The Hunter Blackboard - February 2013 Issue

THE BLACKBOARD

FEBRUARY 2013

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

Green Pastures A DAY ON THE GREEN FOR

THE

Concert

Issue

TWO MUSIC LEGENDS

GRACE OUR VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY....

PROVING OLD CAN BE COOL AGAIN SUNNY SKIES HERALD

VINTAGE 2013

CHEZ POK

FINDS SANCTUARY IN IT’S PAST

www.thehunterblackboard.com

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FOR YOUR

DIARY 1ST TO 24TH FEBRUARY

TRAIL OF ART at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery A mul -dimensional exhibi on that showcases the combined talents of eighteen local professional ar sts who together form the Art Trail network. This community of painters, jewelers, printmakers, glassblowers, silversmiths and ceramicists stretches across the Lower Hunter Valley from Rothbury to Ellalong. They recently joined forces to create a linked trail of open art studios across the Valley’s vineyards. For more informa on visit www.crag.net.au

EVERY SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY HAND MADE IN THE HUNTER MARKETS at Kevin Sobels Wines. Showcasing locally produced, hand made cra and food items made by some of the Hunter’s co age industries.

Every item in every stall is 100% hand made. Nip in and try some of Keven Sobels Wines while you’re here and meet Archie the Cellar Door dog ...almost as famous as the wines!

Visit www.facebook.com/handmadeinthemarkets for more informa on.

SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY Elvis Costello & The Imposters with special guests Sunnyboys, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses and Steven Cummings in A Day on the Green at Bimbadgen. Australia con nues its lengthy love affair with Elvis Costello when the acclaimed singer-songwriter returns for a na onal tour. The unabashed showman backed by the trusty Imposters – keyboardist Steve Nieve, drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Davey Faragher - will take audiences through the Costello musical encyclopaedia refresher course with a selec on of classic hits. For more informa on visit www.bimbadgen.com.au

8TH & 9TH FEBRUARY “DAYLIGHT SAVING” ...THEATRE IN THE VINEYARDS at Adina Vineyard Wri en by Nick Enright, this award winning Australian comedy was published in 1990 a er its first staging in 1989 by the Ensemble Theatre, Sydney. The play is set in a house overlooking Pi water, north of Sydney, over two weekends in March. The second weekend the clocks are set back one hour as daylight saving ends...and the rest you’ll have to find out for yourself!

Show only and Show & Dinner packages are available at www.adinavineyard.com.au.

THURSDAY 14TH FEBRUARY VALENTINES DAY at Harrigan’s Irish Pub Yes it’s that me of the year again... me to proclaim your love and what be er way to do it than with a free glass of sparkling on arrival and a great Valen nes Day special menu.

Visit www.Harrigans.com.au.

SATURDAY 16TH JANUARY CAROLE KING at Hope Estate Carole King, one of music's true legends returns for a night under the stars. The most successful and esteemed female songwriter in popular music history returns to Australia for the first me since her 2010 sold out tour with fellow songwriter James Taylor.

SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY SACRED TREE MARKETS at Branxton These markets have taken the Hunter Valley by storm and it’s no surprise—the organisers are commi ed to bringing the community good quality organic foods, arts, handmade goods, fun for the kids and the perfect coffee! The markets are held at the Old St Brigids School Grounds on the corner of Sta on Street & the New England Hwy at Branxton. For further informa on visit ww.sacredtreemarkets.com.au.

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PUBLISHED BY: WCP Media Cover Shot courtesy of Bimbadgen and Murray Harris Photography

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GIVING THANKS AT THE 2013

BLESSING OF THE HARVEST The annual Mass and ‘Blessing of the Harvest’ will commence at 6.30pm on the 22nd February 2013 at the Hunter Valley Gardens Chapel. The Chapel is located in the picturesque heart of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges.

The mass will give thanks to the 2013 grape harvest and reflect on the past harvests that have been celebrated over the years.

This year the service will be delivered by Reverend Father Peter Smith in his inaugural year. We also welcome the renowned Waratah Girls Choir who will perform hymns throughout the service.

The Waratah Girls Choir has been performing since 1982 and has recently toured interna onally with performances at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi and St Salvatore in Prague.

“We look forward to welcoming Reverend Father Peter Smith to the Blessing of the Harvest Mass and having the Waratah Girls Choir perform at this year’s service is a privilege for both Hunter Valley Gardens and the local community.” says Kyle McKendry General Manager of the Leisure and Hospitality Division of Roche Group.

Entertainment from a violinist, cellist, pianist and vocalist will set the mood for this momentous occasion as light refreshments are served in the quaint Chapel courtyard a er the service.

Brother Dan Stafford from Redemptorist Community Kogarah states “People of all faiths are welcome to a end this very special occasion. We especially welcome those involved in the Hunter vineyards and hospitality industry, a wonderful celebra on for all.”

If you would like to a end please contact Anita Osborne at anitao@hvg.com.au or call 49984072 by the 15th of February.

Image courtesy of InsƟll Photography

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THINGS TO DO IN

FEBRUARY

ON THE TRAIL TO OUR REGIONAL ART GALLERY TRAIL OF ART is a mul -dimensional exhibi on that showcases the combined talents of eighteen local professional ar sts who together form the Art Trail network.

This community of painters, jewelers, printmakers, glassblowers, silversmiths and ceramicists stretches across the Lower Hunter Valley from Rothbury to Ellalong. They recently joined forces to create a linked trail of open art studios across the Valley’s vineyards.

The Lower Hunter Art Trail offers visitors a chance to engage at an immediate level with this group of highly talented ar sts and their artworks. It also presents an opportunity to experience the vast range of processes and techniques that they have developed over many years of full- me professional arts prac ce.

Ar sts in Trail of Art include well known regional painters, Diana Baker, Megan Barrass, Dorothy Compton, Les Elvin, Chris and Frances Fussell, Ann Grace-Smith, Julie Lau, Sue Linton, Karen Malmgren, Sally Ma hews, Rebecca Rath, Peter Sesselmann and Dorothy Wishney and along with ceramicist Adrienne Crouch, tex le ar st Alison Green, jeweler Gabby Horvath and glassblower Setsuko Ogishi.

This exhibi on is a rare opportunity to see such a diverse collec on of work in the one gallery space.

Trail of Art is a totally home grown product of the highest quality, which will be of great interest to everyone in the Lower Hunter, and well beyond.

Free Entry. All Welcome.

Works for Sale. For more informa on visit www.crag.net.au.

Megan Barrass—SecƟon of “Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos”

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FOR YOUR

DIARY

THURSDAY 14TH FEBRUARY—Plan a roman c meal at ESCA Bimbadgen! Spoil your Valen ne with a 2 course ($65pp) or 3 course ($80pp) set menu and let the friendly staff spoil you both with a glass of bubbly each on arrival plus a red rose and chocolates for your sweetheart. Bookings for this special night are essen al...contact ESCA on 4998 4666.

FRIDAY 8TH TO SUNDAY 10TH— Chinese New Year is a me for feas ng, family reunions and fun! Each year, Asians throughout the world spend weeks preparing for the 15-day celebra on, officially called the Spring Fes val. In 2013, Chinese New Year falls on February 10th. It is the year of the Snake according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Whilst we can’t promise a 15 day celebra on, Bimbadgen will be celebra ng the year of the snake from the 8th to the 10th of February. Drop into the Cellar Door, make a purchase and receive a free gi , or try the Chinese inspired 3 course set menu at ESCA (lunch or dinner).

Contact ESCA on 4998 4666 for bookings or visit www.bimbadgen.com.au.

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Green Pastures for

A DAY ON THE GREEN On Australia D ay, 26 January 2001 Melbourne m usic promoter s M ichael & Anthea New ton of Roundh ouse Entertainmen t decided to tr y a brand new concert ex perience by pr oviding contemporary music in a beau ful winery enviro nment.

James Morrison , Renee Geyer and Stephen Cumm ings performed at Morning Star Estate, Mt Eliz a in an event the New tons named a day on the green …..

A day on the green is far more than a concert in a winery. The event encourages people to get away for the weekend, and as such, regional areas such as the Hunter Valley experience a huge injec on of tourism funds into accommoda on, restaurants, shops and wineries - providing a huge boost to local communi es.

…..the rest is history, and as Michael remembers: “At that show it was all hands on deck and we had our friends helping us out, but from that very first concert we thought ‘this is such good fun’. The idea of enjoying good food and wine with your friends, while listening to some Concert goers are able to bring their own food, the popular ‘picnic of great music in spectacular environments just seemed like a great way the day’ prize, the chance to meet ar sts at the signing desk and the to spend a day''. hugely popular merchandise range are some of the li le extras that go ''We started with one show in Victoria in January 2001, then were into making a day on the green an unforge able “experience.” encouraged enough by the response to do five the following summer, and then nine the summer a er. It's been a slow and gradual build and A day on the green has undeniably changed the make-up of the Australian concert arena. The event is known by all interna onal I think that's been one of the keys to our success." agents and ar sts worldwide, and Roundhouse is hotly pursued by A day on the green is the only event promoted by Roundhouse ar sts keen to play or to request return visits. Rod Stewart, Lionel Entertainment and as such, full focus is given to constantly assessing Ritchie, Simply Red and The Pretenders are just some of the and improving all areas of the concerts. interna onal acts that have returned for second a day on the green tour.

Both Michael & Anthea have extensive experience in the music industry, Michael as a band booker for the Premier Ar sts agency and In fact the past-performer list looks like a who’s who of the local and Anthea as a publicist for Michael Gudinski's Fron er Touring international music scenes. Names like Bryan Adams, Joan Armatrading, Company''. So armed with their own industry knowledge and The Beach Boys, Blondie, The B52’s, Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, experience they set about building a day on the green. For the first 18 Leonard Cohen, Crowded House, Sheryl Crowe, Hall & Oates, Chris months, they self-funded the events and did all the footwork and it has Isaak, Jewel, Norah Jones, Tom Jones, Ronan Keating, Alicia Keys, Diana now grown to become one of Australia’s most successful and Krall, Meatloaf, John Mellencamp...the list goes on and on. Makes you respected outdoor concert events along with three albums, three TV wonder...could the pasture be any greener than it already is? specials and an extremely popular range of merchandise.

Twelve years later, with more than two million happy patrons and a er countless unforge able concerts, a day on the green celebrated its milestone 300th show on Australia Day, Saturday 26 January 2013 with a show that featured Elvis Costello, Sunnyboys, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, Tex Perkins and Stephen Cummings performing at Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, Victoria.

Three hundred shows is a landmark achievement in the o en turbulent live concert arena, but 300 shows as an outdoor event ba ling Australia’s wild summer weather condi ons is an accomplishment indeed!

A day on the green events are now held in 19 wineries and outdoor venues in all states of Australia during the summer months. All wineries have exclusive contracts ensuring the only events are a day on the green events. In the Hunter Valley it’s the picturesque Bimbadgen (see right).

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Two Music Legends

GRACE OUR VINEYARDS Australia con nues its lengthy love affair with Elvis Costello when the acclaimed singer-songwriter returns for a na onal tour.

In keeping with the exuberant musicality that has defined his three decade plus career, Costello has some tasty treats in store for a day on the green audiences na onally including Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley on Saturday February 2.

The unabashed showman backed by the trusty Imposters – keyboardist Steve Nieve, drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Davey Faragher - will take audiences through the Costello musical encyclopaedia refresher course with a selec on of classic hits.

His outstanding musical pedigree has inspired promoters to assemble one of the finest damn line-ups in a day on the green history. Check this out!

In a massive coup, the truly legendary original line-up of Sunnyboys will return to the stage for their first na onal tour in more than 20 years! Joe Camilleri will re-assemble the mighty Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, the enigma c Tex Perkins takes the saddle again with the Dark Horses while Sports ex-frontman, Stephen Cummings will make a rare concert appearance.

Costello’s 2004 a day on the green tour s ll rates as one of our finest, so salivate indeed for this eclec c bill promises to be one of the musical highlights of the summer.

There have been a few whispers lately…the words ‘Neil Young’ and ‘Crazy Horse’ have been coupled tantalising with the word ‘tour’. In the know fans have seen news about shows overseas and waited with growing an cipa on for the official word.

So it is with no small amount of delight that The Fron er Touring Company and a day on the green confirmed the return of Neil Young with Crazy Horse for a series of arena and winery shows including Bimbadgen Hunter Valley on Saturday March 9th.

The tour will be Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s first headline tour since 2003’s cri cally acclaimed Greendale shows. Crazy Horse, comprised of Billy Talbot (bass), Ralph Molina (drums) and Frank “Poncho” Sampedro (guitar), was recently described by Neil Young in his autobiography as “a vehicle to cosmic areas that I am unable to traverse with others."

The Bimbadgen show promises to showcase both new material from their recently released album ‘Psychedelic Pill’ (out now through Warner) and the classic hits that helped make Neil Young a household name. Without a doubt the cri cal acclaim surrounding the tour dates so far illustrates just how Neil Young con nues to pull massive crowds five decades into his impressive career.

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Step up to the alter at...

THE CRICKETERS PAVILLION

Picturesque Wandin Hunter Valley is situated in the Lovedale area of the lower Hunter Valley on the slopes of the Molly Morgan Mountains with views over Pokolbin towards the Brokenback range. A perfect backdrop for your perfect day - a unique venue to create the memories that will last a life me.

Perfect for wedding par es, the 100 acre estate boasts an on site cafe and restaurant, spacious func on facili es, and five separate accommoda ons set amongst rolling vineyards, beau fully manicured lawns, and natural bushland.

At Wandin Hunter Valley on Sunday March 3rd 2013 at a special Wedding Open Day you will see how Wandin Hunter Valley & the majes c Cricketers Pavilion is transformed into the wedding des na on of your dreams.

The dedicated Wedding & Events manager will be on site all day to personally answer enquiries and tailor a wedding package to suit your every need. Book your wedding with Wandin at the Open Day, and receive your ceremony on site free of charge (celebrant not included), that’s a saving of over $300.00. Plus book a Winter Wedding to receive a further 10% discount on your total wedding package (condi ons apply).

Also available on the day is an array of highly qualified and recommended service supply professionals ...florists, event specialists, wedding cake designers, dĂŠcor designers, photographers and many more. Entry to the Wandin Wedding Open day is FREE of charge. For more informa on visit www.WandinHunterValley.com.au/events.

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TOP SPOTS... HU

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H U N T E R VA L L E Y

Chardonnay Chardonnay is proof that everything old becomes cool again and the me has come to resurrect Chardonnay on your dining room table and in your meal selec ons.

The year 1971 saw the first commercial bo ling of Chardonnay - an event that sparked the beginning of the Australian Chardonnay craze. By the late 1980s and 1990s, Chardonnay became very fashionable as the stereotypical drink of young socially aware men and women.

Such was the demand for Australian Chardonnay in the late 1980s that the area of Chardonnay vines increased more than fivefold during the decade so that in 1990, Chardonnay, became Australia’s most planted white wine grape variety.

But then it all changed and very quickly too... This peak in popularity in the late 1980 and early 1990's gave way to a change in tastes. The market was drinking more red wine and there was a backlash from consumers disenfranchised by the bu ery taste and high level of oak used in these wines. Another reason for the backlash was that Chardonnay was seen as a symbol of the globaliza on of wine which saw local varie es around the world being replaced by the more popular and profitable Chardonnay grape. The outcome was that that Chardonnay sales declined and consumers turned towards lighter wines such as Pinot Grigio and the crisp, juicy cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Despite this setback, this adaptable and hearty grape flourishes easily in most climates and condi ons, and is now one of the most widely-planted grape varie es in the world, with more plan ngs in more wine regions than any other variety, is responsible for a dispropor onate number of the world's finest whites and is an important component of many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne.

Now Australian winemakers are directly confron ng the Sauvignon Blanc phenomenon by oering Chardonnay styles that are not as heavy as the past but instead lighter and more elegant in an a empt to a ract drinkers away from the New Zealand imports. The resul ng wines are fresher, lighter, leaner, a li le more subtle and of course have a li le less oak.

A grape oering this kind of variety and quality was never going to be eclipsed for long and it is a great me for wine consumers to revive this interest in what is considered to be one of the world's great wines.

When it comes to food, Chardonnay has the poten al to be paired with a wide range of food types and is most commonly matched with roast chicken, turkey and other game birds, pasta dishes in cream sauce, poached salmon and Thai cuisine. Chardonnay is also great with creamy so brie or camembert cheeses

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BEHIND THE

Cellar Door With harvesƟng now underway, this is when it all really happens .....determining when and what to pick based on the flavour and structure of the fruit All eyes are on the weather forecast, tongues are tas ng sugar levels daily and all expecta ons are for a successful 2013 vintage.

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

The Hunter Valley is now ranked as one of world's top ten wine travel desƟnaƟons by US-based magazine called ''Wine Enthusiast'' which has recognised the regions unique history and styles of Semillon and Shiraz.

The Hunter has joined regions in Spain and the United States on the list.

The Dan Murphy’s NaƟonal Wine Show of Australia is considered to be Australia's winemaking “grand final” where only wines in the premium classes are en tled to enter if they have been previously awarded a medal at a capital city or approved regional show. Trophy results at the November 2012 show were diverse with 14 different wine regions represented and 12 different styles making up the final list. Hunter Valley Trophy Winners included

♦ Best Semillon, Premium Classes - Tyrrell's Vineyards 2005 Vat 1 Semillon

♦ Best Table Wine, Aged Classes - Brokenwood Wines 2007 Stanleigh Park Vineyard Semillon

♦ The Semillon Trophy - Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard 2006 Museum Reserve Semillon Fear of impact of heat on Hunter Vines - with extreme heat, such as that experienced in the Hunter in January, grape vines tend to go into shutdown and stop accumula ng sugar and ripening the fruit as they try to protect themselves against the heat - poten ally causing damage to the vine. It is however believed that even if growers lose on quan ty, the quality of grapes shouldn't be affected.

There is an increasing interest in Italian grape varieƟes - mainly due to their ability to adapt to certain climates in Australia, high natural acidity, lovely texture and ability to adapt to heat spikes that has got winemakers excited . Popular Italian varie es include the hugely successful commercial grape known as Pinot Grigio, SagranƟno which is a na ve to Umbria, Moscato used in the slightly-sparkling semi-sweet Moscato wines, Sangiovese also the pride of Tuscany, VermenƟno also widely planted in northern Sardinia, Nebbiolo considered the most noble of Italy's varie es and Barbera which is the most widely grown grape in Piedemont.

Wine Shows and FesƟvals:

♦ 4-7 February 2013 - Sydney 2013 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

♦ 22 February-31 March 2013 - NSW Wine Fes val - An annual celebra on of the State's wine and fine produce through a number of wine and food focussed events across Sydney and regional NSW. Hyde Park, Sydney.

See the latest issue of Wine & Dine in the Hunter for a comprehensive list cellar doors, suggested wines, local restaurants, dining reviews and food and wine trail maps for each of the 5 key wine growing areas.

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2013

VINTAGE

Hunter winemakers and vignerons are upbeat about this years vintage - expec ng good quality albeit a possibly lower yield crop. However a er enduring three years of less than ideal weather condi ons they are not underes ma ng the significance of the next few weeks in either making or breaking the vintage. The hot, dry weather since December, when the grapes started to ripen (known as véraison) - has virtually eliminated disease and threat of pests in most vineyards and for some vineyards this could be their first vintage in three years without disease. The downside of the dry condi ons, however, is smaller berries which although more intense in flavour ul mately means a smaller yield About Vintage (occurring January to April) In wine making terms ''vintage'' is the process of picking grapes (harves ng) and crea ng the finished product. In some parts of the world it is also known as ''the crush''.

January - February is when harvest of the fruit typically occurs. The winemakers and growers work closely together to determine the op mum me to pick the fruit to ensure the best wine quality. White grapes are pressed off the skins, the juice chilled to prevent oxida on, and inoculated with yeast. Red grapes are crushed and inoculated with yeast, and the ensuing fermenta on on the skins allow for colour and flavour extrac on.

between February and April each year. However, taking into considera on the various grape varie es that need to be picked at different mes, the wine styles and climate condi ons - the harves ng of grapes no doubt takes place somewhere in the world every month of the year. Here in the Hunter Valley, because of our warmer condi ons, vintage can commence very early in January with Semillon being the first variety to be picked for sparkling wine, followed by Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho. The reds varie es are picked a er the whites which generally takes place from the second week in February.

The harves ng of the grapes is understandably one of the most cri cal stages in the wine making process. The ming of the harvest is determined by the ripeness of the grape which is measured by the sugar content (measured in degrees brix using a refractometer) as well as acid and tannin levels. Currently tas ng is the only way to measure tannin ripeness. The decision when to pick the grapes is also made in conjunc on with the decision of what style of wine the winemaker intends to produce (eg: dry vs sweeter).

The weather plays a crucial role in deciding when to pick with the threat of rain, hail, humidity and heat poten ally delaying vintage or at worst damaging the grapes and even bringing about various vine or grape diseases such as Botry s (Grey Rot or Noble Rot).

In addi on to having to decide on the ming of when to pick the grapes, the winemaker also needs to decide on what methods to use.

Harves ng is done by hand or machine depending on site requirements and generally takes place in the cool of the morning or night to ensure op mum preserva on of fruit.

The ques on of using mechanical harves ng versus tradi onal hand picking has been a topic of some conten on in the wine industry. The introduc on of mechanical harves ng of grapes has to be one of the most significant changes in vineyard management with the primary benefits being the rela vely low cost and far greater efficiency. A March can be a con nuance of harvest, depending on the mechanical harvester can operate 24 hours a day and in extreme heat temperatures and how the vintage year developed over the summer.

Fermenta ons are monitored by checking how rapidly the grape sugars condi ons picking up to 200 tons of grape compared to 2 tons by an experienced picker. However, mechanical harves ng is not without its decline as the alcohol level increases. disadvantages which include harvesters not being able to dis nguishing April is typically the comple on of harvest. All the wines are now in the between ripe, unripe or unhealthy, and even ro en bunches or tanks or barrels. The winery crush equipment is thoroughly cleaned poten ally breaking the skins of the grape which can cause oxida on and put to rest un l next year. In the vineyard, the grower may and interfere with the aroma c quali es of the wine. perform some post-harvest irriga on and fer liza on of the vines Never-the-less, despite the costs, some wineries in the Hunter con nue before they go dormant. to prefer using human pickers with the main advantage being the In the Northern Hemisphere vintage normally takes place between gentler handling of the grapes and inherent knowledge and ability of August & October while in the Southern Hemisphere it typically occurs the picker to choose only healthy bunches.

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LOCAL PRODUCE

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EXECUTIVE CHEF

CHEZ POK AT PEPPERS GUEST HOUSE

FOCUS ON

John EDWARDS

John Edwards studied to become a chef because his friends were doing just that and as a result discovered a real love for cooking and an apprecia on for working with fresh produce. Today, John has 16 years experience in the hospitality industry having worked in a variety of 5 star hotels and fine dining restaurants in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

John joined the Peppers Group as Execu ve Chef in August 2102 a er returning from Malaysia, and is now the driving force behind the relaunch of renowned restaurant Chez Pok at Peppers Guest House which for 25 years was considered one of the finest dining establishments in the Hunter before it was renamed Restaurant Sanctuary in 2010. Now, two and a half years later the restaurant is to return to its more familiar moniker Chez Pok. Originally from New Zealand, John commenced his appren ceship at the rela vely young age of 16 in a 200 room hotel where he learned the fundamentals of basic cooking and gained a valuable insight into the hospitality industry. A few years later, John moved to Wellington to work under Chef William Neil in a 70 seat French restaurant named Paris where he worked for 12 months learning the basics and subtle es of French cuisine before moving on to a mul -outlet catering company as Chef de Par e in a busy 90 seat inner city restaurant named Minnow. John soon became Sous Chef and a year later promoted to Head Chef under the guidance of Chef Steve Morris.

John was then offered a posi on at the premier fine dining restaurant Logan Brown where he worked under Chefs Alistair Brown and Steve Logan and learned what he now refers to as ''turning a trade into a cra '' .

A er deciding to leave New Zealand to establish a career in Australia, John accepted a role at the Sofitel Palm Resort in Cairns heading an a la carte team and responsible for a 300 seat buffet restaurant, before moving to Adelaide where he spent 2 years working at the Radisson Playford 5 star Hotel as Sous Chef and later Execu ve Sous Chef running the $4m banquet opera on.

John later joined Urban Bistro - a modern, innova ve, fine dining restaurant and one of South Australia's premier dining experiences owned by husband and wife team Spencer Cole and Bethany Finn, where he worked for 5 very enjoyable years learning how to run and manage a food business from 2 veterans of the industry.

John was then offered the opportunity to work overseas in Malaysia where he opened a new 5 star bou que hotel named Casa del Rio just 2 hours south of Kuala Lumpur.

In 2012, John returned to Australia to take up the role of Execu ve Chef at Restaurant Sanctuary at Peppers Guesthouse in Pokolbin and play a leading role in the relaunch of Chez Pok. In his spare me (not that he has much of it) he likes to keep fit by running most a ernoons and spending me with his 2 children.

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WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD

Under the Table With a vast selec on of restaurants to choose from. diners will find that seasonal menus reflect the change in temperature. Summer is the perfect me of the year to make the most of the warm weather with a mid a ernoon meal or dine al-fresco under the stars making the most of the warm evenings.

The 2013 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards were announced on the 1st of January, with a total of 515 restaurants and chefs receiving pres gious Chef Hats. Six Hunter Valley restaurants received Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hats - they were: ♦ Muse Restaurant & Café - Broke Rd, Pokolbin ♦ Emerson's at Pokolbin - Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin ♦ Bistro Molines - Mount View ♦ Muse Kitchen - Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin ♦ Henri's Brasserie - Singleton ♦ The Old George & Dragon Restaurant - East Maitland Peppers Guest House, Pokolbin, has appointed ExecuƟve Chef John Edwards to head up its in-house restaurant Chez Pok (previously Restaurant Sanctuary) The return of Chez Pok - the restaurant at Peppers is set to return in February under the familiar moniker Chez Pok, which was the original name for 25 years before it was named Restaurant Sanctuary in 2010 Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has welcomed ExecuƟve Chef Gavin Robertson to its kitchen, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the role. Origina ng from Scotland, Robertson will manage a staff of 40 in the kitchen and be responsible for overseeing the kitchens and food produce at the Crowne Plaza's two restaurants and bars including Redsalt Restaurant, Grapevine Cafe-Bar and Vista Lounge.

Locals Nights at the Verandah - first Sunday of every month. 3rd February: is ''Verandah Favourites Night" and 3rd March is "Tastes of the Ocean" Starts at 6:30pm with complimentary canapés and bubbles, followed by a 5 coarse Tapas Style degusta on. $50 per person BYO No corkage.

ViƩorio's Cafe Restaurant in Pokolbin con nues to have their popular Pizza & Pasta Tuesday Nights each Tuesday night for just $25 per person. Ph: 4998 7945 Fireside Sundays at Twine Restaurant! Join Adam and his team on Sunday evenings from 5.30pm - 7.30pm and receive a Mezze plate, a selec on of meats plus sides followed by dessert for just $45 pp (kids under 12 eat free). To book phone 4998 7449 Locals Night at Roberts Restaurant - every Tuesday and Wednesday night... Mul -award winning Execu ve Chef George Francisco has created a specials locals night menu for these always popular dinners.

Ph: 4998 7330.

RidgeView Restaurant is the perfect spot for Summer alfresco dining, overlooking the vineyards - with a new seasonal menu u lising organically grown produce from their kitchen garden and local suppliers. Try the Cypriot Meze menu - 14 dish, 4 course feast. Ph: 6574 7332 Esca Bimbadgen is serving up High Tea - 7 days a week from 3pm to 5pm. $40 for two people or $50 for two people with a glass of Bimbadgen Sparkling Semillon or Rose. Ph: 4998 4666 For a comprehensive list of local restaurants, dining reviews and food and wine trail maps for each of the 5 key wine growing areas - see the latest issue of Wine & Dine in the Hunter

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FOR YOUR

DIARY

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH —GAME ON Wynwood Estate/Twine Restaurant‌ Dine around the vines at Wynwood Estate with a 12 course tapas style menu and 12 matched wines during 8 hours on non-stop wining, dining and entertainment. Cooking demonstra ons, winemaker presenta ons and live music will feature at this marathon event. For more informa on visit www.twinerestaurant.com.au

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Chez Pok finds sanctuary

IN IT’S PAST

From its beginnings in 1984, the renowned and much awarded restaurant at Peppers Guest House was considered a mee ng place for the flavours and the people of the Pokolbin region. From the 1st of February it will become known by its more familiar moniker ''Chez Pok'' - the restaurants original name for 25 years before it was re-named Restaurant Sanctuary in 2010.

Nestled amongst the magnificent gardens of Peppers Guesthouse, Chez Pok is considered to be one of the most sophis cated and enjoyable dining venues in the Hunter with exquisite meals - complemented by a wide selec on of excellent local wines.

The restaurant has also undergone a recent transforma on with a newly refurbished interior, the restaurant has a touch of art nouveau romance, with a modern and yet refined atmosphere with black baroque furniture complemented by engraved glass mirrors and flamboyant ligh ng throughout and fantas c views of the estate.

Peppers have also employed Execu ve Chef John Edwards, who joined the group in August 2012, to be responsible for the new culinary direc on as well as the relaunch of Chez Pok restaurant. John comes with extensive experience at leading 5 star hotels and fine dining restaurants throughout New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia before deciding to call the Hunter Valley his home.

Of his role in the relaunch of Chez Pok, John says that '' the focus is on bringing honesty and integrity back into the food we serve and the techniques that find their founda ons in classic French cuisine. We want to move away from the “fine dining” label and focus on the integrity of the product and introduce fresh food that you want to eat every day.

We are also introducing dishes to be shared and eaten together, as a meal me should be. We have also sourced great beef such as the 1.5 kg Tomahawk Steak, which is brought to the table and carved in the restaurant - in other words we want to bring some of the theatre of the kitchen back into the dining room''. ''In short'', John goes on to say, '' we are providing fine food, wine and informed, professional service without the pretence''.

Chez Pok is a true ins tu on of the wine country region, focusing on quality local and seasonal produce. This is dining at its best and one for the roman cs at heart.

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THINGS TO DO IN..

MARCH

SUNDAY 3RD MARCH—WEDDING OPEN DAY at Wandin Hunter Valley. Create a day that will last a life me in your memories. See how Wandin Hunter Valley & the majes c Cricketers Pavilion is transformed into the wedding des na on of your dreams. The Cricketers Pavilion will be in full wedding setup and an array of highly qualified and recommended wedding supply professionals will be onsite all day; florists, wedding cake designers, event specialists, photographers and many more. For more informa on visit www.wandinhuntervalley.com.au/events

Image courtesy of Wandin Hunter Valley and Love Liz Photography

Autumn is a beautiful time of the year in most places—the Hunter Valley is no exception and as the leaves of the vines begin to transform into the earthy colours of Autumn it’s time to get out and about to discover the Hunter Valley at it’s colourful best!

Friday 29th March unƟl Monday 1st April ...EASTER CELEBRATIONS at Hunter Valley Gardens ...A fantas c program of games, ac vi es, entertainment and prizes over the Easter Long Weekend including Easter cra , egg and spoon races, hatching chickens and a colouring compe on. During Easter Saturday and Sunday mornings, join the Saturday 9th March...NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE in A DAY ON THE Easter Bunny to search for lots of coloured eggs in our Giant Easter Egg GREEN at Bimbadgen The tour will be Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s Hunt.

Every child will receive a gi ! For more informa on visit first headline tour since 2003. The March 2013 shows promise to www.hvg.com.au. showcase both new material from their recently released album Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st March DOUBLE CONCERT LINE UP at ‘Psychedelic Pill’ (out now through Warner) and the classic hits that helped make Neil Young a household name. For more informa on visit Hope Estate. PAUL SIMON & ROBERT PLANT Simon’s appearance in the Hunter Valley on Easter Saturday - with special guests Rufus www.adayonthegreen.com.au Wainwright and Jimmy Cliff - forms one half of a weekend of legendary 15th to 17th March ...CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER at Hope Estate Now in music in prime wine country. On the Sunday, following Simon’s its sixth year, the CMC Rocks the Hunter fes val has established itself Saturday concert, famed Led Zeppelin front man, Robert Plant, with his as the biggest Interna onal Country & Roots Fes val outside of North band Sensa onal Space Shi ers, and special guests Blind Boys of America. Packed to the ra ers with local and interna onal acts such as Alabama and Playing For Change will also play, making for two more Rascal Flats, Big & Rich and Billy Ray Cyrus to name just a few. great reasons to spend Easter in the Hunter.

For more informa on visit www.cmcrocks.com.

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HunterValleyShopping.com.au

SCAN & GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY

Shop 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.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VINES Where it is Christmas every day. Come on in to our little cottage, and see the great Christmas bargains in store.

GEMS4U Visit Gems4u and select from a wonderful range of amazing and unique pieces—Gemstones, Minerals, Fossils, Beading and Gift Certificates.

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, nonfiction, and children’s books and a unique collection of quality toys, games, souvenirs and gifts.

WILSON & HUNTER Summer is heating up at Wilson and Hunter with a burst of colour. The latest from Camilla, Mela Purdie, Verge, Katherine, Samantha Wills, Metalicus, Bleu Blanc Rouge,Tilly Rose,Tolani and more…

WILSON & HUNTER (EMPORIUM) We've got the whole family covered. Cool cotton dresses and tops for mum, everything dad needs for a great weekend, Oobilicous fashion for the kids and footwear, swimwear and hats for the whole family. wilsonandhunter.com WINE GLASS GALLERY An extraordinary gift gallery stocking unique colourful wine glasses, original artworks, homewares, hand bags, jewellery, shot glasses, magnets, souvenirs & much more.

Dine

Savour

AND THE WINNER IS OSCARS Serving tasty HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY

gourmet picnics, fish, sandwiches, our famous gourmet pies, pizza and pasta, there is truly something for all tastes and pockets! Phone 4998-7355.

BLISS COFFEE ROASTERS CAFÉ Relax and enjoy a delicious light meal or sweet treat and a blissful cup of coffee. Phone 4998-6700.

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY Experience a Taste of the Country in this award winning café and retail outlet.

This popular café is like walking into an old fashioned, country kitchen. Phone 4998-6605.

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT Award winning contemporary Australian cuisine in a relaxed friendly environment. Open for lunch and dinner 6 days (closed Sundays). Phone 4998-7584.

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.

POKOLBIN CONVENIENCE STORE In the heart of the village is a genuine general store servicing the Pokolbin area with everything you might need while visiting the Wine Country.

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 Tasting 15 boutique ZEN HAIR SKIN BODY A full Hairdressing Salon Hunter Valley wines daily. The largest range of local and Beauty Spa in one location, innovative & deluxe and imported beers in the Hunter Valley. treatments in an environmentally friendly setting, the salon can cater to any need. Phone 4998-6844.

Pamper Play

AQUA GOLF & PUTT PUTT

If you fancy a bit of action then visit our Aqua Golf and Putt Putt Golf Course—fun for the whole family!

Win cash & prizes! Phone 4998-7896.

Broke Road, Pokolbin Open 7 Days from 10AM