WINE& DINE In the Hunter Winter/Spring 2011

IN THIS ISSUE OF WINE & DINE….

Welcome to Wine & Dine in the Hunter!

There can be little doubt that the range of food and wine in the Hunter offers more freedom and diversity than perhaps that of any other wine region in the world.

In addition to being one of Australia's bestknown wine regions, the Hunter Valley offers a fabulous escape for short breaks leading to luxury food and wine indulgences.

Not only is food from the Hunter region known for its freshness and innovative edge, it owes its reputation to the locally grown produce and to those industry professionals dedicated to the cause. The best of Hunter Valley wine is equal to the best in the world and our wine producers are recognised internationally as producing an extensive range of wine styles and varietals.

Situated just 2 hours from Sydney and only 45 minutes from Newcastle, the region offers a huge selection of world-class wineries and restaurants, gourmet food providers and a wide variety of accommodation choices making it ideal for a weekend escape.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 61 2 4930 9072 info@wineanddineguides.com.au

PO Box 241 Cessnock NSW 2325 Australia © Copyright 2011 WCP MEDIA All rights reserved.

Reproduction in part or whole or use without permission is strictly prohibited. For information regarding permissions please contact us at the above address.

Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, WCP MEDIA cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily that of the publishers.

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Quentin & Di von Essen—Publishers

REGULAR ITEMS

SPECIAL FEATURES

4 6 7 11

9 The History Behind…

Quick Index to Cellar Doors Quick Index to Restaurants Quick Index to Providores All About ...Lower Hunter Valley Wine Country

12 Pokolbin 1 Wine & Food Trail, Wineries, Restaurants & Providores

28 Pokolbin 2 Wine & Food Trail, Wineries, Restaurants & Providores

44 Lovedale Wine & Food Trail, Wineries, Restaurants & Providores

58 Mount View, Cessnock & Nulkaba Wine & Food Trail, Wineries, Restaurants & Providores

Australia’s oldest wine producing region.

10 Growing Old Gracefully… what makes a wine age well?

26 Two Great Spots...to lunch...alot!

42 The Perfect Couple...the marriage of food and wine.

54 Dining at...Restaurant Review Mojos on Wilderness

56 A Coffee with...Neil McGuigan 69 Dining at...Restaurant Review Emerson’s of Pokolbin

66 Broke Fordwich Wine & Food Trail, 70 Wine & Dine Services... wine & Wineries, Restaurants & Providores

food tours & experiences

3 Winter/Spring 2011 

Robert Lusby Neil McGuigan Salt&Peppa Reviews

WINE & DINE

The close relationship between food and wine may, in part, closely parallel the evolution of great cooking and great wine making. It's no surprise that some of the best A WCP MEDIA cuisine in the world can be found in some of PUBLICATION the finest wine-growing regions, where wine is often just as prevalent in the cooking EDITORS/PUBLISHERS process as it is in the glass. The Hunter is Quentin von Essen fortunate in terms of availability of excellent Di von Essen fresh, clean, green produce and has developed wines to match food of all types CONTRIBUTORS and flavours.

Peter Firth

We welcome you to the Hunter Valley and we invite you to relax, indulge a little and enjoy your time in the Hunter whilst taking the time to explore the Hunters finest cellar doors, restaurants and gourmet food providers confirmation that the Hunter Valley is not just the home of great Australian wine, but one of the finest, most authentic culinary destinations in Australia and the world.

QUICK INDEX TO CELLAR DOORS 46

G5

Arrowfield Estate

14

C1

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard

30

D1

Ballabourneen Wine Co.

30

C6

Bimbadgen Estate

15

D7

Blueberry Hill Vineyard

16

C7

Briar Ridge

61

G3

Capercaillie Wine Co.

46

I4

Catherine Vale

67

B1

4 Winter/Spring 2011 

PAGE MAP

Centurion Wines

16

B3

Constable Estate

17

E4

DeBortoli

47

H3

Denmar Estate

15

B2

WINE & DINE

NAME Adina Vineyard

Elysium Vineyard

67

A1

Emmas Cottage Vineyard

47

E3

Ernest Hill Wines

32

E7

First Creek Wines

18

F7

Gartelmann Estate

48

E5

Gundog Estate

32

E2

Hermitage Rd Cellars

19

C2

Honeytree Estate

18

E5

Hungerford Hill Wines

33

C7

Ivanhoe Wines

33

F2

Kelman Vineyard

61

E6

Kevin Sobels Wines

34

C5

Krinklewood

68

C2

Kurrajong Vineyard

19

A2

Lambloch Estate

33

C6

Lindeman’s Wine

34

E2

CONTACT DETAILS 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7473 Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7440 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7411 2347 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6505 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4600 999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7295 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3670 4 Londons Rd, Lovedale PH 4990-2904 656 Milbrodale Rd, Broke PH 6579-1334 110 Old North Rd, Pokolbin PH 0421 289 905 205 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7887 532 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4993-8800 479 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7291 393Milbrodale Rd, Broke PH 0417-282-746 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4998-7734 307 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba PH 4991-4418 Cnr McDonalds & Gillards Rds, Pokolbin PH 4998-7293 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7113 101 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6873 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7777 130 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7693 2450 Broke Rd,Pokolbin, PH 4998-7666 525 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7325 2 Oakey Creek Rd, Mount View PH 4991-5456 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7766 712 Wollombi Rd, Broke PH 6579-1322 266 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7117 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 0406-424-367 119 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4993-3700

OPENING HOURS 7 Days 9AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM; Sat & Sun 9.30AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days Mon to Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 10AM-5PM Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM Fri-Sun 10AM-4PM 7 Days 10AM-4PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM Thurs-Mon 10AM– 5PM. Until 9.30PM on Fridays

By Appointment Sat & Sun 9AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days 9.30AM-5PM 7 Days Mon—Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 9AM-4PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM Fri-Sun 10AM-5PM; Wed & Thur by appointment 7 Days Mon to Thurs & Sun 10AM-5PM; Fri/Sat 10AM-6PM 7 Days 10AM-4.45PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM 7 Days Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM Sat/Sun 9.30AM-5PM Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM Fri to Sun 10.30AM-5PM; Mon 10AM-2PM 7 Days 10AM-5PM

NAME Macquariedale Organic Wines

PAGE MAP

McGuigan Wines

35

C3

McLeish Estate

35

E4

Misty Glen Wines

20

D5

Moorebank Estate

20

E7

Mount Broke Wines

68

B1

Mount View Estate

61

F2

Oakvale Wines

21

F2

Peterson House

36

C6

Petersons Wines

62

G2

Pokolbin Estate

37

D3

Ridgeview Wines

22

B4

Sandalyn Estate

51

E4

Savannah Estate

62

E5

St Clements Estate

51

C5

Tallavera Grove

63

H2

Tallowwood Mount View

63

F1

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

38

D3

Tatlers Wines

52

D5

Tempus Two

39

C4

Thalgara

40

E3

The Garden Cellars

41

C3

Tintilla Estate

23

C2

Veladare Wines

23

D6

Wandin Valley Estate

53

D5

Waverley Estate

24

E7

Wombat Crossing Vineyard

24

B1

Wyndham Estate

54

A1

CONTACT DETAILS OPENING HOURS 170 Sweetwater Rd, Rothbury PH 6574-7012 7 Days 10AM-5PM 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7402 7 Days 9.30AM-5.30PM 462 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7754 7 Days 10AM-5PM 293 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7781 7 Days 10AM-4PM (5PM Sat) 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7610 7 Days 10AM-5PM 130 Adams Peak Rd, Broke Fri 12PM-5PM; PH 6579-1314 Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM 502 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3307 7 Days 10AM-5PM 1596 Broke Rd,Pokolbin PH 4998-7088 7 Days 10AM-5PM Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4998-7881 7 Days 9AM-5PM 552 Mount View Rd, Mount View 7 Days Mon to Sat 9AM-5PM; PH 4990-1704 Sun 10AM-5PM 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7524 7 Days 9AM-5PM 273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin Wed to Sun 10AM-5PM PH 6574-7332 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7611 7 Days 9.30AM-5PM 402 Mount View Rd, Mount View 7 Days Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM; PH 4990-6326 Sun 10AM-5PM 136 Talga Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7799 7 Days 10AM-5PM 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-7535 Thurs to Mon 10AM-5PM 147 Mount Bright Rd, Mount View PH 4991-7696 Sat & Sun 11AM-5PM 358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4200 7 Days 9AM-5PM 477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-9139 7 Days 10AM-5PM Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rds, Pokolbin PH 4993-3999 7 Days 10AM-5PM 536 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7717 7 Days 10AM-5PM Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7466 7 Days 10AM-5PM 725 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7093 7 Days 10.30AM-6PM 463 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin Fri to Sun 10AM-5PM PH 4998-7783 Thurs & Mon 11AM-4PM Cnr Wilderness & Lovedale Rds, Lovedale PH 4930-9888 7 Days 10AM-5PM 207 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-6750 7 Days 10AM-5PM 530 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin Sat 10.30AM-4.30PM; PH 6574-7357 Most Sundays 10AM-2PM 700 Dalwood Rd, Dalwood PH 1800 677 366 7 Days 9.30AM-4.30PM

5 Winter/Spring 2011 

B4

WINE & DINE

20

WINE & DINE

6 Winter/Spring 2011 

QUICK INDEX TO RESTAURANTS NAME Al-Oi Thai Restaurant

PAGE

MAP

60

F8

Amandas on the Edge

14

C7

And the Winner is Oscars

30

C3

B.L.U.E Thai

60

E6

Bistro Molines

60

H2

Blaxlands Inn

31

C5

Bodega Bar & Grill

31

D3

Briar Grillade

61

G3

Emmersons of Pokolbin

17

D2

ESCA Bimbadgen

15

D7

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

18

G5

Leaves and Fishes

50

E5

Lovedale Smokehouse & Café

49

F5

Magpie Café

48

E5

Majors Lane Restaurant

49

F5

Mojos on Wilderness

50

E5

Muse Restaurant & Café

35

C7

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant

36

C4

Restaurant Cuvee

37

C6

Restaurant Sanctuary

38

C2

Ridgeview Restaurant

21

B4

Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar

50

E3

San Martino Restaurant

19

C2

SSS BBQ Barns

63

H6

Taste of the Country

39

C3

CONTACT DETAILS 19 Vincent St, Cessnock PH 4990-8666 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7900 Shop 15 Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7355 137 Mount View Rd, Cessnock PH 4991-7444 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990 9553 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7550 At Cypress Lakes Resort, 15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin PH 4993-1500 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3670 1014 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7733 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-46666 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4300 737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930 7400 64 Majors Lane, Lovedale PH 4930-7832 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7113 64 Majors Lane, Lovedale PH 4930 7832 84 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930 7244 1 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6777 Cnr McDonalds & Broke Rd’s Pokolbin PH 4998-7051 Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drv Pokolbin PH 4998-7881 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin PH 4993-8999 273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7332 319 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850 At Hunter Resort, Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7777 4 Wollombi Rd, Cessnock PH 4991 4700 Shop 11, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6605

OPEN Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Lunch Fri to Mon Dinner 7 Nights

Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days Lunch Wed to Sat Dinner Tues to Sun Lunch Thurs to Mon Dinner Fri & Sat Lunch & Dinner Wed to Sun Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Wed to Sun 9.30AM-4PM Lunch Thurs to Mon Dinner Thurs to Sat Lunch 7 Days Dinner Thurs to Sat Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Lunch Wed to Sun; Dinner Fri & Sat 7 Days 10AM-5PM for tasting Café Sat & Sun 12PM-3PM Thurs to Mon 10AM-4PM; Sun 10AM-3PM Dinner 7 Nights Dinner 7 Nights Lunch 7 Days Dinner Wed to Sat Lunch 7 Days Dinner 7 Nights Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Breakfast Sat & Sun; Lunch Fri & Sat; Dinner Fri & Sat Fri to Mon 10AM—10PM Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Dinner 7 Nights Lunch groups by appointment Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days Dinner Fri & Sat

NAME Tatler Tapas

MAP

52

D5

The Olive Mill Café

46

G5

The Brickworks Brasserie

64

B4

The Cellar Restaurant

40

C3

The Legends Bar & Grill

22

D7

The Olive Tree Restaurant

52

A1

The Verandah Restaurant

21

E7

Tilly’s Gourmet Pizza Café

53

E3

Wine Country Café

41

D7

Wine House Bar & Restaurant

41

C4

CONTACT DETAILS 477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-9139 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7473 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba PH 4991-7922 Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7584 At The Vintage, Vintage Drive, Rothbury PH 4998-2213 At Wyndham Estate, Dalwood Rd, Branxton PH 4938-1831 At Calais Estate, Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7231 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4998-7333 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4990-9208 188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7945

OPEN Lunch Fri to Tues Dinner Fri & Sat Breakfast Sat & Sun Lunch Wed to Sun Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Lunch & Dinner Mon to Sat Breakfast Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Breakfast Sundays Lunch Sat & Sun Lunch & Dinner Thurs to Sun Lunch Sat & Sun Dinner Fri & Sat 7 Days from 9AM Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days Dinner Fri—Sun

QUICK INDEX TO PROVIDORES PAGE

MAP REF

46

G5

Binnorie Dairy

15

C1

Gartelmann Estate

48

E5

Hunter Olive Centre

37

D3

48

C3

48

C6

48

D6

Lovedale Smokehouse

49

F5

Mojos The Deli

50

E5

Moorebank Estate

20

E7

Nulkaba Hatchery

62

A6

Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar

50

E3

Sandalyn Estate

51

E4

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

CONTACT DETAILS 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7473 1 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-6660 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7113

OPEN 7 Days Tues to Sun 7 Days

298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7117 7 Days Shop 5, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7221 7 Days Peterson House, Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drv, Pokolbin 7 Days PH 4998-7301 Factory & Showroom 820 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7388 7 Days 64 Majors Lane, Lovedale 7 Days PH 4930-7832 84 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7244 7 Days 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7610 7 Days 78 Fleming St, Nulkaba PH 4991-2501 Mon to Sat 319 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850 Fri to Mon Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7611 7 Days

7 Winter/Spring 2011 

NAME Adina Vineyard

WINE & DINE

PAGE

WHAT’S IN A SYMBOL? Throughout this booklet you will see symbols relating to facilities and products offered by our wineries, cellar doors, restaurants & providores. Here’s the meaning:

 

Disabled Access Onsite Restaurant/Café Functions/Events/Weddings

 

On Site Parking



Family Friendly

Picnic Area

WINE & DINE

8 Winter/Spring 2011 



Accommodation

Vineyard Views

Cellar Door On Site



On Site Gallery

Order On-Line

A/C

Air Conditioning

Free WiFi



On Site Golf Course

Beer On Tap

Picnic Hampers

Scenic Views

Gourmet Produce

Cooking Classes

The history behind Australia’s oldest wine producing region The first major planting in the Hunter Valley occurred in the early 1830's when James Busby an amateur viticulturalist, returned to New South Wales after travelling throughout Europe and South Africa, collecting cuttings from over 500 vineyards. Some of these cuttings were sent to the newly established Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney and the rest planted at the family estate of Kirkton (between the towns of Branxton and Singleton) - establishing what was probably the first vineyard in the region. It was these cuttings which established the Hunter Valley’s claims to viticultural fame.

signaled a period of fast decline for the Hunter Valley.

After World War I, many returning soldiers were given land grants in the Hunter Valley, but the Great Depression and devastating hail storms between 1929–30 caused many of these new land owners to abandon their vineyards. Some of the land was bought up by the larger and more established land owners at the time who would later become driving forces behind the Hunter Valley's wine industry.

Sydney was a lucrative market for the Hunter Valley largely due to the regulations in place at the time that placed prohibitive duties on wines from other areas such as Victoria and South Australia. By the turn of the 20th century, this virtual monopoly over the Sydney market changed significantly with a new constitution banning such interstate trade barriers. The Sydney market was opened to out of state wine producers. This coupled with the changing public tastes from dry wines to sweeter wines, fortified ports and sherry

By 1976, plantings in the Hunter Valley had grown to exceed 10,000 acres and despite a small reduction during the recession of the 1980s, the Australian wine boom of the 1990s pushed plantings even further to over 11,000 acres.

Today the Hunter Valley remains Australia's oldest wine producing region and one of Australia's most recognisable regions with over 140 wineries in the Hunter, producing a wide range of wine.

9 Winter/Spring 2011 

foothills of the Brokenback range near Pokolbin and Rothbury The year 1971, saw the first commercial bottling of (Lovedale) where many of the most well established and Chardonnay - an event that sparked the beginning of the highly regarded vineyards of the Hunter can be found today. Australian Chardonnay craze.

WINE & DINE

The 1950s and 1960s saw consumer taste shift toward drier styles of wine. As a result the 1960's saw a dramatic From these beginnings, the Hunter Valley flourished, with increase in the number of plantings of vine including red several families establishing vineyards in the area including wine varietals and the reintroduction of Cabernet Sauvignon the first vineyards by George Wyndham of Wyndham Estate. to the Hunter Valley.

By the end of the decade, plantings had expanded from 200 As Hunter red wines were gaining acclaim, Hunter whites acres to approximately 500 acres and by 1876 land planted were also being noticed. In the 1960s, a Sydney wine with vine had exceeded 1800 acres. merchant named Leo Buring began marketing the first By the 1860s, plantings of vineyards began to move from the commercially successful Hunter Valley Semillon which was fertile alluvial plains along the Hunter River towards the initially known as ''Hunter Riesling''.

What makes a wine age well?

Robert Lusby (Tintilla Estate - Hermitage Rd)

Often in the cellar door we are asked the question “how long will this wine last?”

Will the wine improve with age is the next question and the answer depends largely on the variety, viticulture and wine making as well as seasonal variations.

WINE & DINE

10 Winter/Spring 2011 

Interestingly it was the Romans who first recognised that some wines improve with age and one in particular— Falernum—was most famous. However the appreciation was lost till the late 1700’s when glass bottles and corks were developed to a degree that allowed the wine to age. Chateau Laffite, in Bordeaux, was among the first to recognise the benefit of bottle ageing.

Studies suggest only about 10% of red wines and 5% of whites will actually improve in the bottle, and only 1% of wines will improve beyond a decade. Certain wines have a good track record such as first growth Bordeaux wines.

Hunter Semillon can be enjoyed long after its bottling. New layers of flavour develop and subtle nuances as the wine transforms showing the honey, toasty, rich characters that make it unique. The key lies in its high natural acidity and lower alcohol level.

Viticultural practices such as trellising, which enhances sunlight exposure to encourage darker ’sun tanned’ skins and hence phenolic compound development as well as climate can influence flavour and concentration of sugars at harvest.

Regional terroir and well recognised, successful grape varieties are helpful hints to which wines age well. Shiraz and Semillon in the Hunter are good examples.

Handling in the winery, open or closed fermentation, the use of sulphites, protection of whites from oxygen, the choice of barrels, frequency of racking, degree of filtration are all factors which can determine quality. Barrel fermentation allows microoxygenation to enhance the chemical changes that occur with the phenolics substances. In addition tannins and caramelised sugars from the toasting process used to shape the barrel leach into the wine imparting additional flavours. The degree of toasting will influence the outcome. Tight grained French oak leaches less substances than looser grained American oak and depending on the style the mix of barrels can be varied.

Quality of fruit and grape variety are two key elements. We wouldn't expect a $10.00 Chardonnay to improve but a Grange Hermitage, Hill of Grace or Tintilla Patriarch Syrah with well known attributes are expected to improve with age. Red varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon have a surfeit of poly-phenolic compounds such as tannins, flavour and colour The bottom line is that the quality, reputation, variety, structure which all contribute to the ageing process. and vintage all count towards picking a wine that will improve with age.

LOWER HUNTER VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

Wine & Food Trail

PG

Pokolbin 1

12

Pokolbin 2

28

Lovedale

44

Mount View, Cessnock 58 & Nulkaba Broke Fordwich

66

WINE & DINE

The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region with vines first being planted in the early 1830's. Vineyards are located in two areas - Upper and Lower Hunter Valley. The Lower Hunter Valley is nestled amidst the Brokenback Range and located 160km north of Sydney and 40km from the Pacific Coast.

Famous for its world-class wines, most notably Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz, the Lower Hunter is said to have pioneered Australian wine tourism and is now well established with a good selection of accommodation, cellar doors and restaurants.

The majority of cellar doors and tourist developments are found in the Lower Hunter Valley with the area consisting of a number of very distinct wine regions - these include the areas of Pokolbin, Rothbury (or Lovedale), Mount View and BrokeFordwich, each unique in their own way. Broke-Fordwich is the only officially recognised sub-region of the Lower Hunter.

Renown for its food and wine, the Hunter Valley is abounding with choice with more than 65 restaurants, over 140 wineries and cellar doors and a diverse range of gourmet foods and regional produce spread throughout the area. The Hunter Valley also has a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year to capture the imagination of wine and food lovers - most notably the Lovedale Long Lunch and Semillon and Seafood.

11 Winter/Spring 2011 

About the Lower Hunter Valley

The soils in the Hunter Valley vary widely from sandy alluvial flats to black silty loams and friable red duplex soils.

Most of the vineyards are situated on the red clay soils on the foothills of the Brokenback Range or on the creek flats below them, which have sandy soils greatly suited to whites.

The Lower Hunter can get as much as 400–530mm of rain during harvest which takes place between the months of January to early March, creating significant challenges for winemakers as the rain along with the heat, encourages high relative humidity in the region and the subsequent threat of mould.

The most widely planted grape varieties in the Hunter Valley are Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho among the whites and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among the reds.

The area is famous for its Semillon white wines and its soft rich reds made from Shiraz. The Hunter Valley produced Australia's first Chardonnays in the 1970's and its soft lavish fruit driven style, adds another staple variety to the area. Verdelho has been planted in the Hunter Valley for over 100 years but it is has only recently become popular as a single varietal wine producing a dry wine with spicy tropical fruit characters.

WINE & DINE

12 Winter/Spring 2011 

POKOLBIN WINE & DINE TRAIL 1 (NORTH)

Pokolbin Trail 1 provides the location and information on cellar doors, restaurants and gourmet food providers located on the northern side of Pokolbin stretching north from Broke road to Hermitage Rd and Old North Rd and includes some of the most renown and highly awarded wineries, restaurants and providores providing the most enjoyable wine and food experiences in the Hunter.

The rural locality of Pokolbin sits in the shadow of the Brokenback Range and is considered to be the ''hub'' of the Hunter Valley wine region and where the largest collection of wineries, accommodation houses and restaurants can be found.

Pokolbin is internationally recognised for being Australia's oldest commercial wine producing area and where viticulture (growing of grapes) in the Hunter Valley is believed to have first started when James Busby brought planted cuttings of European vines and established what is considered the first vineyard in the area in the 1830's. However, it was not really until the 1960s that the wine industry of the Lower Hunter Valley really took off due to the closure of local mining operations and the arrival of European immigrants after the Second World War led to a reorientation of Australian tastes. By the 1980s the wine industry had replaced the mining industry as the centerpiece of the local economy.

There are now numerous wineries, restaurants, cafes and gourmet food providers in the Pokolbin area, including some of the best known names in Australian wine - some of which have been in existence for well over a century. The majority offer tasting facilities and cellar door sales, and some of the larger enterprises provide additional facilities such as function rooms, restaurants, barbecue and picnic facilities.

TRAIL 1 CELLAR DOORS

PAGE

MAP

Arrowfield Estate Bimbadgen Estate Blueberry Hill Vineyard Centurion Wines Constable Estate Denmar Estate First Creek Wines Hermitage Rd Cellars Honeytree Estate Kurrajong Vineyard Macquariedale Organic Wines Misty Glen Wines Moorebank Estate Oakvale Wines Ridgeview Wines Tintilla Estate Veladare Wines Waverley Estate Wombat Crossing Vineyard

14 15 16 16 17 15 18 19 18 19 20

C1 D7 C7 B3 E4 B2 F7 C2 E5 A2 B4

20 20 21 22 23 23 24 24

D5 E7 F2 B4 C2 D6 E7 B1

TRAIL 1 CELLAR DOORS WITH RESTAURANTS Bimbadgen Estate Denmar Estate Ridgeview

PAGE

MAP

15 15 21

D7 B2 B4

TRAIL 1 RESTAURANTS

PAGE

MAP

Amandas on the Edge Emmersons of Pokolbin ESCA Bimbadgen Harrigan’s Irish Pub Ridgeview Restaurant San Martino Restaurant The Verandah Restaurant The Legends Bar & Grill

14 17 15 18 21 19 21 22

C7 D2 D7 G5 B4 C2 E7 D7

TRAIL 1 PROVIDORES

PAGE

MAP

Binnorie Dairy Moorebank Estate

15 20

C1 E7

WINE & DINE

13 Winter/Spring 2011 

Annual Events

HOW TO USE WINE & DINE

Jazz in the Vines Jazz in the Vines is unlike any other Jazz concert in Australia. It's more a picnic with good friends, fantastic food and great Hunter Valley wines. Artists include some of the country's biggest names. Last weekend in October.

In the following pages you will find information about Wining & Dining in the Pokolbin North area. This area is differentiated by the colour ORANGE throughout and also by the shaded bar down the outside of each page.

NSW Open Golf Championship at The Vintage The Greg Listings are in alphabetical order where possible and Norman designed Vintage Golf Course is home to the NSW can be easily identified by the following symbols: Open Golf Championships, with some of Australia’s best Wineries—will display the following symbols: golfers competing for the title. Last week of November

Semillon & Seafood A weekend celebration of Hunter Valley Semillon throughout the region. The main event held on Saturday 8th includes local wineries and restaurants, wine education, cooking demonstrations and fresh seafood served with Hunter Valley Semillon. Second weekend in October.

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For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com

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Two greats spot to lunch..alot!

Restaurant reviews by Sir Lunchalot—Peter Firth

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Welcome to our readers to the first ever Wine & Dine!

We are looking forward to being able to share some of our recent dining experiences, both lunch and dinner. These are just a few of the many great restaurants in the Hunter Valley Vineyard area.

Considering the Hunter produces only 3% of Australia’s wine, we have some of the best restaurants associated with wineries in our country.

One with 2 Chef Hats, two more with 1 Hat and several just on the borderline of future awards.

THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT on Palmers Lane has been producing some great Tapas Style (share) plates for some 5 years or more. Matt Dillow, the owner, and his very talented staff have managed to not only win the locals but many visitors from all parts of the world. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining areas, the latter overlooks vineyards and water, whilst indoor is very cozy with an open fire place. Ideal at this time of year.

Your first glance at the menu, with 20 or so different tapas from which to choose, will be an exciting experience. My suggestion is if you are dining with friends, each person select a dish.

Here just a few of those which we tasted the other day.

The signature dish in my opinion is the “Sydney Rock” So you can feel fairly confident when you wine and tasting plate which consists of a trio of oysters dine here that you will have a “gastronomic” magnificently presented. These come natural, tempura experience never to be forgotten. Once again, with wasabi aioli and Virgin Mary. A perfect starter! welcome to our Valley.

Then came Taramasalata which is made from fish roe, We (Lady Lunchalot and myself) would like to share very much like a Paté, and is served with a caper berry salad and crisp lavosh. Hopefully you like garlic as much two of our recent “Lunch Adventures”. as we do?

Our next choice was the snapper and dill croquettes with an amazing white anchovy cucumber salsa. It worked perfectly with the croquettes. Similar to this is Thai style Blue Swimmer crab and prawn cakes with Nam Jim dipping sauce.

Jamon with panko crusted duck egg, truffle oil and Pecorino cheese, very finely sliced. This is served with Apera, a medium dry style sherry, believe it or not, made locally at Moorebank winery just across the road. This was a special dish and our definite favourite. When available we will order it again!

Then there was a toss up between slow braised Asian style Pork Belly with celeriac puree and Peking duck served Verandah style. We ordered the duck and enjoyed it immensely. Then Matt gave us a taste of the pork any way – again, delicious.

There are many more entrees on this menu for you to choose from including the very popular Tasting Plates.

These consist of a Red and White plate made up of three selections from the entrees with matching wines. This is an ideal way to be able to taste at least six dishes, providing you have a “willing” partner who agrees to share. This is a great way to experience and learn about the matching of food with wine (you can also read the article on page 42). You may not agree with their choice and this can make for interesting discussions whilst dining. Also please pass on your ideas to the Food & Beverage Manager whom I feel sure will enjoy your comments.

We started with the French onion soup as it was a cold day, no excuse needed as Lady Lunchalot is a soup lover anytime. This was made up with braised oxtail and Binnorie goats cheese made locally. A meal in itself! We followed with the pumpkin tortellini with pan fried Manning River prawns, labna and baby chervil. Simple but stunning.

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Choosing our mains, believe me, was extremely difficult as they all appealed. So after a glass of wine or two, we made a decision. I ordered the rabbit, leek and mushroom pie served with pea puree. We both agreed Please leave a little room for a dessert or two, especially we had not had many rabbit dishes with so much flavour if there are a number of you. These “After Thoughts” as and so tender. described on the menu are well worth loosening the belt Lady Lunchalot was keen to try the char-grilled tuna. for! The soft centred Chocolate Souffle is served with This is accompanied by an olive and parsley butter and Baileys and almond ice cream. Just decadent! There is mograbiah, which is cous cous with larger sized grains. also a choice of four other flavours. The Dessert Tapas Another on the “must have next time” list was the Plate is another for those who are unable to make Bouillabaise of blue eye cod, mussels, yabby and “executive” decisions. cuttlefish with baby vegetables. Once again there are There is a selection of many varieties of tea and coffee – many more dishes to choose from. Good luck making my favourite is the Affogato. We hope you enjoy it as decisions! much as we did.

The desserts were left to me and I had no choice but choose the Winter Warmer Chocolate Plate being a bit of “chocoholic”. Made up of Callebut hot chocolate, ECSA BIMBADGEN on McDonalds Road avanilla bean ice cream, hazelnut biscotti, chocolate pot has over the past 10 years gained a reputation for and a shot of Frangelico. We had major problems when producing some of the best food in the Hunter. Executive trying to leave the table as you may imagine. The extra chef Ebonnie Newby is maintaining the standard and kilos made my movement a little on the slow side. high quality with her very creative dishes. Her new winter Superb, but do not plan to go out for dinner. Another way menu shows her culinary skills at their best and I am of “desserting” is the Dessert Tasting Plate served with sure you will agree with me after you have dined here.

Bimbadgen’s botrytis semillon. Very popular.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining areas Well, I hope you enjoy Esca as much as we do. with views overlooking vineyards, mountains and the If you notice the Lunchmobile in the car park, easily famous Vintage golf course. Not only is this one of the recognised by the “Lunch” number plates, please come favourites with we locals, but people book in from all over a n d s a y h e l l o o r e m a i l m e a t the world, not only to dine but for weddings and functions lunchalot@wineanddineguides.com and share the and food and wine courses as well. It is one of the experiences that you had while in the Valley.

Hunter’s most popular lunch venues.

Bon Appétit!

Here are just a few of dishes off the new menu that we enjoyed immensely.

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POKOLBIN WINE & DINE TRAIL 2 (SOUTH)

Pokolbin Trail 2 provides information and the location of cellar doors, restaurants and gourmet food providers located on the southern side of Pokolbin - the area stretching from Broke Road to Oakey Creek Road and includes some of the most highly regarded and award winning restaurants and wines available in the Hunter.

The area of Pokolbin is synonymous with all things relating to wine and food and is internationally recognised for its world class vineyards and restaurants and for being Australia's oldest commercial wine producing area - with some vineyards being in operation for well over 120 years. Pokolbin is considered the ''hub'' of the Hunter Valley wine region and where the largest collection of wineries, accommodation houses and restaurants can be found Viticulture in the Hunter Valley is often considered to have commenced with James Busby when on returning from a tour of French and South African vineyards in the 1830's brought with him numerous cuttings of vines, sending half to the newly established Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney and the remaining vines planted at the family estate of Kirkton - just north of Belford. It was there he established what was probably the first vineyard in the region.

Some of the most well respected names in Hunter Valley wine history today shortly followed establishing vineyards in the area in the 1850's - some of these long -established names are still in existence today.

Vineyards only really began to appear in Pokolbin from the late 1870's but it was the depression of the 1890's that dealt the industry a cruel blow and it was not really until the 1960s that the wine industry based in the Lower Hunter really began to grow due to the closure of local mining operations and the arrival of European immigrants after the Second World War. By the 1980s it had replaced the mining industry as the mainstay of the local economy.

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Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Ballabourneen Wine Co. Ernest Hill Wines Gundog Estate Hungerford Hill Wines Ivanhoe Wines Kevin Sobels Wines Lambloch Estate Lindeman’s Wine McGuigan Wines McLeish Estate Peterson House Pokolbin Estate Tamburlaine Organic Wines Tempus Two Thalgara The Garden Cellars

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And the Winner is Oscars Blaxlands Inn Bodega Bar & Grill Muse Restaurant & Café Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant Restaurant Cuvee Restaurant Sanctuary Taste of the Country The Brickworks Brasserie The Cellar Restaurant Wine Country Café Wine House Bar & Restaurant

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Hunter Valley Chocolate Co. Hunter Olive Centre

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29 Winter/Spring 2011  Annual Events HOW TO USE WINE & DINE Chocolate Festival at Hunter Valley Gardens A In the following pages you will find information about chocolate experience like no other - great family fun and Wining & Dining in the Pokolbin South area. This area is differentiated by the colour TAN throughout and also by activities. First Weekend in August. the shaded bar down the outside of each page. Listings The Feast of the Olive Learn all that there is to know appear in alphabetical order wherever possible. about olives & olive products, with tastings, cooking demonstrations, classes & free recipes. Wineries—will display the following symbols: End September. = Sparkling Wines = White Wines Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens. Over a million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens.

November to January.

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For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.hvg.com.au

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The Perfect Couple … the marriage of food & wine When it comes to wine and food pairing, most people concern themselves with the decision of matching their food with the exact wine to complement it. So what, if any, are Pairing the Whites the rules?

Chardonnay (medium to full bodied dry white wine) is well Wine and food pairing is an extremely personal pastime, matched with pasta dishes in a cream sauce, grilled or drawing from the background, culture, and habits of each poached salmon, poultry and any other game bird person sampling the wine or food, but in the end, it comes especially turkey also Thai cuisine. Also great with creamy down to what an individual enjoys, and what combination soft brie or camembert cheeses. works best for that person.

Sauvignon Blanc (light – medium bodied dry white) works It is important to remember that when it comes to wine and well with most seafood - especially lobster, oysters, other shellfish, herbs and green salads or Chinese and Japanese food pairing - there really are no rules! cuisine. Perfectly served with semi hard cheese.

The traditional theory of matching red wine with red meat and white wine with chicken and fish, while still considered Riesling (light to medium bodied, mildly sweet - finishing reasonable advice, is no longer feasible in a multi-cultural quite dry white). Goes well with pasta, pork, turkey, grilled country such as Australia where there is less of a national fish and Chinese cuisine. cuisine but instead more freedom and diversity in culinary Semillon (medium bodied dry white) is well paired with influences from cultures that include American, European, grilled fish, creamy pastas, lemon based sauces, oysters African, Indigenous and Asian. Not to mention the fact that and most seafood as well as semi hard cheese.

Australian tastes have evolved significantly over the years Chenin Blanc (varies from dry to sweet) ideal foods are and that there is now a far wider variety of wines available Thai curries, salads - especially Greek salad, mild to spicy than ever before. rice dishes, sushi and seafood.

The secret to successful food and wine matching is in the Verdelho (Medium bodied dry white) should be enjoyed with tasting.... fresh seafood, smoked salmon, fruit platters, pastas with a Some argue that the important thing to do when choosing a creamy based sauce, sushi and Asian dishes. wine to have with your meal is to experiment by trying different wines with different foods to work out what is preferred - taking note of the ingredients being used in a dish and select a wine variety to suit.

Matching the Reds Taste and texture are important factors in food and wine pairing and a successful method of ''pairing'' is matching foods and wine according to the types of flavours and textures of the meal you are having or even matching the ''weight'' of the wine with the ''weight'' of the dish you are having.

Cabernet Sauvignon (medium to full bodied dry red) is well matched with steak, tomato based pasta dishes, Indian dishes, meat dishes - lamb, pork, duck and full flavoured / hard cheese.

Merlot (medium to full bodied, smooth, dry red) pairs well with most roast meats - beef, lamb, pork, duck, steak, pizza, For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with mushroom risotto, baked ham. Middle Eastern dishes and appetizers or opening courses in a meal. White wine is strong blue cheese. usually a match for salads and lighter dishes, while red wine Shiraz (medium to full bodied red) is a good match with veal works perfectly with steaks and heavier meat sauces. A port dishes, steak (especially peppery steaks), kangaroo, roast is often the perfect end to a meal, sipped with a chocolate duck, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, chocolate, smoked cake, mousse or a cheese dish. cheese.

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Pinot Noir (Medium to light bodied, dry red) pairs well with roast dishes - chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, pheasant and other game birds, Chinese and other Asian dishes as well as hard Gouda cheese.

Rose (vary from sweet finish to very dry finish) goes well with smoked foods, quiche, salads - especially spicy salads, Thai food - especially Thai fish cakes, pork and ham.

Sparkling Wines (dry Styles) are great with raw or steamed shellfish.

LOVEDALE WINE & DINE TRAIL

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CELLAR DOORS

Lovedale, often referred to as the ''Heart of the Hunter'', is located just east of Pokolbin and is renown for its interesting community, awardwinning boutique wineries, cellar doors, quality accommodation, fine restaurants and unique galleries.

The name Lovedale combines the name of one of the early families of the district, the Loves, with the memory of the dales of Yorkshire in England.

As one of the oldest wine producing regions of the Hunter Valley, the history of Lovedale dates back to the 1800s when local wheat, dairy and general produce farmers turned their hand to grape growing.

Settlement in Lovedale dates prior to 1825 when there were significant land grants along Black Creek. This area was particularly suitable for vineyards and was also favoured for its proximity to the 'Old North Road' to Windsor.

Before the 1920s there were more wineries in the area than there are today. The Love’s Winery in Lovedale Road processed grapes from other vineyards as well as their own and closed in 1927.

Unfortunately by the late 1920's most of the Lovedale vineyards ceased operations due to the impact of the Depression and a widespread outbreak of downy mildew. In the 1960's the vineyards began to re-emerge and wine production began once again.

Lovedale also hosts a number of events throughout the year, with the signature event being the famous Lovedale Long Lunch held on the third weekend in May each year.

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Adina Vineyard Capercaillie Wine Co. DeBortoli Emmas Cottage Vineyard Gartelmann Estate Sandalyn Estate St Clements Estate Tatlers Wines Wandin Valley Estate Wyndham Estate

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Adina Vineyard Emmas Cottage Vineyard Gartelmann Estate Tatlers Wines Wyndham Estate

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RESTAURANTS Leaves and Fishes Lovedale Smokehouse & Café Magpie Café Majors Lane Restaurant Mojos on Wilderness Tatler Tapas The Olive Tree Restaurant The Olive Mill Café Tilly’s Gourmet Pizza Café Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar PROVIDORES Adina Vineyard Gartelmann Estate Hunter Valley Chocolate Company Lovedale Smokehouse Mojos The Deli Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar Sandalyn Estate

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ANNUAL EVENTS Lovedale Long Lunch A 'progressive lunch' where visitors work their way though participating wineries, enjoying the quality food, wine, music and entertainment at all of the venues. Always the 3rd weekend each May. Opera in the Vineyards Good Weekend Opera in the Vineyards a muchloved annual feast of opera, food and, of course, wine! 3rd weekend in October 2011 at Wyndham Estate

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For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.lovedalehuntervalley.com.au

HOW TO USE WINE & DINE In the following pages you will find information about Wining & Dining in the Lovedale area. The Lovedale area is differentiated by the colour GREEN throughout and also by the shaded bar down the outside of each page. Listings are in alphabetical order where possible and can be easily identified by the following symbols: Wineries/Cellar Doors—will display the following symbols: = White Wines

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LEGENDARY WINES Made Not only is the Hunter Valley Australia’s oldest wine region, but it is also recognised for producing some of world’s most exceptional and distinctive wines. The most recognised is the Hunter Valley Semillon and the Hunter Valley Shiraz - the regions two signature grape varieties.

By Legends

McGuigan, Bruce Tyrrell, Jay Tulloch, Fay McGuigan, Phil Ryan, and Christopher Barnes.

Together this group, made up of some of the most respected and experienced members of the wine industry, represents hundreds of years of wine making experience, a deep It is therefore no surprise that it is these two varieties that were knowledge of the local area, and the regions unique grape specially selected to produce the 2010 Legends Hunter Valley varieties that make these two wines true examples of what the Semillon and the 2009 Legends Hunter Valley Shiraz. Both of Hunter Valley is renown for. these wines are produced from premium grapes donated by The Legends wines are exclusive to Hunter Valley Wine leading Hunter growers and then vinified and matured by the Society. To taste these two great wines visit the Hunter Valley "Hunter Valley Legends'' including Brian Walsh, John Tulloch, Wine Society at the Visitor Information Centre located at 455 Karl Stockhausen, Max Drayton, Perc McGuigan, Brian Wine Country Drive (opposite Crowne Plaza in Lovedale MAP REF H3).

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54 Winter/Spring 2011 ď ˇ ď ˇď€ WINE & DINE

Dining at Mojos You can hardly visit the lovely Lovedale region without booking a table at Mojo's on Wilderness - a favourite amongst locals and one of the few restaurants in the Hunter Valley open for dinner 7 nights a week.

a Salt&Peppa review

well as a number excellent wines from other wine producing regions around Australia.

A delightful addition to our dinner was the complimentary house-baked ciabatta rolls served with warmed olives in caramelized balsamic vinegar and handmade dukkah.

Delicious..!

Husband and wife team Adam and Ros ensure the service is warm and attentive and offer diners a cosy and intimate dining The main dishes involved choosing between roasted atmosphere with an open fire in winter and seating limited to barramundi fillet, Atlantic salmon, slow cooked pork belly, fillet of beef, roasted duck breast with French onion just 40 diners . sauce and loin of lamb. We finally decided upon the Atlantic The reasonably priced seasonal menu, while small, was salmon and the fillet of beef wrapped in prosciutto. The superb and quite hard to choose from as it all looked so attention to detail on the plate is terrific - the fillet of beef was fantastic. We were torn between a number of starters that thick, well cooked and tender and served with dauphinnoise were extremely tempting. Up for selection were the seared potatoes, wild mushroom and tarragon, bearnaise sauce tuna feuillantine with ginger, chilli and chive dressing and the while the Atlantic salmon was accompanied with butternut quail scotch eggs with creamed spinach, roasted cherry pumpkin, feta and toasted almond risotto and basil pesto. tomatoes and crisp pancetta. But it was only after much debate that we decided upon the spanner crab salad and After 2 courses there is often not enough room for a third but seared scallops, with the spanner crab delightfully at Mojos it is difficult to ignore the dessert menu - with each accompanied by an avocado, remoulade and garlic bruscetta dish delightfully prepared - whether it be the maple creme and the seared scallops arriving with an eschallot and thyme caramel with chocolate truffle filled brandysnap, the passionfruit and lime cheesecake with coconut sorbet or the tarte tatin with chorizo and horseradish creme fraiche. lightly glazed lemon tart with Grand Marnier syrup.

The wine list was complete with a large number of Hunter Valley favourites and a good mix of local boutique wines as It just doesn't get better than this!!

A Coffee with….Neil McGuigan International Winemaker of the Year and CEO Australian Vintage

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When you meet Neil McGuigan, it is not difficult to be caught up with the energy and deep passion he has for Hunter Valley wines, the future of the Australian wine industry and his enthusiasm to deliver quality wine to wine drinkers no matter where they are in the world.

Neil is what was involved in winning a wine award and what it ultimately meant.

Neil's first response to this question was that winning an award ''required excellent wine, a very good team and a little luck thrown in as well''. ''Given all the processes and infrastructure in place, and of course good fruit, there is always the opportunity to make a very good quality wine, but in order to make wines of With over 30 years experience in the wine industry and growing outstanding quality you need to have a skilled and well up in a family of winemakers, Neil has become one of supported team who are all motivated toward a common goal Australia's most recognised and acclaimed winemakers winning and then raise the bar by setting even higher expectations". hundreds of awards including the prestigious titles of Neil goes on to say that ''Winning a highly acclaimed wine International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine trophy says to the world that Australia is at the top of its game and Spirit Competition in London in 2009 and the Australian and creates a level of excitement in the industry and the desire Producer of the Year award at the same competition. In that to be better and more innovative''. same year, Neil then went on to receive the International White Winemaker of the Year award at the International Wine ''For the company or winery involved, winning an award is great for company morale, for everybody involved in the process and Challenge in London. in the end result and benefits the companies overall brand These remarkable results are even more impressive when you image''. ''Let's face it'' he goes on to say, ''if the winery is realise that the above mentioned international awards have winning awards at the top end of its range, then it is safe to only ever been won by two other companies in Australia - Wolf assume that the entry level wines are good as well''.

Blass and Rosemount.

For Neil personally? Well winning an award has the effect of There seem to be a large number of wine shows, both domestic encouraging him to do even better and over deliver. ''We and international with each of them varying in levels of continue to listen to the market and reinvent ourselves and our importance and prestige, so what I really wanted to know from wines - and of course there is always next year!''

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MOUNT VIEW, CESSNOCK & NULKABA TRAIL

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Mount View is situated at the southern border of Pokolbin and nestled amongst the breathtaking surrounds of the Brokenback Range in the Hunter Valley. Mount View with its winding roads and panoramic views offers some of the most outstanding scenery available in the Hunter Valley.

The history of the area dates back to the mid 1800's when early pioneers recognised the quality of the land offered by the area.

Mount View provides a number of wine and dine options with 2 highly respected restaurants and a handful of impressive and highly acclaimed boutique wineries that seem to appear out of nowhere and all providing a relaxed and idyllic wine tasting experience and superbly welcoming hospitality.

At the end of Wollombi road is the historic town of Wollombi which was settled from 1838 as a service centre for the local farming community as well as travellers. Today Wollombi displays a fine architectural heritage, a selection of cafes, eateries and comfortable guesthouses and national parks with great bush walking trails, lookouts and ancient Aboriginal rock carvings.

The nearby town of Cessnock was developed as a private village on the road that is now known as ''The Convict Trail'' - the original Sydney to Hunter Valley road hand-built by 3,000 convicts. Cessnock became a major mining centre at the turn of the century; however, wine and tourism have since become the major local industries. Cessnock is considered the ''gateway'' to the wine region and has a number of fine restaurants, guesthouses and galleries with visitors able to visit the local Hunter Beer Co. brewery and the Nulkaba Hatchery in Nulkaba.

Mount View image courtesy of Mount View Tourism

CELLAR DOORS Briar Ridge Kelman Vineyard Mount View Estate Petersons Wines Savannah Estate Tallavera Grove Tallowwood Mount View

CELLAR DOORS WITH RESTAURANTS Briar Ridge Tallavera Grove

RESTAURANTS Al-Oi Thai Restaurant Bistro Molines B.L.U.E Thai Briar Grillade SSS BBQ Barns The Brickworks Brasserie

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Mount View Wine Options—This is a fun way to be mindful about the wines you are drinking, plus you can buff or bluff your way though the games. Generally it's not always the wine buffs who wins! Includes dinner, wine and entertainment. Held in November.

In the following pages you will find information about Wining & Dining in the Mount View/Cessnock/Nulkaba area. These areas are differentiated by the colour MAROON throughout and also by the shaded bar down the outside of each page. Listings are in alphabetical order where possible and can be easily identified by the following symbols:

Signature Sundays at Briar Ridge—Wine education, wine & food matching and tastings every Sunday throughout September. Learn how to match cheese, sweets and more. Held throughout September.

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For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.mountview.biz

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BROKE FORDWICH TRAIL

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Known as the “tranquil side of the Hunter Valley” and situated an easy 15 minute drive from Pokolbin and just 25 minutes from Singleton, the Broke Fordwich Wine Region is considered to be a separate viticultural sub-region of the Hunter Valley and accounts for approximately 11% of the vineyard area planted in the Hunter Valley. The warm climate and fertile soils produce distinctive wines such as Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho as well as Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Barbera.

CELLAR DOORS

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Catherine Vale Elysium Vineyard Krinklewood Mount Broke Wines

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In the following pages you will find information about Wining & Dining in the Broke Fordwich area. The Broke Fordwich area is differentiated by the colour PEACOCK throughout and also by the shaded bar down the outside The area was first settled as early as 1824 and of each page. Listings are in alphabetical order where despite being one of the oldest wine growing possible and can be easily identified by the following areas in Australia, it is only in the last 30 years symbols: Wineries/Cellar Doors—will display the following symbols:

that Broke Fordwich has started to become an important player in the Australian wine making industry.

= White Wines

= Sparkling Wines

With the Brokenback Range and the iconic = Red Wines = Fortified Wines Yellow Rock escarpment in the background, the Broke Fordwich region consists of two villages - Restaurants– will display the symbol symbol Broke and Bulga each with their own identity as Providores— will display the well as the two smaller communities of Fordwich and Milbrodale.

Annual Events Historically, the region was first inhabited by the Broke Village Fair - A market day for local indigenous Wanaruah tribe many thousands of produce, a display of classic vintage farm years ago and were known as ‘the people of the machinery. Held in September. hills and plains’ and many direct descendants still live in the area today. These culturally rich Spirit of the Vine—Award winning wines, live people left many significant cave paintings in the music and local produce. Held in October. area which are still accessible today.

Folk in Broke—2 nights and 2 days of music, workshops, markets and more. Held in November.

A Little Bit of Italy in Broke—Italian Festival where visitors are encouraged to drop into any of the nine venues to sample a taste of "La Dolce Vita." March/April.

Views of Broke—photo courtesy of Catherine Vale

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For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.brokefordwich.com.au

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67 Winter/Spring 2011 

68 Winter/Spring 2011  WINE & DINE

When visiting Broke...think biodynamically!

Rod Windrim is the owner and vigneron of Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard, Wollombi Road, Broke. In 2002 Rod Windrim ceased use of chemicals and began operating within the biodynamic (BD) cycle.

Rod was inspired by the First Growth vineyards of Burgundy that were using BD principles to grow grapes. In France they have a higher disease pressure than in the Hunter, which gave him even more confidence. Rod discovered ‘Wine From the Sky’, a book by Nicholas Joly, in 2001, it inspired him to do a Steiner Agricultural course that same year. From that moment on, he confesses, Rod was absolutely hooked on Biodynamics.

seeing Krinklewood stand up against some of the best wines in the country, and to me this brilliantly reinforces that the biodynamic approach is the way forward for us” Every aspect of the vineyard and farm is now managed in a holistic and sustainable way, which is reflected in the individuality and superior quality of the wines. The last three vintages have been awarded countless medals and been positively reviewed by some of Australia’s most respected wine writers. The last four vintages of Semillon have sold out before new vintage release, which speaks for itself!

As Rod says, “BD is better for the environment, better for the “I just want to make great wines, and the biodynamic approach people who work and live on the property and it gives us better seemed the logical means to achieving this. Now we are quality wine.”

Dining at Emerson’s of Pokolbin a Salt&Peppa review This European infused modern Australian Restaurant opened in September 2010 with husband and wife te a m E me r so n a n d S a ma n t h a Rodriguez refurbishing the original Casuarina Restaurant. This dynamic couple then wasted little time in gaining a reputation for pushing the boundaries in culinary excellence and winning a 2011 Chefs Hat at the Australian Good Food and Travel Guide Awards after being open for just three and half months!

Although Emerson's offers Spanish style tapas for lunch we were there to experience the dinner menu which is best described as intimate contemporary modern Australian cuisine. For the weekend diner the menu also offers the option of an eight course degustation menu considered extremely good value at only $90 per person or $120 per person with matching wines.

After a refreshing apple gelato palate cleanser, we were now well prepared for our main courses consisting of tender oven roasted Saddle of Lamb Loin paired with Potato Cream and Baby Spring vegetables and Spatchcock Breast accompanied by Cauliflower puree, Fondant Potato and Baby Asparagus Cep Sauce.

To round off what could only be described as a true culinary experience, we ordered desserts of Millefeuille of Roasted Apples, Chantilly Cream and Apple Gelato and the all time classic Vanilla Creme Brulee which was deliciously creamy and expertly browned using what I later found out to be a special traditional burner (and not the more commonly used blowtorch) - giving the caramel that extra crispiness.

Emmerson’s of Pokolbin

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Tempted, we made a mental note to explore the degustation menu on our next visit, and deciding to take the middle It must be said that the overall experience was further ground ordered personal favourites - Pork Belly and the enhanced by the excellent and extremely knowledgeable service from waitresses providing just the right amount of Goats Cheese Tortellini. attention without being intrusive.

We soon discovered that at Emerson’s it’s all about flavour, texture and especially colour. An amuse bouche demitasse Emerson's has their own wine cellar with an impressive of vibrant green pea soup permeated with truffle oil arrives wine list which I delighted in discovering consisted mainly of complimentary to our table, wakes up our tastebuds and some of the finest Hunter Valley wines on offer. After all we gives us just a glimpse of the delights to follow… are in the Hunter Valley….

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On entering the restaurant you immediately notice the classic and yet relaxed furnishings with eye catching chandeliers hanging from high ceilings and the well spaced, white clothed tables offering a tranquil and yet romantic dining experience in a modern French fashion.

The eloquently presented and slow roasted pork belly arrived served with deliciously seared scallops, tamarind and zesty sweet corn foam accompanied by the most perfectly cooked crackling. A superb dish to say the least!

The Goats Cheese Tortellini was exquisitely well crafted and most interestingly paired with baby beetroot, sage and a lemon burnoisette. One of the highlights of Emerson’s dishes are the tiny snippets of baby herbs which give every mouthful an individual and unique taste.

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WINE & DINE ...WINE & FOOD TOURS & EXPERIENCES