The Hunter Blackboard | October 2014

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

O C TO B E R 2 0 1 4 | I S S U E # 9 2

HUNTER

THE

BLACKBOARD

THE

Al Fresco ISSUE

What’s the big deal?

WOMEN IN WINE GOURMET SECRETS Wrapped in glass

HunterValleyOnline.com.au

Gourmet Traveller WINE Young Winemaker Medal Winner 2014

FOR YOUR

DIARY

THE HUNTER BLACKBOARD IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH...

oct

UNTIL OCTOBER 6TH | ICE AGE 4 | Hunter Valley Gardens |Join all the fun at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays with ICE AGE 4! This exci ng live show is a must see for all families with ac vi es each day including face pain ng, jumping castle and a chance to meet the characters from the show. Live performances at 11.00am and 1.00pm, colouring in compe on, meet and greet the characters at 12.00pm plus loads more fun ac vi es. For more info and ckets visit www.hvg.com.au

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER | HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL | Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley| The second Hunter valley Wine Fes val will take place on Saturday 11th October within the grounds of the picturesque Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. This community event will be one to remember. With an extensive array of wine, food, beer and cider on o er, fes val goers will be spoilt for choice as is always the case with a true Hunter Valley Experience.

11TH OCTOBER UNTIL 16TH NOVEMBER | THE ROSE SPECTACULAR | Hunter Valley Gardens| Take the opportunity to see Hunter Valley Gardens blooming with over 2 million rose blooms, throughout the annual Rose Spectacular. See 35,000 rose bushes in over 125 di erent varie es. The majority of the roses grown at Hunter Valley Gardens are of the fragrant variety, a er all, a rose without perfume just isn’t a rose! Includes rose talks and demonstra ons. For more informa on visit www.hvg.com.au

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19TH OCTOBER | SPRING CRUIZIN | Hunter Valley Gardens |The “Cruise” will begin early with a mass assembly of approximately 800 vehicles at Stockland Glendale Shopping Centre.

Then at 9am the largest convoy of classic, vintage, street machines, veteran, hot rods, motor bikes and commercial vehicles in NSW will set out for the award winning interna onal tourist des na on that is the Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin where visitors can see all the vehicles on display for the day. Visitors can also enjoy music, stalls, face pain ng, food, and much more.

Prizes for best selec on of vehicles and fantas c ra e prizes. For more informa on visit www.hvg.com.au 25TH OCTOBER | JAZZ IN THE VINES | Tyrrell’s Vineyard |Jazz in the Vines is unlike any other Jazz concert in Australia. Apart from being the longest running annual music fes val in the Hunter Valley, Jazz in the Vines is more a picnic with good friends, fantas c food and great Hunter Valley wines all wrapped up in the beau ful surroundings of the Brokenback Mountains.

Be entertained by some of the country's biggest names in Jazz at the famous Tyrrell's Vineyard on the last Saturday in October every year. Check out the Jazz in the Vines website for current details, ar sts and more at www.jazzinthevines.com.au

October 2014.

Copyright © 2014 WCP Media.

Published monthly by WCP Media.

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

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE from 1st October 2014 until the 31st October 2014 inclusive or while stocks last.

25TH—26TH OCTOBER | 4TH ANNUAL BALLOON FIESTA | Above the Hunter Valley! | Join the pilots and crew of Balloon Alo for the 4th annual Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta on the 25th & 26th October. Enjoy a spectacular ballooning adventure, ying with around twenty colourful balloons, then indulge in a delicious champagne breakfast on the deck at Peterson’s Champagne House. For more informa on and to book ckets visit the Balloon Alo website at www.balloonalo .com.au

25TH OCTOBER 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 October is perhaps the best me to visit the Hunter Valley, especially if you have an interest in being outdoors and soaking up the ambience of the vineyards mid-spring.

The buds are well and truly burst and a carpet of green covers the landscape.

Every Spring hue is represented this month at Hunter Valley Gardens Rose Spectacular, where over 2 million blooms can be appreciated along with rose talks and demonstra ons and you can even take home a cu ng.

We don’t limit the colours to the ground this month—look up towards the end of October to enjoy a spectacular display of colour in the air at the annual Balloon Fiesta! OK—so you’ll have to get up early—but we promise you it’ll be worth it!

Speaking of beau ful views, the recently opened, unique and spectacular Len Evans Memorial Lookout at Constable Estate Vineyard is now open to the public 5 days a week. Climb the spiral pathway to enjoy 360o views of wine country and learn more about Len’s immense contribu on to our wine industry.

This month we also welcome “Vineyard Vigne es” to our regional art gallery in a vivid and varied exhibi on of the works of

20 local tex le ar sts from a broad range of backgrounds who have produced an array of contemporary works of art, cra and art to wear re ec ng the vineyards of the area.

Also this month, the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre is excited to launch a new marke ng campaign to en ce visitors to rediscover the Hunter Valley and is running a compe on designed to share all the exci ng o erings and ac vi es there are to do in the Hunter Valley region. You’ll nd out how to enter on page 8 of this issue.

Talking of prizes, local winemaker Gwyneth Olsen has just been awarded the Gourmet Traveller WINE’s Young Winemaker Medal for 2014. In this issue we talk to Gwyn about the growing trend of women in winemaking roles.

Of course it would be remiss of us not to men on that this is our annual “Al Fresco” issue—the issue that celebrates ge ng outdoors and dining within the landscape.

Australians have a love of outdoor dining and there’s certainly plenty of great spots around the Hunter Valley to enjoy an “AusFresco” experience—so get out and try one (or many!) today.

Enjoy!

HIGHLIGHTS WOMEN IN WINE | With Gwyneth Olsen Recently named the winner of the 2014 Gourmet Traveller WINE Young Winemaker Medal, Gwyn talks with us about women in wine...

AUS FRESCO | Get outside to dine | Australians are famous for their love of the great outdoors, par cularly when it comes to entertaining....

GOURMET SECRETS | Wrapped in glass Ma Dillow is now making those magni cent ''chefonly avours'' available to everyone to use in their kitchens....

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

THE KILNS | A rich history | Whilst driving along Wine Country Drive from Cessnock, it is hard to miss the beehive shaped structures that are now part of the Hunter Beer Co. outlook...

IT’S ELEMENTARY | New look for old favourite Mercure Hunter Valley Resort has unveiled their brand new restaurant, éléments - a drama c transforma on from the resorts previous restaurant…

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T H I N G S TO D O

VINEYARD VIGNETTES Tex le Explora ons 1st - 26th October Opening 2pm Sat 11th October Twenty tex le ar sts represen ng NCEATA (Newcastle Crea ve Embroiderers & Tex le Ar sts Inc) present contemporary works of art, cra and art to wear. "Vineyard Vigne es - Tex le Explora ons" has enabled a wide range of crea ve responses to the grape growing areas of Cessnock and will be of great interest to a very wide audience.

Exhibi ng ar sts come from a range of professional backgrounds (pharmacy, medical prac ce, graphic design, dress making, law, ne art, microbiology, occupa onal therapy, primary, secondary and ter ary teaching) and come together monthly at NCEATA to network, share and extend their tex le knowledge through par cipa on in s mula ng workshops. Some members exhibit Australia wide and compete interna onally in tex le award shows and juried exhibi ons.

The exper se of members covers a very wide range of tradi onal and innova ve techniques, encompassing complex dyeing and pain ng techniques on fabric and yarn, wet and dry fel ng, weaving with wire and bres, machine embellishment of cloth, applique, trapunto, piecing, machine and hand embroidery, kni ng, braiding, crochet, beading, wrapping, jewellery, art quilt making, doll making, paper bre and cloth, the crea on of wearable, ar s c fashion items and the ongoing use of new materials and techniques for bre art making.

BALLOON FIESTA 2014 Ballooning with our newest World Champion Nicola Scaife | 25th-26th October This month Balloon Alo will once again host its annual Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta.

Twenty hot air balloonists from around the country will take to the skies in a beau ful display of colour and joining them will be local pilot Nicola Scaife (right) who has recently returned from Poland following her win at the Women’s World Hot Air Ballooning Championships.

Nicola, who is married to event organiser Ma hew Scaife of Balloon Alo , said the company had been overwhelmed with the feedback from passengers who par cipated in the rst two Hunter Valley estas staged in 2012 and 2013. “Prior to our rst esta, an event such as this had never been staged before over the Hunter Valley. It was a breathtaking experience to be on board one of the many balloons as they oated together at dawn over the vineyards. We are looking forward to the opportunity to do it all again,” she said.

With beau ful weather condi ons usually experienced in the Valley during spring me those taking part in this year’s event are expec ng spectacular views as the balloons take o at sunrise.

The company is hoping to have over 100 ballooning enthusiasts take part as passengers on board one of the 20 balloons ying in the esta. There are limited ight vouchers available so for those people interested in taking part they are encouraged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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Whether ying or just wan ng the chance to view the esta from the ground, passengers and spectators will have an early start mee ng at Peterson House at around 5am. More info can be found at www.balloonalo .com

It’s coming up roses at Hunter Valley Gardens From October 11 to November 16 2014, visitors to Hunter Valley Gardens will be greeted by an incredible sensory explosion of colour and fragrance as they view 35,000 rose bushes with hundreds and thousands of roses in bloom as part of the annual Rose Spectacular.

“This incredible experience shows visitors that anyone can grow a beau ful rose garden with the correct knowledge. Tips on plan ng, Sean O’Brien, the award winning Hor cultural Manager at Hunter Valley trea ng pests and diseases, how to use fer lisers and pruning methods Gardens says, “This me of year is one of our favourites as visitors take a will all be addressed to show that roses are actually easier to grow than breathtaking journey that’s full of surprises. Watching their delighted many other owers. All you need to do is follow a few simple rules,” says faces excited by the sensa onal sights, colours and fragrances makes our Mr. O’Brien. work throughout the year so worthwhile. This is de nitely the best me to see the roses at their peak.”

For further informa on about the Rose Spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens visit www.hvg.com.au or call Hunter Valley Gardens on 02 4998 4000.

During the Rose Spectacular, garden enthusiasts and those who enjoy nature will be able to experience all the ac vi es and interac ve presenta ons about the history of roses and how to successfully plant and grow their very own.

It will feature a program of daily demonstra ons and talks by the highly knowledgeable and quali ed hor cultural team at Hunter Valley Gardens including: Hunter Valley Gardens Rose Talk—An informa ve talk on all one needs to know about roses, with a ques on and answer session, also hosted in the Rose Garden.

The History of the Rose—An informa ve discussion about the history of roses with interes ng and unusual facts, hosted in the Rose Garden.

The History of Hunter Valley Gardens—Get an insight into how Hunter Valley Gardens was created, hear the history behind the scenes, how it has developed and what it takes to create Australia’s Largest Display Garden— all hosted in the Amphitheatre.

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360 DEGREE LOOKOUT Pays homage to wine legend

markets On Friday 12 September 2014, the Len Evans Memorial Lookout at Constable Estate Vineyard was unveiled by his widow Trish.

The lookout commemorates Len’s immense contribu on to the Hunter Valley wine industry and is appropriately located in the heart of his beloved Valley, with unbroken, breathtaking views over the region.

The lookout is the brainchild of owner David Constable who explained to us that the lookout had developed “organically” over a number of years.

“In 2010 I built a house on the site of a dam that did not hold water properly. There was a lot of earth to be removed and this was placed at the highest point on the property. A er a year, the heap of earth had become very un dy, so I decided to pile it up and create a Lookout. The construc on was based on a Fruit Mount/Mound I had seen at Kew Gardens south of London” he said.

The Lookout on Constable Estate is an octagonal structure built of Merbau mber. It took some months to plan and build the nal structure and includes a lovely spiral path leading upward to the lookout. A circular brass plate indicates direc ons to places of regional interest such as Pokolbin, Maitland, Singleton, The Barrington Tops and Mount View.

It was his rela onship with the late Len Evans which led to the dedica on.

David said “I decided to name the project a er Len Evans, whom I had known for more than 30 years. It seemed appropriate to give Len’s name to the Lookout to commemorate the enormous contribu on he made to the Hunter Valley wine industry and the Australian wine scene generally.”

We couldn't agree more. Visitors are welcome ve days a week from 10am -4pm. For more informa on visit www.constablevineyards.com.au

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The Hunter Valley Visitor Centre is excited to launch a new marke ng campaign to en ce visitors to rediscover the Hunter Valley. Un l November 2014, the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre is o ering a new compe on to share all the exci ng o erings and ac vi es there are to do in the Hunter Valley region.

When Cessnock City Council took over the management of the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre in August 2013, it undertook an audit of the wide range of tourism o erings there are in the region. Economic Development Manager Jane Holdsworth explains, “We took a fresh approach to iden fying and promo ng all the local a rac ons, realising that there is so much more to do in addi on to food and wine”.

The campaign aims to enhance percep ons of what the des na on has to o er, support a broader base of tourism operators and do some cri cal market research on product development opportuni es. This exci ng new ini a ve will ul mately support visita on to the area, and invite visitors to rediscover what they thought they knew as the ‘Hunter Valley’.

The entry form for the ‘Experience all of the Hunter Valley’ compe on lists so many experiences, from spectacular food, wine and gourmet product o erings, through to golf, heritage, arts and nature based ac vi es. An entrant is asked to ck the ac vi es that interest them, providing their personal details and then they go into the draw to win a fabulous weekend away in the Hunter Valley valued at $2500.

The campaign shows that in just one visit to the Hunter Valley you can start with a bubbly breakfast, play a round of golf, visit markets, pat a koala, see convict relics, ride segways and go bushwalking! All of this in Australia's premier wine region.

“When all the amazing Hunter Valley ac vi es are packaged together with the spectacular food and wine experiences on o er– the des na on appeal is broader, it is more a rac ve to visit and the visitor will plan to stay longer”.

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Entry is free to Australian residents aged 18 and over, with the online entry form available at www.huntervalleyvisitorcentre.com.au/win

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WOMEN

Chief Winemaker & General Manager at Briar Ridge and recent winner of the Gourmet Traveller WINE Young Winemaker Medal 2014.

IN

with Gwyneth Olsen

Building on her already well established reputa on for being a world class winemaker, Gwyneth Olsen was recently awarded the 2014 Gourmet Traveller WINE, The Young Winemaker Medal - a fantas c achievement for Gwyn who at just 31 years old has achieved so much in a rela vely short period of me.

In Australia women winemakers have long made their mark, and with the propor on of women studying Oenology at the University of Adelaide increasing from just a handful in the 1980s to about one in three today, the sector will see an increasing number of women con nue to make up the numbers.

''Winning this award is an honour and has le me completely speechless'' says Gwyn, ''with so many young winemakers doing so many interes ng things and making their mark on the industry, I felt very humbled and privileged to accept this award''.

Here in the Hunter Valley, female winemakers such as Gwyn Olsen, Liz Jackson - Head Winemaker at First Creek Wines, Suzanne Li le from Li les Winery, Xanthe Leonard who is Winemaker at Agnew Wines and Sam Connew (prev Tower Estate) and now Director of Compass Wine Consul ng, have all made their mark on both the Hunter Valley and Australian wine industry.

Gourmet Traveller WINE judging Panel Member, Mike Bennie said that the judging panel invested signi cant me in sourcing appropriate candidates for the Young Winemaker Medal, who were assessed and appreciated for Gwyneth believes that having more women in the industry and having a their raw talent, ascension in the Australian wine community, commitment mixed-gender winemaking team comes with signi cant bene ts. and interest in broader pursuits and damn ne wines!

"Any me more women move into an industry there's going to be ''Gwyn Olsen was a standout for her increasingly signi cant take on not change ... there's a change in approach, a ow of di erent ideas and a only Hunter Valley wines of high quality and typicity, but a curiosity that di erent interpreta on of winemaking. It's important to have diversity and drives her to experiment and re ect on more historical Australian balance'' says Gwyn. winemaking and styles. Her work honing new and tradi onal wines with Another recent achievement for Gwyn was being awarded the tle of ‘Dux’ McWilliams was notable, but her immediate impact at the helm of Briar at the Australian Wine Research Ins tute, Advanced Wine Assessment Ridge, one of Australia’s rst bou que wineries, is also impressive. Though Course in 2012 where Gwyn was described as an ''individual with given great responsibility, her skills, both visceral and technical, have her at excep onal judging skill and deserves the opportunity to be fast tracked the top of her game,'' Bennie said. into the na onal wine show system'' by Con Simos, Coordinator of the AWAC. As a result Gwyn now judges at six wine shows throughout Raised in Cairns, Gwyn's interest in travel saw her complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry at the University of Otago. It was during her Australia, including three Na onal Wine Shows in Adelaide, Melbourne and nal year, while working with fermenta on kine cs, that she realised she Brisbane. was never going to make a decent biochemist and decided that making Most winemakers have a preference for a par cular wine to make and to wine seemed like much more fun! This then led to Gwyn studying drink. A er four Hunter Valley vintages, Semillon and Shiraz are without a Oenology at Roseworthy University in Adelaide. doubt close to Gwyn’s heart, but she does have a real love of Chardonnay.

A er gradua ng in 2005, Gwyn worked three vintages in France - St With three trophies already si ng on the mantle, along with the Young Emillion, Burgundy and Languedoc, which was then followed by 4 years at Winemaker Medal, Gwyn con nues to enjoy the challenges and Villa Maria in New Zealand where she proved herself to be a rising star in opportuni es to cra diverse, high quality wines, and to con nue to build the New Zealand wine industry. Gwyn then accepted a role at McWilliams the iconic Briar Ridge brand - a brand Gwyn likes to describe as ''a symbol Wines in the pivotal role of building the produc on across both New of heritage, tradi on and quality''.

Zealand and the Hunter Valley. It was at McWilliams that Gwyn's passion and enthusiasm for wine saw her quickly rise through the ranks and appointed to a senior winemaker role where she con nued to gain signi cant respect in the Hunter Valley wine industry. In 2013 she accepted the posi on of Chief Winemaker at Briar Ridge and more recently took on the addi onal role of General Manager.

Gwyn's me abroad has obviously had an in uence on her approach to winemaking and it's good to see a young winemaker take up the challenge of making and promo ng interes ng wines. But it is Gwyn's passion and enthusiasm for Hunter Valley winemaking that has been an inspira on to so many of her colleagues and makes this award such a well-deserved acknowledgment of her talent.

While it is s ll a male-dominated industry, these days being a female winemaker is unlikely to raise eyebrows - but this was not always the case.

It may be a $4 billion industry employing around 50,000 people, but just 40 years ago a female working in a winery would have cut a lonely gure, but not so today.

Now, while s ll outnumbered by their male counterparts, women are making up an increasing number of those producing our nest drops with the path forged by industry icons such as Pam Dunsford, who was Chief Winemaker at Chapel Hill and also the rst woman to study Oenology at Roseworthy in 1972.

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AUS-FRESCO!

By Michelle Meehan

Australians are famous for their love of the great outdoors, par cularly when it comes to entertaining.

I like nothing be er than invi ng a few friends around and ring up the barbie for a fun Friday night in or casual Sunday lunch.

But while Paul Hogan may have convinced everyone in the 1980s that this was the only way we knew how to dine outdoors, the in uences of our mul cultural society have thankfully ensured there is more to the Australian al fresco experience than just throwing another shrimp on the barbie.

The term “al fresco” has its roots deep in the fer le soils of far-o Italy, with its literal transla on meaning “in the cool”.

This style of dining is something the Italians are famous for.

Whenever I hear the word al fresco, my mind instantly conjures up a se ng somewhere in the heart of Tuscany, a rus c wooden table covered with a checked tablecloth, groaning under the weight of a feast of olive-oil drizzled dishes, overlooking a sun-dappled olive grove to the hills beyond.

Noted local restaurant owner Ma Dillow clearly understands the appeal of dining outdoors, making al fresco areas key features of his three Hunter venues – The Deck Cafe at Gartelmann Wines, The Verandah Restaurant located at Calais Estate and Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate.

Each venue is arranged to allow diners to make the most of the ve-star views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside while enjoying everything from delicious cafe-style food at The Deck to temp ng tapas at The Verandah and modern Australian cuisine with a twist at Twine.

“People who come to an area want to see the area they’ve travelled to, they don’t want to sit inside,” says Ma .

“If I sat down in Tuscany, I wouldn’t want to be si ng inside four walls; I would want to be outside on the verandah, enjoying the views'', he says.

“I know if I can enjoy great food with great surroundings, I’ll have a great experience.”

Of course, Ma is far from the only restaurateur in the Hunter making the most of the appeal of ea ng outdoors.

The beauty of al fresco dining is, of course, the opportunity it gives diners to take in the beauty of their surroundings.

RidgeView Restaurant at Pokolbin taps into the European roots of the al fresco experience with its renowned Cypriot Mezze menu – a sumptuous four-course banquet designed to be enjoyed over several hours. The So it’s li le wonder that in the picture perfect se ng of the Hunter Valley, deligh ul avours of the sun-drenched Mediterranean regions have also with its rolling country hills and verdant vineyard vistas, al fresco dining has infused the rus c fare on o er at the always popular and centrally located established such a strong following.

Cellar Restaurant in Pokolbin.

While recent trends have increased the use of outdoor dining areas during While France, not Italy, is the country of in uence behind the menu at the cooler months – with Hunter restaurateurs temp ng visitors Roberts Circa 1876, execu ve chef George Francisco is no less focussed on underneath the stars with cosy heaters, all-weather shu ers and rich, the importance of the al fresco experience. hearty meals – there’s no doubt the warmer weather of spring and “You can see the paddock that your food came from just beyond your summer is when al fresco dining really comes into its own. plate at Roberts,” he said.

With spring temperatures in this region si ng in the early 20s, now is the perfect me to soak up the sun, or revel in the balmy night air, at one of Of course the choice of great dining venues does not end there - no ma er where you are in the Hunter Valley there is always somewhere to stop and the many al fresco op ons spread across the Hunter Valley. soak up the sun as you partake in some of the local fare.

Buon appe te!

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Gourmet Secrets WRAPPED IN GLASS Thanks to Brent Legge at Flashme Photography for images

Ma Dillow is the success story behind three local award winning restaurants - the Verandah Restaurant located at Calais Estate, Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate and the very popular The Deck Cafe at Gartelmann Wines in Lovedale.

Anyone who knows Ma , quickly recognises that he is almost incapable of doing just one thing..... If he is not working at one of the three restaurants, catering for an event, organising a locals night dinner, planning a launch, holding cooking classes, buying the latest commercial oven, arranging a culinary tour of Southern Tasmania or a cooking vaca on in Tuscany (planned for 2015), then he is working on his latest venture ''Ma 's Produce''.

Ma 's food is always fresh and exci ng and he has a rm belief in suppor ng local providers and using only the freshest seasonal produce the Hunter has become famous for in his menus. Now Ma is making those magni cent ''chef-only avours'' available to everyone to use in their kitchens.

Ma 's Produce is really a culmina on of his years of experience working in some of the best restaurants along with his long list of ''gourmet secrets'' in a jar, providing chefs and home cooks with the ability to include housemade avour to their cuisine.

Examples of some of Ma 's ''gourmet secrets'' include the Apple Balsamic Glaze which is superb drizzled over chicken breast, roasted capsicum and fresh rocket. Alterna vely when added to Ma 's Rosemary and Parmesan Oil it can be used as a dip with fresh crusty bread.

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Another favourite is the Con t Garlic with Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaves which is great on breads, in pastas or riso os and can also be used as a marinade.

Highly recommended is the Beetroot Relish - just perfect with a steak sandwich and if you want to make a great dip, add equal parts of the beetroot relish and natural yoghurt with a splash of lemon juice. Absolutely awesome!

One of my all- me favourites is the Caramelised Onions with Balsamic and Thyme which is excellent served with fresh bread and sliced meats, steaks chicken and gourmet sausages.

And then there is the Asian Fusion Bas ng Marinade - a perfect marinade for slow cooked meats like pork belly or whole roast chicken.

These are just a few of what Ma is making available and there are others (approximately 14 all up) that include an Olive Tapenade, Capsicum Tomato & Chilli, Spicy Smoked Barbecue Flavoured Sauce, Wholegrain Mustard with Fresh Horseradish, Quince Jam, Summer Berry and Vanilla Scented Jam, Preserved Lemon and Fig Date & Walnut Roll - great when added through pasta or riso o dishes or on a steak or chicken.

So if you want to create meals that leave a las ng impression or you love to serve tapas with a twist to your own guests, Ma 's Produce is the ideal place to start.

Keep an eye out for Ma 's growing line of gourmet condiments and a variety of seasonal speciali es - available at restaurants and select cellar doors and also online at www.ma sproduce.com.au

SOCIALScenE

Hop along to the new Hope Brewhouse in October for their rst ever Oktoberfest! It’s over two days, Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October from 12noon to 5pm each day and promises to be a great day out for the whole family. There’ll be live entertainment, German food, and most importantly, a world of wonderful beers from the brewhouse. At the moment they’re producing seven di erent beers, from the easy-drinking, refreshing Pokolbin Blonde up to the über-powerful Barrel Fermented Imperial IPA. Brewer Ma Hogan will be showcasing some special limited-edi on beers, and they’ll be running beer MeisterKlasses in the Beer Hall so you can go home an expert.

The recently opened Pizza Cafe will be open all day because Germans like pizzas too! What be er way to spend a Spring a ernoon? For more informa on visit www.hopeestate.com.au

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The Kilns at Po ers Hotel Brewery Resort are as rich in history as that of the wonderful Whilst driving along Hunter Valley in which Wine Country Drive from Cessnock, it is hard they are located. to miss the beehive shaped structures that feature prominently on the property that is now Po ers Hotel Brewery Resort in Nulkaba. These are the kilns that were used to make the clay bricks, roo ng les and sewage pipes required by the region at the me.

The rst Brickworks were set up by Stephen Arthur Henery and Mark Robinson (circa 1880) on the 10 acre site especially chosen for its rich clay deposits in the soil which were considered ideal for the making of bricks.

The kilns fed the insa able demand for bricks by the coal mining industry the primary industry and employer in the Hunter at that me. Not only were the pit top buildings mostly made of brick, but the sha s were bricked as well. The pipes and bricks produced by the kilns were also used to build the town as well as the water and sewage systems, which were added later.

The roof les made by the po eries became a popular local roo ng material and a red brick with ver cal scores on its surface was unique to the po ery. It eventually became the biggest employer in the area outside of the mines.

The business grew and a new kiln was commissioned under the speci ca ons of W Cunningham who was a po ery manufacturer in England. In 1929 the name was changed to Cessnock Po eries.

In 1931 Cessnock Council accepted a tender for the salt glazed stoneware pipes used for the development of sewerage lines in the area. During this me brick and garden po ery ceased at Cessnock Po eries and public works took over. This expansion con nued and sewerage pipes were supplied to neighboring townships including Scone, Singleton and Muswellbrook and as far away as Condobolin and Bourke.

In 1933 it became apparent to the plant engineer Joaby Shoesmith that coal was o en associated with clay, and this led to the discovery of more clay in the area.

During the 1940s renova ons were undertaken at the plant to convert to electric power and during World War II the company was declared to be an essen al industry for the war e ort.

In 1989 what is now the Hotel part of Po ers was built and named Po ers Tavern to re ect on the rich heritage of the area.

In 2002 accommoda on was added to Po ers to take advantage of the lush grounds and its proximity to the wineries. Around this me the Hunter Beer Co. rst started opera ons, much smaller than the scale seen today.

Today many of the kilns have been restored by the Ord family who own During 1928 the original entrepreneurs formed the company known as Po ers Hotel Brewery Resort. The kilns are also Heritage listed and four of Robinson and Henery Ltd and moved into the business of producing garden these kilns remains on the site. terraco a pots.

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WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD

Under the Table October is a great me to visit the Hunter Valley with most restaurants working to their new 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.

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.

Pick of the Plates: No surprises as The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide bestowed hats on three of the Hunter Valleys leading restaurants. This year Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin went one be er and was awarded two hats while Bistro Molines in Mount View and Muse Kitchen on Hermitage Rd in Pokolbin retained their one hat ra ng.

Newcastle restaurant Subo was also awarded two hats with Restaurant Mason in Newcastle retaining their single hat.

Going to a Garden Party ! Tour the Roberts Circa 1876 market garden with execu ve chef George Francisco and then feast on a decadent threecourse lunch inspired by his modern take on soul food, with produce such as zucchini owers, baby radishes, fresh peas, edible owers and more, fresh from the lush produc ve garden. Date Oct 19 from 11:30am 2:15pm. Cost is $75. To book Ph: 4998 4998 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 (October is German 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 The Verandah Restaurant is on Sunday the 12th of October with the theme “German 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 Roberts Circa 1876 is all about LOCALS: For those living within a 20 minute drive from Pokolbin - Roberts Circa 1876 is now o ering the following - Free BYO, 2 Course Entree/ Main/ Dessert for $55 per person ($30 Rib Eye Surcharge). Proof of address is required. Bookings essen al: Ph: 4998 4998 Wollombi Spring Picnic! Visit Wollombi and the beau ful Grays Inn garden for the Wollombi Spring Picnic on Saturday 11 October from 11.30am. Tickets are only $60 per couple, which includes live music, a choice of 2 tasty picnic hampers and a glass of Noyce Brothers Wines on arrival. Bookings are essen al. Ph: 4998 3483

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New Look for old favourite

It’s...elementary

Mercure Hunter Valley Resort has unveiled their brand new restaurant, éléments - a drama c transforma on from the resorts previous Hunter Valley Steakhouse Restaurant.

The name éléments is derived from the natural elements of re, water and soil components that resonate with the Hunter Valley region, and are re ected in the en re dining experience.

General Manager Mercure Hunter Valley Resort Paul O’Rourke said, “We are excited by this new dining o ering which we believe is unique to the Hunter Valley. The popular Steakhouse has been around for seven years and we felt it was me for change, o ering something di erent in Wine Country and keeping up with the culinary trends of Australia.”

Execu ve Chef Jean Marc Pollet has created a new menu driven by the food philosophy of the fusion of classic French cuisine with Australian produce. The inspired menu features local and seasonal produce executed with a French air, and includes signature dishes such as Twice Cooked Cheese Sou é, Poached Ocean Trout and King Prawns ‘Bouillabaisse Style’.

The ingredients used are of best quality and include produce from the Chef’s very own garden on his 5-acres farm.

French-born Jean Marc has been in Australia for the past 28 years and has wide experience in hotel dining as well as strong knowledge of Australian

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seasonal quality produce. He has been with Mercure Hunter Valley Resort for 6 years and is one of Hunter Valley’s most respected chefs.

The refurbishment of the restaurant showcases an elegant new look designed by local ar st Annemarie Murland. Taking inspira on from the culinary direc on of éléments, design aspects derived from classic French art is contrasted against Australian na ve culture.

A custom-design feature mirror is the stand-out of the restaurant, with an intricately-ornate frame set against the Australian gum walls. The design of the mirror is inspired by the pain ng ‘Un Bar aux Folies Bergére’, the last major work by French painter Édouard Manet and depicts a scene in the Folies Bergére nightclub in Paris as re ected against a mirror behind the bar.

Further, the walls are adorned with commissioned oil artworks by local ar sts that have interna onal presence, aimed to enhance the sensory experience of dining at éléments.

Situated in the hub of Hunter Valley wine country, éléments is open seven nights for dinner, and for lunch on weekends. For reserva ons call 4998 2000. For more informa on, visit www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au

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BEHIND THE

It's Spring and the perfect 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.

Top Award for Gwyn Olsen : Gwyn Olsen - Winemaker at Briar Ridge, has taken out the pres gious tle of Gourmet Traveller WINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Winemaker Medal 2014.

2014 NSW Small Winemakers Show Results: This years show had more than 600 entries received from 101 small producers. The Hunter Valley won nine of the 14 trophies awarded, with other regions to win trophies being Tumbarumba, Hilltops, Canberra District and Central Ranges.

Represen ng the Hunter Valley was the 2007 McLeish Semillon which won best white wine of show, the 2013 Mount View Estate Reserve Chardonnay which took out best bou que white wine of show. Other trophy winners were the 2011 Hart & Hunter The Hill Shiraz, 2013 Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Shiraz and 1978 Drayton Family Wines Port Blend.

First Creek Wines to Showcase the Finest Wines: Soak up the atmosphere of the First Creek Winery while tas ng and being guided through some of the latest award winning Winemakers Reserve wines, Museum releases and some exci ng new styles and varietals paired with four tantalising courses prepared by local chef Emerson Rodriguez. Date Saturday 11 October. @ 12 noon. Cost $100pp. To book - Ph: Kate on 4998 7293.

Oktoberfest at Hope Estate: To celebrate the opening of their new microbrewery Hope Estate is holding the inaugural Oktoberfest on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October from 12 noon to 5.00pm. Live music, Hope Brewhouse Cra Beer, German Food plus pizzas from the Brewhouse Cafe.

Adult ckets include a souvenir Stein. To book call 1800 777 444.

Sculpture in the Vineyards: This annual event is to be held at wineries throughout Wollombi from 25 October - 23rd 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.

We'll drink to that! Congratula ons to winemakers Greg Silkman, Liz Jackson and the rest of the winemaking team at First Creek Wines for ve red stars in the 2015 Australian Wine Companion (top 4.9% of wineries, Australia-wide) for the last two years?

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PinotGris and PinotGrigio One wine with two personalities There is o en much confusion over this white wine which is named in deference to two regions in Europe.

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are in fact the exact same grape variety and believed to be a muta on of Pinot Noir.

Although they are the same grape, the two names have over me come to infer two di erent styles of wine. Immensely popular, the Italian style Pinot Grigio wines deliver a lighter bodied, crisp, dry and more refreshing style. These characteris cs are o en complemented by aroma notes ci ng lemon, green apple and blossoms. In contrast, Pinot Gris, tends to be more full-bodied, richer, spicier, and more viscous in texture. They also tend to have greater cellaring and ageing poten al.

The names Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris mean ''Grey Pinot'' in Italian and French respec vely. ''Pinot'' refers to the characteris c pine cone shaped bunch of this group of varie es. ''Gris'', meaning grey in French, refers to the colour of the Pinot Gris grapes. As a result, wines made from Pinot Gris o en have a slight coppery hue.

The grape is said have originated from the Burgundy region of France where it is mostly cul vated in Alsace and known as Pinot Gris, while in Italy it is recognised as Pinot Grigio. Although French in origin, it is really the Italians that brought the variety to popularity and global recogni on.

Today Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio is planted all over the world in almost every wine-growing region. For the most part these countries are making the more fashionable Pinot Grigio style, which is typically easy-drinking.

Although Pinot Gris was rst introduced into Australia as part of the James Busby collec on in 1832, it is only in the last 20 years that it has made its rapid entry into the Australian wine scene and a racted some serious interest. Pinot Gris is fast becoming an increasingly popular wine with the variety now being grown in most Australian wine regions. In fact if one considered projected grape intake gures, it would not be surprising if in the future, Pinot Gris became as popular as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.

When it comes to food, Pinot Gris with its zesty and refreshing acidity pairs well with fresh vegetables, raw sh and lighter meals. Fish and shell sh are classic pairing partners with Pinot Gris. Try sushi, scallops, sea bass, perch, sole, haddock, trout, snapper, mussels, clams, oysters. It's also great with chicken and turkey as well as cured or spiced meats made from pork and duck. Australian Pinot Gris can stand up to richer creamier dishes because of their body and o en heightened alcohol level . Try not to go too spicy with your seasonings.

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ADINA VINEYARD Pinot Gris 2014 Vines have been grown on Adina Vineyard in Lovedale since the 1860's, with the modern vineyard mostly planted in the 1980's.

Adina's award winning wines include Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Sangiovese as well as the di erent Cabernet varie es that include Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Adina have also become very well known for their Pinot Gris - produced from some of the oldest commercial Pinot Gris vines in Australia.

The 2014 Adina Vineyard Pinot Gris is a clean cherry apricot coloured wine with perfumed oral and peach notes on the nose. Ripe melon, peach and oral avours dominate the front of the palate nishing with honeyed undertones which are complimented by a gentle acidity. Great with summer salads, pasta dishes, seafood and poached chicken. Ideal to drink now for the next 5 years.

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A melodious threesome…

Wine.. Food ..Music

What a match! Good wine, delicious food and great music are just perfect when experienced together. They represent all the good things in life and as a na on of proud wine and food lovers, we enjoy nothing more than a lively fes val with plenty of ne wine, delicious food and great entertainment. Individually, they enhance each other. Together they move us to feel more, to feel di erently and to feel be er about ourselves.

Other ar sts include Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, Galapagos Duck, Emma Pask, Lisa Hunt, the Australian Army Band and the Rehab Brass Band.

Each year the Hunter Valley a racts an increasing number of local and interna onal ar sts to perform in outdoor concert arenas at local vineyards - a fast growing trend in the music industry. This year Jimmy Barnes ''kick's o '' the concert season on the 8th of November This was well summed up by Michael Broadbent as part of the ''Day on the Green'' concert - the renown Bri sh wine cri c, writer and series at Bimbadgen Estate. This is followed by auc oneer, ''Drinking good wine with good food what many consider to be ''the greatest rock 'n in good company is one of life's most civilized roll band of all me'' - The Rolling Stones who pleasures''. will be performing at Hope Estate on the 15th of November.

This couldn’t be more true than here in the Hunter Valley where a visit to these world The new year then gets underway with music famous vineyards is now so much more than legends and long term friends Paul Simon and just tas ng the wonderful wine. With our award S ng performing ''On Stage Together'' at Hope winning restaurants, celebrated chefs and Estate on February 14th followed two weeks extensive selec on of gourmet produce along later by Swedish pop rock duo Roxe e, with a long line-up of concerts and music consis ng of Marie Fredriksson (vocals) and Per fes vals - food and music now play an integral Gessle (vocals and guitar), performing at A Day part of the overall Hunter Valley experience. on The Green at Bimbadgen on the 28th of February as part of their world comeback tour.

Whether it be a music fes val in Wollombi, opera or Jazz amongst the vineyards, chilling out A few months later - on Sunday 5th April 2015 to the tunes of local musicians or dancing to and hot o the heels of a spectacular summer of music of interna onal rock stars at an outdoor sold-out concerts and rocking the opening of the concert, it's all taking place in the Hunter Valley Commonwealth Games before a worldwide audience of more than 1.5 billion viewers, - and it's all year round. legendary rock singer-songwriter Rod Stewart This month features the annual Jazz in the Vines will be bringing his “The Hits,” tour to Hope music fes val held at Tyrrell's Vineyard on Estate.

October 25th. Jazz in the Vines is about music jazz, soul, funk, jazz-rock, modern, tradi onal So mark your diaries and come celebrate all and enjoying good food and wine amongst things to do with wine, food and music in family and friends. As always, the fes val has a Australia's oldest and most well established fantas c lineup of ar sts that include James wine region and enjoy a feast of celebra ons Morrison who this year is bringing his Big Band and fes vals held throughout the year. and will feature a rst-ever collabora on with Leo Sayer!

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There's proof that all good things come in small parcels..... and it's small parcels of hand picked, hand cra ed Hunter Valley wine that Hart & Hunter specialize in.

Hart & Hunter is the venture of winemaking couple Damien Stevens and Jodie Belleville along with partners Daniel and Elle Hart who are based in the UK. Although a rela vely new brand, Hart & Hunter ''exploded'' to notoriety approximately 4 years ago by taking out three trophies at the 2010 Hunter Valley Wine Show for their debut Oakey Creek Semillon before it was even released. This success was subsequently repeated resul ng in Hart & Hunter now having 5 trophies for their Single Vineyard Oakey Creek Semillon and earning a 5 star ra ng in James Halliday's Wine Companion.

The 2011 Hart & Hunter Single Vineyard The Hill Shiraz has also had its share of awards - winning Gold at the 2013 NSW Small Winemakers Show and a Trophy at this years NSW Small Winemakers Show.

The Hart & Hunter brand was formed around the idea of sourcing the highest quality fruit from specially selected vineyards that consistently turn out wines that are truly indica ve of their terroir. With a par cular focus on varie es such as Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, this dedica on for producing great wines has paid o with their beau fully elegant wines fast gaining industry respect.

No strangers to the region, Jodi and Damien have both plied their cra in the Hunter Valley for many years and both spent me at First Creek, working alongside Chief Winemaker Liz Jackson. Damien has also worked at Wandin Valley Estate and Margan Wines and on numerous overseas vintages that include Cloudy Bay in New Zealand and De Conaillis in Italy.

Damien also serves me as a wine show judge at wine shows that include the Hunter Valley Wine Show, Australian/New Zealand Organic Wine Show and the NSW Wine Awards.

Now Damien and Jodie's passion to nd a suitable loca on to promote their wines has been realised with the opening of the Hart & Hunter winery and cellar door on Deasy's Rd in Pokolbin - formerly the site of the renowned Sutherlands Wines.

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Take a bite of the Hunter!

There’s plenty of home-grown goodies to enjoy while you’re in the Hunter Valley and also to take home with you! Olives and olive oils, chocolates and fudge and the best cookies you’ll ever taste (we’ve taste tested!) are all to be found amongst the vineyards, and that’s really just the p of the iceberg when it comes to gourmet foods to tempt any palate. Take the me while you’re touring the wineries to take a look at the other locally grown goodies on o er, you’ll nd many within the wineries themselves, but if you’re looking for a great “foodie hit” during your stay pay a visit to...

COMING UP 1ST-2ND NOVEMBER BITTER AND TWISTED at 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!

Mellow out in front of some live music while you sip some new beers or wine. Not to men on that there will be a bounty of interna onal cuisine op ons at everyone's budget.

The day will be a me to tantalise your taste buds and chelax ... all within the safety of razor wire. For more informa on and ckets visit www.bi erandtwisted.com.au

TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH at Harrigan’s Irish Pub, Gold sh & Roberts Circa 1876 Three great loca ons bring the fabulous Melbourne Cup to downtown Hunter Valley!

Race day comes alive at Harrigan’s!

Enjoy the race that stops the na on with their special race day event.

Tickets are $120 pp and 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! Enjoy French Champagne on arrival, races on the big screen, sweeps, best dressed prizes and live entertainment a er the race. For more info visit www.thegold sh.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.

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

Roberts Circa 1876 will also be holding their annual Melbourne Cup spectacular. For more info visit www.robertscirca1876.com

SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER A DAY ON THE GREEN Bimbadgen 1ST—2ND NOVEMBER WOLLOMBI SMALL FARMS FAIR at 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.

SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER FOOD, WINE & EQUINE Tatler WInes

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

www.wollombismallfarmsfair.com.au

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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.

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

25TH OCTOBER – 23RD NOVEMBER SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS Throughout Wollombi

8TH, 15TH/16TH & 22ND NOVEMBER | HANDMADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS at Kevin Sobels Wines

19TH OCTOBER SACRED TREE MARKETS at Branxton

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

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Dine

Savour

AUSTRALIAN ALPACA BARN specialises in quality AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS Serving tasty HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY

Australian Alpaca fashion, homewares and accessories. gourmet picnics, fish, sandwiches, our famous gourmet Alpaca coats, sweaters, shawls, scarves, gloves, socks, pies, pizza and pasta, there is truly something for all tastes and pockets! Phone 4998-7355. beanies, throw rugs, bedding, yarn and alpaca toys.

HUNTER VALLEY CUPCAKES & CAFÉ Relax & BEAUTIFUL THINGS An exquisite array of enjoy a light breakfast, a tasty lunch or just spectacular jewellery, stylish watches, amazing giftware indulge with the delicious gourmet cakes & speciality and home wares. Gifts for all ages and occasions cupcakes plus a great coffee or tea! collected from all corners of the world.

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY Experience a Taste of CANDELABRA One of Australia's most famous the Country in this award winning café and retail outlet. boutique candle stores—the stunning fragrances, colour This popular café is like walking into an old fashioned, country kitchen. Phone 4998-6605. and endless variety of product is truly amazing.

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT Rustic Mediterranean HUNTER VALLEY CHRISTMAS SHOP Nestled in cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment. Open for the heart of the Hunter Valley, is a magic land where it is lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Bookings Christmas every day of the year! recommended. Phone 4998 7584.

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

Pamper

THE TWIG A gorgeous selection of home furnishings ZEN HAIR SKIN BODY A full Hairdressing Salon

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 COOKIES Hand-made premium cookies in designer gourmet flavours.

Cookie tastings daily, delicious coffee and gluten free cookies.

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

and personal giftware unlike anything else on offer in the and Beauty Spa in one location, innovative & deluxe treatments in an environmentally friendly setting, the valley. salon can cater to any need. Phone 4998-6844.

THE WAITERS FRIEND A great selection of quality AQUA GOLF & PUTT PUTT kitchenware and barware and some of the best prices If you fancy a bit of action then visit our Aqua Golf and anywhere in Australia.

Putt Putt Golf Course—fun for the whole family!

VILLAGE BOOKS A fantastic range of fiction, nonWin cash & prizes! Phone 4998-7896. 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 Camilla, Pokolbin area with everything you might need while Mela Purdie, Verge, Katherine, Samantha Wills, Metalicus, visiting the Wine Country.

Bleu Blanc Rouge,Tilly Rose,Tolani and more…

POKOLBIN VILLAGE PHARMACY Offering you WINE GLASS GALLERY An extraordinary gift gallery, friendly, professional service as well as a wide range of BROKE ROAD, hand blown colourful wine glasses, original artworks, products: full PBS prescription service, medicines, POKOLBIN homewares, new season scarves & handbags, jewellery, vitamins, skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, OPEN 7 DAYS shot glasses, magnets, souvenirs & much more. sunglasses and much more. Phone 4998 6677 FROM 10AM

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