Wine Glass Gallery

For those who have visited this quaint little store in Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, you will most likely recall being overwhelmed by choice! With over 3,000 gifts in one venue and an emphasis on colourful wine glasses and exciting home decorator items, we’re prepared to bet that you found that “something special” you’d been searching for at the Wine Glass Gallery. WORDS Di von Essen

Owner, Mary Booth was just 15 years old when she started her first job working in a Sydney newsagency. More than 60 years later, the spritely business woman is still toiling away behind a shop counter, driven by her passion for people and her love of retailing. Almost half her working life has been spent running businesses of her own, including the past eight years as the owner of Pokolbin’s beautiful Wine Glass Gallery.

To say that the Wine Glass Gallery is an institution in wine country is possibly an understatement. It’s a wine glass wonderland which boasts hundreds of beautiful crystal and colourful glassware, as well as comical wine glasses, coasters and magnets that will have you laughing out loud (yes really!).

Sadly for us, although happily for Mary, retirement calls, and the veteran, national award-winning retailer, will lock up for the final time on 31 May 2020.

Facing many challenges throughout her career, Mary’s dedication and determination have seen her overcome all obstacles and achieve more in retailing than she ever dreamed possible. Her passion and perseverance were also recognised Australia-wide when Mary received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (+30 years of service) at the 2018 National Retail Awards.

“It felt amazing and was a great honour to earn a National Retail Lifetime Achievement Award; it gave me and my business credibility amongst my peers and family, also with my customers and suppliers,” Mary said.

“I got a standing ovation for my speech, and all the young retailers kept coming up to me say what an inspiration I was; it was an amazing night.”

Equally amazing is Mary’s retail career, which has taken her from the thriving tourist mecca of The Rocks to the world-renowned destination of the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Mary said that she was looking forward to the next chapter in her life and career, which will involve spending more time with family and friends, a bit of travel and perhaps starting an on-line store (watch this space!) Whatever Mary gets up to, we’re sure that it will be approached with the same gusto and passion that she has shown at every stage of her career – a career which she says has been highlighted by the thousands of amazing, wonderful and interesting customers from all over the world that she has met along the way.

“The biggest lesson I have learned is one must have a passion for whatever you choose to do. Retailing is no different. With passion, it’s not difficult to give more than you receive.” Until the 31st of May, visitors will not only find Mary’s cheerful face behind the counter, but they’ll also find some fantastic bargains in-store as Mary sells out her stock at up to 50% off marked prices. If you're looking for unique glass vases, bowls, platters and ornaments, you'll find them here, along with quirky collector teapots, exotic candles and infuses, Australian made hand creams, gorgeous silk flowers, souvenirs and so much more. There truly is a gift for everyone and you owe it to yourself to check out why this is a Hunter Valley experience not to miss (before it’s too late!)

Kurri Kurri NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL Bringing back the good times!

Polish your cars, shine your shoes and get out your best dresses, the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival rock and rolls back into town on the last weekend in March. Bringing the 1950's to life in the streets of Kurri Kurri, it continues to be one of the Hunter’s most popular events.

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival celebrates all the great things from the 1950’s and 1960's – rock n roll music, dancing, classic cars, vintage clothing and good old fashioned fun. There’s something for everyone with free entertainment and activities throughout the weekend in Rotary Park Kurri Kurri. Free entertainment over the weekend includes Rachel Brady & the Moonshine Special, Louis King, Shelley Minson, the Rattlesnakes, Aaron Mansfield, Jumpin Jukebox and special performances by Chance2Dance, Teaki Hoops and the amazing Sydney Swing Katz.

If you love classic cars and hot rods, Shannon’s Show and Shine is a real highlight, with an amazing display of hundreds of immaculate classic cars and hot rods.

The Retro Market Place brings together some of the biggest and best retro and vintage market stalls from across the country. You’ll find themed merchandise, retro goods, vintage clothing, rock n roll memorabilia, collectables and plenty for the car enthusiasts.

Whether you remember the 1950's or are inspired by that era, getting dressed up is part of the fun of the weekend. So don your vintage or retro outfits and join us in Kurri Kurri, get your photo snapped, and you could even win a prize by entering a Best Dressed competition.

The festival kicks off on Friday 27 March, with a Free Family Fun Night from 5pm in Rotary Park and runs throughout Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March. It’s a great weekend for all the family at the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival. For the full program, visit www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au

Shop 3 · Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village · Broke Road, Pokolbin

Wine Glasses · Silk Flowers · Gifts · Souvenirs · Scarves · Handbags & And Much More!

END OF LEASE SALE 50% OFF EVERYTHING MARCH . APRIL . MAY

GET IN EARLY GREAT BARGAINS

EVERYTHING MUST GO!!

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard Just that little bit different

IT’S NO COINCIDENCE that Australian wineries are located among some of the country’s most picturesque regions, blending class and beauty with that quintessential country feel. We all love wine, and there is no better place to enjoy a glass or two than at a vineyard; better yet a romantic escape or wine tasting weekend at one of the most appealing vineyard settings in the Hunter Valley.

Hidden from view on Wilderness Road in Lovedale is Emma’s Cottage Vineyard – a boutique vineyard with an art gallery, beautiful rose gardens and onsite accommodation available in the two, three and four-bedroom cottages. It is the perfect place to visit and enjoy a tasting of their boutique wines which are made from the seven different grape varieties grown on the estate from 30-year-old vines.

Emma's Cottage Vineyard is also a participant in the Lovedale Long Lunch held each year in May and are now a popular fixture on the local food scene with the opening of Restaurant Trey. Offering a stylish dining experience, Restaurant Trey is under the steady hand of multi-talented head chef and owner Bryce Reynolds. Reynolds is well-known in wine country, having undertaken his apprenticeship with EXP and was also the head chef at Coquun in Maitland. His new solo venture is fast creating a loyal following of diners, with Bryce regularly foraging for wild Australian ingredients to add that special touch to the dishes he offers.

Priding himself on everything ‘boutique’, from the local food producers to the winemakers and beer brewers, on offer is everything from a two-course option through to a five-course degustation with complimentary house-made bread and the choice of matched wines produced by Emma's Cottage Vineyard.

Reynolds' highly recommended dishes include the house-made black garlic and mushroom tortellini with a sage butter emulsion and his signature dessert dish of crème brulée vs crème caramel.

Restaurant Trey is located inside Emma's Cottage Vineyard at 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale and is open for lunch from Wednesday through to Sunday and dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Great wines and great food, in a wonderfully tranquil setting – who could ask for more?

EMMA’S COTTAGE VINEYARD · CELLAR DOOR & GALLERY: Wed–Fri 11.30am–4pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm RESTAURANT TREY: Wed–Sat 11.30am–3pm, Fri & Sat 5.30pm–9pm, Sun 8am–2pm. Bookings: 8328 0503 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 · Ph (02) 4998 7734 · www.emmascottage.com.au