The Hunter Blackboard | November 2014

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

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | I S S U E # 9 3

HUNTER

THE

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Vines& Wines ISSUE

Organics & Biodynamics

HOW TO HOST A wine party!

THE FAMILY FORMULA Behind McLeish Estate HunterValleyOnline.com.au

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1ST & 2ND NOVEMBER | BITTER & TWISTED | Maitland Gaol | This is the one weekend in the year where visitors are queuing up to get into gaol! That’s because Bi er & Twisted Interna onal Bou que Beer Fes val will be held inside the walls of the ex-maximum security prison. Weekend deten on will include over 50 cra beers, a na onally recognised entertainment line-up and the best prison food you'll nd! For more informa on and ckets visit www.bi erandtwisted.com.au

1ST & 2ND NOVEMBER | WOLLOMBI SMALL FARMS FAIR | Wollombi| This event started life in 2009 as the Wollombi Valley Country Fair … now in its 6th year the fair has received a major overhaul, incorpora ng the best of past fairs. All weekend there’s wine tas ng, food and local produce stalls, arts and cra market stalls, street and musical entertainment. As part of the 2014 Fair you’ll nd a huge range of ac vi es for the whole family, from the Lantern Parade and Mower Mardi Gras, to the Classic Car Display and Scarecrow Compe on. For more informa on visit www.wollombismallfarmsfair.com.au

TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER | 2014 MELBOURNE CUP | Throughout the Hunter Valley| Four great loca ons bring the fabulous Melbourne Cup to downtown Hunter Valley! Race day comes alive at Harrigan’s! Tickets include canapes on arrival, 3 course meal and 4 hour premium beverage package. For more info and ckets visit www.harrigans.com.au Revel in the party that stops the Valley at Gold sh! For more info visit www.thegold sh.com.au Roberts Circa 1876 will also be holding their annual Melbourne Cup spectacular. For more info visit www.robertscirca1876.com And nally—for a spot of bubbly race day ac on visit Peterson House at www.petersonhouse.com.au

7TH NOVEMBER—26TH JANUARY | CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR | Hunter Valley Gardens |Every year Hunter Valley Gardens bring thousands of families together to celebrate the magic of Christmas at the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Open every night with over 1.5 million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens.

Special guest Santa Claus, live entertainment and food and beverages available for purchase on site. There’ll also be Santa photos (for kids of all sizes) taken by a professional photographer.

Special night rates apply. This is an event the whole family will enjoy. For more informa on visit www.hvg.com.au

SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | A DAY ON THE GREEN | Bimbadgen |To celebrate his 30th anniversary as a solo ar st, Jimmy Barnes plays A Day on the Green at Bimbadgen with The Living End, Baby Animals, Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates and Nick Barker. Get set for a great a ernoon! For more informa on visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

SATURDAY 15TH NOVEMBER | THE ROLLING STONES | Hope Estate | When the Rolling Stones added a Hunter Valley gig to their postponed Australian tour, no-one was complaining! As one of the world's most enduring bands they’ll be performing in the region for the rst - and most likely last - me. The Stones - Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Wa s and Ronnie Wood - last toured Australia in 2003. Their 14 On Fire tour was postponed a er the tragic death of frontman Mick Jagger's partner L'Wren Sco in March. Mick Taylor, who was a member of the Rolling Stones from 1969-74, will be a special guest. For more informa on visit www.hopeestate.com.au UNTIL 23RD NOVEMBER | SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS | Throughout Wollombi | Celebra ng its 12th anniversary, Sculpture in the Vineyards is Australia's largest outdoor sculpture exhibi on. The event features over 100 outdoor sculptures and exclusive bou que wines. Join Sculpture in the Vineyards and enjoy the hospitality and natural beauty of these excep onal venues and the breadth of talent from the juried selec on of artworks along the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail. Sculpture in the Vineyards is a celebra on of art, food and wine where picturesque bou que vineyards and cellar doors are transformed into ve temporary sculpture parks. For more informa on visit www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au

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from the

EDITORS You know Christmas is almost upon us when Hunter Valley Gardens start stringing up the lights! The annual Christmas Lights Spectacular will be dazzling us nightly with brand new displays and over 1.5 million lights. Each year seems to surpass the previous year and it's great fun for the kids (big and small). This a family event not to be missed!

Also returning this year is the annual Sculpture in the Vineyards. It's also bigger than ever before with over 60 ar sts exhibi ng their work across 4 vineyard venues. Equally as impressive is the latest exhibi on at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery where ''Lines of Substance'' - the highly regarded works of 5 sculptors will be on display throughout November.

This month's issue of The Hunter Blackboard celebrates the people behind the magni cent wines of the Hunter Valley and in par cular the incredible success of the McLeish family - who are without a doubt the most awarded bou que Semillon producers in Australia. Read about their long list of na onal and interna onal achievements for their range of Semillons on page 20 of this issue.

Con nuing with the ''Vines and Wines'' theme our feature ar cle on page 11 explores the growing appeal of Organic & Biodynamic Wines. We talk to the four families who for various reasons took up

organic wine produc on and are championing the cause for organic and more sustainable farming methods. On page 12 you will also be able to read the tas ng notes of the wines represen ng each of these four organic producers.

Rolling into the Hunter Valley this month is the most an cipated live concert yet - the Rolling Stones ''14 on Fire'' tour. Considered by many to be the ''World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band'', the Stones perform at Hope Estate supported by a dose of young Aussie rock - Bri sh India and The Preatures.

The Stones tour kicks o what is going to be a very full and lively outdoor concert season in the Hunter Valley las ng un l April 2015 with scheduled performances from John Legend (December), followed by Paul Simon and S ng (February), Roxe e (February), The Eagles (March), Billy Idol, The Angels, Cheap Trick and Choirboys (March) and the recently announced performance by John Farnham and Olivia Newton John in April 2015.

There is so much to do in the Hunter Valley at this me of the year - with some great restaurants at which to dine at, wine tours, beer tas ng, live entertainment, Christmas events, galleries and outdoor art exhibi ons, shopping, glass blowing and so much more and it can all be found in this issue of the Hunter Blackboard.

Enjoy!

HIGHLIGHTS SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS | Returns in 2014 | The Hunter Valley’s largest sculpture fes val, the spectacular Sculpture in the Vineyards in the Wollombi Valley, is back again for 2014….

IT’S ONLY NATURAL | Organics & Biodynamics Organic winemaking in Australia has gained signi cant popularity to the point where there is now a fast growing number of organic farmers in the Australian and global wine industry….

HOW TO HOST A WINE PARTY! Looking for an excuse to get together with your friends to enjoy a few glasses from the latest Hunter Valley vintage? A Wine Party may be just the shot...

HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAP | A popular addi on to each and every issue. Use it to nd your way around Wine Country...

IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY | At McLeish Estate This bou que Hunter Valley winery has been successfully producing premium wines for the past 29 years with owners Robert & Maryanne McLeish overseeing all aspects of the family business with the help of their daughter Jessica...

A DARK HISTORY | The Rothbury Riots Peel back the vines and take a peek at a dark piece of Hunter Valley history as we explore the infamous Rothbury Riots of 1929….

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T H I N G S TO D O

LINES OF SUBSTANCE Contemporary Sculpture 1st - 23rd November Opening 2PM Saturday 1st November Lines of Substance is the latest exhibi on of contemporary sculpture presented by the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.

The ve sculptors involved in this exhibi on are Bronwyn Berman, Akira Kamada, Simon Hodgson, Mark Booth and Catherine Kingsmill and this is the rst me they have exhibited as a group.

The curator of Lines of Substance is highly regarded Newcastle sculptor Braddon Snape MFA whose own work has been selected again for this year’s Sculpture by the Sea. Even though the individual sculptors use of materials and ways of working are quite di erent to each other, Braddon selected them from last year’s Sculpture in the Vineyards because of the individual quali es of their work and its ability to support that of the other ar sts This is the third year that the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery has held a parallel exhibi on with Sculpture in the Vineyards and this year’s o ering should be just as engaging and simultaneously confron ng as those of the past.

Lines of Substance is at the cu ng edge of contemporary sculpture and should not be missed. The gallery is open 11AM—4PM Tuesdays to Sundays.

Ar st: Mark Booth

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SPARK YOUR FESTIVE SPIRIT WITH THE….

Nothing says Christmas spirit quite like seeing 1.5 million fes ve lights showcased in the one spectacular place. Now in its eighth year, Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens is bigger and be er than ever. This year the event welcomes 5 brand new displays, including themes from Alice In Wonderland, Winnie The Pooh and Candy Land.

The extravaganza not only consists of a record number of lights, but also plays host to Santa un l 24th December, and a rework display on the event’s opening night, New Year’s Eve and Australia day. With so many a rac ons, this event is the ul mate way to kick-start your family’s fes ve season.

Kyle McKendry, General Manager of Hunter Valley Gardens says, “This spectacle grows each year and 2014 is set to be our most innova ve yet! It’s fantas c to see the excitement on a child’s face when they see the lights and meet Santa for the rst me.

With so much to explore, the Christmas Lights Spectacular is the perfect family tradi on.”

This year, explore, eat, drink and be merry with a variety of food and beverage stalls.

Experience Christmas carols un l the 24th December, performances from Li le Scallywagz, big ferris wheel or get your heartbeat racing on the bungee (rides from the 21st November 2014)!

Christmas Lights Spectacular will be dazzling every night from Friday 7th November, 2014 un l Monday 26th January, 2015 (excluding Christmas Day and night). Gates will open at 6.30pm and will close at 10.00pm. Roaming entertainment and performances will be open for the dura on of the night.

To nd out more about the Christmas Lights Spectacular, please call 02 4998 4000. In the event of wet weather, please visit the Hunter Valley Gardens Facebook or Twi er page or contact Hunter Valley Gardens to nd out if the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be open.

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bargains

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Sculpture in

the Vineyards

The Hunter Valley’s largest sculpture fes val, the spectacular Sculpture in the Vineyards in the Wollombi Valley, is back again for 2014. This year’s exhibi on will be bigger than ever, with more events, tours and an exci ng new Sculpture by Night event.

We are thrilled to announce that over 60 ar sts will be exhibi ng their work across 4 stunning vineyard venues, from Saturday 25th October to Saturday 29th November 2014.

Now in its 12th year, Sculpture in the Vineyards has grown to become the leading art and social event in the Wollombi Valley. Sculpture in the Vineyards delivers an exci ng, educa onal and eclec c range of special events and collabora ons with local tourism operators such as Ngurra Bu Indigenous tours, along with the Maitland & Cessnock Regional Art Galleries.

A collabora on with the Wollombi Arts Council has also resulted in the addi on of the Small Sculpture exhibi on, at Wollombi’s Old Fire Shed Gallery from the 8th to the 30th November.

“We are thrilled to see Sculpture in the Vineyards growing each year,” said Tara Morelos, Co-Director of the event. “The landscape of the vineyards is the perfect backdrop for some of the most innova ve sculptures in the country, and we have so many satellite events that make this fes val unique to the Hunter Valley.”

Many of the par cipa ng ar sts are award winners and they hail from all over Australia. The host vineyards, Wollombi Village Wines, Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Wollombi Wines and Undercli Winery, are all leading wine makers and have a wonderful range of local wines to enjoy whilst you are strolling through the beau ful vineyards admiring the sculptures!”

A very special addi on to this year’s Fes val is the introduc on of Sculpture by Night: a nocturnal walk-through event at Undercli Winery on Saturday 29 November. This tour will turn the sculpture trail into an enchanted night garden, using a variety of crea ve illumina ons.

The Sculpture in the Vineyards educa on program is back, allowing hundreds of primary & high school, art school and university students to visit the vineyards, and to be taken on guided tours through the sculpture displays. They can also par cipate in a hands-on sculpture workshop.

Also returning in 2014 is the very popular Family Picnic day when families are invited to the wonderful grounds of Wollombi Wines to enjoy the sunshine, ne wine and, of course, the sculptures!

Sculpture in the Vineyards Events during November include:

• •

Saturdays 1st,8th,15th,22th November – Ngurra Bu Twilight Tours www.ngurrabu.com.au Saturday 29th November – Sculpture by Night at Undercli Winery www.undercli .com.au

A Des na on NSW Regional Flagship Event, Sculpture in the Vineyards is a free annual fes val that o ers a mix of art, wine and local produce in the Wollombi Valley, located 90 minutes drive from Sydney.

The township of Wollombi is situated on the World Heritage-listed Convict Trail, built from 1826 to 1836 and is a short break des na on with many a rac ons and a myriad of accommoda on choices from rus c to 5 star.

Please visit www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au for further informa on.

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THE EVER-ENDURING The Rolling Stones are one of the most commercially successful and cri cally acclaimed acts in the history of popular music and are now touring Australia as part of their rescheduled "14 On Fire" tour which also includes a performance at Hope Estate on Saturday 15th November.

A er having to postpone the tour due to the unfortunate and sudden death of L'Wren Sco - the fashion designer and long me girlfriend of front man Mick Jagger, the Australian arm of the tour is now back on track with their rst live show at the Adelaide Oval on October 25th - followed by further performances in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney before the Stones land in the Hunter Valley where they will be performing at Hope Estate supported by two of the most well-respected and much-loved ou its on the local music scene - Bri sh India and the Preatures. Also, joining band regulars Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Wa s and Ronnie Wood as a special guest on the tour is Mick Taylor who was a member of the Rolling Stones from 1969 – 1974 when he replaced founding member Brian Jones a er his death in July 1969.

Dubbed the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band'', in 2012 the band celebrated their 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones rst ever live performance on 12 July 1962 - se ng a record of longevity for a rock 'n roll band or any band for that ma er!

When the Rolling Stones rst began playing gigs around London in 1962, the sugges on that a rock & roll band would last ve years, let alone y, would have been considered ridiculous let alone absurd. Five decades later, the Rolling Stones band members are celebra ng an anniversary that some of them doubted they would ever reach themselves let alone with the Stones.

Formed in Dar ord, Kent in 1962 and named the Rolling Stones a er a the tle of a Muddy Waters song, “Rollin’ Stone’, the band's ini al line-up consisted of band leader Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Charlie Wa s. This new band, could very easily have gone the same way as so many others before them were it not for their sheer luck, tenacity, and musical talent.

Although they chose to play more rhythm and blues, they soon began to experiment musically, incorpora ng the Bri sh pop of contemporaries like the Beatles, Kinks and Who into their sound and albums like ''Let It Bleed'' and ''Exile on Main Street'' expressed some of the thoughts and aspira ons of an en re genera on at that me.

While there may have been moments of turmoil - especially in the 1980's and in par cular with the o en frac ous rela onship between Jagger and

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Richards, there was never a breakup. Instead, throughout the ve decades, the Stones just kept on rolling and adap ng to the latest styles without straying from their roots as a lean, rock and roll band with roots in electric blues.

The Rolling Stones virtually invented the modern rock concert and in the 1960's took over from the Beatles as the uno cial "biggest touring band in the world" - touring all over the globe with many great hits like "Lets Spend the night together" and "Honky Tonk Woman".

Throughout the 1970's, the Rolling Stones con nued to be the biggest band in the world (albeit they were now rivalled by the band Led Zeppelin) and made numerous live performances and mul -million record sales with hits like "Angie", "It's Only Rock and Roll" and "Respectable".

A er a brief period of instability in the early to late 1980s, the band se led into the rou ne of producing a new album and going on tour every few years, and from 1989 to 2000, the band went on to make the four highest grossing concert tours to date.

Once very much a part of the 1960’s "Bri sh Invasion" interna onal music culture, since the 1970s the Rolling Stones have been one of the biggest and most enduring entertainment acts to tour the world with their inimitable shows—all played out with passion, emo on and almost boundless energy, giving their audiences the kind of music they understand and do best - Rock 'n Roll.

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IT’S ONLY Come to my vineyard where we will dig a hole and count the worms, then we’ll listen to the bees, and if we hear the bees than we’ll know that I’m looking after the air, and if we can see the worms then we’ll know that I’m looking after the soil . {Author Unknown}.

Organics & Biodynamics Commencing as a co age industry in the 1970's, organic winemaking in Australia has gained signi cant popularity to the point where there is now a fast growing number of organic farmers in the Australian and global wine industry.

From what was once considered a ''hippie'' or ''tree hugging'' pursuit - a growing number of skilled, well educated and business savvy wine-makers have embraced innova ve vineyard management and produc on processes to produce cri cally acclaimed and commercially successful organic wines Nowadays, most people understand that organic wine, like organic food, is produced without the use of ar cial chemical fer lizers, synthe c pes cides, fungicides and herbicides.

Biodynamics, however is considered to be a natural extension of organics that takes a wider and more holis c approach to organics - taking organic farming to a new, higher, spiritual level - in uencing everything associated with the wine, the vineyard, the workforce and the winery.

In more prac cal terms, biodynamic farming focuses on having healthy, alive, nutrient rich soils and a well balanced environment to allow the plant to e ec vely channel and u lise everything it needs to grow. Prac ces include the use of speci c herb and mineral prepara ons to enhance the vitality of plants, soils, composts and livestock. Manual or mechanical weed control, nontoxic pest management, and sustainable animal husbandry are also employed.

chemicals, soil quality and health concerns didn’t match the company’s standard he didn’t hesitate to set about revolu onising his winemaking process. Things kicked o in 1999 with the introduc on of sustainable vi culture prac ces, which then prepared the way for a fully developed organic program in 2003.

For Mark Davidson, the shi to organic vineyard management and a more sustainable business model, has had a signi cant e ect on the way Tamburlaine operates. In addi on, the focus on sustainability, waste management and other processes has led to energy cost savings of up to $120,000 a year. Furthermore, Tamburlaine has also become the rst cer ed carbon neutral winemaker in the country.

Others like Geo and Barb Brown - owners of Ascella Pure Wines in Milbrodale, say that it is their deep commitment to health and wellbeing as well as the desire to reduce the use of chemicals in their environment that made them choose the organic path in their vineyard. ''Apart from believing that organics helps to grow healthy vines, we also feel happy that the environment that we live and work in is healthy for everyone." explains Barb.

Similarly Ross McDonald from Macquariedale Organic Wines, who also trained as a Chemical Engineer, was in uenced by a personal desire to avoid working in an environment with chemicals. ''Understanding the toxicity of the chemicals that are used in the food chain from my training as a Chemical Engineer has been instrumental in following the sustainable path in the vineyards'' says Ross. ''As our organic and biodynamic approach Whether for ecological or commercial reasons, organic and sustainable has taken hold we have found that our adjacent neighbors have taken the winegrowing is taking o with the demand for organic wine increasing both plunge and joined into our biodynamic cer ca on as well.'' locally and overseas. The reality is that wine free from synthe c chemical For Rod and Suzanne Windrim from Krinklewood Vineyard in Broke, the fer lisers, pes cides, fungicides and herbicides is a burgeoning market decision to farm biodynamically and make biodynamic wine was an easy providing signi cant opportuni es for smaller, organic vineyards to make their mark and di eren ate themselves in today's increasingly compe ve one. “It’s be er for the environment, be er for the people that live and work on the farm and gives us a be er quality wine that is ul mately be er and cut-price market. for the people to drink!” says Rod Windrim. Krinklewood Vineyard and Here in the Hunter Valley the early adopters include some of our most Farm became Cer ed Biodynamic and Cer ed Organic in 2007. respected producers that include Tamburlaine Wines, Macquariedale As a group they believe in making great wines by taking the whole Organic Wines, Ascella Pure Wines and Krinklewood Vineyard who all environment into considera on and working with nature’s rhythms. By embraced organics and biodynamics due to their convic on that it would following biodynamic and organic principles they can truly express the help take their wines' quality to the next level. But quality is not the only vineyards terroir, character and individuality in their wines. For them it's reason these wineries were drawn to organics. not just about being green, its also about taste and quality. It's about the Mark Davidson from Tamburlaine Wines is considered one of the future....

Australian wine industry’s innovators and a er deciding that vineyard

See over for our top organic drops and wine trail….

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Discover the Organic Trail...

Naturally Ascella Pure Wines Pure Vescence 2013 Located on Thompsons road in Milbrodale, Ascella Pure Wines is the largest organic vineyard in the Hunter Hunt t Valley and produces highly awarded premium Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay, prem m Verdelho, Shiraz, Merlot, as well as a RosĂŠ and Pure Verd d Vescence (Sparkling RosĂŠ). All Ascella Pure Wines Vesc c are ccarefully made using only organic grapes by and G Greg Silkman.

Ascella's Pure Vescence 2013 is a ssparkling rosĂŠ, with notes of Turkish delight ccoupled with a tropical fruit nose and layers of ccitrus blossom making it a truly refreshing and

pleasure.

Food Match: Ideal for any party or event - but c cheeses, savouries, sliced fruits and most desserts served cold or at room temperature d Cellaring: Up to 2 - 3 years.

C

Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2012 Hunter Reserve Syrah Although not a large winery in world terms, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, is Australia's largest Tamb Tam awaar wines from their Hunter Valley and Orange award Vineyards Viney that are true to the terroir of the region.

This classic Hunter Valley Syrah from Tamburlaine's 47 year old Hunter Valley vineyard displays a violet perfume with dried plum and hints of toasty new oak. On the palate the wines display concentrated earthy

avours, red berry fruits, dark chocolate and integrated tannins.

Food Match: A very food friendly wine that well with red meat dishes especially beef steak or a big beefy stew.

Barbecued foods with a smoky char pair nicely with Syrah, as do lamb, venison and game birds. Also strong hard cheeses especially cheddar.

Cellaring: Drink now or cellar for 5 -8 years.

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Krinklewood 2012 Blanc de Blanc Macquariedale Organic Wine produces a range of white and red wines using natural and sustainable inspired Cellar Door, nestled in the picturesque inspir Brokee Fordwich Valley.

This ssparkling wine is made from home grown 100% %

riddling riddli n and disgorge.

This Blanc de Blanc is fresh and lively w with the palate displaying citrus and sstone-fruit. Extended lees age has created a persist

avour. It is perfectly balanced, p

gant bead and a crisp dr

FFood Match: The perfect accompaniment to wasabi, goats cheese and caramelized onion w pickled ginger and/or fresh Sydney Rock p O Oysters.

SHOP NOW Cellaring: Up to 5 years.

C

following follow win natural winemaking processes and using

and n no anima

gents.

The wine has an intense berry

a

avour from low yielding grapes and truly m months in small oak barrels enhances the silky smooth t

ate si length that is long and clean. le Food Match: This Merlot will go well with a Fo ra range of Italian dishes, especially tomato-based ones and grilled and roasted to meats such as roast rack or leg of lamb m served pink, roast chicken, turkey and se guinea-fowl. gu Cellaring: To be enjoyed now through Ce to 2018.

To follow the Organic / Biodynamic Wine Trail - refer to the MAP on page 18 and 19 and look for the

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symbol.

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How to Host a...

Wine Party!

By Michelle Meehan

Looking for an excuse to get together with your friends to enjoy a few glasses from the latest Hunter Valley vintage?

Create a tas ng card for your guests, including everything from the name of the winemaker to the vintage of the wine, as well as the speci c varietal and even some of the tas ng notes provided by the producer.

Why not host a wine tas ng party - your chance to combine good food and great wine with an opportunity to learn more about what it is you’re Tradi onal wine tas ng par es would also include a sec on on the tas ng swishing around your glass. card for your guests to record their own observa ons of the drop, from its aroma and avour to its appearance and their own personal ra ng of the Of course there’s more than just one type of wine tas ng party, so the rst wine. step is to work out the theme.

Blind tas ngs can be a fun op on – wine bo les are covered during You could concentrate on one par cular producer, which if you’re keen to pouring and the winemaker’s iden ty, along with the varietal, are kept s ck to Hunter Valley wines (and why wouldn’t you!) gives you plenty of secret. You could make this into a light-hearted compe on – the guest op ons right on your doorstep, from interna onally-renowned brands such whose guesses are closest to the mark could win a bo le of top quality as Tyrell’s through to the smaller bou que producers do ed throughout wine or be awarded an honorary tle of the “wine taster of the night”.

Wine Country.

While wine tas ng on an empty stomach can be a recipe for disaster, the Another op on is to pick one varietal from a par cular year, sourced from only food you really want to serve during the tas ng is a simple selec on of a number of di erent producers. This is known as a horizontal tas ng and it bread to help cleanse the palate between varietals (or the cheeses and allows you to really hone in on the nuances of avour, appearance and chocolates you have paired with the wines). nish that can be cra ed into the varietal by the individual winemakers.

Why not invite the guests over a li le earlier to serve up a light meal before A good choice for this style of tas ng could be Hunter-made Semillons, the swishing and sipping begins – or prepare a simple supper to follow which are renowned the world over for their uniqueness. straight a er the tas ng is complete.

There are also ver cal tas ngs (one varietal from a par cular winemaker When it comes to invi ng your guests try to limit the numbers - wine over a number of vintages), as well as events based on the most popular tas ngs seem to go hand-in-hand with a more in mate atmosphere. wines on the market or even wines from a par cular price range.

Make sure you provide each guest with two glasses if you are looking to Pairing wines with cheeses – or chocolate – can also create par cularly serve both reds and whites, keep plenty of water on hand to help cleanse

avoursome fun. Why not pick up some of the ne quality Hunter-made your palate between wines and keep it simple when it comes to your table products available in the heart of wine country, such as those created by wear – a white tablecloth and napkins will ensure your guests are able to the Hunter Valley Cheese Company or Hunter Valley Chocolate Company – see the true colour pro les of the wines. they might even be able to provide you with a few pointers in rela on to Sounds simple doesn’t it? The hardest part may be choosing the wines to what to pair their products with. sample – this might call for your own trip round a few Hunter cellar doors Once you’ve chosen your theme, you obviously need to select the this weekend ... in the name of research of course! par cular wines to be tasted and work out the order they will be served.

With white wines, moving from drier varietals to sweeter wines is the best arrangement, while reds should be tasted in order from lighter wines through to the more full-bodied varietals.

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“2014 has certainly marked milestone achievements for our family company – with the 2007 Cellar Reserve Semillon asser ng the posi on as the most awarded, premier Australian Semillon - proving yet again, that the Hunter Valley is the ul mate wine region in the world for producing some of the most iconic Semillons’’ Bob McLeish

It’s all in the family...

AT M LEISH ESTATE c

Once considered the world’s most widely planted variety, Semillon has found its home in the Hunter Valley where with age it develops into a mul dimensional white wine of fascina ng and unique complexity, smoothness and depth. When young it is almost always a dry wine, deliciously crisp with abundant citrus aromas of lemon, lime and even green apple.

While there is seemingly no end to the number of producers who have a long and proud tradi on of producing excep onally high quality Hunter Valley Semillon, those deserving of men on are Tyrrell's with their Vat 1 Semillon - a benchmark for the variety in Australia, McWilliams Mount Pleasant, Mistletoe Winery, Brokenwood, Meerea Park, Pokolbin Estate, Ridgeview Wines, Gartelmann and of course McLeish Estate, who with over 30 Trophies, 50 Gold and a total of 124 Awards, can comfortably claim to be the most awarded bou que Semillon producer in Australia.

This bou que Hunter Valley winery has been successfully producing premium wines from their 44 acre vineyard in Pokolbin where for the past 29 years owners Robert (Bob) and Maryanne McLeish have overseen all aspects of the family business with the help of their daughter Jessica.

With a wine that is now considered a true champion wine of the world, the much decorated McLeish 2007 Cellar Reserve Semillon was awarded the World’s Best Semillon at the 2012 and 2013 London Interna onal Wine Challenge and took home three trophies at the 2013 Sydney Interna onal Wine Compe on.

This year the same wine went on to achieve unprecedented success, receiving four trophies at the Sydney Royal Wine Show for Best NSW Wine, Best White Wine, Best Single Vineyard Wine and Best Small Producer Wine as well as trophies at the Sydney Interna onal Wine Compe on and the recent 2014 Australian Bou que Wine Awards where it collected trophies for Best Semillon and Best White Wine of the show. The 2007 Semillon then also picked up trophies at the 2014 Australian Bou que Wine Awards and NSW Small Winemaker Show as well.

With passion at the helm and a con nual pursuit for excellence, McLeish Estate have me and me again proven that their 2007 Semillon is no ''one o '' success story.

Wine experts believe that the McLeish Estate 2007 Semillon bears a strong resemblance to its younger 2009 counterpart, which also won gold at the The business dates back to 1985 when Maryanne and Bob – a proud 2014 Sydney Royal Wine Show and Gold at the Hunter Valley Bou que Sco sh mechanical engineer and avid rugby union supporter from Sydney Wine Show 2014. This wine has also established its posi on among the top bought a block of land adjacent to what is now the Poole’s Rock winery and Semillon’s of the region with a 96 point ra ng in the 2013 James Halliday began plan ng a vineyard with Semillon and Chardonnay and selling the Wine Companion and twice rated ''Top 40 of the State'' at the NSW Wine fruit to another producer. They soon discovered that they were onto a Awards. really good thing and decided to trade in the city life and move permanently to the Hunter where they started producing their own wines So, for those with a fondness for Semillon and are looking to stock up the cellar - now is the me to capitalise on the early successes of the 2009 under the McLeish Estate Wines label and expanded their plan ngs of Semillon which is priced at $45 a bo le and which by all accounts seems to Semillon and Chardonnay to also include Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, be following the same path as the 2007 Semillon currently priced at $120 a Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. bo le. More recent Semillons such as the 2011 and 2013 vintages are also With Andrew Thomas, who earned his stripes at Tyrell's, as their star ng to show promise. winemaker, McLeish Estate are widely recognised for producing an amazing range of single vineyard Semillon's that are regularly winning both na onal and interna onal awards and are celebrated throughout the world.

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A REALLY GRAPE

Is there a di erence between table and wine grapes?

Yes they are di erent. One taste of a wine grape and you'll see instantly that wine grapes and table grapes are selected based on some very di erent characteris cs.

Commercially cul vated grapes can usually be classi ed as either table or wine grapes, based on their intended method of consump on - eaten raw (table grapes) or used to make wine (wine grapes).

Table grapes are grapes intended for consump on while they are fresh, as opposed to grapes grown for wine produc on, juice produc on, or for drying into raisins. Grapes most o en sold as table grapes are Sultana (Thompson Seedless), Muscat, Almeria and Concord grape. It is interes ng to note that seedless cul vars now make up the overwhelming majority of table grape plan ngs.

The key di erence between the two is that table grape varie es usually have lower sugar content than wine grapes and are more avourful when eaten. On the other hand, wine grapes tend to be very sweet at the me they are harvested and when their juice is approximately 25% sugar by weight. By comparison, commercially produced 100% grape juice, made from table grapes is usually around 17% sugar by weight.

When ripe, most wine grapes will be much sweeter, so er and juicier than table grapes. They are smaller, riddled with seeds, have a higher juice content and thicker skins - a desirable characteris c in winemaking, since much of the aroma in wine comes from the skin. When you eat a fresh wine grape they ooze apart leaving you with crunchy bi er seeds and chewy grape skin. Wine grapes typically aren't commercially available for snacking, with the excep on of Muscat grapes Interes ngly, it can be di cult to tell the di erence between the varie es of wine grapes in their grape form by taste alone. Sure, you get visual indica ons from leaf and cluster shape, but even some winemakers might not be able to tell the di erence between a Zinfandel grape and a Merlot grape just by ea ng them.

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WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD

Under the Table November is a great me to visit the Hunter Valley with almost perfect temperatures and most restaurants working to their Spring menus and the slightly warmer temperatures making a late morning breakfast or brunch a temp ng op on. Alterna vely take advantage of the cooler a ernoons and evenings and dine al-fresco.

Here are some of the latest happenings on the Local Food Scene.

Melbourne Cup Events. Four great loca ons are holding their annual Melbourne Cup events this year. The day comes alive at: Harrigan's Irish Pub (ph: 4998 4300), Gold sh (ph: 4998 7688), Roberts Circa 1876 (ph: 4998 4998) and Peterson House (ph: 4998 7881).

Thanksgiving at Roberts Circa 1876 - 30th November. American born Execu ve Chef George Francisco is bringing this tradi onal holiday celebra on to the Hunter ... Enjoy all the good things in life with a long table of pla ers, abundant food, while George carves up the turkey on the marble bar. From 1pm - Cost: $85 pp and $45 for children. Ph: 4998 4998 First Creek Wines Celebrates Summer at the Terrace on Pi water on Thursday 13 November. First Creek Wines have decided that November is the perfect me to enjoy a magni cent 5 course degusta on dinner with their Sydney friends at the picturesque Newport Arms Hotel's Terrace on Pi water. Enjoy gorgeous views with excep onal food and an array of First Creek's award winning wines. Date: 13 November - Time: 6.30pm - Cost $90 for 5 courses and wine. Ph: 4998 7293. éléments - the new Restaurant for Mercure Hunter Valley Resort: Mercure Hunter Valley Resort unveils a brand new restaurant, éléments, in a drama c transforma on from the previous Hunter Valley Steakhouse... éléments is open seven nights for dinner, and for lunch on weekends. To book Ph: 4998 2000.

Pokolbin Kitchen - long lazy Sunday lunch. Enjoy endless amounts of seafood and local wine every Sunday a ernoon from 12.00 through Spring and Summer with the new seafood and wine bu et at Pokolbin Kitchen. To book Ph: 4998 7000.

Sunday Tastes: Sundays night dining at Twine Restaurant is about crea ng a unique casual dining experience which starts with a house made mezze plate followed by their "Tastes from around the world" dinner (November is Middle Eastern Cuisine) followed by a tantalizing dessert. Every Sunday at Twine Restaurant from 5:30pm last bookings 7:30pm. Cost: $49 pp. Kids under 12 eat FREE (1 kid per paying adult, Sunday kids menu applies).

Bookings essen al: Ph: 4998 7449 Locals Night at Roberts Circa 1876: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ph: 4998 4998.

Locals Night at The Verandah Restaurant is on Sunday the 2nd of November with the theme “Spice Night”. The evening starts at 6:30pm with complimentary canapes and bubbles, followed by a 5 course Tapas Style degusta on. $50 per person BYO (no corkage).

Bookings essen al: Ph: 4998 7231 Gourmet Secrets in a Jar - Ma 's Produce: Renown local chef Ma Dillow has revealed his line of gourmet produce with a wide range of ''chef-only avours'' available to everyone to use in their kitchens. Ma 's growing line of gourmet condiments and a variety of seasonal speciali es are available at restaurants and select cellar doors and also online at www.ma sproduce.com.au

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WINE & seafood While seafood is a meal to be enjoyed all year around - Spring is the perfect season to enjoy this bounty of the ocean with the warmer evenings invi ng us to spend more me dining outside.

Good-quality seafood, whether bought or caught, deserves a bit of e ort where the matching of wines is concerned. As a general rule, the more delicately avoured the sh dish is, the more subtle the wine should be.

Pairing wine with seafood isn't a di cult task. When thinking in terms of weight and substance, delicate raw sh and light shell sh go best with equally delicate, light white wines. Similarly, a piece of grilled sword sh or salmon will go be er with a richer, more substan al white. The general view is that white wine should be served with sh and red wine with red meat. While there is some validity to that belief, wine drinkers should not limit themselves to any single category. At the end of the day it is the type of seafood that will determine the best match for the wine glass. Here are some examples to assist with the choice: Semillon is o en the perfect partner for seafood. A young zesty Semillon is the ideal match to delicately avoured dishes such as raw and lightly cooked shell sh - especially those with Asian avours, oysters, fresh crab, clams and sashimi. A rich and complex aged Semillon is more suited to fully avoured dishes, such as grilled sh (especially grilled salmon) or lobster.

Shell sh such as clams, mussels, scallops as well as crab and lobster tend to call for light whites and sparkling wines. Sparkling wines and oysters are a classic combina on. Verdelho is also an ideal wine to accompany shell sh. If the dish is spicy, consider an o -dry Gew端rztraminer.

When it comes to lean, simply cooked white sh, the ideal wines to reach for are Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. Flounder, sea bass, cod, snapper, lobster, shrimp, clams, crab, raw oysters, mussels all do well with these wines. Similarly, a light, slightly sweet Riesling pairs well with scallops, clams, grilled shrimp, calamari, trout, or baked oysters For the more mea er sh such as tuna or sword sh, look to match it with a white wine that has a bit more body such as a Viognier or even a Chardonnay. An un-oaked Chardonnay is especially well paired with creamy seafood chowders fresh cod or, trout, grilled or poached salmon raw oysters, mussels and even lobster.

Rose is another category that pairs well with seafood, especially with a thicker mea er sh such as tuna or sword sh - especially when adding some spice to the dish.

When it comes to salmon (especially smoked salmon), tuna or sword sh, it pays to look beyond the white varie es and consider a light to medium bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot. The light body and delicate avours of these wines will not overpower the sh and the sh are meaty enough to match the red wine.

If you can't decide or everyone at the table is ea ng something di erent, order a bo le of nice Sparkling wine - it's one of the most food-friendly of wines.

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Gewürztraminer: Difficult to spell….Easy to drink!

Gewürztraminer is best known for its wines from Alsace in North-eastern France, but is also widely planted in other French wine regions and in many other countries throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

While the French Alsace region is most famous for this grape, the history of Gewürztraminer began in the German-speaking Tyrolean Alps of Italy.

Gewürztraminer has the dubious dual dis nc on of being the easiest grape variety to recognize but the most di cult to spell and was rst introduced into Australia in the James Busby collec on of 1832 but has since been reintroduced by more recent plan ngs.

Once described as the "Chardonnay of the 1970's'', Gewürztraminer is a variety that is not widely grown in Australia as it generally thrives in a cooler climate.

However, areas, such as Tasmania, the Clare Valley and the Hunter Valley are known to produce some outstanding examples of this variety. These wines range from the crisp, fruity and dry style to the lavish, honeyed sweet styles or late-harvest wines.

In Australia this variety is also known as Traminer, especially in the warmer regions where it is most commonly used as a blending companion for Riesling.

It is a very delicate grape that is not generally blended with anything else except Riesling (some readers may well recall the Rosemount 'Traminer Riesling' of the 80's).

Australian winemakers usually opt for an o -dry style with some residual sugar.

It is a pink skinned grape and requires quick but gentle pressing to keep the juice white and clear. While it may be the Gewürztraminer is one of the most pungent wine varietals, easy to recognize by its heady, aroma c scent, its versa lity and high natural sugar content means it can be made into a wine with a bone-dry nish through to semi-sweet or sweet wine styles.

The wines are highly perfumed and quite full-bodied, more so than other white wines. The bouquet is intense and complex, o ering an explosion of exo c fruits such as lychee, passion fruit, pineapple and mango characters with rose petal, gardenia, honeysuckle and even spicy (gingerbread, peppermint, cloves and pepper) aromas.

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In fact the name Gewurztraminer literally translates as “spicy Traminer”. When it comes to food, its aroma c avours means that Gewürztraminer pairs beau fully with spicy dishes and strong cheeses such as Munster, and equally well with foie gras and the most intensely avoured aroma c herbs and spices.

It is also the ideal partner for many Asian foods such as Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai and Indian. Smoked salmon is also a par cularly good match. Very sweet Gewurztraminers are ideal with desserts, cheesecake and fruit tarts.

BRIAR RIDGE 2014 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer Located in the Mount View region of the Hunter Valley, Briar Ridge is one of leading producers of iconic Hunter Valley wines and have been awarded numerous accolades on both the Na onal and Interna onal Wine Show Circuit.

This is reinforced by their 5 star ra ng awarded by James Halliday for 3 consecu ve years running 2012, 2013 & 2014.

The 2104 vintage was one of the earliest on record for most grape growers in the Hunter and one of the most exci ng with near perfect condi ons right up to the end of harvest.

The end result was grapes with excellent varietal avour.

The Briar Ridge 2014 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer is a rich and opulent dessert wine. Perfumed rose petal and ginger spice nuances linger on the nose, with the nely balanced palate displaying Turkish delight and lychee notes. The palate is nely balanced nishing with subtle bush honey notes.

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BEHIND THE

It's November and the ideal me of the year to be in the vineyards with the buds developing new shoots and leaves triggering the start of the grape owering process. As the days get warmer, the shoots grow longer and the grape ower begins to form grape berries - known as ''berry set''. The vineyard team now get busy monitoring the vines and crop thinning where necessary to meet op mum yield levels per acre.

Here are some of the latest happenings on the local Wine & Beer Scene.

McWilliam’s Wines returns to being 100 per cent family-owned: McWilliam’s Wines - the 140 year old Australian mul genera onal wine company, recently announced that the company had returned to being 100 per cent family-owned a move that will posi on McWilliam’s to take advantage of opportuni es as they arise across both domes c and export markets. As well as the return to complete family ownership, there has also been an increased emphasis on the regionality of the brands in the McWilliam’s por olio.

New custodian for heritage-listed vineyard: Brokenwood has leased the heritage-listed Tallawanta vineyard (located between Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan's Irish Pub) in Pokolbin from the Roche Family Group. The 9 hectare vineyard is planted predominantly with Shiraz - providing some of the Hunter Valley's nest reds.

Hunter toasts falling dollar: Hunter wine sales were severely a ected when the Australian dollar was on par with the US dollar - now with the Aussie dollar below 90 US cents there is an expecta on wine sales will recover and create opportuni es to win back export markets.

Fast changing reputa on: The United Kingdom - Australia's largest wine export market by volume, worth $370 million a year and once considered a good source of cheap, everyday drinking wines for UK consumers is now seeing Australia gain a reputa on for being a country providing really serious wine with a variety of microclimates. Not only is Australian wine pushing up price points in the retail trade but there is also more acceptance of Australian wine as a premium o ering in the restaurant scene.

Fantas c For eds: Denmar Estate on Hermitage Rd have just announced the release of 2 new exci ng for ed from the 2007 vintage (red and white) and reportedly both drinking very well. Visit DenMar Estate 479 Hermitage Rd - Pokolbin. Ph:6574 7291 Sculpture in the Vineyards: This annual event is to be held at wineries throughout Wollombi un l the 29th of November.

AndeVine Wines - New Bou que Wine Brand and Cellar Door for Lovedale: Local winemaker Andrew Leembruggen has opened his new cellar door at 247 Wilderness Rd in Lovedale.

Hart & Hunter - New Cellar Door: Winemaking couple Damien Stevens & Jodie Belleville have opened the new Hart & Hunter cellar door on Deasy's Rd in Pokolbin. Although a rela vely new brand, Hart & Hunter shot to notoriety in 2010 by taking out three trophies for their debut Semillon.

Eagles Rest Wines - New Cellar Door: Eagles Rest Wines are opening their new cellar door on Oakey Creek Rd in Pokolbin - opposite Drayton's Family Wines.

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THE ROTHBURY RIOTS

Peel back the vines and take a peek at a dark piece of Hunter Valley history...

By Michelle Meehan

When you think of Hunter Valley wine country on meagre government handouts, while new during December, you picture lush, rolling elds, laws were introduced in an a empt to make it sun-dappled hillsides and row upon row of illegal for miners to gather in protest. grapevines, heavy with fruit.

Desperate mes lled with poverty and But if you pull back the vine leaves and peek into starva on eventually forced the miners to the past you’ll nd a much darker December accept the mine owners’ demands, returning to image, stained with blood and violence, which work in June 1930 on reduced contract wages. played out on the outskirts of the vineyard The riot went down in Australian folklore as one region more than 80 years ago - the infamous of the darkest chapters in Australia’s industrial Rothbury Riot. history.. but Hunter visitors and locals alike can The date was December 16, 1929 and the s ll re-live that history today. loca on was the Rothbury Colliery, where about The Rothbury Riot was the subject of the 2007 4000 miners had gathered in protest of the use documentary Lockout, presented by awardof non-union workers – also known as scab winning Australian actor Chris Haywood. labour - at the coal mine, which had been taken over by the government.

The 56-minute lm featured interviews with Hunter mining iden es including Jim Around 400 police, who were reportedly Comerford, who at the me was one of the few brought in to protect those workers, clashed remaining eye-witnesses to the event. He has with the miners who marched on the colliery since passed away. and shots were red by the armed constabulary.

Mr Comerford wrote a book of the same name One miner – 29-year-old Norman Brown – was about the incident, based on his rst-hand killed, while many others were injured during experiences as a 15-year-old, who was working the riot. as a pit boy when he got caught up in the riot.

Labelled “the most drama c industrial clash that He later went on to become an ac vist and has ever shocked Australia” in a report by union leader, with many of his historical Sydney’s Daily Telegraph Pictorial, the Rothbury documents now available to be viewed in a Riot, or Ba le of Rothbury as it was also known, library named a er him at the Edgeworth David came more than nine months in to what was Museum, located in the grounds of Kurri High later called “The Great Australian Lockout”.

School.

It began in February 1929 when, in the face of Kurri Kurri is also home to a mural depic ng the decreasing demand for coal and worsening riot, which was painted by ar st Chris Fussell on economic condi ons, the owners of mines the Custom Credit building, while an o cial across the Northern Coal elds decided to cut monument commemora ng the event can be their workers’ wages by 12.5 per cent and found on the western side of Wine Country remove key industrial rights.

Drive, about 2km north of North Rothbury and Understandably, the Miners Federa on refused 17km north of Cessnock. to accept the terms – but what no-one expected It was dedicated by the Northern District Miners was for the mine owners to lock the gates on Women’s Auxiliary to all those who endured the almost 10,000 workers for the next 15 months. lockout, as well as the miners present at the riot The bi er dispute laid siege to the Hunter in Rothbury. mining community – families were forced to rely

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COMING UP 7TH NOVEMBER—26TH JANUARY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR Hunter Valley Gardens Every year Hunter Valley Gardens bring thousands of families together to celebrate the magic of Christmas at the Christmas Lights Spectacular.

Open every night with over 1.5 million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens. Special guest Santa Claus, live entertainment and food and beverages available for purchase on site. There’ll also be Santa photos (for kids of all sizes) taken by a professional photographer. Special night rates apply. This is an event the whole family will enjoy. For ckets visit www.hvg.com.au

6TH—11TH DECEMBER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S GAMES throughout Lake Macquarie & Newcastle The Interna onal Children’s Games (ICG) is the largest mul -sport youth games in the world and is a recognised member of the Interna onal Olympic Commi ee.

Approximately 1,500 athletes between 12 and 15 years of age, and their coaches, par cipate in this pres gious event each year.

Lake Macquarie was the rst Australian city to par cipate in the ICG, compe ng in San Francisco in 2008 and is the rst city in the Southern Hemisphere to host the games. We look forward to welcoming the world!

For more informa on visit www.icg.lakemacquarie.com

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SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER JOHN LEGEND in A DAY ON THE GREEN at Bimbadgen

IT’S A MONTH OF HAND MADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS!

6TH, 13TH, 27TH, 28TH & 29TH DECEMBER at Kevin Sobels Wines

The supremely talented, #1 char ng neo-soul singer John Legend is set to thrill his Australian fans this December.

“An Evening With John Legend” teams the mul -award winning, pla num-selling singer-songwriter with his super talented band plus a guest string sec on. This promises an in mate show not to be missed.

Special guests Megan Washington and Dami Im. For more informa on visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER VARIETY SANTA FUN RUN Star ng at Honeysuckle 'Tis the season to paint the town red and white! It's me again for wannabe Santas young and old to get set for some seasonal an cs and dress as a Claus for a cause for the 2014 annual Variety Santa Fun Run! This year, masses of Santa Claus’ will come to every state in Australia running, walking, rolling and “Ho! Ho! Ho-ing” on their merry way to raise funds for Variety the Children's Charity and Aussie kids in need.

Newcastle's bighearted Santas will hit the pavement star ng the 5km route from the fountain at Harbour Square Honeysuckle, going along the foreshore to Newcastle's iconic Nobbys Lighthouse and back.

Everyone will nish right where they started, where there will be a fun lled fes ve event with plenty of lunch choices at Honeysuckles fabulous restaurants. For more info visit www.varietysantafunrun.com.au

THURSDAY 18TH DECEMBER THE WIGGLES BIG SHOW! At Newcastle Entertainment Centre Bigger, brighter and wigglier than ever, Australia’s favourite children’s entertainment group are gearing up to bring their new live performance, THE WIGGLES' BIG SHOW! to Newcastle.

The na onal tour kicks o in December, and is their most exci ng live show yet.

7TH & 21ST DECEMBER SACRED TREE MARKETS at Branxton

15TH—17TH DECEMBER JACK NEWTON CELEBRITY CLASSIC at Cypress Lakes The Jack Newton pro-am 36 hole golf tournament combines 50 celebri es ranging from spor ng greats, comedians, entertainers, lm stars and television personali es with 50 professional golfers. The tournament o ers a unique opportunity for amateurs to play with their gol ng heroes and celebri es.

Whilst the celebrity heavy tournament prides itself on promo ng a fun, relaxed vibe for its par cipants, there is a real purpose behind it - with all proceeds duly donated to the Jack Newton Junior Golf Founda on and Diabetes. For more informa on visit celebrityclassic.jacknewtongroup.com

So get ready to sing, dance and laugh along with Emma (Yellow Wiggle), Lachy (Purple Wiggle), Simon (Red Wiggle) and Anthony (Blue Wiggle). For ckets visit www.premier. cketek.com.au

3RD—26TH JANUARY MEGABUGS Hunter Valley Gardens The BIGGEST display of animatronic bugs in Australia coming this January.

Featuring Spider-saurus and a towering 8 metre Praying Man s, plus many more mega creatures from the underworld!

• Scorpion, wasp, grasshopper, ants and beetles

• Ladybird, giant snail, bees and bu er ies

• Cen pede, cicada, dragon ies and caterpillars

• Discover mega creatures from the underworld as you explore the gardens For ckets visit www.hvg.com.au

If you’re into Olives, Olive Oils, and tasting Gourmet Foods, then you have to visit...

THE HUNTER OLIVE CENTRE Featuring the Hunter Valley's largest range of olive products, with over 400 locally allly l produced delicacies to taste and collect. From olive oils, table olives and olive products to o jjams, ams, chutneys, dukkahs, vinegars, spices and much much more!

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

110% 0% OFF ALL A LL P PURCHASES URCHASES ((excluding (ex excluding l sale items)

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.

BEAUTIFUL

THINGS An exquisite array of spectacular jewellery, stylish watches, amazing giftware and home wares. 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-

Dine

Savour

AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS Serving tasty HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY

gourmet picnics, fish, sandwiches, our famous gourmet Established more than ten years ago the ORIGINAL pies, pizza and pasta, there is truly something for all Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory tastes and pockets! Phone 4998-7355. is one of the premier attractions in the area.

HUNTER VALLEY CUPCAKES & CAFÉ Relax & HUNTER VALLEY COOKIES Hand-made enjoy a light breakfast, a tasty lunch or just premium cookies in designer gourmet flavours. indulge with the delicious gourmet cakes & speciality Cookie tastings daily, delicious coffee and gluten cupcakes plus a great coffee or tea! free cookies.

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY Experience a Taste of HUNTER VALLEY LIQUEURS & BAERAMI the Country in this award winning café and retail outlet.

This popular café is like walking into an old fashioned, OLIVES Extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils, vinegars and a large range of specialty liqueurs and an country kitchen. Phone 4998-6605. impressive array of bottles to customize your selection.

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT Rustic Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed, friendly THE BRITISH LOLLY SHOP The largest range environment. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to of imported English Confectionary. All your old Saturday. Bookings recommended. Phone 4998 7584. favourites, humbugs, sherbet lemon, come in and sample our hospitality.

THE GARDEN CELLARS Mount Eyre/Three Ponds Cellar Door. See the Tunnel Of Beer or taste 17 flavoured organic vodkas.

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.

Pamper

Play

Essentials

fiction, and children’s books and a unique collection of POKOLBIN CONVENIENCE STORE In the heart quality toys, games, souvenirs and gifts. of the village is a genuine general store servicing the WILSON & HUNTER All the latest fashion from Pokolbin area with everything you might need while Camilla, Mela Purdie, Verge, Katherine, Samantha Wills, visiting the Wine Country.

Metalicus, Bleu Blanc Rouge,Tilly Rose,Tolani and more…

WINE GLASS GALLERY An extraordinary gift POKOLBIN VILLAGE PHARMACY Offering you gallery… colourful, handmade and crystal wine glasses, friendly, professional service as well as a wide range of original artworks, homewares, new season scarves & products: full PBS prescription service, medicines, handbags, jewellery, shot glasses, magnets, souvenirs & vitamins, skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, sunglasses and much more. Phone 4998 6677 much more.

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.

BROKE ROAD, POKOLBIN OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10AM