop Express Show is a first-class arena spectacular that features world-first stunts, true blue Australian comedy and awe-inspiring horsemanship. Its loveable bush characters and amusing storyline encourages crowd participation and family fun. It’s the perfect show for anyone who has ever wanted to put on a cowboy hat when the Rooftop team saddle up with an all-star line up of horses, dogs, cattle and their unmistakably blue IVECO trucks. Don’t miss it! The Young Farmer Challenge is designed to promote excellence in farming and showcase the involvement of youth in agriculture through a
display of the skills, equipment and techniques farmers use every day. Emphasis is placed on completing each challenge in the fastest time with the correct technique and safe work method. If you live in rural NSW and are you up for a challenge, then you’ll find the Young Farmer’s Challenge is the ultimate test, with some great prizes up for grabs.
You can also visit the two-day cattle show, the Pavilion (chocker block full of arts, crafts and local produce displays), the poultry section, vintage machinery and the muscle power at the woodchop arena.
There’s so much to see and do at the Upper Hunter Show, one day just isn’t enough! Make sure you purchase a two-day ticket to really get the most out of your Upper Hunter Show experience. For more information, visit www.upperhuntershow.com.au
Experience Indulgence at Esca Bimbadgen
Nick Samaras, Esca Bimbadgen Executive Chef and his team have created a menu showcasing the abundance of local produce at our doorstep. You can also relax in our Tuscan inspired courtyard with Bimbadgen’s wood fired pizza – dine in or takeaway. Pizza Café 12pm–4pm Mon to Thurs; 12pm–8pm Fri to Sun. Esca 7 days from 12pm; Dinner Fri & Sat from 6pm. Bookings are recommended.
VINEYARD
Boutique Hunter Wines
A Trio of Whites
NEW RELEASE!
This complex late disgorged Blanc de Blancs spent almost 5 years on lees. The result is a ne bead and creamy textured palate with classic toasty characteristics. Taste it today!
2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Cellar Door open for tastings Thurs - Mon, 10am - 4pm www.kelmanvineyard.com.au Small groups welcome - call 02 4991 5456
