The Hunter Blackboard | December 2016

The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country

BLACKBOARD

Christmas OUR WAY! THE SPARKLING DOZEN Love Wine?

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DECEMBER 2016 | ISSUE #118

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December

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER | A DAY ON THE GREEN PRESENTS GARBAGE AND THE TEMPER TRAP | Bimbadgen | A day on the green

has assembled its next series of winery concerts, with an epic line-up including performances from Garbage and Temper Trap as part of their national tours.

Special guests will include The Preatures, Tash Sultana and Adalita. Why not enjoy the event by having a picnic! No seats will be available during the concert, so make sure to bring your own rugs and deck chairs. There will also be strict limitations on BYO, however a day on the green is a fully licensed event, and food can be purchased on-site. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER | BATTLE OF THE BADGES | Mulla Villa, Wollombi | The rivalry between Holden and Ford will be red hot at the

PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media

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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 December 2016 until the 31st December 2016 inclusive or while stocks last.

‘Battle of the Badges’ day. This exciting event will be held from 10am to 3pm at the Historic 1840 Convict Built Mulla Villa, located 1km south of Wollombi on Great North Road. It will be a great day out for the family with live music, prizes for the best in show, jumping castle, kids activities, Funky Junk Flea Markets and a fantastic range of food, wines and craft beers available. For more information, visit www.mullavilla.com.au

ALL DECEMBER TO 26TH JANUARY | CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR | Hunter Valley Gardens | Take the family to Hunter Valley

Gardens this holiday season to celebrate the Christmas Lights Spectacular! The annual event is returning to bring the magic of Christmas for the 10th year in a row. With millions of decorative lights on display throughout designated areas, see many of your favourites and some exciting unseen features, including the Twelve Days of Christmas arrangement and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The Spectacular is open every night with live entertainment, and you can even have your photo taken with Santa up until Christmas. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.hvg.com.au

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER | CULTURE CLUB | Hope Estate |

Grammy award-winning, iconic 80's pop band Culture Club will be visiting Hope Estate Winery as part of their second Australian tour this year for an encore that cannot be missed! After the success of their Australian visit in June, the party atmosphere event has been scheduled for 10th December 2016. The performance will also be supported by a mass of Australian acts, including Pseudo Echo, Kids in the Kitchen, 1927, Real Life, and Wa Wa Nee. For more information, visit their website www.hopeestate.com.au

19TH - 21ST DECEMBER | JACK NEWTON CELEBRITY CLASSIC | Hunter Valley Golf Club | The annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic (fondly known

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thb 2 | DECEMBER 2016

as 'The Jack') is the longest running and most successful celebrity pro-am golf tournament in Australia, clocking up its 38th year on the fairway. The event sees sporting elites, entertainers, movie stars, comedians, business leaders, and golf lovers all gather together for three days of golf and good times - with a hearty dash of charitable goodwill thrown in! Over $6 million has been raised over the history of the Celebrity Classic for the Jack Newton Golf foundation and Diabetes Australia. For more information, visit www.celebrityclassic.jacknewtongroup.com

SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER | NEW YEARS EVE | Throughout the Hunter |

Bring in the new year in style at one of the great celebrations taking place this New Year’s Eve. For those that want to boogie into the new year, Harrigan’s Irish Pub is the place to be, with live music and fireworks at midnight. You could also bring in the New Year at Goldfish Bar & Kitchen with champagne, cocktails and street-style canapes, watching the Sydney fireworks on the big screen. Prefer a more low key celebration? Enjoy a 4-course dinner at Locavore Dining at The Sebel Kirkton Park from $95 pp, or dine out under the stars with a picnic hamper pack. You can also relax in Epoche Lounge Bar with their exclusive tapas menu, signature cocktails and live entertainment!

WANT MORE? Keep up to date with events in the Hunter by visiting www.huntervalleyonline.com.au

FROM THE EDITORS Deck the halls! Christmas is upon us once again and with it the return of the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular! Now in its tenth year, the lights will be switched on until the 26th of January with each year seemingly outdoing the last with more lights and even more fabulous displays. There is something truly magical about Christmas lights and how they evoke the Christmas spirit.

Every year Hunter Valley Gardens bring thousands of families together to celebrate the magic of Christmas in one space with millions of lights – make sure your family doesn’t miss out!

Hunter Valley Vineyards Boutique Cheesery

representatives gather together for three days of golf and good times and the event will clock up its 38th year on the fairways this month. Will you be amongst the action?

Wine Clubs connect wine lovers with winemakers. They are a hassle-free way to purchase wines from your favourite wineries at discounted prices, delivered to your door at regular (or irregular) intervals. The good news is that nearly all of our local wineries offer visitors their own unique blends of “the wine club” and this month we find out what’s on offer and where.

This month’s issue of the Hunter Christmas and sparkling wine simply Blackboard magazine is full of go together and ‘tis the season Christmas shopping destinations, for celebrating! So, brace yourself gift ideas and Christmas cheer and for the sound of enthusiastic cork we encourage all of our readers to popping as we get down to the get out and about and experience business end of the bubbles with our the festivities first hand. From our “Sparkling Dozen.” families to yours, we wish you a joyous and safe holiday season in Every year The Jack Newton the Hunter.

Celebrity Classic or “The Jack” as it is more fondly known, sees professional golfers, celebrities, amateurs and sponsor

HUNTER VALLEY

CHEESE FACTORY Award winning cheese handmade in Pokolbin Hunter Valley to compliment the varietal wines of the region.

• Tasting rooms open daily 9am to 5.30pm.

• Cheese-making and maturation room viewing all day.

• Complimentary instructional cheese-making tutorial daily 11am and 3pm.

Enjoy!

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Contents CHRISTMAS OUR WAY

12

CHERRY CHRISTMAS

15

OUT OF THE ASHES

16

THE SPARKLING DOZEN

20

We talk to some prominent Hunter Valley families to find out how they will be celebrating this Christmas, what they will be serving and most importantly – what they will be drinking!

They are red like Rudolph’s nose, could pass for a tree bauble and just so happen to be in season during “the season”. So, it seems apt that we would choose Cherries for this month’s Food 5 Ways!

To mark a new era at Pokolbin Estate (after a fire devastated their cellar door in 2011) the Phoenix Shiraz Tempranillo was created and it has just gone on to receive an impressive award…

It doesn’t matter if you prefer red or white, we have chosen 12 of our favourite Sparkling wines to help you toast in the New Year!

CHEESE AND CRACKERS

24

JOIN THE CLUB

28

When planning the perfect Christmas Day feast do not forget a key part of the meal – the Christmas cheese board!

Love wine but dread the daunting task of visiting the bottle shop to pick a wine which in some cases may leave you disappointed?

Well, a wine club could be the answer!

ARTISIAN AUSTRALIAN CHEESEMAKERS Located at Mcguigan Wine Complex 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998 7744

www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

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WHAT’S HOT IN THE HUNTER

Handmade Goodness Dragonfly Foods have introduced their new line called Pimp My Ice Cream and you are definitely going to want one!

Chocolate-dipped, vanilla ice-cream topped with either: • Double White Chocolate and Freeze Dried Raspberry • Milk & White Chocolate and Mini M&Ms • Salted Caramel, Nutella and Milk Chocolate You can find these delicious treats and much, much more at Handmade in the Hunter Markets on December Sat 3rd, Sat 10th, Tues 27th, Wed 28th and Thurs 29th!

WHERE Handmade in the Hunter Markets, Kevin Sobels Wines, Corner Broke and Halls Road, 9am - 3pm.

Welcome the New Year in STYLE Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Hunters Quarter!

The team at HQ can help you create a truly memorable New Years with a night of delicious food, amazing wine and exceptional live entertainment!

Upon arrival you'll be greeted with Cockfighter's Ghost Sparkling and canapes before indulging in a delectable 3-course menu carefully designed by Owner and Executive chef Brian Duncan.

You're then free to dance the night away and welcome in the new year with another glass of Sparkling!

TO BOOK Limited tables are available, call now to secure your reservation 4998 7776 or email info@huntersquarter.com.au.

WHERE Hunters Quarter, 576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin. www.huntersquarter.com

High Tea Heaven In the 6 years that Sabor has been open they have had hundreds of enquiries for High Tea. But unfortunately, they have not had the space or time to dedicate to a High Tea worthy of the Sabor name - until now!

Sabor Tea Room is up and running in their original Lovedale location.

From French style mini croissants to handmade chocolates and everything in between, all freshly made on location and using only the finest of ingredients. Crisp white table linen and vintage Royal Albert Teapots and tea sets (some almost 100 years old) definitely create the feeling of High Tea heaven! The Tea Room has limited seating for a more intimate experience, so therefore bookings are essential. Perfect to plan ahead and take someone special!

WHERE Sabor Tea Room, 319 Wilderness Road, Lovedale. Open Saturday and Sunday for two sessions; 10:30am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 5pm.

Phone 1300 958 850 to book. www.sabortearoom.com.au

For the Sweet Tooth!

All your old favourites and more are available at our favourite local lolly shop, The British Lolly Shop!

From Globestoppers (the ultimate gobstopper) to English toffees, boiled sweets and sherbet, The British Lolly Shop has a large range of gift boxes, sweets, chocolates, crisps and chips, plus condiments. Yum! WHERE Shop 1, HVG Shopping Village Broke Road, Pokolbin. Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm. www.thebritishlollyshop.com.au

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4 NOV 2016 - 26 JAN 2017

The Magic of

CHRISTMAS! There is something magical about Christmas lights and how they evoke the Christmas spirit and excitement that the festive season is finally here. Every year Hunter Valley Gardens bring thousands of families together to celebrate the magic of Christmas in one space with millions of lights across 60 acres!

This family favourite holiday tradition is on now until 26th January and is celebrating its 10th birthday with their biggest and best event yet!

See many of your favourite and some new exciting features, with displays including a new and improved Fairy Garden, an Underwater Scene, the Twelve Days of Christmas sound and light arrangement, Cinderella’s Castle and her pumpkin carriage, the Nativity Scene, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Giant Present Tree and an even bigger Candyland.

Making Memories

Take a trip around the world as you witness some of the most famous landmarks, with a lit-up Sydney Harbour scene, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Dutch windmills, a Scottish Castle and a giant globe of the earth.

Every year we bring thousands of families together to celebrate the magic of Christmas and make memories that will last a lifetime. With millions of lights on display there are exciting new features including Santa’s Workshop, Around the World and the North Pole along with many of your favourites.

Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Workshop where children are encouraged to come along and write their letters asking what gifts they want this Christmas and get a photo with the special man himself. Kids can find checkpoints throughout the displays to complete the trip to the North Pole with a Christmas Light’s Explorer Passport and see the night sky light up with spectacular firework displays on New Year’s Eve.

Visit hvg.com.au for details and online tickets.

Eat, drink and be merry at the new event food and beverage area with festive food available, including wood-fire pizza, pasta, a German kitchen, churros and coffee. There will be live entertainment with musical group Little Scallywagz performing every night to entertain the little ones with fun and energetic shows and roaming performers and carollers will also be strolling about the event to captivate the crowds.

02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin - hvg.com.au This event will not open in adverse weather conditions. Admission charges apply. Program subject to change.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.hvg.com.au.

In the event of wet weather, visit the Hunter Valley Gardens Facebook or Twitter page to find out if the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be open.

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• Hundreds of colourful

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

Wine Glass Gallery Because great wine deserves a great wine glass

hand blown & crystal wine glasses • Exciting selection of unusual glass vases, lamps & homewares • Large selection of Cheryl Cusicks latest original artworks • Many uniquely coloured tea lights & lamps • Souvenirs - Australian & the Hunter Valley • Comical wine glasses, coasters & magnets Over 3,000 colourful eclectic products to choose from... Come and enjoy a friendly Hunter Valley Experience!

Cheers Bus

Hunter Valley Guided Winery Tours

Book your tour securely at www.cheersbus.com • Private or shared deluxe tours in an air conditioned mini bus or hire car, seven days per week • Pick up from your local accommodation or group pickups only from Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Maitland and Singleton areas and be escorted throughout the day • Witness the beauty and tranquillity of Hunter Wine Country on route to our or your chosen boutique cellar doors, as well as vodka, schnapps, cheese, olive and chocolate tastings • Wedding, restaurant, concert and airport transfers available

book@cheersbus.com • Call John on 0408 987 057

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THE JACK NEWTON

Celebrity Classic

BY MICHELLE MEEHAN

Every year The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic or “The Jack” as it is more fondly known, sees 54 professional golfers, 54 celebrities, 54 amateurs and 54 sponsor representatives gather together for three days of golf and good times – with a hearty dash of charitable goodwill thrown in as well!

The event will clock up its 38th year on the fairways this month – the longest running celebrity pro-am golf tournament in Australia. The fun will tee off at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and the Hunter Valley Golf Course on December 19th – 21st.

Jack (left) with wife Jackie and son Clint

While Jack himself grew up in Cessnock and has lived in the Hunter for the past 40 years, The Jack had its origins hundreds of kilometres from his home.

The inaugural event was held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 1979 – with Jack, the winner of that year’s Australian Open, among the professional golfing contingent invited to take part.

He became a regular on the event line-up, taking out the title in 1980 and along with wife Jackie, helping it grow while his own career on the golf course flourished.

Then, Jack’s life changed forever when a freak accident at Sydney Airport in July 1983 claimed his right arm, his right eye – and very nearly, his life.

With his professional dreams in tatters, you could have forgiven him for walking away from a sport in which he could no longer pursue a playing career. Instead, he turned his attention to the other avenues golf still offered him – commentary, establishing the Junior Golf Foundation and, in 1985, taking over the running of the celebrity pro-am that had by that time been renamed in his honour. This year sees 10 years since Jack brought the event home to the Hunter in 2006.

While the players – celebrity, golfer and sponsor alike – do take the tournament seriously over what are two hotly-contested rounds of golf, there’s also plenty of fun to be had on the course as well as off, with many participants getting into the spirit of things by indulging in fancy dress while they play.

Over the years the Celebrity Classic, along with separate Corporate Jack events, have raised more than $6 million for various diabetes charities and Jack Newton Junior Golf – an organisation that nurtures and develops the talents of golf’s future stars under the watchful eye of the man himself, Jack Newton.

For more information on the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic, sponsorship opportunities or the chance to jump in and swing a club with the best of them, visit www.celebrityclassic.jacknewtongroup.com

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NEW YEARS

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016 HARRIGAN’S IRISH PUB

New Years

IN THE HUNTER Harrigans Irish Pub Party into 2017 with Harrigans Irish Pub’s New Year’s Eve VIP Party right in the heart of the Hunter Valley! This exclusive event will ensure you start 2017 in style! For only $155 per person, you will enjoy sparkling wine and canapés on arrival, 5 hours of the premium beverage package and a delicious 3-course dinner. Your ticket also includes entry to Harrigan’s to enjoy the live entertainment from 6.30pm followed by a DJ from 10pm and the spectacular midnight fireworks! VIP Party tickets are limited and bookings are essential. For tickets call 4998 4300.

Hunters Quarter Restaurant Celebrate the New Year at Hunters Quarter Restaurant! Enjoy canapés and a glass of Cockfighters Ghost on arrival followed by a 3-course feast prepared by Owner and Executive Chef Brian Duncan. Dance the night away with live entertainment and there will be Cockfighter’s Ghost Sparkling wine to toast in the New Year at midnight. Tickets are $175 per person. Bookings are essential as tables are limited. To book call 4998 7776.

Hunter Valley Gardens Hunter Valley Gardens is set to ring in 2017 with fabulous festivities including a dazzling firework display, amusement rides and plenty of live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Along with the fireworks show, visitors will also be able to experience the award-winning Christmas Light Spectacular that is now bigger and better than ever with millions of festive lights on display. Hunter Valley Gardens will be open on New Year’s Eve from 6.30pm until 10pm, with the fireworks display commencing at 9pm. For more information visit www.hvg.com.au.

live music from 6.30pm featuring

Trade-ins & Dos Eager

DJ From 10pm Spectacular Midnight Fireworks Dinner Reservations Available

$15 Cover charge from 9pm

UPGRADE LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING $155 PER PERSON INCLUDES CANAPÉS, BEVERAGE PACKAGE & 3 COURSE DINNER, SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Goldfish Bar & Kitchen Make your New Year’s Eve something special by celebrating at Goldfish Bar & Kitchen. Enjoy a glass of champagne or a cocktail on arrival followed by 3 hours of all you can eat food, which will be served in street market style on the terrace. You will also get a glass of bubbles at midnight while you see in the new year with the Sydney Fireworks on the big screen. All this for only $90 per person! If you already have dinner plans, why not visit Goldfish afterwards for the live entertainment and a glass of bubbles at midnight for only $20 per person for entry after 9pm. To book call 4998 7688.

FOR DETAILS CALL 02 4998 4300 or enquiries@harrigans.com.au

Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen If you have one too many wines on New Year’s Eve, Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen have you covered on New Year’s Eve with All Day Brunch from 10am – 3pm. Phone 4998 7333.

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Ph: 02 4998 4300 - harrigans.com.au - Broke Road Pokolbin

over 35 countries and continue to perform sold out shows across the globe more than two decades since their formation.

From their acclaimed self-titled debut (1995) through to their recently released Strange Little Birds, Garbage’s innovation, unique sound and provocative visual aesthetic has inspired massive worldwide attention and success with tracks like ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’, ‘Only Happy When It Rains’, ‘When I Grow Up’, ‘Stupid Girl’ and ‘Cherry Lips’ becoming instant classics.

For The Temper Trap, the a day on the green shows are the first since the release of their acclaimed third album Thick As Thieves. It rocketed to the top of the ARIA Album Chart upon its debut, the second The Temper Trap album to do so with their platinum-selling self-titled album also debuted at the top of the charts in 2012.

The Temper Trap

A Day on the

GREEN

A day on the green will be back in the Hunter on December 3, with altrock pioneers Garbage and Australia’s own multi-platinum chart toppers The Temper Trap at Bimbadgen Estate.

Taking a new direction with their latest album, The Temper Trap collaborated with outside songwriters for the first time and with striking results. The album’s lead single ‘Fall Together’ is an instant festival classic and the follow up single ‘Lost’ has also begun making its mark on the airwaves, being picked up by radio stations across the country.

As one of Australia’s biggest and most loved bands, The Temper Trap have sold more than 1 million albums worldwide. Their songs have been streamed more than 200 million times on Spotify while their videos have picked up another 20 million views on YouTube.

The quartet’s phenomenal live show has caught the attention of Coldplay, Africa Express and The Rolling Stones, all of whom have asked the band to join them on tour. The Temper Trap have spent the last four months globetrotting, performing shows throughout Europe and the United States including a string of major festival appearances including Field Day, Secret Garden Party, Reading and Lollapalooza.

The a day on the green concert will also feature a line-up of support acts including Sydney Indie-Rock band The Preatures, young dynamic The wait is over for Garbage fans, as they return to the stage for their first Australian shows since 2013. Renowned for their incredible live rock, Melbourne artist Tash Sultana and spirited indie artist Adalita.

Garbage have sold 12 million albums worldwide, performed in For more information visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

Hop Aboard this Festive Season! iHop by Day - Explore picturesque Pokolbin aboard Hunter Valleys only hop-on hop-off bus service and experience the best of local produce, cellar doors, breweries, distillery, chocolate & cheese shops, dining, shopping and Hunter Valley Gardens via 14 hourly Hops (stops), Thursday to Monday 10:00am – 5:00pm.

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

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

TO BOOK CALL 02 4993 8500 EMAIL SPA@ELYSIA.COM.AU VIEW SPA MENU GOLDENDOOR.COM.AU 165 THOMPSONS ROAD, POKOLBIN THEGOLDENDOOR

@GOLDENDOORAUSTRALIA

Tour by Night - Savour the Hunter after dark with the Hunter Valley’s First Ever Night Tour! Continue your day into the night on a culinary delights tour with sit down 7 course matched cheese and wine tasting, followed by a two-course “Tapas” style dinner and then finish the night on a sweet note at “Hunter’s Sweet Spot” dessert bar!

Tour operates Friday & Saturday Nights – bookings are essential.

Day and Night Package, Day Hopper, accommodation transfers, one-way and return passes available.

We will be operating over the Christmas and New Year period!

PH 0455 535 035 explore@ihophuntervalley.com.au www.ihophuntervalley.com.au

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Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been a family owned and operated Hunter Valley gem for the last 17 years.

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, Broke Road

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

EAGLES REST Hunter Valley

The Hunter’s Best Kept Secret OPEN 7 Days

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Visit us today at 534 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

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Aged Wines • Olive Oil • Vineyard Tours

Hunter Valley

Horse Ridingures & Advent

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Trail Rides for Beginners and Experienced Riders

Pony Rides • Picnics • BBQ’s • Breakfast Rides • Family Rides Personalised Rides • Hiking & Mountain Bike Trails Sunset Rides • Kangaroos • Spectacular Valley Views Childrens Sulky Rides • Tractor Hay Rides to Feed the Animals!

Spotlight Safari Tour to see the Nocturnal Wildlife - Departs After Sunset Celebrate Christmas with Santa’s Sleigh Ride!

FINALIST

PH (02) 4998 6714 E info@eaglesrestwines.com.au www.eaglesrestwines.com.au

thb 10 | DECEMBER 2016

For Bookings Phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 Stay & play at Hilltop, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale

of the Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards 2016

So close to all of Wine Countrys attractions, yet you feel a million miles away..

10 THINGS TO DO ON

HERMITAGE RD

1: Hermitage Road Cellars 8 Great Producers

+ Lisa McGuigan + Margan + Hook + Stormy Ridge + Majo Majors Lane + King Horse + Thomas + Hele

2: Segway Nature Tours

Culture Club at Hope Estate

Hot off the back of sold out shows and rave reviews across the USA and Australia, Culture Club are returning to our shores for another run of shows for their ‘Encore Tour’.

“After the success of our June visit and the huge warm welcome we received from our Australian fans, we have decided to come back and do it all again – you simply can’t get rid of us that easily!” says the band.

After missing the Hunter Valley during their June tour, the region has been abuzz since the announcement that Culture Club will perform one show at Hope Estate on Saturday 10th December.

Australia adores Culture Club – both the mayhem and success of their tour earlier this year has cemented our love affair with the iconic 80’s pop band. The tour will feature the original line-up, with singer Boy George, guitarist/keyboardist Roy Hay, bassist Mikey Craig, and drummer Jon Moss.

Of all the exciting groups to come out of the alternative music scene in the early 80’s, Culture Club became the first to achieve arena headline status. The adulation from around the world as well as soaring record sales that followed the release of their classic single “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” saw Culture Club explode on a global level. Over the course of their career, they have had 50 million record sales to their name

3: Matilda Bay Brewhouse 4: Hunter Wine Theatre 5: Horse Riding Tours Grape 6: G Stomping and Candymaking 7: Binnorie Cheese Tasting Dairy 8: Beer Tasting Paddles 9: Electric Bike Hire 10: Heavenly Hunter Massage Centre

There is also a stellar line-up of Australian 80’s support acts to turn this tour into a whole other level of fun with 1927, Pseudo Echo, Kids in the Kitchen, Wa Wa Nee and Real Life all taking stage alongside Culture Club at Hope Estate.

For more information about the event, Hope Estate’s event packages or to purchase tickets, visit www.hopeestate.com.au

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CELEBRATION

CHRISTMAS Our Way!

In more recent times, the multicultural mix of Australia’s population has seen our Christmas celebrations being redefined to reflect the cultural diversity of the families involved.

BY QUENTIN VON ESSEN & MICHELLE MEEHAN

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the Hunter Valley, New York, London or Montreal, the urge to string up some tinsel, belt out some carols and celebrate with friends and family is universal over Christmas.

And while the spirit of the festivities is much the same regardless of where you live, there’s one major difference when it comes to Christmas in Australia – the weather.

Australians have been brought up dreaming of a white Christmas thanks to a diet of classic Christmas imagery based on Northern Hemisphere sights and sounds.

But with the big day sitting in the middle of our summer, the only white you’ll see in Australia at Christmas is the litres of slippery sunscreen being applied to bodies right across our wide, brown land.

Instead of ice and snow, our festive season is synonymous with bright sunny days followed, more often than not, with a cooling – and sometimes violent – late afternoon storm.

Not exactly the ideal weather for the Northern Hemisphere traditions of roasting chestnuts on an open fire, or sitting down to the heavily laden dinner table, bursting with all the Christmas trimmings including a succulent roast turkey.

And while our kids can’t run around in scarves and gloves making snowmen or riding sleds, our balmy summer nights provide the perfect setting for one of our most loved and uniquely Australian Christmas traditions - carols by candlelight.

Despite the weather, our love for the traditions of Christmas means that many of our celebrations continue to be heavily influenced by our original Anglo-Celtic influences. For hundreds of years we have modelled our festivities off the English-style of Christmas, complete with the traditional roast turkey, ham and steamed pudding, often consumed in scorching 32-degree heat.

thb 12 | DECEMBER 2016

Common sense is also beginning to prevail in terms of weather and the effect it has on the make-up of our festive fare. While our European ancestry ensures a hot meal is still very much on the menu, the traditional formal dinner is slowly but surely being replaced with more casual family gatherings in back yards, as well as picnics at the park or on the beach.

While a typical Christmas menu will still often include the festive favourites of glazed ham and roast turkey, Australians are just as likely these days to make seafood the star of the show. Prawns, oysters, fish and even a lobster for the lucky ones could all make an appearance on Christmas Day. Many people are also opting for a cold Christmas lunch or dinner in a nod to our warmer climate, with delicious deli meats, cold chicken and a swag of different salads being served up during the silly season.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a sweet treat or two to round off the meal, with trifle, fruit salad, pavlova, ice-cream, Christmas pudding, mince pies, fruit cake, shortbread and chocolates on offer regardless of the weather.

Aside from being a chance to indulge in a tad more food and wine than you would normally ingest (there’s always the New Year to get back on the dieting wagon!), Christmas is of course a time for friends and family, to share love and friendship and the exchange of gifts in the traditional manner.

In the Hunter Valley, the season is celebrated in much the same way as other parts of Australia, albeit we think we have more reason to be jolly… well, certainly more wine anyway!

This year we decided to find out how some of our local families – winemakers, chefs and business owners - will be celebrating, what they are serving up and, just as importantly, what will they be drinking.

Turkey and ham will feature prominently on the Popovic family Christmas menu this year when Martin and Olivia Popovic, owners of Dark Horse Vineyard in Lovedale, head to Jervis Bay for their Christmas break.

Their Christmas is spent alternating between heading up north to see Jodie’s mum and spending Christmas at home in the Hunter Valley celebrating with their daughters and friends.

“We have been known to put the Webber on first thing and baste up a ham with a few drinks and a game of boules thrown in,” Jodie said.

“Also on the menu are herbs and fresh vegies from our garden, fresh local prawns and a cured side of salmon, all topped off with a homemade Christmas pudding.

“Of course when it comes to wine it’s Hunter Valley Semillon but we always have a Champagne breakfast as well.”

Brian Duncan (left) and Jen O'Brien (Hunter's Quarter Restaurant) with their kids Sophia and Thomas.

For Martin and Olivia it’s been a huge year with the launch of their newly-renovated and stylish cellar door on Wilderness Road in Lovedale, which also includes a wonderful selection of homewares.

“After celebrating Christmas with our family at our cellar door last year, this year we are heading off to the family beach house at Jervis Bay, where we will spend Christmas with the extended family and being of Croatian heritage there is always a pig on the spit and a turkey in the oven,” Olivia said.

“Also on the menu is seafood – and lots of it, in particular fresh caught lobster, chargrilled over vine clippings from the vineyard.

“When it comes to the wines, we will be opening a few bottles of the Dark Horse Vineyard 2016 Rosé, which has a lovely palate of plum and spice - just perfect for Christmas.”

Also planning on including the traditional ham with the family festive feast are talented Hart & Hunter winemaking duo, Damien Stevens and Jodie Belleville. They have also had a massive 12 months renovating their cellar door at Gabriel’s Paddock on Deasys Road, Pokolbin and raising their young family, which includes their two daughters Audrey and Grace.

When it comes to this time of the year, Jodie has wonderful childhood memories of spending Christmas with her grandmother, mum, dad and aunties around her grandmother’s old copper boiler learning how to make traditional Christmas puddings. It is a cherished tradition she plans to pass down to her daughters.

Our love affair with seafood certainly comes to the fore when planning a Christmas menu Aussie-style, with everything from sophisticated prawn starters, oysters and lobster to mud crabs and steaming salmon or Murray cod mains likely to pop up on the dinner table on the big day - proof that there’s more to an Aussie Christmas than a glazed ham and a golden turkey.

Mark and Lou Davidson from Tamburlaine Organic Wines in Pokolbin are once again spending their Christmas at the Bay this year with their daughters, grandchildren and parents, as well as Lou’s four sisters and their extended families.

“Staying so close to the coast, we have easy access to plenty of mouthwatering seafood fresh from the fishermen’s boats and that is exactly what we are serving up this Christmas,” Lou said.

“When it comes to wines we will be serving up Sparkling Wine and Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris from the Tamburlaine vineyards in Orange and a whole lot of Hunter Verdelho and Semillon.”

For Jimmy and Matty Kerr from Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen in Pokolbin, Christmas is all about family and this year, December will prove to be an even bigger month than usual, with the couple getting married on the 30th with more than 200 of their loved ones attending the big day.

Matty grew up in the UK and initially found celebrating Christmas in Australia’s summer to be a very different affair. But the appeal of being able to sit outside on a warm sunny day and relax with friends and family soon won him over.

“I remember my first Christmas in Australia standing on the beach at Avoca with my Dad who was visiting, eating prawns and drinking beer in our boardies. We looked at each other and said in unison ‘weird’ but we both knew that the important ingredients of family and friends were present so we were having a great Christmas,” Jimmy said.

13 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

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

Matty Kerr (left) and Jimmy Kerr (Nanna Kerr's Kitchen).

Restaurant Indoor/Outdoor Dining Fresh Local Produce Weddings, Events and Private Functions Wood Fired Pizza Oven

When it comes to the menu it's ham and the traditional turkey at the top of the list, topped off with loads of fresh local seafood “Christmas is all about indulgence and leftovers are the often the best bit for the days of gluttony that follow," said Jimmy.

“I’d prefer a perfectly roasted chicken from Little Hill Farm in Mount Vincent rather than a huge turkey as they can be a bit dry.

“The ham needs to be on the bone and packed full of traditional spices with a honey glaze.”

At Cockfighters Ghost Vineyard, 576 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin PH 4998 7776 www.huntersquarter.com.au OPEN Lunch Thurs - Sun, Dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat & Mon

Matty on the other hand is already thinking beyond the starters and mains.

“For me it’s all about the desserts - pavlova, trifle, sticky date with ice cream,” he said.

When it comes to what to drink on the day, Matty prefers Pimms and lemonade, as well as Domaine de Binet’s Accidental Tourist, while Jimmy opts for Macquariedale’s Emma’s Bubbles and Tamburlaine’s 2003 Reserve Merlot. Jimmy is also eying his fast depleting supply of Guinness.

Family is also at the heart of how Hunters Quarter Restaurant proprietors Jen O’Brien and Brian Duncan celebrate Christmas. With Jen hailing from New Zealand, they alternate spending the festive season between their two families; one year over in New Zealand with the large immediate family (consisting of 53 people!), followed by a more intimate celebration in the Hunter with an extended family of 12.

For Jen and Brian, Christmas has just become that little more special with their two children Sophia and Thomas now old enough to understand who Santa is and what he represents.

Their typical Christmas day starts with a Champagne breakfast with orange juice, fruits and smoked salmon followed by lunch that includes both traditional roasts - turkey and ham - matched with a glass of Poole’s Rock Shiraz and contemporary seafood for starters, including king prawns.

Lunch is typically followed by an afternoon of napping, a competitive game of cricket, swimming and a very casual evening meal consisting of leftovers before the annual unveiling (and consumption!) of the mouthwatering Christmas cake based on a recipe that has been passed down through generations and takes weeks to prepare.

After yet another wonderful and full year and with the 2017 Harvest about to take place in a month time (January), our winemakers and chefs deserve a well-deserved break before the start of the new year.

Happy Christmas one and all!

thb 14 | DECEMBER 2016

mostly organic & made with love

FOOD 5 WAYS

Cherry

CHRISTMAS!

BY DI VON ESSEN

There is perhaps no other fruit that screams “Christmas” more than the cherry! It’s red (like the big man), could pass for a tree bauble or Rudolph's nose and it just so happens to be in season during “the season.” So its seems apt that we would choose this delectable morsel for this month’s Food 5 Ways.

According to www.australiancherries.com.au, the Australian cherry season lasts just 100 days! Aussie cherries are available in abundant supply from November through to the end of February and are the quintessential summer fruit – brilliant for your health and beauty, tasty, versatile and great value for money.

CEO of Cherry Growers Australia, Simon Boughey, says the fruit is an absolute summer favourite both here and afar, with 80% of our crop being eaten by local consumers and 20% gobbled up overseas.

“Thanks to high demand our industry is on a growth curve, but to sustain increased production and help support regional economies through jobs and investment, we need local consumers to continue to embrace the Aussie cherry season,” he said.

Mr Boughey said cherries can genuinely lay claim to the much‐coveted ‘superfruit’ tag making them the perfect everyday summer snack and a brilliant edible Christmas present.

“Cherries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, contain zero fat or cholesterol and are packed full of antioxidants, so they have fantastic health credentials. Research suggests that other phytonutrients contained in cherries may even offer protection against heart disease and ease arthritic pain, so there’s no excuse not to be eating this gorgeous fruit,” he said.

“A box of Australian cherries is a fantastic gift idea as it’s something the whole family can enjoy. You can tuck into them fresh as a picnic treat, at the beach or at home on a hot afternoon or incorporate them into a healthy fruit salad. They make a fantastic addition to a range of desserts and can be used in savoury dishes, teaming well with fish, roast duck and lamb in particular, so they are a truly versatile fruit,” said Mr Boughey.

It seems our local Chefs agree, with many a dish paying homage to the cherry. Here are five of our favourites (and our pick of wines to pair with each): • Harvest Restaurant – Entrée of baby beetroot with goat’s curd, pickled cherries and dehydrated beetroot + Wine Match 2013 Hope Estate Shiraz.

• The Cellar Restaurant – Duck confit, braised red cabbage and cherries, fat roasted potatoes and orange sauce + Wine Match 2012 Briar Ridge ‘Cold Soaked’ Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Sabor in the Hunter – Black Forest Cake. A traditional German dessert made with kirsch soaked chocolate sponge throughout and layered with Morello cherries and fresh cream, and surrounded with chocolate shavings and more Morello cherries + Wine Match 2014 Pokolbin Estate Phoenix Shiraz-Tempranillo.

• Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen – Raw Cherry Ripe Cheesecake + Wine Match 2015 Mistletoe Petite Muscat.

• The Mill Restaurant – Chocolate terrine, vino cotto macerated black cherries, coconut and lime sorbet with toasted coconut + Wine Match 2013 Wynwood Estate Moscato.

FIVE FACTS ABOUT CHERRIES • Cherries are a small, plump stone fruit and a member of the Rosacea (rose) family that also includes almonds, peaches, apricots and plums.

• Cherry pits have been found in Stone Age caves. The Romans discovered the fruit around 70BC in Asia Minor, the gateway between Europe and Asia now called Turkey, and introduced cherries to Britain in the first century AD. • Cherries have been cultivated in southern Australia since the late 19th Century when they were introduced to the New South Wales town of Young, now known as the cherry capital of Australia and host of the world-famous National Cherry Festival.

• Australia produces an average of 12,000 tonnes of cherries annually, worth around $120 million.

• Cherries are a guilt-free indulgence with only 250 kilojoules (60 calories) per 100 grams, no fat or cholesterol.

15 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

LOCAL WIN

Out of the Ashes Comes the Best Young Red Blend in NSW Located on McDonalds Road in Pokolbin, Pokolbin Estate Vineyard is one of the smallest boutique estates in the Hunter Valley where their exclusive wines are hand-made and created from grapes grown on their Pokolbin Estate and Belebula Vineyards.

With an enviable competition record, Pokolbin Estate have a reputation for producing outstanding wines - particularly with their Riesling, Semillon and Shiraz. They have also had a great deal of success with their three Mediterranean style red wines - the premium Spanish variety Tempranillo and the Italian varieties that include Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.

Not only are the wines considered unique, but so is the cellar door which was built on the Pokolbin site in the 1970’s using sandstone taken from a derelict 1889 cottage on a property adjoining the old ‘Kirkton’ Vineyard at Lower Belford.

Unfortunately, on the 21st August 2011, a devastating fire gutted the elegant, landmark sandstone cellar door and tasting rooms destroying wine stored in the building along with company records and numerous wine show trophies.

In what is now considered a new era for Pokolbin Estate, the sandstone cellar door has been rebuilt to its former glory, with the exception of

Graham Ward (General Manager Pokolbin Estate, right) accepts the 2016 Best Young Red Blend NSW award from Tom Ward (President of the NSW Wine Industry Association) for the 2014 Phoenix Shiraz-Tempranillo.

a sleek modern interior, state of the art technology and beautifully landscaped surrounds.

To mark the occasion, Pokolbin Estate "Out of the Ashes" Phoenix Shiraz Tempranillo was created to celebrate this new era in the winery’s history.

“The Phoenix represents rebirth and rising from the ashes which pretty much reflects where we have come from” said Pokolbin Estate General Manager Graham Ward.

This year, the Pokolbin Estate 2014 Phoenix Shiraz Tempranillo was awarded the Best Young Red Blend in NSW at the 2016 NSW Wine Awards.

Deliciously seductive...

POKOLBIN ESTATE POKO VIN EYARD

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

thb 16 | DECEMBER 2016

Smelly Cheese Shop • Chocolate and Jam Company MMG Photo & Cinema • Pokolbin Bottle Shop General Store • Pokolbin Village Accommodation Buon Cibo Restaurant • Tempt and Vixen Giftware

2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 www.pokolbinvillage.com.au

“Everything about this wine is a reminder that Shiraz and Tempranillo are wonderful partners, with Shiraz bringing fruit power with a peppery edge, and Tempranillo adding savoury elements and complex tannin structure” said Graham.

All wines are available for tasting at the circa 1889 sandstone cellar door in Pokolbin.

2014 “Phoenix” Shiraz Tempranillo 2014 is often regarded as the best vintage the Hunter Valley has ever had. The wine is made from 50% Shiraz and 50% Tempranillo and aged in brand new French oak for 15 months.

This wine is ideal for new and experienced red drinkers. The Phoenix represents rebirth and rising from the ashes, commemorating the unfortunate fire that gutted our cellar door in 2011.

Tasting This wine is vibrant purple in colour with touches of scarlet and crimson. It possesses a highly aromatic bouquet of raspberry, plum and blackcurrant notes with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, this Tempranillo displays a lively burst of berry fruit flavours. It has a medium body strengthen by the Shiraz variety. The finish is incredibly velvety and silky smooth showcasing a subtle peppery, vanilla finish.

Food Match The perfect match to bring out the rich flavours of roast duck breast, rabbit stew, venison or kangaroo steak.

ur Book yo as Christm n Functio NOW!

CELLAR DOOR • ACCOMMODATION • GALLERY • DINING SPACE

We are very pleased to announce that our newly renovated dining space is now open!

Zaih’s offers a unique dining experience. The concept is simple. Diners can enjoy the best quality produce used to create food which is memorable, delicious, and presented with care.

Cellaring Enjoy now to 2020.

Awards Best Young Red Blend – 2016 Pier One Sydney Harbour NSW Wine Awards; Top Red Blend in the Hunter Valley 2016 - Winestate.

For reservations call 0427 666 526.

Zaih's Opening times: Friday – Lunch and dinner Saturday – Lunch, and dinner | Sunday – Breakfast and lunch

438 WILDERNESS ROAD, LOVEDALE • PH 4998 7734 www.emmascottage.com.au •

R EC REATI NG H I S T O RY Bringing the old vines back to their fo fformer rmer glory glory... y 310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH (02) 4998 7885 E cellar@wynwoodestate.com.au W www.wynwoodestate.com.au 17 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

BUBBLES

other - they simply go hand in hand. But, not all sparkling wines are Champagne and not all sparkling wines are made the same way.

First of all, Champagne is a regionally protected name and can only be given to wine created in the Champagne region of France. It can also only be produced in one way and that is in a bottle using natural fermentation known as the Traditional Method (or Méthode Traditionnelle) and using only three grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Drinking STARS!

“Come quickly! I am drinking the stars” were the supposed words exclaimed by Dom Pérignon upon his accidental invention of Champagne in the late 17th century.

Chances are this story was invented on over a glass of wine at an advertising agency. But the image is so romantic, so evocative and such an accurate description of the drink that no-one really cares…

Since then, Champagne or sparkling wine has been the drink of choice for celebrations – regardless of the occasion and for most of us, Champagne is often the first alcohol we ever tasted.

Christmas and sparkling wine simply go together… it’s like turkey and stuffing or Christmas pudding and brandy. One cannot be without the

Sparkling wines produced in other regions of France, as well as other countries around the world, are often referred to by their local name or region, such as Espumante from Portugal, Cava from Spain, Franciacorta, Trento DOC, Asti from Italy (the generic Italian term for sparkling wine being Spumante) and Cap Classique from South Africa.

Since the late 1600's Champagne or sparkling wine has been the most prestigious celebratory wine in the world and as we roll into the festive season, you can be sure that we will soon be hearing the “popping” of corks as bottles of sparkling wine are opened to celebrate Christmas and the coming of the new year.

Sparkling wine is simply wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide in it making it fizzy. The carbon dioxide may result from natural fermentation either in a bottle (as with the Traditional Method), in a large tank designed to withstand the pressures involved (as in the Charmat Process), or because of carbon dioxide injection.

Sparkling wine is usually white or rosé but there are many examples of red sparkling wines as well. In Australia, most sparkling wine is produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but an Australian specialty is Sparkling Shiraz - a red sparkling wine produced from Shiraz grapes. The sweetness of sparkling wine can range from very dry "brut" styles to sweeter "doux" varieties.

A little-known fact, and something most appreciators of sparkling wine would not be aware of is that sparkling wines were originally winemaking accidents - probably made over time by monks in the Champagne region of France.

It would occur when the winemaker, whilst in the process of making wine, would bottle and seal the wine thinking the fermentation process was complete. But, when sugar was still present in the bottle, along with a few living yeast cells, a second fermentation would occur and because the bottle was sealed, the carbon dioxide gas would be trapped and when the bottle was opened the wine would be effervescent (bubbling) as well as cloudy from the yeast residue. While drinkers came to love the gassy wine, they were less happy with the cloudiness. Fortunately, modern winemakers can manage the process and you can be confident in the quality of modern sparkling wines.

Although wonderful on its own, when it comes to food sparkling white wine can be enjoyed with just about any meal, although pairing it with seafood, tapas or other hors d'oeuvres is the perfect way to get any party started.

Whatever the occasion, we have adopted the habit of celebrating with sparkling wine and are reaching for this “bubbly wine” like never before.

So, brace yourself for the sound of enthusiastic cork popping as we get down to the business end of the bubbles this festive season.

The most unique, relaxed wine experience in the Hunter

Hunter Valley

Reflections Day Spa

Come enjoy spectacular vineyard and mountain vistas plus premium wines, such as an exclusively Hunter Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy the magnificent views, listen to music and indulge in the peace and vistas our vineyard and cellar door has to offer!

‘Reverse BYO’ – Bring your own picnic (food only), and enjoy our wines and views. Cheese platters are available over weekends to purchase and enjoy by calling cellar door.

999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998 7295 • MOB 0477 888 382 • www.blueberryhill.com.au

thb 18 | DECEMBER 2016

DELUXE TASTING PACKAGE

30min Massage + 30min Facial + 30min Pedicure

$149 (normally $207)

•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

Located in the idyllic Lovedale area on Lovedale Road, Gartelmann Wines produces wines from NSW’s premium wine regions. The welcoming cellar door extends to the adjoining Deck Café overlooking the picturesque bush setting.

Enjoy 18 varieties including Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz or Mudgee Shiraz through to the trophy-winning Orange region Merlot and our new Pinot Gris. The luscious Liqueur Muscat is a must to try.

Open 7 Days • 701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale Ph 4930 7113 • E sales@gartelmann.com.au

www.gartelmann.com.au

Hart & Hunter nailed this vintage.

– James Halliday, 2017 Wine Companion.

VISIT US AT CELLAR DOOR THURSDAY TO SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM 463 DEASYS ROAD POKOLBIN | PH 02 49987645 | WWW.HARTANDHUNTER.COM.AU

Massive Wine Sale at The Garden Cellars

“Largest beer range

Come in and Pick & Mix 12 wines from $100.

Huge selection of wine to choose from.

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

in the valley!”

Mention this ad in store and receive a free bottle of wine with any purchase exceeding $30!

THE GARDEN

CELLARS

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

19 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

The Sparkling DOZEN! 1. Hanging Tree Wines Sparkling Moscato Hanging Tree Wines are committed to producing only the highest quality, hand-crafted wines. Their grapes are hand-harvested from low yield vineyards surrounded by the Brokenback Mountain Range. The foundations of the vineyard feature rich volcanic soil and red clay ensuring that the grapes are nurtured into maturity in the ideal conditions.

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Tasting Soft pink in colour, this Sparkling Moscato is an alluring, well-constructed and refreshing wine. It is delicately perfumed with red toffee apple, pink fairy floss and plump, ripe red strawberries. The palate displays an array of floral and fruit complexities, making it light and elegant enough to enjoy on any occasion.

Cellaring Drink now.

2. Mistletoe Winery 2016 Christmas Cheer Mozcato Mistletoe’s Sparkling Mozcato (‘oz’ because it is from Australia) was a Gold Medal winner at the recent 2016 Australian Small Winemakers Show. It is made from Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains grapes, grown on the Mistletoe Home Vineyard, originally planted in 1998.

Tasting Unlike the excessive sweetness of many commercial Moscato’s, this wine has an exquisite perfumed floral musk bouquet, with crisp tropical fruit flavours on the palate, and a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity.

Great as a pre-dinner drink or accompanied by cold fruit salad.

Cellaring Drink now. The festive packaging of the Christmas Cheer Mozcato makes it the perfect gift or ideal to take to those last-minute Christmas get togethers, with a low alcohol content of just 5.4%.

3. Peter Drayton Wines Sparkling Semillon Chardonnay This delicious sparkling wine is made from a blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Chardonnay from their Ironbark Hill Vineyard. Grapes were picked early in the season to produce a fresh and vibrant wine with intense flavours and perfectly balanced natural acidity. The two wine varieties are carefully blended then made into a sparkling wine using the Methode Traditionelle technique.

Tasting The wine is a modern easy drinking style, showing soft integrated flavours and a bouquet of yeasty straw and melon. It has a toasty and soft creamy fruit palate with a crisp, long lasting and dry refreshing finish.

A perfect accompaniment for antipasto and cheese platters. Pairs beautifully with fresh and flavourful seafood, such as prawns, oysters and light white fish.

Cellaring Enjoy now.

4. Moorebank Vineyard 2015 MooreScato Family owned and operated since 1986, Moorebank is one of the smallest but finest estates in the Hunter Valley. They consistently produce a wide range of ultra-premium wines, with a focus on sustainable viticulture to produce cleaner wines that are as environmentally sound as possible and better for our bodies.

Tasting Moorebank has put a slight twist on the traditional Moscato style. The 2015 MooreScato is a stunning deep ruby colour, acquired from extended skin contact from the Muscat grapes. It is bursting with flavours of rich raspberries and sweet ripe cherries, with a lively finish.

This spectacular wine is now available in 750ml, arriving just in time as the perfect sparkling to enjoy over Christmas & New Year’s celebrations!

5. Kelman Vineyard 2013 Sparkling Chardonnay Kelman Vineyard is a unique community vineyard producing premium quality wines as well as a range of sweet wines. All their wines are made from grapes grown at Kelman and are lovingly hand-picked.

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The team at Kelman are especially proud of this silver medal winning Sparkling Chardonnay, made in the “methode traditionelle” and bottle aged for three years.

Tasting This exceptional wine displays a fine lasting bead with a complex peachy early palate. Yeast characters enhance the development of light fruity flavour and brilliant texture, finishing with a crisp note on the back palate.

Savour this critically acclaimed, fabulous bubbly on its own or with succulent seafood - the perfect aperitif for that special celebration and for those long lazy summer evenings.

6. Wynwood Estate 2016 Cherry Blossom Moscato Producing traditional award-winning premium quality wines, Wynwood Estate has some of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter Valley.

Tasting The 2016 Cherry Blossom Moscato has been made form fruit grown on the Wynwood Estate Muscat Vineyards. This expressive fruit forward wine has lifted honey, floral and perfumed aromas. A moderate amount of natural residual sugar and a slight spritzy taste accompany these flavours on the palate.

Every sip tells a story of the environment, the variety and the craftsmanship.

Food Match A versatile wine to match with many food styles and occasions.

Serve chilled as an aperitif or with fruit based desserts, this sparkling wine is just perfect with Thai and spicy foods.

Cellaring Drink now.

thb 20 | DECEMBER 2016

FOR THE CELLAR 7. Kelman Vineyard 2016 Moscato

10. Ascella Organic Wine Sparkling Pure Vescence

Kelman Vineyard’s very own Muscat grapes are handpicked to make this medalwinning 2016 Moscato. This lightly sweet and full flavour wine, is described by the Kelman team as their ‘baby’ – full of romance and intimacy!

Australia is the largest certified organic vineyard in the Hunter Valley. All Ascella Organic Wines are made using only organic grapes form their secluded vineyard located in the pristine Broke Fordwich region, where they are committed to maintaining a balanced, chemical free and sustainable environment.

Tasting An intense rose petal bouquet is followed by a zesty spritz tingling on the tongue, lifting the berry fruit and Turkish delight essences. A moderate amount of natural residual sugars is retained during the winemaking process and with the slight spritzing taste accompany these flavours. These linger on the palate and the taste buds cry out for one more sip.

This mouth-watering treat is best served when chilled, with cheeses, desserts and fruits. The lighter alcohol content makes for sensational sipping at Christmas parties or long memorable summer afternoons.

8. Mistletoe Winery Pétillant (Bubbly) Rosé 2016 With a belief that Rosé is a wine style that suits the Australian climate perfectly, Mistletoe commenced producing Rosés in 1998. When the days are too hot for a red wine, a Rosé fills the void perfectly. It is Christmas in a bottle!

Tasting This Rosé style Pétillant (French word used to describe bubbly wines) sits in the same mould as the past 10 vintages, with sweet strawberry characters on the front of the palate balanced by a long and drying finish.

Perfect wine for Christmas Day celebrations, easy drinking aperitif style that also goes well with Asian food.

Cellaring Drink now. Absolutely smashing drink for the Festive Season and the warmer months!

9. First Creek Wines Sparkling Moscato First Creek Wines is owned and operated by talented winemakers Liz, Shaun and Greg Silkman. They lead a team of winemakers with a passion for wine and aspire to transform the best fruit characteristics into premium varietal wine styles.

Amongst the selection of First Creek premium wines, the Sparkling Moscato is all about fun, festivities and easy drinking!

Tasting Made from Muscat grapes, with a tinge of pink, this is a perfect summer drink to enjoy with friends. You will find fragrant aromas of sweet berries and rose petals, balanced with a crisp palate and refreshing spritz.

Cellaring Drink Now. Spend a minimum of $50 in the First Creek Wines online store, use the code BBOARD16 at checkout, and receive 15% off your purchase (T&C’s apply)

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With the expertise of multiple award-winning winemaker Liz Silkman (nee Jackson), Ascella continues to produce great tasting, award-winning wines.

Tasting This wonderful Sparkling Rosé has a tropical fruit nose with a zesty and refreshing palate. Most often described as delicious and yummy! Celebrate the Holidays with a glass of Ascella Pure Vescence.

Cellaring Enjoy now but can be cellared.

11. Sandalyn Wilderness Estate Sparkling Fushsia Sandalyn Wilderness Estate is a family owned and operated boutique winery situated in Lovedale, Hunter Valley. All Sandalyn Estate and Fuchs wines are made from estate grown and locally produced grapes of the highest quality.

Tasting The Sandalyn Estate Sparkling Fushsia is made from a sweet blend of Chardonnay with a touch of Cabernet for colour. It has been naturally fermented in the bottle in the traditional style, producing a semi-sweet Sparkling Rosé with a lingering finish on the palate.

This wine is ideal as a refreshing festive celebratory wine. The glitter bottle would make a perfect Christmas gift on its own or with a gourmet pudding in one of Sandalyn Estates great Christmas hamper packs!

12. Gartelmann Wines 2015 Blanc de Blancs Gartelmann Wines is a boutique family owned winery in Lovedale that has built a reputation for producing quality, hand-crafted wines that have gone on to achieve a range of impressive accolades.

Tasting The 2015 Blanc de Blancs is a contemporary style of Australian sparkling wine with a clean mineral fresh nose with hints of lemon, grapefruit and light toastiness. The palate shows sherbet and lime characters with a creamy, almost nutty complexity and mouth feel. The finish is dry, long, persistent and generous.

Clean and fresh flavours make this wine the perfect pre-dinner aperitif style to be served with fresh shucked oysters, smoked salmon and trout pate.

Cellaring Drink now or cellar until 2020 for a guaranteed smooth “honey” or until 2024 for maximum ageing.

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SIPPERS TIPS

Every wine glass will have a slightly different shape, depending upon the type of wine that particular glass is to be used for, but it is the bowl of the glass that serves the most important purpose and it is here you will find most of the variation in wine glasses.

As with all types of wine glasses, both red and white, the bowl must be large enough to swirl your wine, opening it up to more air and allowing its aromas to be released. The wine glass controls the tasting experience.

What’s in a Glass?

Is seems that when it comes to wine glasses, size really does matter…

Although the right glassware can’t make a bad wine taste good, it can certainly make a mediocre or good wine even more enjoyable by allowing you to make the most of those flavours and aromas.

Wine glasses can come in many shapes and sizes, but there are four basic types of wine glasses - red, white, sparkling, and dessert.

Sparkling wine glasses (or flutes) are tall and thin and the flutes are designed to encourage carbonated bubbles to remain active in the glass.

If sparkling wine was to be served in a shorter, fatter wine glass, it will be exposed to air quickly, causing the sparkling wine to go flat. And where would the fun be then?

White wine glasses are tulip shaped and are typically medium in size - between 10 to 12 ounces. The bowl of this glass is more U shaped and upright with the rim tapered inward to a slightly narrower opening directing the white wine's aroma to the nose, greatly enhancing the wine's flavour for the drinker.

On the other hand, red wine glasses are slightly larger than white wine glasses – around 16 ounces, although red wine glasses can be as large as 24 to 30 ounces. The complex aromas and flavours of red wine demand a glass with a larger surface area to enable the wine to come into contact with more air.

A dessert wine glass should be smaller to direct the wine to the back of the mouth so the sweetness doesn't overwhelm. Dessert wines generally have a higher alcohol content, making the small glass perfect for a smaller serving.

Does this mean you won't enjoy your wine if you use the wrong glass? Most definitely not! While the various shapes and sizes can be overwhelming, a proper varietal-glass pairing can make a tremendous difference to your overall wine experience.

Designed to Delight.

Premium Wines • Spectacular Views 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin. Open 10am - 5pm Daily PH 4998 6722 • www.lambloch.com • cellardoor@lambloch.com

thb 22 | DECEMBER 2016

Lucy’s Run Wines Award-winning 2014 Shiraz Established in 1998, Lucy’s Run is dedicated to producing best quality single vineyard grapes, with our Shiraz being highly awarded: winning a gold medal and two trophies at the 2016 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show.

We welcome you to our cellar shed (yes, shed!) to sample our Shiraz, Merlot and Verdelho, along with our extra-virgin olive oil, caramelised balsamic vinegar, and hand-made spice blends.

Open Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9am to 5pm, and weekdays by appointment.

Lucy’s Run Wines Pty Limited 1274 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale NSW 2325 p: (02) 4938 3594 e: lucysrunwines@hotmail.com w: lucysrunwines.com.au fb: Lucy’s Run Wines

A TASTE OF ITALY Buon Cibo Ristorante is situated within Pokolbin Village in the heart of the Hunter Valley, close to cellar doors, Hunter Valley Gardens and close to all concert venues.

Casual, relaxed al-fresco dining at it’s best, offering a contemporary menu consisting of Italian flavours focusing on local produce that changes seasonally, with a predominantly Hunter wine list to complement your selections.

ABN 87 604 658 746

LR5028-1112

OPEN 7 DAYS | Mon – Fri All Day Dining Tues – Thurs Breakfast & Lunch Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin PH 4998 7945 | www.buoncibo.com.au

Lucy’s Run Wines Pty Limited ABN 87 604 658 746 1274 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale NSW 2325 p: (02) 4938 3594 e: lucysrunwines@hotmail.com w: lucysrunwines.com.au fb: Lucy’s Run Wines

SANDALYN ESTATE Wander the wild side and enjoy the rich heritage and pristine beauty of the Lovedale region along Wilderness Road, one of Australia's oldest and most historic wine trails.

Fuch family named wines have been associated with premium wines since 1626. The tradition continues in the Hunter region with our range of family-produced Sparkling wines.

Premium Wines • Fuchs Sparkling Wines • Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegar Tastings Pasta & Sushi Making Classes • Max Brenner Chocolate • Puddings Speciality Gourmet Produce • Hand-Crafted Turkish Delight

www.sandalyn.com.au

162 Wilderness Road Lovedale NSW • PH 4930 7611 • wine@Sandalyn.com.au 23 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

FOOD

components of a great cheeseboard. This being the biggest celebration of the year, however, here are our tips for the selecting the best ingredients and compiling the perfect Christmas cheeseboard:

Cheese The best cheese boards are diverse, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese selections. With so many varieties to choose from though, it is easy to get excited and select too many incompatible varieties. We suggest choosing between three to five cheeses, including a firm cheese such as cheddar, a soft cheese like a brie or camembert and a blue-veined cheese to give a variety of tastes and textures.

CHEESE and Crackers If you don’t have something to eat at every moment of the day in our house, you’re doing Christmas wrong. No matter that you’re already stuffing in three times as much as usual at every meal – an idle stomach is strictly against the festive spirit.

A Christmas cheese board can sit on the kitchen table throughout the festive period, waiting for people to nibble at as they pass. More conventionally, of course, it can be incorporated into dinner after the plum pudding to tide you over until the next round of mince pies, and is the perfect accompaniment to cold turkey and ham leftovers on Boxing Day. Easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser, a carefully chosen variety of cheeses and accompanying fruits, nuts or charcuterie are essential

You have put all this thought into your cheese selection, so the last thing you want to do is serve them straight from the fridge. Bring your cheese board out of the fridge between 30 - 60 minutes before your guests arrive to bring the cheese to room temperature and optimum flavour.

When setting out your cheeseboard, make sure you leave space to actually cut the cheese. Give the cheeses space to breath, and for softer cheeses to spread out.

A bit on the side Surrounding your cheese board with appropriate accompaniments adds interest and contrasting, yet complementary flavours. They not only look decorative, but seasonal fruits enhance the flavours of the cheese and are a palate cleanser - try apples, pears, grapes, fresh figs, or even dried raisins, apricots or dates. Please your guest’s tastebuds with a delectable chutney, jam, quince paste, pate or even some cured olives. While, the depth and faint saltiness of sliced charcuterie, such as prosciutto and salami, will take your cheese board to the next level.

Almost as difficult as selecting your cheeses is selecting the crackers to accompany your cheese board. There is only one rule here – keep it simple, let the cheese do the talking! Plain crackers, breadsticks, crostini or crusty bread provide a texture contrast, while their subtleness allows the flavour profile of the cheese to be at the forefront and untainted.

See the History...

Taste the Magic!

Inspired by the historic hanging tree that stands at the entrance to the property, Hanging Tree Wines offers visitors the opportunity to explore our rich history while tasting our high quality, hand-crafted wines within our rustic and charming Cellar Door.

Hanging Tree Wines • 294 O’Connors Road, Pokolbin • Open 10am – 5pm daily • Ph 4998 6608 • www.hangingtreewines.com.au

Much more than a Vineyard.

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

thb 24 | DECEMBER 2016

Top picks for our cheeseboard...

The Hunter Olive Centre Belebula Garlic & Chilli Kalamata Olives What better way to enhance flavours on your plate than with olives! These Belebula Garlic and Chilli Olives are locally produced from The Hunter Olive Centre’s Belebula vineyard.

Flavoured in brine and various spices, they are a beautiful addition to a cheese platter, tossed in an Italian pasta, or to top off a wood fired pizza.

WHERE Pokolbin Estate, The Hunter Olive Centre, 298 Mcdonalds Road, Pokolbin. RRP $13.50 (250g). www.pokolbinestate.com.au

Moorebank - Spicy Grape Sauce Indulge in a range of handmade condiments, spreads and sauces with grape related old family vineyard recipes (over 102 years old) from Moorebank Vineyard like the famous Spicy Grape Sauce!

The slightly spicy sauce is made from only premium quality, hand-picked and plucked grapes. Blended with onion, vinegar and spices, this sauce is very versatile and can be used in many ways. Is enjoyed with a BBQ or all meats, in soups and hot dishes, with a cheese platter or as a glaze or marinade.

WHERE Moorebank Vineyard, 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin.

RRP $20.90 (375ml). www.moorebankvineyard.com.au

Two Fat Blokes Dukkah Dukkah is an Egyptian specialty made from various roasted nuts and spices, which is neither paste-like or powdered.

The most common (and delicious) way to consume it is to dip bread into olive oil, then dip into the Dukkah, perfect alongside a cheese board!

WHERE Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen at De Iuliis Wines, 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin. RRP $12.95 (120g). www.twofatblokes.com.au

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory - Brokenback Black Vintage Cheddar If you’re looking for the perfect cheese to highlight that cheese platter, your best bet is a classic cheddar cheese. Hunter Valley Cheese Factory have a broad range of cheeses to pick from, but our top pick is the Brokenback Black Vintage Cheddar. The firm texture and strong flavour is great alongside a fruity Pinot Noir or a light Sauvignon Blanc.

WHERE Hunter Valley Cheese Factory at McGuigan Wine Cellars, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. RRP $25.95 (300g). www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

25 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

“My wine philosophy is simple,” says Jorg, “I only produce wines that I would like to drink – and that means immediately approachable and with balance.”

After ten years of hard work, some major improvements and winning numerous medals and trophies, Jorg and Jan sold the vineyard but retained the property and cellar door on Lovedale Road. With the sale of the vineyard, Jorg decided to adopt the ways of the French and become a ‘negociant’ - buying especially selected, high quality grapes to produce wine under his own label. Gartelmann Wines now source their grapes from the Lower and Upper Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Rylstone and Orange regions of NSW. The small cellar door has the feeling of a country house and in winter you will find a welcoming fire blazing in the fireplace inside. Being a true family owned and operated winery, Jan and Jorg can often be found in and around the Cellar Door talking with guests and answering questions.

The Gartelmann Wines Story

Gartelmann Wines continued its winning streak in 2016 with success at the Orange Wine Show, being awarded the Trophy for Red Wine of the Show and Trophy for the Best Shiraz for the 2015 Gartelmann ‘Diedrich’ Shiraz.

“We have been excited by the quality of fruit coming from our Orange region growers. Our 2014 Gartelmann ‘Joey’ Merlot was recognised at the previous Orange Wine Show, and this gave us confidence to broaden our range of Orange wines” said Jorg.

The Gartelmann Wines story goes back to 1953 when owner and winemaker Jorg Gartelmann along with his siblings, mother and stepfather migrated to Australia from Bremen, North Germany.

Jorg later carved out a successful career in the computer industry in The 2016 Gartelmann 'Benjamin' Semillon also continued with its golden Sydney but in 1996, after Jorg suffered a heart attack and underwent journey receiving the Top Gold in its category at the recent 2016 NSW bypass surgery, he and his wife Jan quit the computer business and Small Winemakers Wine Show.

Sydney to move to the Hunter Valley where they bought a rundown although promising vineyard in the Lovedale area known then as George This year also saw the release of the 2016 Gartelmann ‘Stephanie’ Pinot Gris, named after Jan and Jorg’s daughter and the first release of this Hunter Estate. variety for Gartelmann.

With the aim to make only top quality wines from the 39 acres of It's easy to see why Gartelmann Wines has been rated by James Halliday vines, Jorg commenced making a limited quantity of wine under as a 5 Star Winery - one of Australia’s best! So, look out for the giant the Gartelmann label before moving into full production in 1998 magpie as you drive along Lovedale Road - and when you find it, you will specialising in the classic Hunter Valley varieties of Semillon and Shiraz know that you have discovered a real gem. for which they have won multiple awards.

Your always welcome at...

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant

There is nothing quite like a festive sushi platter 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.

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

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

AWARD WINNING VENUE

/OishiiPokolbin

LIVE MUSIC AND GREAT FOOD AT POTTERS HOTEL BREWERY RESORT

HOME OF

Voted Best TAB - Country NSW and Best Unique Beer Offering in NSW, Potters Hotel Brewery Resort has it all. Make your next stop in Wine Country something completely different. Live music each weekend and jumping castle for the kiddies on a Sunday.

RELAX BEER

BREWERY

WINE COUNTRY’S FIRST MICRO-BREWERY

BRASSERIE

FOOD

WINE COUNTRY DRIVE, NULKABA NSW 2325 | PH (02) 4991 7922 | WWW.POTTERSHBR.COM.AU

thb 26 | DECEMBER 2016

TOURS

PETERSON HOUSE PREMIUM SPARKLING WINES

Cellar Door Open 7 days 9am-5pm

Restaurant Cuvée Breakfast 8.30am-11am Lunch 12pm-3pm

mium Sparkling Wines

Corner Broke Road & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin 2320 P 02 4998 7881 www.petersonhouse.com.au www.facebook.com/PetersonHouseltd

Santa is back in two great flavours Chocolate Raisin Rum Liqueur & Raspberry Liqueur!

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

27 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

Love Wine?

Join the Club!

The Hunter Valley produces undoubtedly some of the best wines in Australia. However, unfortunately for those that don’t live in our great region, most of the Hunter Valley’s wine gems can only be purchased directly from the cellar door. So, what happens after you finish that last bottle you carted home from your trip to the Hunter Valley? A wine club could be the answer!

Wine clubs take the guess work (and inconvenience) out of purchasing wine. While buying wine at a bottle shop can be fun and exciting, at the same time it can be challenging and frustrating. You could stare blankly in front of a shelf full of your favourite wine varieties and end up taking a punt on a wine that leaves you disappointed. That’s where wine clubs come in handy.

Wine Clubs connect wine lovers with winemakers. They are a hasslefree way to purchase wines from your favourite wineries at discounted prices, delivered to your door at regular (or irregular) intervals.

As consumers became increasingly attuned to the pleasures and benefits of wine drinking in the latter part of the 20th century, the popularity of wine clubs dramatically increased. It is important to note that not all wine clubs are the same, with some offering different benefits to becoming a member – but there is almost certain to be a wine club that meets your individual taste – and budget – of virtually every wine drinker.

thb 28 | DECEMBER 2016

We look at some of reasons (if quality Hunter Valley wine isn’t enough) that wine lovers – from social consumer to the connoisseur – decide to join wine clubs.

Convenience Wine clubs supply their members with wines and deliver these to their homes or offices, thus negating the need for the member to source his or her own supply. Perfect for those people whose busy lives result in, dare I say it, just grabbing the closest bottle off the shelf at the bottle shop.

Frequent wine deliveries from your wine club mean you will always have a bottle on hand for that impromptu dinner party or for a last-minute gift. Most wine clubs offer deliveries every 4 or 6 months, such as Capercaillie Wines Clan Club with deliveries twice a year in April

and October or Peterson House’s Pink Club with 3 tasting packs or 4 or 6 bottles per year delivered in March, June and October. However, if you are looking for a wine club that offers more or less frequent deliveries, there are several options available. Adina Vineyard’s entry level wine club membership offers 1 delivery of a dozen wines per year, while Ivanhoe Wine’s Round Table Membership offers 6 or 12 bottle tasting packs delivered every 3 months in March, June, September and December.

Sandalyn Estate gives members the chance to mix it up by substituting the wines in their wine club package for a range of olive oil products or puddings. A wonderful idea at this time of year!

Value

Invitations to events – As a member of a wine club you can receive invitations to special events held by the winery. Members of RidgeView Wines’ Liquid Lounge wine club receive invitations to join RidgeView for their seasonal winemaker’s dinner as well as join in on harvest (picking grapes) during vintage. Hope Estate’s Gold Club gives members VIP access to concerts and invitations to a number of member-only events.

Many wine club members consider the opportunity to purchase wine at lower than cellar door prices to be a significant advantage of joining a wine club. The direct connection between members and the winery cuts out the retail middle man, resulting in lower costs passed on in form of great value wines.

In most cases, significant discounts are provided to members off their wine club order. Gartelmann Wine’s Club gives members 25% off their cellar door prices for their wine club orders, whereas Constable Estate’s Matilda Club offers $5 off each bottle purchased in a wine club order.

There are benefits to becoming a member and not just merely order your wines online, as most wine clubs including Eagles Rest and Ascella Organic Wines offer free delivery on all wine club orders. Great value considering the cost of freight can be equivalent to an extra bottle of wine!

Variety Do you consider yourself a red drinker, but rarely venture past a Shiraz or Merlot? Well becoming a wine club member and ordering a red wine pack may allow you to enjoy the old favourite red varieties but may also allow you to be adventurous and try some delicious, up-and-coming varieties. Or if you are a prominently white wine drinker, opting for a wine club that offers mixed packs could be your opportunity to give a big, gusty red a try. And hey, you might just find a new favourite!

Member-only benefits If great value wine delivered straight to your door isn’t enough reason to join up for a wine club, there are also a host of other benefits you may receive as part of your wine club membership:

Access to limited release wines – Wine club’s value loyalty so in turn they give members access to limited or new release wines before the general public. Pokolbin Estate’s premium membership give members access to special cellar release wines not sold to the public, while Hart & Hunter’s wine club gives members priority access to purchase new release wines.

Wine Education – Hunter Valley wineries want your wine club membership to expand your knowledge and appreciation of wine. Briar Ridge Vineyard educate their members by providing a newsletter in every pack, featuring tasting notes, vineyard updates, recipe cards, plus food and wine matching. While Tamburlaine Organic Wines offers all members access to their wine consultants to ask advice about any wine related matter; be it cellaring, food and wine matching or wine varieties.

Cellar Door Benefits – While one of the main reasons to join a wine club is to get the wine delivered to your door, wineries still want you to pay them a visit. When visiting the Cellar Door, most wineries endeavour to provide their members the VIP treatment with discounts off wine purchased at Cellar Door or special tasting experiences, such as Lambloch Estate’s VIP tasting for members and 6 of their friends accompanied by a cheese plate.

Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 21 dealers

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

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

OPEN 10am – 5pm, Thursday to Sunday & most public holidays (Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day) 175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com

29 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

Whether it's a luscious Hunter estate Pinot Gris, a delicious Chardonnay or a wonderful Cabernet for the warmer months, you will find the line-up of Adina white and red wines just perfect for your enjoyment.

Taste and buy at our cellar door – we are open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Enjoy!

You can also buy online for delivery to your home or office.

Local coffee takes home the GOLD! The Hunter Valley Coffee Roaster has been awarded a gold medal for Champion Australian Grown Coffee at the recent 2016 Golden Bean Australia Awards held in Port Macquarie, NSW. The Compak Golden Bean Coffee Roaster Awards is the world’s largest coffee roaster competition. Endeavouring to find Australia’s best coffee roasting business, the coffees are judged by a panel of industry experts over a four-day period. Medals are awarded in the Espresso, Milk-based and Filter-style coffee categories.

VINEYARD

492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 02 49 307 473 www.adinavineyard.com.au

The Hunter Valley Coffee Roaster took home the Gold Medal for its Australian Grown ‘Silver Lining’ Single Origin Coffee. The award-winning coffee, sourced from Mountain Top Coffee in Nimbin, NSW, was roasted onsite at their boutique cellar door roaster at Worthington’s Vineyard on Palmers Lane in Pokolbin.

“We were thrilled to receive this award. We have a lot of pride in our coffee and it is great to see that it is so well placed with this recognition from the coffee industry” said owner Terissa.

Organic Wines

Tasting under the silk tree

Jack’s bbq in the orchard

‘5 Red Stars For Excellence’

James Halliday’s Wine Companion TASTE A RANGE OF AWARD WINNING ORGANIC WINES OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Cellar Door hours 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM AWARD WINNING WINES. AVAILABLE AT FINE WINE CELLARS. COME AND ENJOY OUR PRISTINE CERTIFIED ORGANIC VINEYARD! FOR A WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE PAIRED WITH ORGANIC CHEESE AND OLIVES, PLEASE CONTACT US P: 02 6574 5275 M: 0431357105 WWW.ASCELLAWINE.COM INFO@ASCELLAWINE.COM WWW.SILKRADIOTV.COM

thb 30 | DECEMBER 2016

RIVERPINES VINEYARD 203 THOMPSONS RD MILBRODALE, NSW 2330

358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin tamburlaine.com.au

Welcome to Sabor Tea Room, the Hunter Valley's premier Tea House where we will endeavour to give you the ultimate High Tea experience!

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL SABOR TEA ROOM • 319 WILDERNESS ROAD, LOVEDALE

PH 1300 958 850 � OPEN Saturdays & Sundays with two sessions a day: Session 1: 10:30am concluding at 1pm Session 2: 2:30pm concluding at 5pm � www.sabortearoom.com.au

For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor in the Hunter’s Dessert Bar is a MUST!

Sabor is Closed

Christmas & Boxing Day

Pair something scrumptious with a delicious Hunter Valley wine…. it’s a unique Hunter Valley experience that you can only enjoy at Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar. 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.

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 amongst the vines or to take away and savour in your home or hotel.

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

Located at Lambloch Estate 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin • PH 1300 958 939

Open Thurs 10am - 4.30pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 9.30pm, Sun & Mon 10am - 4.30pm

www.saborinthehunter.com.au 31 | DECEMBER 2016 thb

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR at Hunter Valley Gardens

THRASHVILLE at Dashville, Lower Belford

SLIDEAPALOOZA at Calais Estate

NOV JAN

Take the family to Hunter Valley Gardens this holiday season to celebrate the Christmas Lights Spectacular!

The annual event is returning to bring the magic of Christmas for the 10th year in a row. With millions of decorative lights on display throughout designated areas, see many of your favourites and some exciting unseen features, including the Twelve Days of Christmas arrangement, Cinderella's Castle and pumpkin carriage, and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

The Spectacular is open every night with live entertainment, and you can even have your photo taken with Santa up until Christmas.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.hvg.com.au

13+20 CINEMA UNDER THE STARS at Maitland Park, Maitland and Allan Bull Reserve, Singleton

As the warmer months return so does Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars. Now celebrating their 10th season, Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars is now recognised as Australia’s largest free regional outdoor cinema program.

thb 34 | DECEMBER 2016

Each year, the Hunter Valley calendar is full of musical performances from a wide range of genres from classic Aussie rock to jazz and even opera.

However, from next year there will be another musical offering, as the creators of The Gumball, Pigsty in July and Dashville Skyline present the slightly heavier Thrashville.

In a massive coup for the inaugural event, the legendary Australian punk band Cosmic Psychos will be headlining. Formed in 1977 by three farmers in regional Victoria, their raw spirit and sound has had unsung impact on international music.

Ready, Set, SLIDE! Slideapalooza is coming to the Hunter Valley for a weekend of giant waterslides, fun, fitness, music and food. The rolling hills of Calais Estate will play host to a range of slides, including the world’s longest inflatable water slide over multiple sliding sessions designed to cater for everyone’s needs.

The festival kicks off with the world record attempt on Thursday, followed by the Slide ‘n’ Solo and Slide ‘n’ Family sessions on Friday and Sunday. These family friendly sessions include unlimited sliding over 3 hours with age appropriate Also headlining will be iconic Sydney music keeping you entertained. punk band Hard-On’s, who are The festival will include food and one of Australia’s most successful beverage stalls to keep you fuelled independent bands, complementing and some non-slide family fun to a solid line up of bands both young partake in if you choose. and old.

Saturday is designed for the fitness For more information or to purchase nuts and the party goers with Slide tickets, visit www.dashville.com.au ‘n’ Sprint in the morning, Slide ‘n’ Sounds in the afternoon and Slide ‘n’ Lights in the evening.

Cinema Under the Stars provides a fun family night out with a lineSlide ‘n’ Sprint may be the hardest up of talented entertainers and and most fun 5km event you will a charming animated movie the ever do. It starts with a sprint up whole family can enjoy. The little to the top of the slide only to slide ones can unlock their hidden down to the bottom of the hill and talents and practice their circus do it all again… five times! skills with Circus in Education, If that doesn’t sound like your while the family sits back and kind of fun, what about Slide ‘n’ enjoys the brilliant musicians Sounds? An afternoon of unlimited playing live on the night. sliding filled with the best local As the sun goes down, get the music, food trucks, cool beverages popcorn ready as the movie and a water balloon battle. Or begins on the big screen with come at sunset to reveal an insane Kung Fu Panda 3 showing at light activation, night time sliding, Maitland Park in Maitland on world class DJ’s and a finale of Friday 13th January and The fireworks with Slide ‘n’ Lights!

Good Dinosaur showing at Allan For more information or to Bull Reserve in Singleton on purchase tickets, visit Friday 20th January. www.slideapalooza.com For more information visit the Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars Facebook page.

26 WOLLOMBI AUSTRALIA DAY MARKET at Wollombi Saleyards

26 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS at East End Oval, Cessnock

28+29 2017 HUNTER VALLEY AIR SHOW at Maitland Airfield, Rutherford

Get ready for the most spectacular air show the Hunter Valley has ever seen! With displays from the RAAF, Australia’s top civilian aerobatic team the Sky Aces, classic Military Fighter planes, plus recreational aircraft there will be some stunning action in the skies above Maitland Airfield in Rutherford.

Some of the fantastic aerial displays confirmed so far are Paul Bennets Wolf Pitts Pro, The Sky Aces aerobatics team, RAAF Roulettes PC-9, T28 Trojan, TBM Avenger, Russian Roolettes aerobatics team, parachute displays, powered paragliders plus many more!

There will also be plenty to do and see on the ground, as well as the air, with amusement rides, classic and unique car displays, aircraft displays and food and drink stalls.

For more information, visit www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au

DARK

HV

D

HORSE

Our wines are small batch, hand picked, single vineyard and exclusively Hunter Valley.

CELLAR DOOR • HOMEWARES & GIFTS

OPEN Friday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm 386 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale, 2320 • PH 0450 206 398 www.darkhorsevineyard.com.au

HunterValleyGardensShopping.com.au

Shopping Vill V Village age Shop AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN specialises in quality Australian Alpaca fashion, homewares and accessories. Alpaca coats, sweaters, shawls, scarves, gloves, socks, beanies, throw rugs, bedding, yarn and alpaca toys.

PEPPERS CREEK ANTIQUES An exquisite array of spectacular jewellery, stylish watches, amazing giftware and homewares. Gifts for all ages and occasions collected from all corners of the world.

CANDELABRA One of Australia's most famous boutique candle stores - the stunning fragrances, colour and endless variety of product is truly amazing.

HUNTER VALLEY CHRISTMAS SHOP Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is a magic land where it is Christmas every day of the year!

PULP ADDICTION Satisfy your paper cravings with our delightful range of designer stationery which is guaranteed to intrigue and delight.

THE TWIG A gorgeous selection of home furnishings and personal giftware unlike anything else on offer in the Valley.

THE WAITERS FRIEND A great selection of quality kitchenware and barware and some of the best prices anywhere in Australia.

VILLAGE BOOKS A fantastic range of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books and a unique collection of quality toys, games, souvenirs and gifts.

WILSON & HUNTER A unique selection of Australian and New Zealand fashion and accessories from Camilla, Mela Purdie, Tigerlilly, Verge, Willow & Zac, Samantha Wills, Solsana and more. Plus a small range of menswear and accessories.

WINE GLASS GALLERY A unique gift gallery, colourful hand blown also crystal wine glasses, original artworks, homewares, collectable teapots, art glass vases, new season scarves, jewellery, shot glasses & a variety of souvenirs.

Dine AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS We are a family friendly café serving honest wholesome food and great coffee, in a casual relaxed environment. We are opened for breakfast, lunch and everything in between. Our menu is available dine in or take away and is sure to impress. Phone 4998 7355 DEAR COFFEE A sanctuary for coffee lovers looking for a cool and restful nook. Explore the delicious coffee beans of Segafredo Coffee and our new range of customisable Crêpe Cones.

Also enjoy Hunter Valley Cookies and the famous Hunter Valley Gelato.

Dear Coffee, I love you... That's all.

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY Experience a Taste of the Country in this award winning café and retail outlet. This popular café is like walking into an old fashioned, country kitchen. Phone 4998 6605.

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT This award winning restaurant features an excellent selection of wines and serves Modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Bookings recommended.

Phone 4998 7584.

Pamper ZEN HAIR SKIN BODY A full Hairdressing Salon and Beauty Spa in one location, innovative & deluxe treatments in an environmentally friendly setting, the salon can cater to any need. Phone 4998 6844.

Play AQUA GOLF & PUTT PUTT If you fancy a bit of action then visit our Aqua Golf and Putt Putt Golf Course - fun for the whole family! Win cash & prizes! Phone 4998 7896.

Savour HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY Established more than ten years ago the ORIGINAL Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory is one of the premier attractions in the area.

HUNTER VALLEY LIQUEURS & BAERAMI OLIVES Extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils, vinegars and a large range of specialty liqueurs and an impressive array of bottles to customize your selection.

THE BRITISH LOLLY SHOP The largest range of imported English Confectionary. All your old favourites, humbugs, sherbet lemon, come in and sample our hospitality.

THE GARDEN CELLARS We stock a wide range of boutique Hunter Valley and other regional wines. See our Tunnel Of Beer along with a variety of quality white, red, sweet, sparkling wines and much more.

HUNTER HONEY HIVE Visit Hunter Honey Hive to experience everything honey and bee related, with free tastings daily!

Essentials YE OLDE GENERAL STORE A modern convenience store with a twist of yesteryear.

Full of groceries and curiosity.

POKOLBIN VILLAGE PHARMACY Offering you friendly, professional service as well as a wide range of products: full PBS prescription service, medicines, vitamins, skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, sunglasses and much more. Phone 4998 6677.

Shopping Vill V Village age BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM