The Hunter Blackboard December 2017

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

DECEMBER 2017 | ISSUE #130

BLACKBOARD

ALL THE

Christmas Trimmings

The Hunter’s Favourite Festive Fizz THE BEST OF 2017!

THE HUNTER BLACKBOARD IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...

FOR YOUR DIARY

December...

3 NOV - 27 JAN'18

2-3 + 9 +16 + 27-30

PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media

Market

Special Event

HANDMADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR

at Kevin Sobels Wines Discover the variety and quality of goods grown, made and created by Hunter Valley artisans at the Handmade in the Hunter Markets. Held at Kevin Sobels Wines throughout December. Visit

www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

at Hunter Valley Gardens This popular annual event is returning to bring the magic of Christmas for the 11th year in a row. The event is open every night with millions of decorative lights, entertainment, food and beverage stalls plus more! For more information, visit www.hvg.com.au

2

PH +61 2 4943 2888 HunterValleyOnline.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au

16

WCP MEDIA

Level 1, 216 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown, NSW 2290 DECEMBER 2017.

Copyright © 2017 WCP Media.

Published monthly by WCP Media.

All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, WCP Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE

From 1st December 2017 until the 31st December 2017 inclusive or while stocks last.

Music

Music

YUSUF/CAT STEVENS - ANNIVERSARY TOUR

A DAY ON THE GREEN

at Roche Estate British singer/songwriter Yusuf/Cat Stevens returns to Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his debut album. It is going to be an unmissable night for fans! Visit, www.rocheestate.com.au

at Bimbadgen Estate Get set to put on your boogie shoes and party when KC and the sunshine Band, Village People, Sister Sledge and Marcia Hines come together for a huge Day on the Green show! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

18 - 20

31

GET MOBILE!

View this month’s issue of The Hunter Blackboard on your iPhone, iPad, android tablet or android phone. Simply download the QR Code and get mobile!

Sport

Special Event

JACK NEWTON CELEBRITY CLASSIC

NEW YEAR'S EVE

at Hunter Valley Golf Club The event sees sporting elites, entertainers, moviestars, comedians, business leaders, and golf lovers all gather together for some charitable fun! Visit, www.celebrityclassic.jacknewtongroup.com

thb 2 | DECEMBER 2017

in the Hunter Valley Whether it's breathtaking fireworks at Hunter Valley Gardens, a boogie at Harrigan's Irish Pub or cocktails at Goldfish Bar & Kitchen, there is plenty to do and see for New Year's Eve here in the Hunter Valley!

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

FROM THE EDITORS Christmas is upon us once again. As I write this message reality strikes home that we are just 3 weeks away from Christmas Day and soon after that another year will have passed into the pages of history.

But with Christmas comes much to celebrate and here in the Hunter Valley we see the return of the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular. Now in its 11th year the lights will be switched on until 27th January – bringing families together to celebrate the magic of Christmas in one space with millions of lights telling the story and evoking the spirit of Christmas. For those who have never been, it is a truly magical experience with each year seemingly outdoing the last with more lights and even more fabulous displays.

Famous for its wines, the Hunter Valley has a growing reputation for producing some wonderful examples of sparkling wine. Whatever the occasion, we are reaching for the ‘’bubbly’’ like never before. Take the time to have a look at our ‘’Sparkling Dozen’’ on page 14 and prepare yourself for the sound of popping corks over the festive season.

Hunter Valley Vineyards Boutique Cheesery

The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic ‘’the Jack’’ is back again this year as professional golfers, celebrities, amateurs and sponsors some together at the Crowne Plaza and Hunter Valley Golf course on December 18 to 20, for three days of golf and good times for the purpose of generating funds for the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation and Diabetes. They would love your support…

The home of Lindeman’s in the Hunter Valley since 1912, Ben Ean is in new and very capable hands and this month we bring you up-to-date on what is planned to preserve the heritage of this iconic Hunter Valley property.

This month’s issue of the Hunter Blackboard magazine is once again full of Christmas shopping destinations, gift ideas and recipes as well as those venues hosting the best and most festive New Year celebrations. We encourage everyone to go out and experience the festivities first hand.

From our families to yours, we wish you a very merry and restful Christmas and a prosperous 2018.

See you in the New Year!

HUNTER VALLEY

CHEESE FACTORY Award winning cheese handmade in Pokolbin Hunter Valley to complement 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!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Contents ALL THAT SPARKLES

13

IN GOOD HANDS

16

A MATTER OF TASTE

18

ALL THE CHRISTMAS TRIMMINGS

28

It doesn't matter if you prefer red or white, we have chosen a selection of 12 of the Hunter's favourite festive fizz to help you toast in the new year!

After sitting idle for 12 months, Historic Ben Ean Estate has reopened after being thrown a lifeline by industry stalwarts Colin Peterson and Brian McGuigan...

The spotlight shone brightly on the Hunter Valley in 2017, with a number of local wineries, wines and restaurants picking up a stack of awards!

Forget the main course, take your Christmas feast to the next level with appetiser and dessert recipes that are sure to delight your guests!

MORPETH

30

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

HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAP

32

www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

Only a short drive from Wine Country, Morpeth is a popular tourist destination known for being the perfect mix of old and new.

The Hunter Blackboard's handy guide to finding your way around Wine Country.

3 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

HOT IN THE HUNTER

It's beginning to

SMELL

Twine Restaurant

NOW OPEN!

Located at one of the Hunter Valley’s most iconic locations, Twine Restaurant has new owners and has reopened for breakfast and lunch, much to the excitement of locals!

Overlooking the picturesque vineyards, Twine Restaurant spills out onto a rosetrimmed courtyard perfect for breakfast or lunch in the sunshine. It is the ideal location to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, sample some local cheese or perhaps indulge in a sunset cocktail.

This stunning location makes Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate a special occasion destination for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for weddings and corporate events, functions and private parties.

WHERE Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate, 310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin.

PH 4998 7449. OPEN Wed to Sun 9am to 4pm. www.twinerestaurant.com.au

Tickled Pink!

To celebrate their 5th birthday, Hunter Distillery have released their third gin – Native Gin. This is a fine distilled pink gin made using juniper berries, coriander, finger lime, lilly pilly, Kakadu plum and cinnamon myrtle.

Best enjoyed with tonic and a twist of orange.

WHERE Hunter Distillery, 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

PH 4998 6737. OPEN 7 Days 10am to 5pm. www.hunterdistillery.com.au

MORE THAN JUST

DIAMONDS

Exclusive Diamond Co. is a boutique jewellery store offering a great range of certified loose diamonds in all shapes, colours and sizes, as well as sought-after black diamonds.

However, they are more than just a diamond store. They also offer a wide variety of colourful gemstones, pearls and incredibly rare tanzanite, set in private label and bespoke jewellery designs you won’t find elsewhere.

WHERE Exclusive Diamond Co., Shop 2A Hunter Valley Gardens Village, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin. PH 4998 7173. www.exclusivediamondco.com.au

thb 4 | DECEMBER 2017

a lot like Christmas!

Ecoya 2017 Christmas scented jar candles are a great gift idea or the perfect way to spread festive fragrances throughout your home this holiday season! Ecoya Christmas candles are hand poured with Ecoya Soy Wax. The glass has been specifically designed to add a touch of elegance while retaining the natural elements and fragrances Ecoya is known for.

The 2017 Christmas Candles include three limited edition fragrances including: • Dark Chocolate, Meringue & Raspberry - An indulgent composition, infused with all the favourite treats of Christmas, almond, velvety chocolate and hints of the sweetest Indonesian vanilla, red raspberry and caramel.

• Fresh Pine Needles - Notes of fresh pine needles, just like a fresh Aussie Christmas tree, enhanced with the richness of newly sawn forest woods are perfectly rounded with citrus and rosewood.

• Summer Spritz - A fresh and fruity fragrance perfect for a summer Christmas. Inspired by bitter orange summer cocktails, top notes of prosecco and lime, tart apple and lavender, blended with a summery perfume of peach atop a base of sun-kissed cedarwood.

Available individually in three sizes or all three together in the Limited-Edition Christmas Mini Gift Set. WHERE Candelabra, Shop 14, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin.

PH 4998 7099. OPEN 7 Days 10am to 5pm. www.candelabra.com.au

ON NOW UNTIL 27 JAN 2018

User Pay

It's beginning to look a lot like

Christmas!

Nothing says Christmas spirit like seeing millions of decorative lights showcased in one spectacular place. Now in its 11th year, Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens is back bigger and better than ever from 3rd November until 27th January 2018.

The kids will love to see some favourites such as Cinderella’s Castle, Fairy Garden, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Alice in Wonderland, the North Pole, the Twelve Days of Christmas and so much more.

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.

The extravaganza not only consists of a record number of lights, but also plays host to Santa until Christmas Eve, and a firework display on the event’s opening night and New Year’s Eve. With so many attractions, this event is the ultimate way to kick-start your family’s festive season.

Eat, drink and be merry at the event food and beverage area with festive food available, including wood-fired 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. Roaming performers and carolers will also be strolling about the event to captivate crowds.

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.

User Pay

IT’S FESTIVE AND FUN - DON’T MISS OUT! Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens. Our annual event includes millions of lights, Santa’s Workshop and new exciting rides* that all the family will enjoy.

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

02 4998 4000 - Broke Rd Pokolbin - hvg.com.au Admission charges apply. Program subject to change. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and for unscheduled maintenance. Terms and conditions of entry apply. Swing Chair and HVG Super Slide - 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone. *Rides are user pay.

5 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

Sister Sledge live at Shambala, UK. Photo credit: Carolina Faruolo.

The Way (I Like it), (Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty, and I’m Your Boogie Man. Hits such as Keep It Comin’ Love, Boogie Shoes followed, and 1980 saw them top the Australian and US charts with Please Don’t Go. With irresistible elements of funk, disco and R&B, KC’s music has resonated with fans for four decades. The Grammy Awardwinners have sold more than 100 million records and have been frequent visitors to Australia over their successful career, with their last visit in 2014.

In a treat for concertgoers, the Village People will be joined by original lead singer and ‘cop’, Victor Willis; in what will be his first performance with the group in more than 25 years!

"The biggest initial break in my career was in Australia in 1976 when I starred as the Tin Man in the Australian version of The Wiz," Willis said.

"So really, it all started for me there.

Picture this: The king of boogie and the queens of Therefore, it's fitting that I kick off my return as the lead singer in Australia because the disco sharing the same stage with a cowboy, a people there loved me first." construction worker, a Native American, a policeman, Over the past four decades, the Village People have sold more than a biker and a soldier at an event jam-packed with 100 million records and ingrained themselves into pop culture history guaranteed party-starters. with some of the biggest hits and most memorable characters of all time.

Created by French music producer and composer Jacques Morali in 1977, Disco fever will hit Bimbadgen Estate on Saturday 16th December, as a day on the green brings KC and the Sunshine Band, Village People, Sister the Village People quickly become one of the most successful acts of the disco era with their flamboyant albums and catchy songs, including top Sledge and Marcia Hines to Bimbadgen Estate for one night of boogie.

10 smash hits on the Australian charts – Can’t Stop The Music, Y.M.C.A, Formed in 1973, KC and the Sunshine Band ruled the charts in the In The Navy and Macho Man. mid-70’s with four number one hits in a row – Get Down Tonight, That’s

Disco Fever

EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND CO. Unique Elegant Designs Diamonds | Tanzanite | Pearls | Semi Precious Bespoke Design | Engagement | Wedding | Hire Brenda Phillips-Donohoe Shop 2a Hunter Valley Gardens Village 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 E support@exclusivediamondco.com.au P (02) 4998 7173

www.exclusivediamondco.com.au thb 6 | DECEMBER 2017

There is no band more dancefloor-friendly than party-starters Sister Sledge. In 1979, the band’s first single He’s The Greatest Dancer from their iconic album ‘We Are Family’, shook up dancefloors around the world, while the follow-up title track skyrocketed the group into disco royalty.

As one of the original “girl groups”, Grammy Awardnominees Sister Sledge has collected a string of Gold and Platinum records and sold more than 15 million records worldwide. Known for their electrifying live shows, they have performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world. As the Chicago Tribune said, “Sister Sledge has the stuff legends are made of.”

Joining the celebration will be Australia’s own disco royalty, Marcia Hines. Originally from Boston, USA, Hines came to Australia in 1970 to star in the stage musical ‘Hair’. She was just 16 and had no idea where Australia was – she thought she was going to Austria.

But Marcia quickly became one of our mostloved stars, crowned Queen of Pop in 1976, 1977 and 1978, and had hits over three decades, with 11 Top 40 entries, including You, From The Inside, I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself and Music Is My Life. She was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Order of Australia (AM) in 2009. Marcia shows no signs of slowing down, recently starring in the smash hit musical Velvet.

If you are ready to get down and boogie, then this is a performance not to be missed!

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

Village People

KC from KC and the Sunshine Band

Marcia Hines

spa experience not just a treatment

A total

Choose from our extensive range of spa, beauty and massage therapies.

All treatments include complimentary use of Day Spa facili�es, including steam room, spa bath and relaxa�on lounge.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL PH (02) 4993 8500 or email spa@elysia.com.au 165 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin. www.goldendoor.com.au/spa-elysia

7 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

DECK THE HALLS WITH

Mistletoe Wines Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year at Mistletoe Wines, as it sees the release of their popular Christmas Cheer Mozcato.

The 2017 Christmas Cheer Mozcato is the same wine as Mistletoe’s blue label Mozcato but is dressed up ready for Christmas and the Festive Season. The festive packaging makes it the perfect gift or ideal to take to those last-minute Christmas get-togethers.

Mistletoe’s Sparkling Mozcato (‘oz’ because it is from Australia) is made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes, grown on the Mistletoe Home Vineyard, originally planted in 1998.

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

It is great as a pre-dinner drink or accompanied by a refreshing fruit salad. It is low in alcohol at just 5.4%, so you can drink this on Christmas morning and still be able to do lunch!

Mistletoe’s Christmas Cheer Mozcato is now available for $23 per bottle from the Cellar Door at 771 Hermitage Road in Pokolbin or online at www.mistletoewines.com.au. Limited stock is available, so you will need to be quick!

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 175 Swan Street, Morpeth, Hunter Valley PH 02 4933 1407 E info@morpethgallery.com www.morpethantiquecentre.com

Fresh Gourmet Burgers & Espresso Bar

Located at Gartelmann Wines.

Our patties are made from 100% pure Aussie Beef.

Carefully hand-formed each morning using our own blend of whole muscle beef cuts that we mince inhouse daily.

Proudly serving quality coffee using beans from local roaster, Suspension Espresso. www.burgerfiend.com.au 1E Cooper St, Cessnock NSW 2325 | PH 02 4909 8273 OPEN Tue & Wed 8.30am - 7pm, Thurs to Sat 8.30am - 8pm, Sun 8.30 - 2pm.

Closed Mondays Burgerfiend burgerfiendcessnock

thb 8 | DECEMBER 2017

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

Open 7 Days for Breakfast and Lunch.

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

www.deckcafelovedale.com.au

New Year’s Eve

A Family Affair - Jack Newton (L), Jackie Newton & son Clint Newton (R)

THE JACK IS BACK!

The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic or “The Jack” as it is more fondly known, is the longest-running and most successful celebrity pro-am golf tournament in Australia. Each year it sees 54 professional golfers, 54 celebrities, 54 amateurs and 54 sponsor representatives gather together for three days of golf and good times.

While the celebrity-heavy tournament prides itself on promoting a fun, relaxed vibe for its participants; there is a real purpose behind it with all proceeds duly donated to the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation and Diabetes.

The event will clock up its 39th year on the fairways this month – teeing off at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and the Hunter Valley Golf course on December 18th - 20th.

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

The inaugural event was held in December 1979 at the Tewantin Noosa Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – with Jack, the winner of that year’s Australian Open, among the professional golfing contingent invited to take part alongside celebrities such as Ronnie Corbett and Ricky May. Jack became a regular on the event line-up, taking out the title in 1980 and along with wife Jackie, helping it grow while his 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 11 years since Jack brought the event home to the Hunter in 2006.

From Prime Ministers to Olympic Champions, movie stars to comedians and footballers to entrepreneurs, they are all part of the celebrity family who gathers annually to participate in two hotly-contested rounds of golf, as well as share stories at the welcome barbeque, sponsors cabaret dinner and farewell party.

From humble beginnings the event has now raised more than $6.3 million for the two charities – Diabetes and Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation – 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

WHITE PARTY $149 pp 5hr Premium Drinks Sumptuous Canapes Exclusive access to the deck area Midnight Fireworks

GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO CROSSROADS IN THE VINES

Live Music in the Terrace

2PM TO 5PM

6.30PM TO 9.30PM

10PM TO 1AM

ARLEY BLACK

FRICK N ORSON

DOS EAGER

Call 4998 4300 and reserve your ticket today

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

9 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

New Years

In The Hunter HUNTERS QUARTER Celebrate the new year at Hunters Quarter

Restaurant! Enjoy canapes and a glass of Cockfighter’s sparkling Ghost wine on arrival followed by an exquisite three-course feast designed and prepared by owner and Executive Chef Brian Duncan. Dance the night away with live entertainment, and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine to toast in the new year at midnight. Tickets are $175 per person. Bookings are essential on 4998 7776.

HARRIGAN’S IRISH PUB Harrigan’s Irish Pub’s New Year's Eve

VIP White Party is an exclusive event right in the heart of the Hunter Valley that will ensure you start 2018 in style! For only $149 per person, you will enjoy a variety of sumptuous canapes plus a 5-hour premium drinks package as part of the VIP event. Tickets also include entry into Harrigan’s to enjoy the live entertainment from 2pm to 1am. Harrigan’s Irish Pub will also be putting on a spectacular fireworks event at midnight. Bookings are essential as limited VIP tickets are available. To book, call 4998 4300.

HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS Hunter Valley Gardens is set to ring in 2018 with fabulous festivities including a dazzling fireworks display, amusement rides and plenty of live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Along with the fireworks, visitors will be able to experience the award-winning Christmas Lights Spectacular 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

NANNA KERR’S KITCHEN On New Year’s Eve, Nanna Kerr’s

Kitchen invite you to join them for a delicious four-course dinner. Tickets are $99 for adults and $39 for children. Bookings are essential. To book, call 4998 7333.

Or if you have one too many wines on New Year’s Eve, Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen have you covered on New Year’s Day with all-day brunch from 10am to 3pm. Bookings recommended.

REDSALT RESTAURANT – CROWNE PLAZA Toast to

the New Year in style at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s bespoke minioutdoor festival featuring gourmet food stalls, wine and spirits bar, live entertainment, a light show and more. Tickets are $195 per person, which includes a 3-hour beverage package. It is a family-friendly event with children’s tickets starting at $39 for 5 to 12-year old’s, $89 for 13 to 17-year old’s and children under four free. Bookings are essential. To book, call 4991 0944.

GOLDFISH BAR & KITCHEN Make your New Year’s Eve

something special by celebrating at Goldfish Bar & Kitchen. Enjoy a glass of champagne, Peroni beer or cocktail on arrival followed by 3 hours of substantial canapes and gourmet pizza served cocktail-style. Dance your way into 2018 with live music from 10pm and enjoy a local sparkling wine at midnight to see in the New Year. All this for only $85 per person.

To book, visit www.thegoldfish.com.au/whatson

Hunter Valley

Reflections Day Spa COUPLES DELIGHT PACKAGE

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

$300 (normally $428) *T&C Apply

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

OPEN Wed - Sun PH 4930 9006 • www.reflectionsdayspa.com.au

POKOLBIN VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION Wedding Group Specialists groups@pokolbinvillage.com.au P: (02) 4998 7670

thb 10 | DECEMBER 2017

Complimentary shuttle bus for group bookings of 10 or more rooms 2 NIGHT MINIMUM STAY

now open

at lindemans ben ean winery

FR E SH FO O D ,

LOC A LLY S OU RC E D IN GR ED IEN T S

É PHONE: 4993 3700 baume@benean.com.au ADDRESS: 119 MCDONALDS RD, POKOLBIN,NSW 2320

OPEN FOR LUNCH DAILY

11am-4pm BREAKFAST SAT & SUN

8am-11am

At Baumé (pronounced bow - may) we source the best of local ingredients and tend to them with love to create a casual family style dining experience. Start with some small tasting plates to tempt the taste buds, then enjoy our shared signature dishes; created to be served in the middle of the table accompanied by a range of garden fresh sides and salads. If you are after something a little lighter, then try our delicious pastas or house made wood fire pizzas.

Don’t forget to enjoy some of our hand-crafted desserts after your meal with a coffee, tea or digestive

11 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

Yusuf/Cat Stevens – 50TH ANNIVERSARY PEACE TRAIN TOUR 2017

British singer-songwriting legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Yusuf/Cat Stevens is stopping by Roche Estate on Saturday 2nd December for one performance as part of his 50th Anniversary “Peace Train Tour”.

Cat Stevens achieved early success as a teenager in the mid-1960’s with ‘Matthew and Son’, ‘Here Comes My Baby’ and ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’. The heavy workload of non-stop appearances and touring, as well as the excesses of the pop star lifestyle, took its toll, and in 1968, Cat contracted Tuberculosis. He was hospitalised for several months and began a significant process of inner reflection and meditation. During this time, Stevens began to question aspects of his life and spirituality and underwent a profound musical transformation.

The next decade would establish him as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time. His 1970 album, Tea for the Tillerman, went multi-platinum in the U.S. and Australia with such songs as ‘Wild World’, ‘Hard Headed Woman’, ‘Where Do the Children Play?’ and ‘Father & Son’. It was his album Teaser and the Firecat, released in 1971 that made him a megastar, with songs like ‘Morning Has Broken’, ‘Peace Train’ and ‘Moonshadow’ - spending fifteen weeks at the top of the Australian charts, becoming the biggest-selling album of the country in 1972.

In 1975, Cat experienced another momentous and life-changing event after nearly drowning in the Pacific Ocean. His brush with death intensified his long-held quest for spiritual truth, converting to the Islamic religion in 1977 and taking the name Yusuf Islam in 1978.

For the next three decades, Yusuf abandoned his musical career to focus on educational causes and humanitarian relief.

In 2006, Yusuf returned to mainstream music with the album An Other Cup, which was followed in 2009 by Roadsinger. 2014 was another monumental year for Yusuf, as he released his fourteenth studio album Tell ‘em I’m Gone and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This 50th Anniversary Tour is going to be an unmissable night for fans.

To purchase tickets, visit www.rocheestate.com.au

THE HUNTER VALLEY’S HIDDEN GEM -

Offering modern Australian cusine Relax the day away at Twine Restaurant with breathtaking views and enjoy the best of what the Hunter has to offer - great food, great service and premium Wines. Be sure to visit Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate to experience one of the Hunter Valley's most iconic destinations.

Open for gourmet breakfast & lunch | Private functions Ultimate wedding venue | Corporate groups Open 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday 310 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin | www.twinerestaurant.com.au

thb 12 | DECEMBER 2017

ALL THAT

Hello holiday season – 'Tis the season when our wine needs (yes needs) are as diverse as they are many, while we celebrate the warmer weather and make the most of the festive season.

For centuries, Champagne or sparkling wine has been the drink of choice for celebrations, and as we roll into the festive season, you can be sure that we will soon all be hearing the “popping” of corks, as bottles of sparkling wine are opened to celebrate Christmas and the coming of the new year.

However, did you know that 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 produced in the Champagne region of France. It can 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.

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 and Asti from Italy.

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 as a result of carbon dioxide injection. The sweetness of sparkling wine can range from very dry "brut" styles to sweeter "doux" varieties.

Sparkling wine is usually white or rosé, but there are many examples of sparkling red wines as well.

In Australia, most sparkling wine is produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but an Australian speciality is the Sparkling Shiraz - a

sparkling red wine produced from Shiraz grapes. Young examples are usually refreshing, rich, fruity and juicy with a touch of sweetness. Older examples are typically rich and lush in style, and some high-quality bottles are suitable for cellaring and ageing.

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.

Whether you’re bringing a bottle to a party or leaving one under the tree, a bottle of bubbles is a gift that will please even those that can be hard-to-shop-for. Plus, the elegant, colourful labelling of these bottles make them look like presents before you even wrap them. Here’s our pick of some of the best bottles of bubbly around.

(Continued next page) ►

Massive Wine Sale at The Garden Cellars

“Largest beer range

$50 cases, $120 cases and $144 cases available this festive season.

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

in the valley!”

y r Valle Hunte unter H Wine, Vodka ry e l l i t er Dis aft be r and c vailable gs a tastin aily! d

THE GARDEN

CELLARS

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

13 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

The Hunters Favourite GARTELMANN WINES

LAMBLOCH ESTATE

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.

Great wine starts with the vineyard. The Lambloch Estate vines were planted in the 1950’s in prized volcanic soil not often seen in the Hunter.

2017 Blanc de Blancs

TASTING The 2017 Blanc de Blancs is based on Chardonnay grapes evident in its pale straw colour, apple and honey characters on the nose, complexity on the palate and the ability to be delicious when young, or superb with age.

FOOD MATCH The youth of this wine makes it the perfect pre-dinner aperitif to be enjoyed with tangy, salty oysters or pieces of pumpernickel. With age it will sparkle alongside a signature roast chicken.

The Loch 2015 Sparkling Semillon

TASTING Green Straw in colour, The Loch 2015 Sparkling Semillon is bright and lively as you pour it into the glass. It has a lifted and fresh bouquet, with hints of citrus zing, fresh cut hay and grapefruit. It has the palate of young Semillon with notes of lemon and lime, which give a vibrant lively mouthfeel.

FOOD MATCH A perfect wine for seafood or Asian cuisine. Its freshness would complement oysters or prawns and the acidity would cut through a spicy stir fry. Serve Cold.

CELLARING Drink now

EMMA'S COTTAGE VINEYARD Ruby 2017

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a small vineyard in picturesque Lovedale offering single estate wines, and is owned and operated by the Kramer family.

The Ruby is one of Emma’s Cottage Vineyard’s most popular wines, selling out each year. A Sparkled Cabernet Franc Merlot, the Ruby is described as bubbly, sassy and ever so sweet!

TASTING This Sparkled Cabernet Franc Merlot offers dark fruits, raspberry, strawberry, cherries and violets – the subtle fragrances lift from the glass in every bubble. There is a spiciness to the finish and soft tannins which tantalise the palate.

CELLARING Drink now.

PIERRES WINES

2014 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir

2011 Sparkler

RidgeView Wines are renowned for their estate grown, trophy winning wines. From their ‘Generations’ Reserve Semillon and Shiraz through to an eclectic range of little known varietals, all of RidgeView’s wines are handcrafted in small batches and are designed to accompany foods.

TASTING Made in the traditional method of bottle fermentation, the 2011 'Sparkler' is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

It displays a vibrant, elegant nose of pear and freshly baked bread brought about by extended ageing on yeast lees. The creamy, rich palate displays finesse through to the crisp citrus finish.

CELLARING Drink now.

PETERSON HOUSE

The 2014 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir is Pierre’s Wines best-selling sparkling wine. It is made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, handpicked from their estate vineyard. It is a “zero dosage” style, meaning no sugar is added at disgorging.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

TASTING The complex aroma illustrates the range of characters found in true "Méthode Traditionelle" wines. On the palate, the wine is rich and refined. 34 months ageing on lees in the bottle has given this wine a very long palate with a soft and satisfying creamy texture.

TASTING This Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon is dark plum in appearance and has an aroma of earthy and herbaceous tones. The palate is a mix of blackberries and cherries up front whilst the mid palate is rich and palatial, with the taste of Black Forest cake. As these rich flavours subside some of the more savoury peppery notes evolve.

FOOD MATCH The natural acidity provides a freshness which makes it an ideal aperitif.

CELLARING Drink now.

thb 14 | DECEMBER 2017

RIDGEVIEW WINES

Peterson House are the recognised specialist producer of sparkling wines in the Hunter Valley.

Their aim is to produce a wine for all tastes and occasions, because as they say, “Life’s flat without bubbles!”

FOOD MATCH Serve cold with roast meat, duck or some smoked smallgoods.

EMMA'S COTTAGE VINEYARD

HUNGERFORD HILL WINES

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard on Wilderness Road, Lovedale produces a range of quality boutique wines from the seven different grape varieties grown on the estate from the 30-year-old vines.

All the wines are produced from hand-picked grapes, by one of the Hunter Valley’s renowned winemakers.

Hungerford Hill has a proud reputation for producing distinguished wines packed with character and interest, with a focus on New South Wales wine regions. Sparkling red wines are a uniquely Australian style. Originally called Sparkling Burgundy, it was pioneered in the late 19th century by Australian winemakers.

TASTING Emma’s Cottage Vineyard’s 2016 Sparkles is a lively combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir with just a dash of Semillon. Crisp and dry on the front palate, with light citrus notes and the rich Chardonnay fruit flavours on the back palate for a long satisfying finish.

TASTING Medium deep red in colour with a fine bead. The aroma is abound with savoury leather, spice and plum and hints of forest floor whilst the palate is soft, round, luscious and creamy.

2016 Sparkles

CELLARING Drink now. The perfect wine to welcome in the new year!

GREENWAY WINES

NV Cardinal Sparkling Shiraz

FOOD MATCH Delicious with Christmas turkey and all the trimmings.

CELLARING Best drinking now or over the festive season.

2017 'bubbles' Sparkling Fiano

KELMAN VINEYARD

The 2017 ‘bubbles’ Sparkling Fiano from Greenway Wines is the only sparkling version of this ancient Italian variety of wine in the Hunter.

It has been made from grapes grown in the Broke Fordwich wine region and made with an essence of fun!

The team at Kelman are especially proud of this silver medal-winning Sparkling Chardonnay, made in the “Méthode Traditionnelle” and bottle aged for four years. An excellent “Blanc de Blanc” style.

TASTING This wine has an amazing array of floral and fruity aromas, such as passionfruit, pineapple, orange peel and grapefruit. On the palate, you’ll find lemon and minerally characters set in an off-dry scenario that sherbets your taste-buds.

FOOD MATCH It has just enough of the sweet stuff to make it picture-perfect for a Thai curry, outa-sight garlic prawns or anything with a good dab of chilli. Serve icy cold.

2013 Sparkling Chardonnay

TASTING Bright, crisp and delicate with a fine bead. Yeast characters enhance the development of light citrusy flavour and brilliant texture, finishing with a crisp note on the back palate.

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

CELLARING Drink now to 2020.

THREE PONDS (Available from The Garden Cellars) 2017 Neptune Sparkling

Mount Eyre Vineyards is a boutique Hunter Valley winery incorporating the Three Ponds vineyard in Broke, planted in 1970. Three Ponds wines are made to showcase Hunter Valley fruit and winemaking at its best. Owned by the Iannuzzi and Tsironis families, Three Ponds combines European and modern Australian traditions of winemaking and viticulture.

TASTING Made from classic Hunter white varieties Semillon and Chardonnay in the Charmat method, this is a refreshing yet fruity sparkling wine. The Semillon provides great freshness and citrus acidity, whilst the Chardonnay lends this wine a wonderful balance and fullness on the palate.

FOOD MATCH The perfect accompaniment to fine seafood and oysters.

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 lowyield 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.

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.

15 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

In Good Hands WORDS Michelle Meehan

Premium wines, pop up shops and the largest capacity function venue in Pokolbin will be on the menu as part of a $1.5 million refurbishment of the historic Ben Ean estate.

The home of Lindeman’s in the Hunter Valley since 1912, Ben Ean has been sitting idle for the past 12 months after owners Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) made a decision to shut the cellar door and 1843 Harvest Café while it reviewed the future of the iconic winery.

One year down the track Ben Ean has re-opened to the public, although this time with new owners whose big plans will ensure a bright future for one of the wine region’s oldest establishments.

Industry stalwarts Colin Peterson and Brian McGuigan purchased the estate in September in a deal reportedly worth between $5 million and $8 million, with a view to restoring the venue to its former glory. The site includes a winery building, cellar door, vineyard, function centre and restaurant.

While TWE have retained ownership of the Lindeman’s brand, Mr Peterson and Mr McGuigan are able to continue selling wine at the Ben Ean cellar door from TWE’s extensive portfolio, including Lindeman’s and Penfolds.

Lindeman’s was established in 1843 with the first planting of Riesling, Verdelho and Shiraz grapes on Dr Henry John Lindeman’s Cawarra property at East Gresford.

The winemaker’s three sons purchased the Ben Ean site at 119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin in 1912 from the family of early settler John McDonald, who had planted the vineyard in 1870.

Over the years Lindeman’s produced many of its award-winning wines at the Pokolbin property, however over time (and following numerous changes of ownership) the company shifted away from its Hunter base to produce the bulk of its wine in South Australia.

Mr Peterson said he and Mr McGuigan decided to purchase the Ben Ean property in the hope of preserving its place in the region’s winemaking history, while also creating an exciting new future for the venue.

“We thought it was not good for the area to have all the older wineries being bought-up or closed down and Lindeman’s is probably the most iconic winery in the Hunter Valley going back to the 1840s,” Mr Peterson said.

thb 16 | DECEMBER 2017

Colin Peterson

“We thought look it’s not good for it to be kept closed, it’s not good to go to foreign ownership, it’s not good to go to whoever, which has happened with Rosemount and Wyndham Estate and Rothbury and all those older wineries. So we thought the area’s been good to us, maybe we can put something back for the area.

“

It's about preserving that heritage by getting it up and running again."

“Under the agreement we have the right to sell Lindeman’s wines, Penfolds wines, all their range, so it still gives Lindeman’s a presence in the Hunter Valley, it’ll always be the home of Lindeman’s.”

The cellar door has been back in business for a few months now while the café, restaurant and bar, which has been renamed Baumè, reopened on November 1 and is offering house made Mediterranean style meals cooked in a woodfired oven focusing on fresh local ingredients.

Around $1.5 million is being spent on renovations and refurbishments at the site, with plans including the construction of a retractable roof over the winery courtyard.

Mr Peterson said this would provide a flexible all-weather space that will more than double the venue’s capacity for functions.

“It will become the venue that can hold the most amount of people in Pokolbin,” he said.

“We can handle about 350 people now in our function centre, but out the back, where the old winery was, it’s a big open courtyard so we’re actually going to re-roof the whole lot and have retractable roofing so we can open it up like it is now, but in wet weather we can seal it so you can use it 24/7.

“By using the courtyard for functions, we’ll be able to cater for up to 500, although because we only have the one kitchen, it’ll either be 500 in that courtyard area or 350 in the function centre itself.”

The courtyard will be a multi-purpose space, with plans for it to operate as a food court with a changing menu and casual, relaxed atmosphere. There will also be a small number of “pop up shop” spaces, which Mr Peterson envisaged would create a mini market atmosphere.

Two new permanent tenancies have been established with local cheese producers Hunter Belle Cheese and olive oil producers The Hunter Valley Olive Co. set to commence trading this month.

Other immediate plans for Ben Ean include reopening the winery for production, while Mr Peterson said in the longer term they’d explore the potential of constructing a 100 room boutique Hotel on site, as well as producing their own wines.

In the meantime, they will focus on promoting the estate as a venue for weddings and other functions, and increase visitation to the cellar door, which will stock a premium range of wines including Lindeman’s, Penfolds, Rosemount Estate, Savannah Estate and Lisa McGuigan Wines, Mr Peterson’s daughter Savannah has taken the reins of the cellar door, while former Chateau Elan general manager Joe Spagnolo has come on board to oversee the restaurant and function centre.

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

Baumé Café, Restaurant & Bar

17 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

A Matter of

TASTE

If you could package up the best wine and food experiences from the all major winegrowing regions of the world and put them in one place – it would be the Hunter Valley.

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s premier wine region, where the pleasures of eating and drinking are celebrated daily.

It has been built on 185 years of passion and dedication to the winemaking craft, resulting in the production of many world-class wines.

However, there is more to the Hunter Valley than wine and with the wide array of great accommodation, dining options and activities on offer, the Hunter is the perfect short break destination or romantic getaway.

Recently, there has been an explosion of wineries, wine tours, tasting rooms, and restaurants specialising in wine country cuisine that have added a jolt of grape-fuelled energy to the region. More than 150 wineries now produce a wide range of world-class wines from varietals that include Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho amongst the whites and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among the reds.

The Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia’s top wines and restaurants and is a hotbed of quality with winemakers and chefs collectively making this region one of our most dynamic – many of whom are reshaping Australia’s vision of fine wine and food.

McLeish Estate

Take McLeish Estate in Pokolbin for example. Surrounded by just 11 hectares of vineyard, this small family-owned and operated winery is responsible for producing many Gold and Trophy Award-winning wines including the Trophy for World’s Best Semillon at the London International Wine Challenge – making it Australia’ most awarded boutique winery.

McGuigan wines is a name synonymous with Australian winemaking and is another local winery that made the world take another look at the Hunter Valley as a major wine-producing region. Their success is seemingly never-ending with McGuigan Wines being crowned International Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London for a record fourth time – a world first.

Of course, there are many other local wineries such as RidgeView Wines, Tamburlaine Wines, Gartelmann Wines, Constable Estate,

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

The Lad y in

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

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

thb 18 | DECEMBER 2017

Pin k

...

POKOL B IN E STAT E VIN EYARD

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

Winery – 2017 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion

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

Mistletoe Winery, Thomas Wines, Lambloch Estate, Pokolbin Estate, Adina Vineyard, Kelman, Emma’s Cottage, Ivanhoe Wines, Blueberry Hill, Lucy’s Run, Petersons and Capercaillie that consistently turn out excellent award-winning wines.

Wineries such as these no longer constitute a sideline to the Australian wine industry. Their numbers (and local influence) have grown to such an extent that they now are the Australian wine industry.

The Best of the Best in 2017 - Wineries

While there could only be one overall winner at this year's Pier One Sydney Harbour NSW Wine Awards, there were many highlights in this year’s show.

Wines made from fruit grown in the Canberra District, Orange, Mudgee, Hilltops, Tumbarumba, Riverina and the Hunter Valley all claimed Trophies – but it was the Tyrrell’s 2005 Vat 1 Semillon that was given Best White Wine of Show and awarded the ultimate title of ‘NSW Governor’s Trophy for Best in Show’. Other trophy winners included Bimbdagen for Best Young Semillon and Tamburlaine Wines, which took home the trophy for Best Young Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Organic Wine with their 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

RidgeView Wines and Thomas Wines emerged as the big winners in the Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show awards this year, with RidgeView Wines taking home a major double, winning Best White Wine of Show for their 2009 Semillon, and the Karl Stockhausen Trophy for their 2014 Chardonnay. Thomas Wines produced the Best Red Wine of Show for their 2016 Shiraz.

At the 2017 Hunter Valley Wine Show, the Tyrrell’s winery domination continued, collecting no less than 10 trophies - including Best White Wine of Show, Best Semillon, Best Mature Semillon (all for their (2009 Vat 1 Semillon), Best Chardonnay, Best Museum Red and (Continued next page) ►

Andrew Thomas from Thomas Wines

Your always welcome at...

Oishii Japanese

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

Thai Restaurant

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

It tastes healthy, light and delicious.

A favourite dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

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

Takeaway available every day.

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

/OishiiPokolbin

olives, olives, olives Come visit us for a range of Estate Grown Olives, Tapenade and local olive oils or a Cheese platter on the deck with a glass of wine 725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley www.tintilla.com.au

Restaurant Indoor/Outdoor Dining Fresh Local Produce Also available for Weddings, Events and Private Functions

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

19 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

(continued)

Muse Restaurant

Best Museum White with the 2006 Vat 1 Semillon.

Tyrrell’s also picked up the Wine of Provenance Award – which recognises a wine’s pedigree for their HVD Vineyard Semillon.

Silkman Wines also starred winning Best Red of Show and Best two-year-old Shiraz (both for 2015 Reserve Shiraz) and Best Other Red with the 2016 Reserve Shiraz Pinot Noir.

Also, no stranger to awards, Mount Pleasant was awarded trophy for Best Mature Three Year Old and Older Shiraz for the 2014 Maurice O’Shea Shiraz and Best Fortified Wine for their NV Fortified.

Vinden Estate also had a strong show producing the top Verdelho as did RidgeView Wines winning the Drayton Family Trophy for Best Named Vineyard Red Wine with their 2016 Impressions Shiraz.

Another impressive accolade went to Saddlers Creek, for their 2005 Classic Hunter Valley Semillon, which won #1 Semillon of The Year by Winestate Magazine.

The Best of the Best in 2017 – Restaurants

The Hunter region held its own at this year’s Good Food Guide Awards with Muse Restaurant retaining its two hats, while Muse Kitchen gained one. Bistro Molines, Margan Restaurant and Newcastle restaurants Subo and Restaurant Mason also held onto their respective hats. Megan Rhodes-Brown of Muse Restaurant was a finalist in the Citi-Service Excellence Award for restaurant services – proving that front-of-house service is just as important as a restaurants food when it comes to a good night out.

And the awards just keep coming for Muse Restaurant! For the second year running Muse Restaurant was named Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Australia on TripAdvisor and made it to number 22 in this years’ TripAdvisor fine dining restaurant world rankings.

Muse Kitchen

Some familiar names also popped up at the 2017 Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence with Circa 1876 winning the NSW Regional “Fine Dining” award, Locavore Dining at The Sebel Kirkton the NSW Regional New Restaurant award and Esca Bimbadgen the NSW Regional Restaurant in a Winery award. ▪

For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor in the Hunter’s Dessert Bar is a MUST! 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 & Fri 10am - 4.30pm, Sat 10am - 9.30pm, Sun & Mon 10am - 4.30pm

www.saborinthehunter.com.au thb 20 | DECEMBER 2017

Closed Xmas & Boxing Day

21 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

With well over 150 microbreweries dotting the landscape from coast to coast and with more opening every month, our growing craft beer market is due to passionate craft beer makers and sophisticated beer drinkers who are demanding a more unique, and premium product.

While the term "microbrewery" was originally used to describe the size of the brewery, it has evolved to reflect an alternative attitude and approach to brewing beer and now also describes those breweries that incorporate flexibility, adaptability, experimentation and customer service to the overall beer experience.

The Hunter Beer Co. in Nulkaba is the Hunter Valleys first micro-brewery and is famous not just for brewing beer, but also its unique range of innovative, handcrafted beers that come with a diverse range of flavours and styles.

The brewing team made up of Daniel, Brooke and headed up by Keith Grice “The Beer Guy”, believe that beer should be a journey - “an adventure” - bold in flavour and character. In fact, when you get Keith talking about beer, you get the impression that he is on a life-long pursuit towards a beer-fuelled Nirvana. As a result, the guys at the Hunter Beer Co. have a great deal of fun experimenting and brewing many different types of beer and being creative with a variety of different ingredients.

Their range of award-winning regular beers, such as the bold American style Pale Ale, the dark German styled Bock, the full strength ▶

HEROES of the Hops WORDS Quentin von Essen

The Australian beer scene is fast becoming one of the most exciting in the world, with more and more beer lovers turning toward full-flavoured beers, especially India Pale Ales, seasonal beers and Belgians.

thb 22 | DECEMBER 2017

Lager, the light flavoured Belgian Witbier and the flagship beer the Hunter Kolsch, all have unique tastes and big personalities.

In addition to the regular beers, the brewing team also produce a range of popular seasonal beers. Some of their current seasonal beers include: • The Provenance - a full flavoured mid-strength beer using locally grown malt and Australian hops • The Apricot IPA – which is brewed with loads of fresh apricot using American hops giving it stone fruit flavours and a crisp bitterness • The Christmas Pudding Beer, which is a fruit and spiced ale with a special ingredient added to this years’ batch. This beer has spent time in an old whiskey barrel, so it has developed the taste of a wonderful plum pudding.

The increasing popularity of these handcrafted beers brewed by the Hunter Beer Co. confirms that people are becoming educated about beer and the different flavours available to them. Visit the Hunter Beer Company's spacious “beer bar” to see first-hand just how a microbrewery functions, talk to Keith or the brewing team and taste the wide range of beers on tap.

Hunter Beer Co.

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

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 2320 • (02) 4998 7734 www.emmascottage.com.au 23 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

AT THE MARKETS

Sweet Wicks Candles

WORDS Michelle Meehan

When Kerrin Nickisson started making her own candles, she only expected to need enough to stock the shelves at her Lovedale day spa.

But two years down the track candle making has become Kerrin’s main focus, with demand for her handcrafted creations well beyond anything the Killingworth woman ever imagined.

“I was buying in these little candles to stock Hunter Valley Reflections Day Spa, which I own, and it was costing me a fortune,” she said.

“I thought ‘I can do this myself a lot cheaper’ and it just went from there.

Established in 1921, by legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea Mount Pleasant is one of the great wine estates of Australia.

‘2017 JAMES HALLIDAY WINERY OF THE YEAR’ ‘BEST LARGE CELLAR DOOR GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE MAGAZINE 2016 & 2017’ Visit our Cellar Door and enjoy a true Hunter Valley wine tas�ng experience or just take in the beau�ful surrounds with a glass of wine and local sourced cheese pla�er.

OPEN 7 DAYS - Mon to Sun 10AM - 4PM 401 Marrowbone Road Pokolbin NSW 2320 (02) 4998 7505 www.mountpleasantwines.com.au

"It got so busy I had to put on a manager at the day spa because the candles have turned into the main business for me - it's been absolutely crazy, way beyond anything I imagined."

Selling under the name Sweet Wicks Candles, Kerrin can turn over up to 1000 a month via sales at the day spa, several local markets including Handmade in the Hunter, and wholesale distribution to Sydney.

After mastering simple candles, Kerrin branched out into far more elaborate designs, which replicate the look and smell of a sumptuous array of desserts and milkshakes.

Painstakingly created by hand down to the last tiny detail, the scented candles look good enough to eat.

“I don’t know where the idea came from,” Kerrin said.

“I wanted to do that creamy look like a milkshake, and so I taught myself how and I’ve gone from there.

“I like to look up different desserts on Pinterest for inspiration, but a lot of the time they’re just things that come into my head.

“I might also find a scent I like, and then I have to come up with a dessert that matches.

“Warnies Railway Café at Warnervale stock them, and so I’ve made candles to copy their freakshakes – it took a while, but I’ve got them to look pretty much exactly the same.

“Sometimes it takes people quite a while to realise they’re not real.”

Kerrin will have her Sweet Wicks Creations on show at this month’s Handmade in the Hunter Markets, which will be held at Kevin Sobels Wines from 9am to 3pm throughout December (see page 2 for dates).

thb 24 | DECEMBER 2017

Hunter Valley

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 Sulky Rides • Santa’s Sleigh Rides & Tractor Hay Rides to Feed the Animals Kangaroo and Native Wildlife Spotting at Night Time - leaves at Sunset Pedal Go Karts for ages 5 - 99 years. Lots of fun!

Talk to us about our Weddings on Horseback!

FINALIST

For Bookings Phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 Stay & play at Hilltop, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale So close to all of Wine Countrys attractions, yet you feel a million miles away...

of the Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards 2016

Iain Riggs

with a rare drop thanks to an Enomatic wine dispenser that will allow previously not-for-tasting and museum wines to be available.

Brokenwood will also feature a selection of wines on tap, which they have been successfully trialling in bars around the country.

General Manager, Geoff Krieger said, “Our entertainment terrace will have a revolving calendar of events, music, pop-up guest chefs and food trucks. Picnic packs will be available for parents to relax on the front lawn while kids play or explore our on-site veggie patch.”

An impressive wine museum will include floor to ceiling glass overlooking the working barrel shed, and private dining rooms will be available for hire.

In a nod to Brokenwood legends past, a lookout and education space has been dedicated to long-standing Vineyard Manager, the late Keith Barry (KB).

An announcement is expected soon regarding the appointment of a Chef, but fresh and local produce will dominate the seasonal menu in both the café and restaurant.

Construction on the new cellar door complex commenced in November, with the existing cellar door remaining open during construction.

Cellar Door Terrace Entry

BROKENWOOD WINES NEW “Home in the Hunter” For Brokenwood Wines, one of the Hunter's most reputable wine labels, 2018 is going to be an exciting year, with their new cellar door, restaurant and café due to open towards the end of the year.

Along with the aim of boosting business, the new space will also bring more people to the Hunter region and increase local jobs.

Brokenwood was founded as a hobby venture in 1970 by three Sydney-based solicitors, Tony Albert, John Beeston and James Halliday.

The first vintage was picked in 1973, and while none of the original partners claimed to know anything about viticulture, the wine received praise and attracted a loyal following from the first vintage.

Chief Winemaker and Managing Director since 1982, Iain Riggs said, “this marks a significant moment in Brokenwood’s history. Our current Cellar Door was built in the 70’s, so this venture means a lot to us, but most importantly it will allow for more fun and exciting wine experiences for our dedicated customers”.

Innovative architecture and design duo, Eduardo and Maria Villa from Sydney-based Villa & Villa were brought on board to create a “Home in the Hunter” for Brokenwood’s wine club members and the Hunter Valley’s growing visitor numbers.

The building will feature a mixed palette of natural materials and will house a range of flexible spaces, all themed around the enjoyment of great wine.

Gone is the traditional long central bar. Instead, Brokenwood has opted for customer-focused wine pods. Guests can relax by the fire

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

Wine Glass Gallery Because great wine deserves a great wine glass

Staff, shareholders & guests

• Largest range of wine glasses in the Hunter Valley • Original artworks - all well priced • Amazing selection of colourful glass platters, vases and ornaments • Amusing collector teapots • Jewellery, seasonal scarves and handbags • Australian and Hunter Valley T-shirts and souvenirs Over 3,000 colourful eclectic products to choose from... Come and enjoy a friendly Hunter Valley Experience!

25 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

Image: Brent Leggett, Ignite Marketing

A NEW ERA

at Twine Restaurant WORDS Michelle Meehan

Daniel and Meagan Teggins always planned on opening their own restaurant. But, in a way, they have their one-year-old daughter to thank for finally turning their dream into a reality.

The couple have recently taken up the reins at Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate, after purchasing the picturesque venue in August this year.

Hunter chef Matt Dillow had previously owned the restaurant.

However, it had been closed to the public for 18 months and was only being used for private functions, such as the celebration held by the Teggins for their youngest daughter.

“My wife Meagan and I purchased Twine in August this year.

We have been in the industry for over 20 years and always planned to open our own restaurant,” Daniel said.

“We went there (Twine) for our daughter’s christening and first birthday in May, and we knew it was there, and it was for sale, but it looked like the sale had almost gone through to someone else, and unfortunately we’d missed it.

“But then we found out it was back on the market again, and we jumped on it.”

Daniel said they were drawn to the history and uniqueness of the venue, which was the first restaurant run by renowned chef Robert Molines when he moved to the Hunter in 1973.

“It’s a nice little package,” he said.

“

It's the whole one-stop shop, that's what the vineyards are all about, the picturesque grounds, the rolling vineyard views and the private dining room we've got off to the side of the restaurant, which works well with the locals" “We had been looking around, (planning to) venture out and did our own thing for a little while, but it just took some time to find the right venue.”

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 thb 26 | DECEMBER 2017

Of course, neither Daniel nor Meagan are newcomers to the Hunter Valley hospitality scene, with both moving into the industry straight out of school.

Like many teenagers, Daniel began his hospitality life working at McDonalds when he was 14 before taking on an apprenticeship at Mallees Restaurant on Hermitage Road (which no longer exists).

From there he moved to Rothbury Estate before working at a number of venues in Newcastle and spending six months travelling around Europe, cooking at several different restaurants around London.

He has worked at a number of award-winning restaurants both locally and overseas and has spent the past ten years as the catering manager and head chef for Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Irish Pub. Meagan has also been ensconced in the vineyard area for many years, having spent almost her entire career working for the Roche Group at a number of their venues, including Hunter Valley Gardens.

Passionate about his work, Daniel said he loved “pushing the boundaries” in terms of the dishes he prepares, with a focus on using fresh, local produce.

“I enjoy the changing styles, the fast-paced environment and seeing customers happy with their experience. I love to use local and fresh produce, letting the flavour speak for itself,” he said.

“I don’t really have a signature dish, I like to change things up, keep everything fresh, but my favourite cuisine would be Asian infusion.”

Twine Restaurant reopened to the public in early September with a modern Australian inspired menu, and Daniel said the response so far had been very positive.

The breakfast menu, in particular, has been attracting rave reviews from customers, offering everything from fig and almond granola and the ever-popular eggs benedict to the Twine Breakfast Board, which includes a glass of fresh juice, berry yoghurt, cured meats and local cheese, as well as a croissant, toasted bread and a pot of tea or an espresso.

Lunch diners can also choose from a mouth-watering array of options, from the roast pumpkin and baby beetroot salad to the house-

cured ocean trout, as well as the sumptuous sounding slow roast lamb shoulder.

“We’ve had to totally relaunch the restaurant; it was shut for 18 months, so we’ve had to basically start from scratch to let people know we’ve reopened the restaurant,” Daniel said.

“We plan on keeping our menu at Twine modern Australian and quite simplistic, appealing to everyone, with share platters and fresh local produce.

“We’ve been getting a lot of coach groups coming in, and they’re absolutely loving it, they come and do a wine tasting next door at Wynwood, and then they have a nice relaxing lunch and just enjoy the grounds of the property as well.”

Twine’s wine menu is also locally-focused, supporting some boutique Hunter vineyards that do not have a restaurant of their own, such as Piggs Peake Wines, Tulloch Wines and Saddler’s Creek Wines.

Twine Restaurant operates from 9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, while also catering for private functions and weddings.

Daniel & Meagan Teggins

S e r eenhadppi p i t y

t ortuna f A “

enstan ce”

Horace Walpole 1754

ENJOY TODAY!

A contemporary light Muscat Liqueur A Perfect Christmas Gift

2 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin Open 7 days 10am - 4pm • Phone 4991 5456 www.kelmanvineyard.com.au

27 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

ALL THE

Christmas

TRIMMINGS! Christmas is the time for enjoying the company of friends and family and indulging in delicious food.

While baked ham, delicious stuffed turkey or fresh seafood is inevitably going to take the centre stage of your festive feast, here are a few recipes for some of our other favourite Christmas dishes that are sure to delight your guests (and their taste buds!) just as much as the main course!

To help kick off your festivities in style, here is our favourite Christmas appetiser, roast pumpkin and caramelised onion bruschetta. This delicious creation from Donna Hollis, Executive Chef at RidgeView Restaurant, is guaranteed to please guests young and old.

RidgeView Restaurant’s Roast Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Bruschetta Ingredients • 1 butternut pumpkin • 1 Tbs olive oil • 1 pinch of salt • 2 large brown onions • 200 – 300ml balsamic vinegar • 100g raw sugar

• 1 loaf of sourdough • 200 – 300g Labna • Small amount of fetta to serve (optional)

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 180⁰c.

2. Cut butternut pumpkin into small pieces leaving skin on 3. Roast the pumpkin with olive oil and salt and pepper until soft and slightly caramelised 4. Slice brown onions and sauté in a pan for 1 to 2 minutes 5. Add balsamic vinegar and raw sugar to the pan 6. Allow to reduce until onions are soft and balsamic is slightly reduced, then remove from heat 7. Lightly toast sourdough and spread generously with Labna.

8. Arrange pumpkin and caramelised onions on sourdough and sprinkle with some fresh finely sliced oregano. If desired finish with a small amount of fetta and some caramelised balsamic.

9. Serve warm or cold Note: Remaining caramelised onions can be stored in an airtight container for a lengthy period.

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 thb 28 | DECEMBER 2017

If you are anything like us at the Hunter Blackboard office, you very rarely have any room left over for dessert after Christmas lunch or dinner. However, in case you do or are willing to try and squeeze it in, we have provided a recipe from Sabor in the Hunter for their delectable Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce. Trust us; it is worth leaving room for!

Sabor’s Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce Ingredients • • • • • •

400g pitted dates 150g self-raising flour 100g plain flour 3 eggs 140g caster sugar 100g butter (room temperature)

• • • • • • •

1.5 tsp bi-carb soda 330ml boiling water Butterscotch Sauce 250ml thickened cream 80g unsalted butter 200 brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

5. Fold in both flours as well as the date mixture until well combined.

6. Divide the mixture between the 8 muffin inserts then slightly tap the tray on the bench to smooth out the tops.

7. Bake for approximately 28-32 minutes or until the tops bounce back when you press down on them, then place aside.

8. Place the brown sugar, thickened cream, unsalted butter and vanilla extract in a saucepan over low to medium heat for approximately 7 minutes or until it’s golden brown and smooth (to thicken leave over medium heat for additional 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken up).

9. Remove puddings from moulds, place them on plates and pour over warm butterscotch sauce.

10. Serve with a vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped thickened cream.

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 190⁰c.

2. Grease a deep 8 serve muffin pan and line the pan with baking paper (or use non-stick baking cups).

3. Mash dates with the back of a fork then mix in the boiling water and bi-carb soda in a mixing bowl.

4. In a separate bowl put the caster sugar, and softened butter and beat until combined and creamy. Individually add the eggs while beating between each one.

Boxing Day Bloody Mary recipe While Christmas Day may be a day of celebrations with family and friends or an exhausting day dealing with excited kids and your irritating in-laws, unfortunately, a lot of us are going to end up with the dreaded Boxing Day hangover. Don’t waste the day away in bed, get rid of that nasty hangover with our Bloody Mary recipe…

Ingredients • Ice cubes • 30ml Valli Premium Vodka • 60ml Tomato juice, chilled • 1 lemon, washed, halved, sliced • 1 Tbs of fresh lemon juice • Splash of Worcestershire sauce

• Pinch of sugar • Pinch of ground black pepper • Dash of Tabasco sauce • Pinch of celery salt (optional) • Celery stalk, to garnish

Method 1. Fill three-quarters of a highball glass with ice cubes.

2. Add 30ml chilled vodka and 60ml chilled tomato juice to almost fill the glass.

3. Add a lemon slice, lemon juice, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

4. Stir in a pinch each of sugar, celery salt, and ground black pepper and a dash of Tabasco Sauce to taste.

5. Garnish with a celery stalk and celery salt around the rim if desired.

ACCOMMODATION BAR BRASSERIE BREWERY CONFERENCE EVENTS FUNCTIONS WEDDINGS

WINE COUNTRY DRIVE NULKABA NSW 2325 PHONE. 02 4991 7922 WEBSITE WWW.POTTERSHBR.COM.AU 29 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

LOCAL

By 1890, Morpeth’s days as a river port were effectively over, but the town’s comparative isolation meant that its historical shopfronts, wharves and even the hitching posts along the main street have survived intact.

Today, the National Trust-classified town of Morpeth is a premier boutique shopping and dining precinct and the ideal base to explore what the Hunter region has to offer.

A visit to Morpeth is a journey through narrow laneways, sandstone curbsides and into heritage buildings now occupied by more than 40 speciality stores, cafes and galleries, where you'll discover unique shopping, artisan treasures and delightful treats.

Catering to the most discerning of all retail explorers, shopping in Morpeth is an intimate and relaxed experience and a shopaholics dream. Whether you are looking for antiques, collectable books, unique jewellery, designer clothing and accessories, artworks, cheese and chocolate, you’ll find it all in Morpeth.

Take some time to stroll along the Morpeth Heritage Walk, to discover the vibrant history of Morpeth from a colonial river port to the buzzing township it is today by visiting 35 significant sites, such as St, James’ Church and Taylor’s Bond Stores, both constructed during the 1830’s and 1840’s.

After an active day shopping and exploring, make sure you treat yourself to a riverside lunch with some local wine or relax with a coffee and a locally made gourmet treat at one of the many tea-rooms, cafes or restaurants. Alternatively, relax in the park on the riverbank by the old wooden bridge, take in the beautiful scenery or sip an ale in the country pub.

While no longer famous for its primary industry, the Morpeth of today continues to thrive with many visitors exploring the township each year and is a fantastic and truly enjoyable place to visit.

Just Down the River at

MORPETH Renowned for being a popular tourist destination, Morpeth is the perfect mix of old and new. Just a short drive from Wine Country and only 37km from Newcastle, this charming and historic town is idyllically situated along the banks of the Hunter River and offers all the simple pleasures of a country town along with the opportunity for stylish shopping and dining.

Morpeth was founded in 1821 by Lieutenant Edward Close who built his homestead five years later and developed the town into a thriving river port for ships distributing goods both nationally and worldwide. In its day, Morpeth was the largest inland seaport of the new Australian colony, and commercial icons such as Brambles, Sims Metal, Arnott’s and Soul’s Pharmacy were all born in this wonderful town.

Gartelmann Wines is one of the Hunter Valley’s most respected winegrowers. Established in 1996, we welcome visitors to taste our extensive range of wines.

OPEN 7 DAYS | 701 Lovedale Road, Lovedale NSW | p: 02 4930 7113

thb 30 | DECEMBER 2017

TAMBURLAINE The most unique, relaxed wine experience in the Hunter Come enjoy spectacular views and premium wines, including an exclusively Hunter Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Relax by the fire, listen to music and indulge in the peace and vistas our vineyard and cellar door has to offer!

Pre-book for a late afternoon underground cellar tasting experience with cheese platter and if you desire a tasting of a cellar aged wine of your choice.

999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin Open 7 Days • PH 4998 7295 • MOB 0407 109 992 www.blueberryhill.com.au

Whether it's a luscious Hunter estate Pinot Gris, a beautiful Sangiovese or a wonderful Pinot Grigio for the warmer months...

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.

The Midas Touch

Despite already achieving a five red-star rating in James Halliday’s ‘Wine Companion’, as well as local, national and international wine show recognition, Tamburlaine Organic Wines continue to strive to innovate and always bring something different to the table through great blends and single varietal award-winning wines.

2017 has been a golden year for Tamburlaine Organic Wines. The jewel of Tamburlaine’s crown has been their 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It kicked off the year receiving 91 points and a Gold medal from the 2017 International Organic Wine Awards in Germany, followed by winning trophies for Best Cabernet Sauvignon in Show and Best Red Wine in Show at the 2017 Australian Highlands Show.

This wine truly blossomed at the 2017 Orange Wine Show taking home a Gold medal and the Best Cabernet Sauvignon in Show trophy. Most recently, it blew the judges away at the NSW Wine Awards, winning two trophies, Best Young Cabernet and Best Organic Wine, along with yet another Gold medal.

With a total haul of five trophies and 3 Gold medals, it would be fair to say that the Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the must-try wines of 2017.

One of the big surprises from Tamburlaine’s winning streak was their 2017 ‘Preservative Free’ Cabernet Merlot that won a Gold medal at the recent 2017 Pier One NSW Wine Awards. It was entered in the Young Red blends category against 28 other wines and is one of the first sulphur-free wines to pick up a Gold medal at any wine show. A fantastic achievement for a winemaking team that is passionate about producing ‘preservative free’ wines.

Much more than a Vineyard.

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

VINEYARD

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

Come Waltzing with Matilda...

205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin • PH 4998 7887 www.constablevineyards.com.au 31 | DECEMBER 2017 thb

B

C

D

E

F

TO SINGLETON

G

H

I

ALE RD

RD KE BRO

J

PUTTY RD

K i

HV Cheese

i

L

De

B

e r t s Road

M

DRIV NTRY OU C E Fletcher St

POKOLBIN2 (SOUTH)

Visitor Information

i

i

Hungerford Hill Wines

i

d oa sR Olsen Road

n do Lon

30KM >

N

Fleming St

Hunter Beer Co.

Po�ers Hotel

The Brickworks Brasserie

Lomas Lane

Capercaillie Wines

Londons Rd

i

M

De Beyers Road

Halls Rd

Roche Estate ad Ro Oishii Japanese-Thai rs e Restaurant ey

De Beyers Rd

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Pokolbin Estate

Campbells Lne

Handmade in the Hunter Markets at Kevin Sobels Wines

i

i

N WI

Hunters Quarter Restaurant

i

i

E IV DR

Harrigans Irish Pub

Australian Alpaca Barn

i

i

LOVEDA

Tho mp Factory son Golden ’s R d Door Elysia

i

BROKE ROAD

Lodge Road

LOVEDALE

i

L

D e Beyers Road

Ekerts Road

BROKE ROAD

HV Chocolate Co.

D

Hunter Dis�llery

i

Lambloch Estate

Sabor in the Hunter Pokolbin Village

MCDONALDS ROAD

i

Gillards Road Constable Estate

Adina Vineyard HV Reflec�ons Day Spa

The Deck Café

TO NEWCASTLE

K

Greenway Wines

< 15KM >

The Cellar Restaurant The Garden Cellars

HV Chocolate Co.

i Gartelmann Wines

i

MORPETH TO BRANXTON MAITLAND MORPETH

Brickmans Lane

Australian Alpaca Barn

LOVEDALE ROAD

BROKE

OD

HV Chocolate Co. Balloon Alo� Mee�ng Point Peterson House

Green Lane

i

Morpeth An�que Centre

20

J

TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

M ILL BR

The Verandah Restaurant

i

St Swan

19

I

Exclusive Diamond Co.

Wine Glass Gallery

C NE Palmers Lane

Y

i

OU NT R

Emma’s Co�age Vineyard

i

TO MORPETH RD EAST MAITLAND

ER HUNTER RIV

18

H

Ascella Organic Wines

i

I

Wilderness Road

HV Horseriding and Adventures

TO WINE COUNTRY DRIVE

Pierres Wines

17

G

Australian Alpaca Barn

Palmers Lane

W

Fleet St

Drinan St

Talga Road

D HWY

TO MAITLAND

16

M

Hunter Valley Gardens HVG Shopping Village

asy

15

F

TO SINGLETON

Deasys Road

De

d oa sR

Blueberry Hill

d

Cl

NEW ENGLAN

Tuckers Lane

14

BRANXTON

Sta�on St

Lan

e

HERMITAGE ROAD

Hermitage Road Cellars

Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse

Hunter Valley Wine Theatre Hunter Valley Wine School

POKOLBIN1 (NORTH)

Coulso nR

Road rth No

13

ST BRIDGE

Mistle to e

O

Tin�lla Estate

ad

Sweetwater Road

Old No rth Ro

Old

B lackburn

DR IV

i

i

Ro ad

TO BRANXTON

12

k St

Mistletoe Winery

k Hill Rd Ironbar

rth

11

CLIFF ST

iHop Stop

No

10

AY W SS E PR EX

E

Thompsons’s Rd

i

ld

9

C O UNTRY Tan

Spa/Health Retreat

8

oad Camp R

Markets

7

R TE

Gourmet Produce

RidgeView Wines and Restaurant

6

N HU

Shopping

TO SINGLETON

5

WI NE

Cellar Door

Restaurant

MAP NOT TO SCALE

4 k Rd Par onix Phe

D

Ek

3 Elderslie Rd

C

A

2

B

O LE R

A E

1

A N

e Lan rs ajo

McCarthy Rd

E

MC

Q

R

S

T

2

3

U

NG SSI RO C S NE

V

W

KM < 30 D A RO

6

X 7

9 10

Baumé Café, Restaurant & Bar N8 Burgerfiend Q17 Harrigans Irish Pub L9 Hunters Quarter M9 Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse F5 Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen O8 Oishii Japanese Thai L11 The Brickworks Brasserie (Potters Hotel) N16 RidgeView Restaurant B7 Sabor in the Hunter K13 The Cellar Restaurant K10 The Deck Café F18 The Verandah Restaurant I13

RESTAURANTS + CAFÉS

8

15

16

17

Balloon Alo� (Pickup Point) K14 Cessnock Regional Art Gallery Q17 Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa L9 Hunter Beer Co. N16 HV Horseriding & Adventures D17 Hunter Valley Gardens K10 HV Reflec�ons Day Spa H17 HV Wine Theatre F5 HV Wine School F5 iHop HV stop i

14

ACTIVITIES

13

TO QUORROBOLONG

TO SYDNEY M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY

19

20

Handmade in the Hunter Markets K12

MARKETS

Australian Alpaca Barn K9/K10 Australian Alpaca Barn (Morpeth) B19 Exclusive Diamond Co. K10 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village K10 Morpeth An�que Centre (Morpeth) C18 Pokolbin Village K11 The Garden Cellars K10 Wine Glass Gallery K10

SHOPS

18

Beers, beers and more beers at The Garden Cellars (K10)

The Hunter Providore (Adina Vineyard) H17 Pokolbin Estate M10 HV Cheese Factory L10 HV Chocolate Co. K10/K13/K14

12

Str ee t

GOURMET PRODUCE

11

adee n Rd

Hunter Dis�llery K6 Iron Gate Estate O13 Ivanhoe Wines P8 Kelman Vineyard Q14 Lambloch Estate K13 Mistletoe Winery E4 Mount Pleasant Q9 Peterson House K14 Pierres Wines A16 Pokolbin Estate M10 RidgeView Wines B7 Tamburlaine Organic Wines M10 Tin�lla Estate E5 The Garden Cellars K10

5

d ar Ced C r e e k R

4

Ke nd all

CESSNOCK

ABERDARE ROAD

Burgerfiend

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery

OAD MAITLAND R

TO ABERMAIN KURRI KURRI MAITLAND NEWCASTLE

X

Adina Vineyard H17 Ascella Organic Wines I1 Ben Ean N8 Blueberry Hill E10 Capercaillie Wines L16 Constable Estate J9 Emma’s Co�age Vineyard G14 Gartelmann Wines F18 Greenway Wines K3 Hanging Tree Wines O13 Hermitage Road Cellars F5 Hungerford Hill Wines K14

PAY

W

CELLAR DOORS

1

Bimb

D ER AL D AN

V

Narone Creek Rd

ht R

OM

AD RO

AL L

NULKABA

St

U

GREAT NORTH ROAD TO SYDNEY VIA PEATS RIDGE

WOLLOMBI ROAD

M ou

nt B rig

L OL

BI

MOUNT VIEW ROAD

Kelman Vineyard

Kerlew Street

et tre tS en c n St Vin rwi Da

and

MOUNTVIEW

Mount View Rd

Marrowbone Road

Iron Gate Estate

O’Connors Road

l ber Cum

T

24.5K M>

Mount Pleasant

Ivanhoe Wines

OAKEY CREEK ROAD

Twine Restaurant

Hanging Tree Wines

S

WOLLOMBI

Recover from NYE with all day brunch at Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen (O8)

There are heaps of Christmas gift ideas at Wine Glass Gallery (K10)

Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen

Ben Ean Baumé Café, Restaurant & Bar

CDONALDS RD

R

M

P

Q

<2 4.5 K

O P

W

O

D

COMING UP 3 NOV - 27 JAN'18

January 5 & 19

WOLLOMBI VILLAGE MARKETS CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

at Wollombi Village

20

at Maitland Park, Maitland & Allan Bull Reserve, Singleton

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR at Hunter Valley Gardens

Take the family to Hunter Valley Gardens this holiday season to celebrate the Christmas Lights Spectacular! This popular annual event is returning to bring the magic of Christmas for the 11th year in a row. With millions of decorative lights on display throughout designated areas, see many of your favourites including the Twelve Days of Christmas arrangement, Cinderella’s Castle and pumpkin carriage and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

The Christmas Lights Spectacular is open every night with live entertainment, food and beverage stalls, and you can even have your photo taken with Santa up until Christmas. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hvg.com.au

As the warmer weather returns so does Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars. Now celebrating their 11th season, Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars is now recognised as Australia’s largest free regional outdoor cinema program.

Cinema Under the Stars provides a fun family night out with a line-up of talented entertainers and a charming animated movie the whole family can enjoy. The little ones can practice their circus skills with Circus in Education or play small-sided football in the giant inflatable pitch, all while the family sits back and enjoys the brilliant musicians playing live on the night.

As the sun goes down, get the popcorn ready as the movie begins on the big screen with The Secret Life of Pets showing at Allan Bull Reserve in Singleton on Friday 5th January and Moana showing at Maitland Park in Maitland on Friday 19th January.

For more information visit the Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars Facebook page.

7

6

HUNTER VALLEY FINE FOOD MARKET at Tyrrell's Wines

thb 34 | DECEMBER 2017

BROKE VILLAGE MARKET

at McNamara Park, Broke

26

14

THRASHVILLE

at Dashville, Lower Belford After the success of the inaugural event in 2017, Thrashville returns bigger and better in 2018 with the announcement that punk legends Frenzal Rhomb will headline the second instalment of this new festival on the calendar.

A band that needs little introduction, Frenzal Rhomb have been Australia's leading purveyors of cutting and catchy punk rock for over 20 years. Known for their blistering melodies and social satire, the four-piece recently dropped new record Hi-Vis High Tea and are now on their way to a stirring Dashville debut.

Other acts that have been announced so far include Melbournian punk purveyors Batpiss, Newcastle pop-punk foursome Paper Thin and VOIID, an all-female punk band from Brisbane.

Thrashville embraces the slightly heavier punk, hard rock and metal musical genres and offers loads of awesome extras like skateboard and BMX demonstrations and graffiti art displays. It's one day to drink and be merry and bask in the full throttle riffage of some of Australia's craziest musical legends.

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

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

at East End Oval, Cessnock All members of the community are invited to Cessnock City Council’s Australia Day celebrations. There will be a huge range of activities including welcoming Australia’s newest citizens, recognising those in our community who do an outstanding job, as well as sharing a bite to eat and enjoying the annual Mayor’s Cup cricket match.

The day will kick off with a Citizenship Ceremony and the Australia Day Awards at the East Cessnock Bowling Club from 10am to 12pm.

The official proceedings will be followed by a free barbecue lunch from 12pm to 2pm at East End Oval, Victoria Street.

The Mayor’s Cup Cricket match sees first grade cricketers from the Cessnock LGA go head to head. It is a free event for the community to enjoy, with the Mayor’s eleven starting as 12.30pm and presentation of the trophy at 3.30pm.

In true Aussie style the weather will likely be warm so be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen and a comfortable chair to sit on for the oval activities. For more information visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

26

WOLLOMBI AUSTRALIA DAY MARKETS at Wollombi Saleyards

www.itmustbemorpeth.com.au

HunterValleyGardensShopping.com.au

Shopping Village 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.

EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND CO. - An elegant and stunning new store to the village, offering a range of European, contemporary and individualised pieces. Choose a stunning natural diamond, tanzanite or gemstone piece or perhaps something from our exclusive Larimar range.

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. Phone 4998 6530.

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.

Play WINE GLASS GALLERY - Hundreds of beautiful wine glasses - Amazing glass vases, bowls, platters & ornaments plus gorgeous silk flowers. Unique tea lights. Amusing collector teapots. Infusers and candles. Seasonal Scarves. Souvenirs Aust. & Hunter Valley.

Comical wine glasses, coasters and much more.

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 to explore the delicious beans of Segafredo Coffee & relax in a peaceful nook – takeaway also. Tempt your tastebuds with our delicious home-style wraps or pancakes, as well as Hunter Valley Cookies and the famous Hunter Valley Gelato. Come, Enjoy, Savour...

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 JOLIE HAIR MAKEUP BEAUTY - Jolie offers style cuts, colour services, hairstyling and several beauty services including waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures, massage, makeup and more. Book today on 4998 6844.

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 - Featuring the finest hand Crafted Hunter Liqueurs, Extra Virgin Olive Oils, table olives and Boutique Gifts. This is your one stop flavour destination when visiting the Hunter.

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 POKOLBIN FARM SHOP - A modern convenience store & local produce collective.

Including meats, dairy, vegies, crafts & souvenirs. Phone 4998 7191.

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.

BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN. OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM