The Hunter Blackboard | January 2017

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

BLACKBOARD

20 Things

TO DO IN THE HUNTER! It’s Ciders Time to Shine!

ICE CREAM...

The Perfect Summer Treat!

JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7 | I S S U E # 1 1 9

THE HUNTER BLACKBOARD IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...

FOR YOUR DIARY

January

UNTIL THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY | CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR | Hunter Valley Gardens | Take the family to Hunter Valley Gardens this

holiday season to celebrate the Christmas Lights Spectacular! The annual event has returned to bring the magic of Christmas to visitors for the 10th year in a row. With millions of decorative lights on display throughout designated areas, see many of your favourites and some exciting unseen features, including the Christmas Lights Fun Zone - which is full of obstacle courses, a jumping castle, arcade alley and a massive HVG Super Slide! The Spectacular is open every night with live entertainment, throughout January. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.hvg.com.au

FRIDAY 13TH AND 20TH JANUARY | CINEMA UNDER THE STARS | Maitland and Singleton | As the warmer months return so does Newcastle

PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: PH +61 2 4943 2888 HunterValleyOnline.com.au enquiries@wcpmedia.com.au WCP MEDIA Suite 4, 2 Smith St, Charlestown, NSW 2290 January 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 January 2017 until the 31st January 2017 inclusive or while stocks last.

Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars! 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. As the sun goes down, see Kung Fu Panda 3 showing at Maitland Park in Maitland on Friday 13th January, and The Good Dinosaur at Allan Bull Reserve in Singleton on Friday 20th January.

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

SATURDAY 21ST JANUARY | THRASHVILLE | Dashville, Lower Belford | Each year, the Hunter Valley calendar is full of musical performances from a wide range of genres from classic Aussie rock to jazz and even opera.

However, this year there will be another musical offering, as the creators of The Gumball, Pigsty in July and Dashville Skyline present the slightly heavier Thrashville! See the likes of legendary punk band Cosmic Psychos, iconic Sydney punk band Hard-On's, plus a solid lineup of bands both young and old.

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

SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY | FLICKS ON THE GREEN | Grays Inn, Wollombi | Setting the stage for the return of the Wollombi Classic Film

Festival (Feb 24-26, 2017), the Wollombi Film Society brings you Flicks on The Green in the beautiful Grays Inn Garden! The film of choice this time is Rabbit Proof Fence, a tale of 3 'half-cast' girls escaping an Aboriginal re-education camp to return home, 2400km away. A special Q & A with Director Phillip Noyce will follow! Tickets are $15, or $60 for a dinner and movie package at Panino Caffè & Restaurant. For more information or to book, call 4998 3483.

26TH - 29TH JANUARY | SLIDEAPALOOZA| Calais Estate | Ready, Set, SLIDE!

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!

thb 2 | JANUARY 2017

Slideapalooza is coming to the Hunter Valley for a weekend of giant waterslides, fun, fitness, music and food. The rolling hills of Calais Estate will play host to a range of slides, including the world’s longest inflatable water slide over multiple sliding sessions designed to cater for everyone’s needs. The festival kicks off with the world record attempt on Thursday, followed by the Slide ‘n’ Solo and Slide ‘n’ Family sessions on Friday and Sunday. Saturday hosts the Slide 'n' Sprint - a fun 5km for the fitness fanatics! More information on events and tickets at www.slideapalooza.com.au

SATURDAY 28TH AND SUNDAY 29TH JANUARY | 2017 HUNTER VALLEY AIR SHOW | Maitland Airfield, Rutherford| Get ready for the most spectacular air show the Hunter Valley has ever seen! With displays from the RAAF, Australia’s top civilian aerobatic team the Sky Aces, classic Military Fighter planes, plus recreational aircraft there will be some stunning action in the skies above Maitland Airfield in Rutherford. Some of the fantastic aerial displays confirmed so far are Paul Bennets Wolf Pitts Pro, The Sky Aces aerobatics team, RAAF Roulettes PC-9, T28 Trojan, TBM Avenger, Russian Roolettes aerobatics team, parachute displays, powered paragliders plus many more! There will also be plenty to do and see on the ground. For more information visit www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au WANT MORE? Keep up to date with events in the Hunter by visiting www.huntervalleyonline.com.au

FROM THE EDITORS Summer is now well and truly upon us and as always, Hunter Valley Gardens swing into action with fun outdoor activities for the kids. Do your kids love all things creepy crawly? Or maybe they are fascinated by prehistoric predators?

fastest growing segment of the alcoholic beverage market with sales spiking during the hottest months of the year as consumers seek to quench their thirst with something fresh and fruity. There are some delectable drops to be found around wine country – from wineries to breweries – you’ll find them right here in this issue.

During the January school holidays, Hunter Valley Gardens will become home to Mega Creatures when they host this family-friendly event showcasing some of Australia’s largest animatronic bugs and dinosaurs. Of course, the Christmas Lights Spectacular continues until the 26th of January as well - so you can enjoy two events for the price of one!

If you’ve got a list of New Year’s resolutions to put in place, the team at Golden Door Elysia have a few top tips for you! From co-operative gardening to mobile phone habits and mindfulness – there’s some trends for 2017 that are easy to incorporate into any busy lifestyle.

Nothing says "Summer" quite like ice cream and with the mercury on the rise, a scoop or two either in a cone or a bowl is a perfect way to beat the summer heat. Thankfully there are plenty of places in the heart of wine country to indulge your cravings and this month we’ve tracked them down for you!

Another burgeoning summer staple is the refreshing Cider. It’s the

This month's "Summer Issue" of The Hunter Blackboard is also full of the things we like to do most at this time of the year. From wine tasting (of course) to golf, to ballooning, picnicking, cycling, dining, visiting local markets or even checking out the white lion twins at the zoo – this issue has our 20 favourite Hunter Valley activities.

Our new menu is now here!

The team at Harrigan’s have been creating a delicious menu for you, with some great new dishes to suit all occasions.

Enjoy!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Contents 8

THINGS TO DO

There is so much more to do in the Hunter Valley than just drink great wine and eat delicious food, so we have created a list of 20 of our favourite Hunter Valley activities!

ON THE GRAPEVINE

10

TOP ICE CREAM SPOTS

12

2017 WELLNESS TRENDS

16

Find out everything that is hot and happening in Wine Country this month, from the opening of an exciting new café to what we should expect from this year’s upcoming vintage.

Scoops of creamy iced confection piled high on top of a crisp wafer cone, nothing says summer quite like ice cream!

Forget the fad diets that promise to help you achieve your new year’s resolution, the team at Golden Door have shared their health and wellness trends that we should all adopt in 2017!

CIDER'S TIME TO SHINE

20

HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAP

32

Call 4998 4300 and book a table today

The Hunter is renowned for its premium wine and the local beer brewing business is booming, but this summer consumers are looking to quench their thirst with something fresh and fruity…

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

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

3 | JANUARY 2017 thb

HOT IN THE HUNTER

Something Special

A

Amongst the galleries and coffee shops in Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village lies Wilson & Hunter - a shop full of beautiful and unique jewellery, clothing and accessories. With a love of style and quality, Wilson & Hunter can help you find something special, something a little bit different and even something a little luxurious.

B

Savour the Hunter After Dark!

C

Our picks this month come from the Samantha Wills jewellery collection.

If you love these pieces you will LOVE what you find instore or online!

WHERE Wilson & Hunter, Shop 10 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Broke Road Pokolbin.

You can shop online at www.wilsonandhunter.com.au

Looking for the best way to experience the Hunter after the sun goes down?

D

Pictured: A Bohemian Bardot Ring, $99. B Wildest Dreams Gold Collar Necklace - White Howlite, $199. C Dawns Exhale Fine Cuff, $99. D Hunter gatherer Grand Earrings, $119.

ORS EDIPTI C K JAN

UA

iHop Hunter Valley have you covered on Friday and Saturday nights with a seven-course wine and cheese matching, a two-course tapas style dinner, followed by a visit to the Hunter's sweet spot - Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar! Complimentary transfers are (usually) included, with a 5.30pm start. The tour is $145pp, or $180pp with the day pass.

Bookings are essential (book by 2pm on day of tour).

WHERE iHop Hunter Valley, PH 0455 535 035 E explore@ihophuntervalley.com.au www.ihophuntervalley.com.au

RY

Taste the

FLAVOUR! Matilda Bay is Pokolbin’s first boutique brewhouse, starting as the Bluetongue Brewery in 2001 - now only a glass wall separates you from the original brewhouse.

The Ultimate Adventure!

The best way to see the Hunter is to get outdoors and experience it first hand. Hunter Valley Horseriding and Adventures at Hilltop enable visitors to ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range on a 300 acre secluded property, with views stretching to Wine Country, the Lower Hunter and as far north as the Barrington Tops. What a great place for an adventure!

Horseriding is available every day for the beginner to the most experienced in the form of trail rides, personalised rides, sunset rides, pony rides, school holiday camps, family rides... the list goes on! The property also has room for mountain bike riding (BYO bike) and hiking. Accommodation is also available (guesthouses and villas), with kids staying free (villas only) during school holidays!

WHERE Hunter Valley Horseriding and Adventures, 288 Talga Road, Rothbury. PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008.

E ride@huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

thb 4 | JANUARY 2017

Matilda Bay offers 12 amazing craft beers on tap, all of which you can buy on a tasting paddle to smell, scrutinise, analyse, and taste (all in the name of research of course)!

So come enjoy an afternoon at Matilda Bay, where you can savour lunch or dinner, and laze the day away listening to music with a beer in hand.

WHERE Matilda Bay Brewhouse, Hunter Resort, Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin.

Open 7 days, lunch and dinner. www.hunterresort.com.au

MEGA

CREATURES! Explore a little deeper into Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays and you will discover a spectacular display of giants that will thrill both parents and children alike!

Now in its third year, the Mega Creatures event showcases some of Australia’s largest animatronic bugs and dinosaurs, getting you up close and personal with an amazing variety of enormous insects and roaring monsters.

Mega Creatures will be on show during the day and night from the 2nd to 26th January 2017, offering the perfect family-friendly outing.

Displays include the infamous 8 metre T-Rex, giant Triceratops, towering tarantula, mega-sized snail and much more.

Kids of all ages will be delighted (or even terrified!) as they experience life-like sounds and movements of these giant dinosaurs and creepy crawlies. They may even learn a thing or two about our prehistoric friends.

After your exciting encounters with the animatronic Mega Creatures, why not extend the experience and visit the Hunter Valley Gardens’ dazzling Christmas Light Spectacular, which is now being held until 26th January 2017.

The Mega Creatures exhibition is open from 9am to 4pm and 6.30pm to 10pm daily. To find out more visit www.hvg.com.au

Photos by Chris Elfes

INCLUDING THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FROM 6.30PM EVERY NIGHT DAY & NIGHT EVENT 2 - 26 JANUARY 2017

Immerse yourself in the land of the Mega Creatures at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays! See giant animatronic Mega Bugs and Dinosaurs on display including; T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Spinosaurus and more.

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

BROKE ROAD POKOLBIN - PH: 02 4998 4000

#HunterValleyGardens #MegaCreatures

Admission charges apply. Program subject to change. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance.

Terms and conditions of entry apply. For your safety and comfort there are height and age restrictions on some rides and attractions.

5 | JANUARY 2017 thb

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 Childrens Sulky Rides • Tractor Hay Rides to Feed the Animals!

Spotlight Safari Tour to see the Nocturnal Wildlife - Departs After Sunset School holiday fun in the country for kids - pony rides and tractor hay rides to feed the animals!

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

FINALIST

of the Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

thb 6 | JANUARY 2017

@GOLDENDOORAUSTRALIA

Cosmic Psychos

The Hard-Ons

THRASHVILLE

Heavy music fans rejoice! From the creators of The Gum Ball, Pigsty in July and Dashville Skyline comes Thrashville, an exciting new outdoor heavy music festival to be held Saturday, 21st January 2017 in the grounds of Dashville at Belford in the Hunter Valley.

The inaugural event will feature a solid line-up of bands, both young and old, coming together in a celebration of punk, rock and metal music, skateboarding, BMX, graffiti street art and more.

In a massive coup for the event, legendary Australian punk band Cosmic Psychos will be headlining. Formed by three farmers in 1982 in Spring Plains, Victoria, the band had a significant influence on the Seattle Sound during the 1990's, and were seen as some of the pioneers of grunge. Their raw passion and sound has had an unsung impact on international music, with Kurt Cobain from Nirvana reportedly being a fan and Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam revealing the Cosmic Psychos had an early influence on him and the band.

Thrashville’s other headliner The Hard-On’s, are one of Australia’s most successful independent bands with over 250,000 albums sold.

Emerging from Punchbowl in 1981, the punk rockers have assembled a cult following of fans worldwide, showcasing their messy pop-punk style with elements of metal and psychedelia thrown in for good measure.

The line-up also features Melbourne rockers Clowns, local Hunter Valley rock band Mischling, The Neptune Power Federation, Mucho Sonar, Zombonimo, Jen Buxton, Anamata plus many more.

The creators of Thrashville are hoping to make it an annual event so are calling on fans of the heavy music genre to get behind the inaugural festival. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dashville.com.au/thrashville

James Taylor & HIS ALL STAR BAND WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

Ber nard Fanning & Kasey Chambers.

SUN 12TH FEBRUARY

7 | JANUARY 2017 thb

TO DO

20

THINGS TO DO

IN THE HUNTER! WORDS CARLA ELKIN

There are endless fun experiences in the Hunter. If you're looking for something to do, here is a great list to get you started!

1. Taste wine (obviously!)

With more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia, make sure you visit cellar doors of all different sizes and with different specialities, to taste the best the Hunter Valley has to offer!

5. Shop ‘til you drop!

What’s a trip without shopping? Take advantage of independent boutiques at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village and Pokolbin Village.

6. Chill out in Broke

Nestled in the foothills of the Brokenback Range, Broke Fordwich offers premium wines, fresh olive oils, luxury accommodation and wonderful restaurants and cafes in a tranquil and intimate Hunter Valley community.

7. Stroll through an art gallery

A broad range of artworks by talented local artists are on show throughout the year at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery or Emma’s Cottage Vineyard.

8. Dine, Dine, Dine!

From casual to fine dining, you won’t go hungry in the Hunter Valley! Start with a bubbly breakfast, enjoy a long lunch overlooking the vineyards, or dine at one of the world class restaurants.

2. For more than a taste...

Visit the Hunter Valley Wine Theatre at Hunter Resort to learn how the grapes on the vine are transformed into the wine in your glass.

The cellarmaster will also teach you how to taste wine and how to appreciate a wine’s bouquet, to make you sound like a true wine connoisseur.

3. Enjoy an outdoor concert

Spend an evening with live music, gourmet food and fine wines.

Hope Estate, Roche Estate and Bimbadgen Estate play host to worldrenowned performances throughout the year.

4. See the Hunter Valley from top to bottom

Pick up a copy of the latest issue of Wine & Dine Hunter Valley featuring all the best wine and food experiences, pick a wine trail and away you go…

thb 8 | JANUARY 2017

The Twig, HVG Shopping Village

9. Tee Time!

You’ll have a difficult time keeping your eye on the ball on any one of the championship golf courses, with the beautiful vineyards and the Brokenback ranges in view. Another option is Aqua Golf or Putt Putt at Hunter Valley Gardens!

10. Reserve Spa time

Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at Golden Door Spa Elysia or Hunter Valley Reflections Day Spa. There’s no reason to be stressed while in the Hunter Valley.

11. Picnic with a view

Purchase a gourmet picnic pack from Two Fat Blokes and set out for any of the great picnic spots around the Valley.

Take flight over the Valley!

12. Take a hike

Enjoy a walk through the Watagans State Forest. Only 30 minutes from Cessnock, the Watagans State Forest offers the perfect place to explore Australia’s native plants and wildlife on several well-defined walking trails.

13. Balloon over the Valley

Take to the skies in the quiet of the morning with Balloon Aloft as they take you up, up and away in one of their balloons to be amazed by the breathtaking view of the Hunter Valley.

14. Get yourself in gear

Explore the Hunter Valley off the beaten track on a bicycle, Segway or even on horseback! Horse riding is available every day for the inexperienced (the beginner) and the experienced rider at Hunter Valley Horseriding and Adventures in Lovedale. Segway Nature Tours can be taken from Hunter Resort – where you can also hire an electric bike!

(Paella), Hunter Resort (including Candy making and a wide range of menu styles) and Majors Lane (Asian Cuisine).

15. Tour and taste the unusual

18. Explore Australia’s largest display garden

The Hunter Valley offers so much more than just wineries, so break away from the ordinary with an olive oil tasting at the Hunter Olive Centre or Adina Vineyard, a beer tasting at Hunter Beer Co or Hope Brewhouse, or a test tube spirit tasting at Hunter Distillery!

16. Take a tour

Sit back, relax and put your trust in your tour guide as they take you to a selection of wineries for tastings as well as a few hidden gems that only the locals know about!

17. Have fun cooking

Register for cooking classes where you’ll learn about foods and wine pairing, and prepare your own gourmet meal. Classes can be found at Sandalyn Estate (Pasta Making and Sushi), The Verandah Restaurant

Try a Bubbly Breakfast at Peterson House

In the heart of Wine Country, you will find the magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens, with over 60 acres of spectacular display gardens that will amaze you with sights, colours, fragrances and adventures.

19. Wander through the markets

Find delicious, locally grown and produced gourmet goodies and unique handmade crafts. Check out the Handmade in the Hunter Markets every second Saturday at Kevin Sobels Wines.

20. Go wild at Hunter Valley Zoo

Feed the kangaroos, pat a wombat, cuddle up to a koala, touch a reptile and see the range of other animals including American alligators, Tasmanian devils, exotic birds, meerkats and more. Don’t forget to check out the newest arrivals, White Lions - Kovu and Nala!

There's plenty of things to do at Hunter Resort on Hermitage Road!

9 | JANUARY 2017 thb

WHAT'S HAPPENING

On the

GRAPEVINE Time stands still for nobody in the Hunter Valley. Properties and businesses are regularly changing hands and there are always new and exciting ventures, offering unique and different experiences.

Here are just a few of the more recent happenings and developments in the area:

Vintage 2017 The Vineyards are at their best at this time of the year – bursting with life, lush green foliage and ripe grapes, just weeks away from the 2017 harvest.

Zaihs Restaurant. Image by Chris Elfes.

Darren Scott, Owner and Winemaker at RidgeView Wines, believes we are on track for a fairly good vintage in 2017. “As long as the rains are fairly spaced and the humidity holds off - we will be in a good position for Vintage this year,” he said.

Zaih’s - An Exciting New Restaurant for Lovedale Fast gaining a reputation for having some of the best wine and food experiences, the Lovedale dining scene has stepped up a notch with talented chef Michael Robinson taking on the role of Executive Chef at Zaih’s – the recently renovated dining space at Emma’s Cottage Vineyard on Wilderness Road in Lovedale.

With an impeccable career as a chef, Michael has worked at The Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral, La Trompette in London and also Ortolan in LA. Returning to Australia, he joined Justin North at Bécasse (2 hats) as joint Head Chef before launching North’s Quarter Twenty One (one hat) as Head Chef. He was also Head Chef at Margan Restaurant in Broke Fordwich before leaving to go out on his own and establish Zaih’s in Lovedale.

Joining Michael as Head Chef is Lucas Laird, who until recently was Sous Chef at Margan Restaurant, and brings to the table his passion for fresh produce and innovation.

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 10 | JANUARY 2017

Zaih’s is open Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sundays from 9am to 3pm for brunch and lunch. For more information contact 4998 7734.

In addition, Arnaout has announced the appointment of Bryan Currie as Senior Winemaker and General Manager of both Hungerford Hill and Sweetwater Estate.

SABOR Tea Room – For Lovers of Traditional High Tea

Wandin Valley Estate – New Owners and Management

Fernando and Renata Antao, the couple behind popular Hunter Valley sweet spot – SABOR in the Hunter Dessert Bar on Broke Road in Pokolbin, have recently launched SABOR Tea Room at the original Sabor site on Wilderness Road in Lovedale. SABOR Tea Room specialises in traditional high tea with a tiered platter of delightful treats that include croissants, brioche, vol-au-vents and scones accompanied by a unique selection of SABOR cakes and desserts – making for the perfect high tea experience and to mark that special occasion. For more information contact 1300 958 939.

For more than a decade, Wandin Valley Estate has been one of the Hunter Valley's most eye-catching attractions, with its vineyard and olive groves, Spanish-style villas and an English county-style cricket ground and pavilion attracting almost as much interest as its produce.

The 40-hectare property, once known as Millstone Vineyard, was sold

by Russell and Katrina Lesley and includes a vineyard of about eight hectares, a 50-seat restaurant and a mature olive grove.

Dear Coffee – Latest Coffee Hot Spot at HVG Shopping Village A sanctuary for coffee lovers and owned by the de Wet family, Dear Coffee recently opened its doors to their newly renovated coffee shop at Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village. In addition to making amazing Segafredo coffee, they are also providing customisable crepe cones, pies, sandwiches and milkshakes. With a great range of Hunter Valley Cookies and the famous Hunter Valley Gelato, they are sure to satisfy every visitor. Open daily from 9am to 4pm.

Hungerford Hill Wines and Sweetwater Estate – Sharing New Owners Hungerford Hill Wines, which was established in 1967, has a new owner after being purchased by Iris Capital, owned by Sam Arnaout.

The purchase of Hungerford Hill is the second significant wine related investment in the Hunter Valley by Iris Capital, after the purchase of Sweetwater Estate toward the end of 2016.

Arnaout and his family take ownership of the acclaimed Hunter Valley winery, vineyard and brand from James Kirby, who has owned the brand since 2002.

Hungerford Hill Cellar Door.

R EC REATI NG H I S T O RY Bringing the old vines back to their fo fformer rmer glory glory... y 310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH (02) 4998 7885 E cellar@wynwoodestate.com.au W www.wynwoodestate.com.au 11 | JANUARY 2017 thb

SUMMER IN THE HUNTER

thb 12 | JANUARY 2017

ICE CREAM...

The Ultimate Summer Treat WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

There’s nothing that says summer quite like ice cream.

With scoops of the creamy iced confection piled high on top of a crisp wafer cone, it’s a tasty treat that taps into the sweet-toothed inner child in all of us.

Hunter Valley Vineyards Boutique Cheesery

HUNTER VALLEY

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

• Tasting rooms open daily 9am to 5.30pm.

• Cheese-making and maturation room viewing all day.

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

Ice cream has been around for centuries although the origins of the frozen dessert are unclear, with icy concoctions made from snow and flavoured with nectar reportedly enjoyed as far back as the second century B.C. A product more similar to our ice cream of today is believed to have emerged in the 16th century in a number of places across Europe, although until the 1800's it remained a more exotic treat enjoyed only by the upper classes.

These days, Australia is among the leading ice cream consumers per capita in the world, eating 18 litres per person each year. We sit only behind our neighbours across the ditch, New Zealand, who consume 20 litres per year, and (not surprisingly) the United States, where people eat 23 litres each per year.

The history of gelato is similarly clouded with mystery, although it too was reportedly first created during the 16th century. Often referred to as ice cream made in the Italian style, they are actually two distinctly different products, with gelato generally lower in fat but higher in sugar than ice cream.

It is made with a base of whole milk – rather than cream – and flavoured with fruit and nut purees, as well as other flavourings. Gelato also has up to 50 percent less air in it than ice cream, which gives it a much denser, but smoother, texture.

With the mercury soaring in the Hunter this year, a scoop or two of either of these delicious frozen desserts is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. And thankfully there are plenty of places in the heart of wine country where locals and tourists alike can indulge their ice cream or gelato cravings.

Top of the list of treats to try is the amazing array of flavours created by the Hunter Valley Gelato Company.

A subsidiary of the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop founded by former restaurateur Tony Drice in 2005, Hunter Valley Gelato was created to provide the shop’s gourmet-loving customers with another dairyinspired experience.

The company makes more than 200 different varieties of gelato and sorbet, ranging from the more run-of-the-mill regular flavours such as mango or vanilla bean to the more exotic and outlandish concoctions such as sweet potato and maple syrup.

Other notable flavours include the ever popular Ferrero Rocher, Aussie Nuts and Bush Honey, Mango, Coffee Crunch, Pistachio, Turkish Delight, Panna Cotta and Nuts About Chocolate, to name just a few.

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

www.huntervalleycheese.com.au

13 | JANUARY 2017 thb

So many flavours available at Twenty3-Twenty (Hunter Valley Chocolate Company), Broke Road Pokolbin.

renowned for traditional Italian Gelato, made with local and imported ingredients, hand-crafted using a 200-year-old recipe,” he said.

“Our gelato is made from pasteurised cow’s milk and stabiliser, adding the most exquisite flavours then churn into an amazing finished product.

“We make over 200 different flavours of gelato and sorbet. Our flavours range from Vanilla Bean and Dark Rich Chocolate to Sweet Potato and Maple Syrup.

“My personal favourite is the Coconut and Lime gelato, but I can’t stop at just the one flavour!”

Their products can also be purchased at their Pokolbin Village shop, as well as at Twenty-3-Twenty (Hunter Valley Chocolate Company), Dear Coffee, and Wollombi General Store. The company’s most impressive mouth-watering display of their gelatos can be found at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop located in the Hall of Food at Tempus Two on Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Not surprisingly, ice cream and gelato also feature heavily on the menu of the Hunter Valley’s first restaurant dedicated purely to desserts Sabor in the Hunter.

Founded by Fernando and Renata Antao, it opened its doors at Lovedale in August 2011, serving up a delectable menu with more than 50 desserts on offer.

Owner Steve Cooper said the key to creating the perfect gelato was simple.

“The secret to a great gelato is ‘Amore’ (love) and using the finest of ingredients. Hunter Valley Gelato Company is locally and nationally

Clearly, Hunter residents have a very sweet tooth, with growing demand for their desserts later seeing the couple open a second Sabor store just five minutes’ drive away in Pokolbin.

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

www.saborinthehunter.com.au thb 14 | JANUARY 2017

Sabor is Closed From 1st Jan - 19th Jan

Among the more popular items on the menu is the award-winning Casa De Sabor’s Sabor Portuguese Mousse, which is created using an old Antao family recipe.

Ice cream and gelato lovers of all ages are also catered for, starting with the simplest of Bravo Gelato Tubs and ice cream by the scoop, which are available in six different flavours for both adults and kids.

Stepping up the ice cream experience a notch is the more decadent Ice Cream Obsession, which includes a scoop each of Chocolate Obsession, Cookies’n’Cream and Caramel Pecan ice cream, which are drizzled with chocolate and served with a poco loco wafer stick.

Sabor is also famous for pairing their desserts with local wines from the region, such as their Muscat Ice offering, which includes a double scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream served with a shot of Petersons Muscat (to pour over the dish).

Their Belgium Chocolate Waffle and Ice Cream includes a warm chocolate Belgium waffle with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream and Sabor’s choc-pod of melted chocolate, again paired with Petersons Muscat. For those seeking a dessert on the lighter side, opt for a scoop each of Lemon, Strawberry and Mango gelato, topped with berries and drizzled with passionfruit and mango coulis.

Over the years their fabulous flavours including Toasted Marshmallow, Salty Pistachio Praline and Grand Jaffa have won a host of awards, with the ice creams now distributed by stockists across the state, including La Glace Gourmet Produce and Dessert Bar. The Hunter may be known for its vineyards, but it’s clear that with so many ice cream and gelato flavours to choose from at numerous locations throughout the region, a wining and dining experience just won’t be complete unless you leave room for dessert.

Bottom Right: Toasted Marshmallow flavour from Serendipity Ice Creams - available at La Glace Produce and Dessert Bar, Hunter Resort.

Bottom Left: Gelato available from Sabor in the Hunter.

Another vineyard venue tempting the taste buds with ice cream is La Glace Gourmet Produce and Dessert Bar. Located at the Hunter Valley Resort on the corner of Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin, it draws on the owners’ Danish heritage and offers everything from Pokolbin chocolates and jams, homemade cakes and Belarna olive oils to one of the true stars of the show Serendipity Ice Creams.

Using premium, natural ingredients, Serendipity was founded in Sydney in 1966 by Alix Mandelson, an ice cream lover who was allergic to chocolate and was craving something slightly more exotic than the vanilla and strawberry sections of the Neapolitan ice cream tub.

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

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

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

www.sandalyn.com.au

162 Wilderness Road Lovedale NSW • PH 4930 7611 • wine@Sandalyn.com.au 15 | JANUARY 2017 thb

Get Involved in Cooperative Gardening James Knight, Executive Chef

2017

We all want to eat nutritiously rich food. With more information coming out about large-scale agriculture production and the ethics around environmental impacts and sustainability, I believe we will see a steady growth in communal gardens, producing seasonal produce in small scale for local residents and businesses alike.

We are already seeing the next phase of this in some suburbs in Sydney and Newcastle, with businesses even using the old barter system - exchanging fresh lettuce or herbs for a meal in the establishment. Menus will start to evolve much more regularly due to seasonality and it will be more acceptable (as it should) when something runs out, that it is not available until next season or next harvest.

Get Conscious Executive Chef James Knight

Health & Wellness Trends It’s the beginning of a new year, which means a number of new fitness and wellness buzzwords, fad diets and health food trends will soon appear, all promising to help you achieve your new year’s resolutions.

Rather than follow the crowd, we have asked the Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat and Spa team to share what they believe will be the health and wellness trends we see and should adopt in 2017.

thb 16 | JANUARY 2017

Jaye Hoelscher, Head of Program and Guest Experience So often I notice guests engaged in conversation about how hectic and crazy their lives have become, how quickly the days and weeks fly by, full of to-do lists, responsibilities, obligations and things to fit in.

I notice too, that I myself am often engaged in similar conversations reflecting on my own life. Lately, it seems that so many lives have become a series of treadmills, running and jumping from one to another.

With life in continuous motion, how often do we have the thought of mind to put our feet down on the ground every once in a while, to stop running and just look up?

Am I going to wake up one day in 10 years’ time and wonder what the hell just happened!? Life disappeared in a blur of busy-ness. My conscious mind says, “that is not what I want.”

In my reflections, this idea of living consciously – allowing ourselves real moments to pause and seek clarity from within – is critical to living a full, well life. So I wonder, what can we do in our daily lives to emanate this feeling of conscious connection with who we really are? When I make the commitment to check in with myself daily and simply ask: “how conscious am I today?” I notice the way I carry myself changes. I feel present rather than asleep, I feel calm amidst the storm. Rather than changing the ‘busy’ – some of which I cannot or do not wish to change – I change my relationship with busy. And a whole new world opens up. Discover how your world changes and get conscious in 2017.

EAGLES REST Hunter Valley

The Hunter’s Best Kept Secret

Introduce ‘Fat Is Not All Bad’ Philosophy

the Hun

t

Visit us today at 534 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin

o

2014 r!

Winne

ng

e

of

Chard

Ho m

e

Aged Wines • Olive Oil • Vineyard Tours er

ay Ch a l l e

Fat is a hot topic, as we have all been led to believe that a low saturated fat diet equals a lower risk of heart disease. However, recent evidence has come to light revealing that it is the trans-fats that cause heart disease. A large study published in the British Medical Journal, found no association between high levels of saturated fat in the diet and heart disease. The study did, however, find heart disease linked to trans-fat consumption.

Trans-fats are found in margarine, snack foods, packaged baked goods, fried fast foods and low and reduced fat spreads. We need healthy fats, which contain essential fatty acids to assist our cells, liver and heart.

Healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, oily fish, flaxseed, nuts, chia seeds, coconut oil and butter too. Enjoy your healthy fat.

OPEN 7 Days

nn

Peter Rule, Holistic Health Services Manager

Ditch the Apps and Allow your Body to Sleep Mel Ingram, Clinical Health Services Manager I regularly hear people mention wonderful apps available to download onto their smart phone to help them get to sleep and to also measure their quantity and quality of sleep. Unfortunately, your smart phone could be creating more anxiety and may be one of the tools reducing the quality and quantity of sleep, rather than improving it. Try leaving your phone at the front door and sleeping ‘naked’, without your phone!

Our body knows how to sleep, we just need to give it the opportunity and allow our brain time to reset for it to happen. When we think about sleep we often get overwhelmed about how much else we need to do and therefore trade off sleep for the time it gives us to ‘do’ more. We all know this doesn’t serve us well, it becomes so habitual that even when we do take the time to aim for the magical eight hours, our brains head into overdrive and the quality of our sleep diminishes. Perhaps if we think about quality rather than quantity then our wellness may improve.

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

Strengthen your Powerhouse Matt Rendall, Movement and Fitness Manager We need to clear the air and get down and dirty to the butt of a lot of jokes. What I am referring to is the good old gluteus maximus and no, I’m not talking about Russell Crowe in Gladiator. I’m talking about the buttocks that you are sitting on right now possibly as you read this. One of the biggest trends in the exercise world is high intensity exercise both resistance and cardio based. Training this way has had great results in metabolic conditioning, but it needs to be done right. To do it right you need to have a great power and efficiency behind you, if you don’t, there is always potential for injuries from increasing your exercise intensity too quickly. The gluteus maximus is a big powerhouse of the hips and unfortunately with our sedentary lifestyles, it is becoming lazy and weak. This combination can lead to poor movement mechanics of the body and result in poor posture and back pain, so you need to fire them up.

FOR LOVERS OF PREMIUM BOUTIQUE WINES AND SENSATIONAL FOOD

Here are my top three tips to get them active and working for you: • Walk tall with your hips forward, especially going up hills and stairs; • Squeeze your glutes and push through your heels as you stand from a chair; • Perform the Glute Bridge exercise.

So, get BEHIND this movement and get the glutes working! For more health and wellness tips visit www.goldendoor.com.au

EMMA’S COTTAGE VINEYARD 438 WILDERNESS ROAD, LOVEDALE 2320 • 02 4998 7734 www.emmascottage.com.au

17 | JANUARY 2017 thb

LOCAL

MEET YOU AT THE

Hanging Tree

Every now and again you find a place that allows you to escape the mundane and embrace all things possible. Something so different, so simple that you cannot wait to return to experience it all over again.

I know that place!

For most, wine tasting is all about the experience – the opportunity to savour a new vintage, an old favourite or a new variety never tasted before.

Adding to that experience is the environment or location in which you are tasting that wine – be it in a glitzy inner city wine bar, an underground wine cellar or converted barn. It significantly adds to the overall wine experience, occasion and enjoyment.

What is so fundamentally unique and special about Hanging Tree Wines is that it is quintessentially Australian – there are no pretenses here.

See the History...

Taste the Magic!

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

294 O’Connors Road, Pokolbin • Open 10am – 5pm daily • Ph 4998 6608

thb 18 | JANUARY 2017

At Hanging Tree Wines your wine tasting experience takes place in what was once a cow shed. Filled with old farm wares, antiques, bric-a-brac and complete with the sweet smell of old leather, this rustic cellar door invites all to come and explore and taste the range of award-winning wines. It is simply one of the most welcoming cellar doors in the Hunter Valley, with its rustic charm and flexibility for outdoor picnics and tastings.

Hanging Tree Wines’ philosophy has always been to make high quality, hand-crafted wines from low yielding vines (some more than 45 years old), using a wine making process that is a mix of old and true methods coupled with the best of the new. This is evident in their award-winning wines, with a range of varieties to suit all palates – Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon amongst the reds and Semillon, Chardonnay and Verdelho amongst the whites. There are also a few red and white blends to choose from, as well as a selection of Sparkling and fortified wines. All wines are created in their fruit driven style and easy drinking for all occasions.

If there is one thing most visitors to the cellar door seem to agree on, it’s that the Sparkling Moscato is a hit. It's one of their best sellers – up there with the aged Reserve Shiraz.

The ‘Hanging Tree’ after which the property is so famously named stands guard at the entrance to the property, not far from the original Blacksmiths cottage. It is here the early settlers to the region hung beasts for their own subsistence. It is also rumoured that a number of bushrangers met their fate at this tree.

A walk to the cellar door, takes you down a path through the rose garden, past the pond and the old Horse Whisperer’s Lodge and paddocks, where horses were trained and performed for guests.

As well as providing a warm welcome, a unique cellar door experience and of course outstanding wines, the property also provides rustic resort style accommodation at the Homestead. Blending the comforts of modern living with the simplicity of country life, this luxury resort styled homestead was completed in 2005 and takes a commanding position on the 40 acre vineyard and comfortably sleeps 8 people across the 4 suites.

mostly organic & made with love

10 THINGS TO DO ON

HERMITAGE RD

1: Hermitage Road Cellars 8 Great Producers

A Short History of Olives The olive tree is among the oldest known cultivated trees in the world – it was grown before the written language was invented, is mentioned in the Bible, depicted in ancient Egyptian art and played an important role in Greek mythology. Based on olive pits and wooden fragments found in tombs, archaeologists believe olives have been cultivated for over six thousand years.

Its trees, which can live for thousands of years, have long been considered symbols of peace, wisdom, purity and power. The leafy branches of the olive tree were ritually offered to deities and powerful figures as emblems of benediction and purification, and were used to crown the victors of friendly games and bloody wars. Today, olive oil is still used in many religious ceremonies and the olive branch remains the symbol of peace and goodwill.

Since ancient times, the olive tree has provided food, fuel, timber and medicine for many civilisations and is one of the oldest foods known to man. Olive trees are thought to have originated in Asia Minor before quickly spreading from Iran, Syria and Palestine to the rest of the Mediterranean between five and seven thousand years ago.

Our ancestors were on target with their affinity for olives – the health benefits of olives and olive oils are significant. They are high in antioxidants and free of cholesterol, and are the basic building block of the so-called Mediterranean diet Over the past several hundred years, the olive has spread to North and South America, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, where the olive industry is made up of those that either grow olives for table fruit or grow olives for oil, or in some cases both. In Australia, the table olive industry is relatively small mainly due to the high cost of labour so the majority of olives grown are made into olive oil.

TAPENADE RECIPE 2 cups pitted Kalamata olives 3 canned anchovy fillets 1 tbsp fresh parsley copped 1 tbsp capers, rinsed, drained, and patted dry 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 1 garlic clove chopped Salt and pepper to taste

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

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

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor until finely chopped.

2. Serve with sliced and toasted French baguette.

Also experiment using different olives – both black and green, plus roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts or sundried tomatoes.

19 | JANUARY 2017 thb

THE CIDER TRAIL

TIME TO SHINE! WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

The Hunter is renowned for its premium wine and is increasingly becoming known for the business of brewing beer.

But a tasting tour of the region wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a glass or two of what is now the fastest growing segment of the alcoholic beverage market – cider.

Consumption of the fermented apple drink has jumped 600 percent in the past decade according to the latest Roy Morgan Research, with more than 2.3 million Australian adults partaking in a glass or two of cider at least once during an average fourweek period in 2016.

And summer is well and truly cider’s time to shine, with sales spiking during the hottest months of the year as consumers seek to quench their thirst with something fresh and fruity.

Of course, cider consumption is far from a new phenomenon. A popular drink throughout history, references to it date back as far as Julius Caesar’s Roman Empire and possibly even earlier.

It was reportedly used as a form of currency to pay farm workers in Medieval England and has been made by everyone from two of the founding fathers of America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, to English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton - although his interactions with apples produced something far more famous than just a homemade batch of cider…

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

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

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

thb 20 | JANUARY 2017

www.gartelmann.com.au

Fast forward several centuries and cider is still being produced around the world in vast quantities, including right here in the Hunter.

Among those bottling the delicious drop is one of the oldest working wineries in the Valley – Oakvale.

Renowned winemaker James Becker may be better known for the iconic Hunter wines he produces at his family’s Pokolbin vineyard, but for the past four years, he has also been responsible for crafting the delightfully sweet Oakvale Apple Cider.

Introduced as a trial following a particularly poor grape harvest in 2012, the cider has become a staple in the Oakvale portfolio with its easily approachable characteristics that appeal to cider lovers and novices alike.

“We’ve been making it since 2012 when there was a particularly difficult vintage and we had some empty tank space,” James said.

“We had been talking about it for some time and it seemed like a good opportunity to do it and the response has been really good it was supposed to be a one-off, and four years later we’re still doing it,” he said.

“I think ours is pretty approachable for most people, it’s a fresher style that’s not too sweet and has a good spritz about it – the mix of the sweetness and acidity of the apples as well as their characteristics give our cider an excellent taste and that’s what we’re going for.”

Lambloch Estate

Oakvale produces their apple cider once a year, with the fruit, which is sourced from Orange, delivered to the winery in March or April once the processing of the grapes for their wines has been completed.

Shiraz and Semillon grapes. However, Lambloch has now also branched out to produce two different varieties of alcoholic cider.

The Classic Draught Cider blends Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Red Delicious and Gala apples to create a fruity but crisp acid juice, which when fermented produces a mouth-coating depth of flavour.

James said their cider is made using three varieties of apples – Jonathan, Pink Lady and Gala – which are all hand crushed on site before the fermentation process begins.

Like all of Oakvale’s products, the Apple Cider is available exclusively through their cellar door, which is located at 1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

OTHER PLACES TO SIP ON CIDER IN THE HUNTER Another well-known Hunter vineyard branching out into the world of cider is Lambloch Estate.

Also located on Broke Road at Pokolbin, the 20-acre property is home to a vineyard originally planted in the 1950's, which predominantly grows

A bonanza of berries are added to the mix of Lambloch’s Raspberry and Cranberry Cider, with the sweet and fruity flavours injected by the raspberry juice tempered by the acid tartness of the cranberries to create a structured and refreshing concoction.

But Hunter vineyards aren’t the only ones to have joined the cider revolution, with fans of the fermented apple drink also being catered for by some of the region’s breweries.

Promoted as Australia’s original craft brewery, the Matilda Bay Brewing Company is known for its refreshing and eclectically-named specialty ales, which they have been producing since setting up in Fremantle in the mid-80s. ►

Massive Wine Sale at The Garden Cellars

“Largest beer range

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

Huge selection of wine to choose from.

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

in the valley!”

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

THE GARDEN

CELLARS

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

21 | JANUARY 2017 thb

Matilda Bay Brewhouse (continued) But the brewers of Fat Yak, Beez Neez and Dogbolter added a fruity addition to their line-up in 2011 when the first batch of Dirty Granny matured apple cider was bottled.

A deep, dark, russet-coloured cider, it features a full, rich flavour combined with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity and the crisp bite of whole apples.

While Matilda Bay’s brewing facility is located in Tasmania, Hunter fans of the Dirty Granny drop can enjoy a glass or two direct from the Matilda Bay Brewhouse Hunter Valley, located at Hunter Valley Resort at Pokolbin.

Venture beyond the bounds of Pokolbin and cider drinkers can expand their tasting tour with a visit to the Lovedale Brewery.

Located at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley next to the Lovedale Bar and Restaurant, the microbrewery is dedicated to “creating the best craft beers in Australia.”

But visitors to Lovedale can also taste the cider sensation created by its Sydneybased sister site, the Sydney Brewery, which specialises in producing its awardwinning Sydney Cider.

Made from freshly crushed apples fermented with champagne yeast, the lightly carbonated cider has a crisp, clean finish that helped it take home a title from this year’s Australian Cider Awards, as well as the 2015 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show.

For those looking for something a little different, Sydney Brewery also produces an Agave Ginger Cider, which sees organic agave and ginger blended with Sydney Cider for a naturally sweet drink with a wild and spicy zing!

But if your thirst for cider has still not been quenched, make sure you head back to the Garden Cellars at the Hunter Valley Gardens village, which stocks more than 60 different ciders from across Australia and around the world including the range of apple and pear ciders made by the Tilse family in the Upper Hunter. ■

AWARD WINNING VENUE

LIVE MUSIC AND GREAT FOOD AT POTTERS HOTEL BREWERY RESORT

HOME OF

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

RELAX BEER

BREWERY

WINE COUNTRY’S FIRST MICRO-BREWERY

BRASSERIE

FOOD

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

thb 22 | JANUARY 2017

TOURS

For those who would like to be seduced...

Morpeth Antique Centre Discover 21 dealers

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

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

POKOLBIN ESTATE POKO VIN EYARD

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

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

Designed to Delight.

Premium Wines • Spectacular Views 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin. Open 10am - 5pm Daily PH 4998 6722 • www.lambloch.com • cellardoor@lambloch.com 23 | JANUARY 2017 thb

MUST TRY

Why is it that so many people only drink the same wine? Perhaps for many people choosing a wine to drink is still slightly confronting, confusing and even intimidating, so when they find something they like, they stick with it.

In Australia, we are fortunate to have access to so many great wines from around the world, including those grown in our home soil. While there are well over 1,000 different grape varieties used to make wine, most people tend to be drawn to the same six or seven better known varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

With so many different wine varieties available to us today, the world of wines is an adventurous, rich and wonderful world filled with everything from the subtlety of a big South African Pinotage to the spiciness of a Spanish Sangiovese

GRAPES

You Really Need to Know About {If you don’t already}

Wine varieties, local and foreign, are far more accessible than ever before and with the increased demand, the supply of wine has soared, allowing for inexpensive and very delicious wines now available for all to enjoy.

It’s time to expand your wine horizons. If you really love wine and you perhaps reach a little too often for that familiar variety, then why not branch out and explore other varieties that you are less familiar with.

The following is a list of grapes that can produce delicious, character filled, diverse wines. Try a few of them - or why not try all!

SANGIOVESE

Sangiovese is the most-planted red grape in Italy. It is the most important grape variety used in the production of Tuscany's greatest red wines and provides the backbone to the popular wines of Chianti.

It is fair to say that today, no other Italian red commands greater worldwide recognition than Sangiovese and in an increasingly

Hunter Valley

Chocolate Company EST. 1999

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

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

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

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

thb 24 | JANUARY 2017

VINEYARD

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

competitive global wine market, Italy’s abundance of native grapes provides a welcome point of difference.

Outside of Tuscany, Sangiovese is widely planted in Lazio, Umbria, Marche and of course Corsica. Worldwide, it has traveled to California and Australia, where its high acidity is an asset in the hot climate.

This exciting Italian variety is becoming increasingly popular in its adopted home of Australia, where the variety is known for being adaptable to many types of vineyard soils and has proved suitable for cultivation across many Australian wine regions.

The variety produces elegant wines with powerful aromas and is notoriously high in tannin and acidity, but lighter in fruit. The characteristic flavours of Sangiovese range from cherries and red plums to herbs, spices and tea-like flavours. The wines tend to be medium bodied, dry and usually quite savoury. The use of oak has become increasingly popular and used to draw the richer flavours from the grapes. While Italian styles tend to have more acid and tannin, the Australian Sangiovese wines tend to be a little fruitier, with riper flavours and higher alcohol. This wine is enjoyable in its youth, but it’s also rewarding with moderate to long aging.

Where to find it? Adina Vineyard, Pokolbin Estate and Tintilla Estate.

NEBBIOLO

Nebbiolo is a red wine that was born in the mountains of northern Italy in the region of Piedmont – a region that is famous for its Barolo and Barbaresco wine, which can fetch hundreds of dollars per bottle. What many people do not know is that Nebbiolo is the sole grape used to make these high-end wines.

In Australia, this variety, like many other Italian wine varieties, is attracting some interest. One of the most beautiful aspects of Nebbiolo is its scent — the wine actually smells of roses. This makes the wine wonderful for celebrating special occasions and perfect for the decanter.

In addition, the wine has a great amount of acidity, mouth-drying tannins and earthy flavours that are superb with all types of food – especially roast rack of lamb, braised duck leg ragu or a rich mushroom lasagna. As a general rule of thumb, any food you could serve with mushrooms is suitable to accompany Nebbiolo. Suggested other food matches with Nebbiolo wines are grilled steak, slow cooked winter casseroles and game.

Where to find it? Pokolbin Estate. ►

IVANHOE WINES…A Wine for Every Knight.

525 Marrowbone Rd Pokolbin | Ph 4998 7325 | Open 7 Days 10am—5pm | www.ivanhoewines.com.au

Premium Boutique Wines

2015

CERTIFICATE of EXCELLENCE

25 | JANUARY 2017 thb

Your always welcome at...

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant

(continued)

TEMPRANILLO

Tempranillo is the premium red wine grape variety from the Rioja Region in Spain. It is also grown in many other regions in Spain and although a relative newcomer, it is also grown in many wine regions in Australia.

What makes this variety so exciting is that it makes wines which have good colour and good fruit flavours, along with low acid and low tannins.

There is nothing quite like a festive sushi platter to impress your guests.

It tastes healthy, light and delicious.

A favourite dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

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

Takeaway available every day.

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

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

/OishiiPokolbin

When you first taste a Spanish Tempranillo you’ll get hit with the flavour of leather along with cherries. The finish is mild, smooth and lingers with tannin on both sides of your mouth.

If you’ve never tried Tempranillo before, you’ll find it has a similar taste profile to Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The obvious food pairing with Tempranillo wine is to go with Spanish style dishes. A lighter bodied Tempranillo would go well with tapas style dishes – prawns, olives, marinated mushrooms and sliced chorizo.

Where to find it? Mount Broke Wines, Briar Ridge Wines, Audrey Wilkinson, Hungerford Hill and Pokolbin Estate.

FIANO

Fiano comes from the Campania wine region in Southern Italy – an area close to Naples and Mount Vesuvius, where it has been cultivated for over two thousand years.

In Australia, Fiano is a relatively new grape, but is considered by many to be the next most fashionable grape variety. It’s the perfect outdoor wine - crisp, well-balanced, often with hints of honey, nuts, tropical fruit, peaches, lemons and apricot, with a steely backbone. What's not to like?

Fiano is a grape-growers dream and just perfect for the Hunters tough growing conditions. This Campania native loves warm weather and ripens late in the growing season, producing perfectly balanced fruit with little fuss in the vineyard. It is drought tolerant, resistant to disease and naturally high in acid, meaning less intervention required in the winery.

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

Where to find it? Mistletoe Winery and it can also be found at Gardens Cellars located at the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village.

VERMENTINO

Vermentino is one of the exciting new aromatic white wine varieties from Southern Italy making an impression on the wine scene in Australia, mainly due to its natural texture and versatility.

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

Vermentino is actually Spanish in origin but it is believed to have travelled first to Corsica and then to Italy, where it is the dominant white wine grape of Sardinia. It is a late-ripening grape variety which loves a hot dry climate, and therefore a natural choice for the Hunter Valley.

When it comes to food, the wines are robust and can be enjoyed with a variety of well flavoured foods that include antipasto platters or strongly flavoured seafood dishes. More broadly you can choose any of the foods of the Western Mediterranean, including Italian, Provencal or Catalan.

Where to find it? First Creek Wines, Bimbadgen Estate, Tallavera Grove, Little Wine Co., Petersons Wines, Pepper Tree Wines and De Bortoli Wines.

thb 26 | JANUARY 2017

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

A TRIO OF OYSTERS

IN THE KITCHEN

From Verandah Restaurant TEMPURA WITH WASABI AIOLI Ingredients • 4 oysters • 100g plain flour • 100g corn flour • 200ml cold soda water • 2 tablespoons Wasabi mayonnaise (or to taste) Method 1. Mix the corn flour, most of the plain flour and the cold soda water together to make the tempura mix.

2. With the remaining plain flour, lightly flour the oysters then dip into the tempura mix, take out and fry in 180⁰c oil until golden brown.

3. To serve, place the oysters back in their shell and top with wasabi mayonnaise.

NATURAL WITH SOY AND GINGER DIPPING SAUCE Ingredients • 4 oysters • 50ml light soy sauce • 50ml lemon sauce • 50ml mirin (Japanese rice wine) • 1 knob fresh ginger (grated finely) • 10ml sesame oil Method • Mix all the sauce ingredients together and top small amount over the oysters.

VIRGIN MARY Ingredients • 4 oysters • 80ml tomato juice • Splash Tabasco • 1 teaspoon worstershire sauce • 1 stick celery Method 1. Mix ingredients together.

2. Place oyster in shot glass and pour Virgin Mary mix over.

3. Add 1 stick of celery.

27 | JANUARY 2017 thb

Hunter Valley

Reflections Day Spa •Massage • Facials • Body Treatments •Pedicures/ Manicures •Hens Parties •Spa Packages

DELUXE TASTING PACKAGE

30min Massage + 30min Facial + 30min Pedicure

at Adina Vineyard 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

$149 (normally $207)

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

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

Organic Wines

Tasting under the silk tree

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

Jack’s bbq in the orchard

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

TASTE A RANGE OF AWARD WINNING ORGANIC WINES OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Cellar Door hours 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM AWARD WINNING WINES. AVAILABLE AT FINE WINE CELLARS. COME AND ENJOY OUR PRISTINE CERTIFIED ORGANIC VINEYARD! FOR A WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE PAIRED WITH ORGANIC CHEESE AND OLIVES, PLEASE CONTACT US PH: 02 6574 5275 MOB: 0431 357 105 WWW.ASCELLAWINE.COM INFO@ASCELLAWINE.COM WWW.SILKRADIOTV.COM

RIVERPINES VINEYARD 203 THOMPSONS RD MILBRODALE, NSW 2330

Joie de Vivre Hunter Valley Tours Leave the driving to us while you relax and enjoy your private half-day tour with your own group of two to four people, visiting some of the Hunter Valley's best boutique wineries and venues where you can sample quality wine, cheese, olives and chocolate.

Alternatively, you can design your tour and TFMFDU ZPVS PXO GBWPVSJUF XJOFSJFT

We will pick you up and drop you back at your accommodation at Pokolbin, or within 12km of Pokolbin.Â

Open 7 days.

Phone Maxine on 0403 643 108 E KPJFEFWJWSF UPVST!HNBJM DPN 'PMMPX VT PO 'BDFCPPL BOE *OTUBHSBN

thb 28 | JANUARY 2017

TOURING

WHY DRIVE?

Take a Wine Tour!

Experiencing the best the Hunter Valley has to offer when you have limited time can be a challenge… Not to mention the fact that you don’t want to waste the time you do have by not experiencing the finest wine and food experiences available.

The Hunter Valley is home to approximately 150 cellar doors offering a wide variety of tasting environments and wines to choose from. Add to this over 60 restaurants and cafes, a large number of local food growers and providores and now also 4 brewhouses.

With so many choices, things to plan, places to see, wine and food options and the myriad of things to do while here, it can often prove to be overwhelming and difficult to navigate your way around.

This problem is solved with a wine tour, where you can begin the process of learning more about wine and local produce, the Hunter Valley’s wine history and how to taste wine, all at your own pace – without the concerns of drinking and driving.

Winery tours can take you places where you often would not think of going yourself.

Each tour is different, with some tours specialising in getting you behind the scenes or perhaps an opportunity to have a private barrel room tasting or even meet the wine makers, brewers or local providores, who are only too pleased to share their stories with you and tell you the secrets behind what makes their produce so special.

The best wine tours offer the most convenience, with your guide picking you up from your accommodation and providing you with a fun day out coupled with the chance to learn more about wine in a relaxed and unpressured environment.

Find out why the locals embrace the wine industry so much and discover for yourself the people, landscape, traditions and lifestyle behind one of the world’s greatest wine regions, with a Hunter Valley wine tour.

Cheers Wine Tours is known for offering winery tours which you can personalise to suit your interests, budget and time. Tours include local cheese, chocolates, olives, vodka and craft beer tasting options, as well as visits to 4 or 5 pre-booked premium boutique family-owned cellar doors. The fleet of mini-buses can accommodate individuals as well as small and large groups and are air conditioned, so you can be sure that your trip will be smooth sailing and comfortable. Contact John on 0408 987 057.

Joie de Vivre Hunter Valley Tours offers relaxing, private 4-hour winetasting tours to the Hunter Valley's best boutique wineries and other venues to indulge in wine, cheese, olives and chocolate. All tours are private so your group will not be sharing your tour with any other group.

Contact Maxine on 0403 643 108.

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 29 | JANUARY 2017 thb

VARIETY

Madeira's vineyards. Nowadays, only very little remains, growing mostly on high ground along the north coast of the island.

Verdelho came to Australia in the 1820’s and was typically used in the production of fortified wines, before eventually being used to produce the fruit driven, dry white table wines styles that we see today. Verdelho is now seen as a fresh, tropical style that offers the wine consumer great value.

Australian Verdelho has a steady following and seems to please everyone, no matter their typical wine palate. This is not surprising given how well the fresh, clean nature of these wines suit our food and our lifestyle.

While it is widely grown in areas such as the Riverina and Langhorne Creek, it’s the wine growing regions of Western Australia and New South Wales that consistently produce the best examples of Verdelho with pristine aromas and flavours, which are made for early consumption.

VERDELHO The perfect wine for summer, Verdelho is a typically fresh and flavoursome wine, with a lovely balanced palate of fruit, making it a popular alternative to the market-dominant Sauvignon Blanc. While it is usually sold as a straight varietal, Verdelho also blends well with Chardonnay and Semillon.

Having its origins in a hot climate, the Hunter Valley was one of the first areas in which Verdelho was planted in the 1820’s. It has proved to be well suited to the Hunter Valley’s warm conditions and has shown the ability to quickly regain its sugar level after rain and is resistant to bunch rot.

Verdelho is a Portuguese grape variety that was first cultivated in the 1400’s and grown on Portugal’s mainland in the Douro Valley and on the island of Madeira, which lends its name to 4 main types of Madeira wine. The grape is used to make either a dry table white wine or a sweet fortified wine. Before the vine-munching phylloxera bug reached Madeira in the late 19th century, Verdelho vines accounted for two-thirds of

The characteristics of Verdelho varies significantly according to the climate, growing conditions, and the wine-maker’s art, as well as when the grape is picked. From cool to warm climates, the varietal character will change from herbaceous, grassy and spice through to the more tropical flavours of pineapple, melon, guava and fruit salad.

Much more than a Vineyard.

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

Come Waltzing with Matilda...

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

• Hundreds of colourful hand blown

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

thb 30 | JANUARY 2017

Wine Glass Gallery Because great wine deserves a great wine glass

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

These fruity white wines are also sufficiently adaptable to meet several food pairing options and are perfect for summer or lunchtime meals - pairing well with seafood such as oysters, lighter meats such as veal, pork, or chicken, tapas and hard cheeses. The spicy varieties of Verdelho work well with roasted vegetables and pesto, while sweeter varieties pair nicely with more Asian influenced dishes. Verdelho is just as wonderful without food, say for a late afternoon drink with friends.

Verdelho has knack of satisfying the lover of complex dry wine as well as those who enjoy softer fruitier wines. It’s the perfect summer wine…

So, if you are looking for a flavoursome, everyday drinking wine that goes well with a wide variety of food, look no further than Verdelho.

Wynwood Estate

2014 Grey Gum Verdelho Wynwood Estate’s Grey Gum wine range offer excellent value and tend to be reliable from each vintage to the next, a reflection of the dedication and commitment from the viticultural team.

Tasting The fruit for this Verdelho was grown on the Wynwood vineyard on well-drained clay based soils that contain some limestone. A mild spring of below average rainfall and a warm start to summer resulted in conditions that led to an even and slightly early ripening of the fruit.

This wine is typical of the Verdelho variety displaying tropical fruits, pear and passionfruit with a hint of spice. The palate is full flavoured with ripe fruit and natural acidity giving the wine a crisp long finish.

Cellaring Enjoy now

‘5 Red Stars For Excellence’

James Halliday’s Wine Companion

358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin tamburlaine.com.au

31 | JANUARY 2017 thb

C

D

E

TO SINGLETON

F

G

H

I

ALE RD

RD KE BRO

J

O

< 15KM >

PUTTY RD

K

Hunter Dis�llery

i BROKE ROAD

L

Halls Rd

e r t s Road

M

Fletcher St

DRIV NTRY OU C E

De Beyers Road

POKOLBIN2 (SOUTH)

Visitor Information

De Beyers Rd

Roche Estate ad Ro Oishii Japanese-Thai rs e Restaurant Tamburlaine y Be Organic Wines De Pokolbin Estate

i

i

Olsen Road

30KM >

N

Fleming St

Hunter Beer Co.

Po�ers Hotel

The Brickworks Brasserie

Lomas Lane

Capercaillie Wines

Londons Rd

d oa sR

M

i

Epicure Café Campbells Lne

Handmade in the Hunter Markets at Kevin Sobels Wines

i

N WI

Hunters Quarter Restuarant

i

i

n do Lon

Lodge Road

L

D e Beyers Road

i

E IV DR

HV Cheese

i

i

D

Harrigans Irish Pub

Australian Alpaca Barn

Hope Estate

BROKE ROAD

HV Chocolate Co.

HV Chocolate Co. Balloon Alo� Mee�ng Point

LOVEDA

Tho mp Factory son Golden ’s R d Door Elysia

i

i

Pokolbin Village

Lambloch Estate

Sabor in the Hunter

TO NEWCASTLE

LOVEDALE

Brickmans Lane

Adina Vineyard HV Reflec�ons Day Spa

The Deck Café

Gartelmann Wines

TO BRANXTON MAITLAND MORPETH

MORPETH

K

Ekerts Road

i

Gillards Road Constable Estate

MCDONALDS ROAD

i

The Cellar Restaurant The Garden Cellars

HV Chocolate Co.

Green Lane

Sabor Tea Room

Australian Alpaca Barn

LOVEDALE ROAD

BROKE

OD

The Verandah Restaurant

Emma’s Co�age Vineyard

Sandalyn Wilderness Estate

Morpeth An�que Centre

20

J

TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

M ILL BR

C NE Palmers Lane

Y

I

Wine Glass Gallery

OU NT R

Wilderness Road

Talga Road

HV Horseriding and Adventures

TO WINE COUNTRY DRIVE

St Swan

19

H

Australian Alpaca Barn

Palmers Lane

I

Fleet St

Drinan St

18

ER HUNTER RIV TO MORPETH RD EAST MAITLAND

17

M

Hunter Valley Gardens HVG Shopping Village

Deasys Road

De

W

Sta�on St

Hunter’s Dream

d oa sR asy

Cl

D HWY

TO MAITLAND

16

G

Ascella Organic Wines

i

Ma�lda Bay Brewhouse

B lackburn

NEW ENGLAN

Tuckers Lane

15

BRANXTON

14

F

TO SINGLETON

e

HERMITAGE ROAD

Hermitage Road Cellars

d

Blueberry Hill

Coulso nR

Road rth No

13

ST BRIDGE

POKOLBIN1 (NORTH)

ad

Sweetwater Road

Old No rth Ro

Old

TO BRANXTON

12

DR IV

Hunter Valley Wine Theatre Hunter Valley Wine School

Ro ad

11

CLIFF ST k St

Lan Mistle to e

k Hill Rd Ironbar

rth

10 Elderslie Rd

iHop Stop

No

9

AY W SS E PR EX

E

Thompsons’s Rd

i

ld

8

C O UNTRY Tan

Spa/Health Retreat

7

oad Camp R

Markets

RidgeView Wines and Restaurant

6

R TE

Gourmet Produce

TO SINGLETON

5

N HU

Shopping

4

WI NE

Cellar Door

Restaurant

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 k Rd Par onix Phe

D

Ek

B

C

A

2

B

O LE R

A E

1

A N

e Lan rs ajo

McCarthy Rd

E

MC

Q

R

2

3

S

T

U

NG SSI RO C S NE

V

KM < 30 D A RO

W

X

6

Hunter Dis�llery K6 Hunter’s Dream G6 Ivanhoe Wines P8 Lambloch Estate K13 Pokolbin Estate M10 RidgeView Wines B7 Sandalyn Estate F16 Tamburlaine Organic Wines M10 The Garden Cellars K10 Wynwood Estate O11

5

7

9 10

Epicure Café L11 Harrigans Irish Pub L9 Harvest Restaurant (Hope Estate) K12 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 Sabor Tea Room F15 The Cellar Restaurant K10

RESTAURANTS + CAFÉS

8

12

Ke nd all

Str ee t

13

14

Australian Alpaca Barn K9/K10 Australian Alpaca Barn (Morpeth) B19 Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village K10 Morpeth An�que Centre (Morpeth) C18

SHOPS

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

GOURMET PRODUCE

The Deck Café F18 The Verandah Restaurant I13

11

adee n Rd

Adina Vineyard H17 Ascella Organic Wines I1 Blueberry Hill E10 Briar Ridge R12 Capercaillie Wines L16 Constable Estate J9 Eagles Rest O9 Emma’s Co�age Vineyard G14 Gartelmann Wines F18 Hanging Tree Wines O13 Hermitage Road Cellars F5 Hope Estate K12

PAY d ar Ced C r e e k R

4

Bimb

19

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

20

Handmade in the Hunter Markets K12

MARKETS

18

ACTIVITIES

17

TO SYDNEY M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY

Outdoor films at Wollombi! W5

TO QUORROBOLONG

HV Wine School F5 iHop HV stop i

16

TO ABERMAIN KURRI KURRI MAITLAND NEWCASTLE

ABERDARE ROAD

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery

OAD MAITLAND R

Pokolbin Village K11 Wine Glass Gallery K10

15

CESSNOCK

D ER AL D AN

W

CELLAR DOORS

1

ht R

OM

AD RO

AL L

NULKABA

St

V

Narone Creek Rd

M ou

nt B rig

L OL

BI

MOUNT VIEW ROAD

MOUNTVIEW

Briar Ridge

Mount View Rd

Marrowbone Road

Kerlew Street

et tre tS en c n St Vin rwi Da

and

U

GREAT NORTH ROAD TO SYDNEY VIA PEATS RIDGE

CDONALDS RD WOLLOMBI ROAD

Wynwood Estate

OAKEY CREEK ROAD

l ber Cum

T

24.5K M>

Ivanhoe Wines

Eagles Rest

O’Connors Road

S

WOLLOMBI

Try a new cider at Lambloch Estate! K13

Mega Creatures at Hunter Valley Gardens! K10

Nanna Kerr’s Kitchen

Hanging Tree Wines

R

M

P

Q

<2 4.5 K

O P

W

O X

D

COMING UP

February

11 + 18 + 19 + 25

12

18

25

HANDMADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS Kevin Sobels Wines

JAMES TAYLOR at Hope Estate

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND at Hope Estate

SUZI QUATRO at Hope Estate

Iconic singer-songwriter James Taylor and his All Star Band will take the stage at Hope Estate this February, accompanied by some very special guests.

11 A DAY ON THE GREEN PRESENTS SIMPLE MINDS AND B-52's at Bimbadgen

Simple Minds return to the Hunter Valley this February for one of this Summer’s most captivating tours.

Australia was the first country in the world to embrace the Simple Minds sound, delivering the band its first hit single (Love Song) and first gold-selling album (New Gold Dream). The band’s success has continued since those early days, with countless chart-toppers that include Don’t You (Forget About Me), Alive and Kicking, Promised You A Miracle, Glittering Prize and Waterfront, as well as eight Top 20 albums and countless hugely successful concert tours.

Simple Minds will team up with fellow retro stars The B-52's for a huge a day on the green concert at Bimbadgen Estate that’s sure to keep the audience on their feet right until the end.

They will also be joined by two of the 80's most innovative and eclectic bands, Models and Machinations, both of whom developed a huge cult following at dance clubs across Australia with their catchy synthpop tunes.

Visit www.bimbadgen.com.au for more information or tickets.

thb 34 | JANUARY 2017

With a career spanning nearly 50 years since he first signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records in 1968, Taylor’s music embodies the art of song writing in its most personal and universal forms, while his warm baritone is among the most recognised voices in popular music.

His songs have had a profound influence on both songwriters and music lovers from all generations and across all walks of life, with hits including Fire and Rain, Country Road, Something in the Way She Moves, Sweet Baby James, Carolina In My Mind and many more.

Australian fans of the five-time Grammy Award winner have been waiting a long time for the chance to see him perform in person, with this tour the US singer-songwriter’s first in seven years. He will be joined by special guests Bernard Fanning and Kasey Chambers.

Dinner and hamper packages are available, for more information or to book tickets, visit www.hopeestate.com.au

“The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen, returns with the E Street Band on his much anticipated Australian tour, this being one of his biggest tours to date!

The run of gigs will include his return to Hope Estate on February 18, with special guests including perennial Aussie favourite Diesel and energetic rockers Jet, who have re-formed especially for this tour.

WOLLOMBI VILLAGE MARKETS at Wollombi Saleyards

With a career spanning more than 50 years and record sales topping 50 million, it’s a case of “one more time” for the Queen of Rock as she returns for her 31st national tour.

Joining Quatro on stage will be Andy Scott from The Sweet (guitar This concert at Hope was so popular and vocals) and Don Powell from that it initially sold out within an Slade (drums), while an eight-piece hour - additional exclusive packages band will help her belt out all her including food, wine and ticket have hits during the second half of what now been released, you'll need to is sure to be a truly amazing show. be quick!

Visit www.hopestate.com.au for Visit www.hopestate.com.au for more information or tickets. more information.

24-26 WOLLOMBI CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL at Wollombi

The Wollombi Classic Film Festival returns at the end of February with an awesome selection of classic films from the 60’s to the 90’s.

12

American glam rock singersongwriter Suzi Quatro brings her Leather Forever Encore Tour to the Hunter Valley on February 25.

The festival kicks off with a bang (or maybe a shimmy) on the Friday night with a huge Gala Opening Night and Garden Cocktail (Disco) Party, with canapes from Wollombi Catering. Sit down and relax watching a screening of the legendary Saturday Night Fever.

On the Saturday, there are 2 daytime screenings in St Michael’s Church - Sunday Too far Away at 11am and the fantastic 80’s thriller Gorky Park at 3pm. At 8pm you can return to the Grays Inn Garden for a screening of the iconic film The Hustler.

Sunday holds some serious laughs with The Big Lebowski at St Michael’s Church, with the festival finishing up at 2pm with the gangster classic Bonnie & Clyde.

Tickets are $100 for the full festival weekend - $65 for the Gala Opening Night + 2 movies of your choice - $50 for 3 movies of your choice on the Sat/Sun only. Tickets are on sale through Ticketbooth or by calling 4998 3483.

More information at

wollombiclassicfilmfestival.com.au

HunterValleyGardensShopping.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play THE EXCLUSIVE DIAMOND COMPANY Opening Soon! An elegant and stunning new store to the village, offering a range of European, contemporary and individualized pieces. Choose a stunning natural diamond, tanzanite or gemstone piece or perhaps something from our exclusive Larimar range.

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

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

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

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

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

Bookings recommended. Phone 4998 7584.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full of groceries and curiosity.

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

BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN. OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM