WINE& DINE In the Hunter Winter/Spring 2011
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Wine & Dine in the Hunter Winter/Spring 2011
Transcript of WINE& DINE In the Hunter Winter/Spring 2011
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A WCP MEDIA PUBLICATION
EDITORS/PUBLISHERS
Quentin von Essen Di von Essen
CONTRIBUTORS
Peter Firth Robert Lusby
Neil McGuigan Salt&Peppa Reviews
FOR ADVERTISING
INFORMATION CALL 61 2 4930 9072
[email protected] 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. The publisher reserves the right to
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IN THIS ISSUE OF WINE & DINE….
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. 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. 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 cuisine in the world can be found in some of the finest wine-growing regions, where wine is often just as prevalent in the cooking process as it is in the glass. The Hunter is fortunate in terms of availability of excellent fresh, clean, green produce and has developed wines to match food of all types and flavours.
In addition to being one of Australia's best-known wine regions, the Hunter Valley offers a fabulous escape for short breaks leading to luxury food and wine indulgences. 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. 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.
Welcome to Wine & Dine in the Hunter!
Quentin & Di von Essen—Publishers
REGULAR ITEMS
4 Quick Index to Cellar Doors 6 Quick Index to Restaurants 7 Quick Index to Providores 11 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
66 Broke Fordwich Wine & Food Trail, Wineries, Restaurants & Providores
SPECIAL FEATURES
9 The History Behind… 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
70 Wine & Dine Services... wine & food tours & experiences
QUICK INDEX TO CELLAR DOORS
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NAME PAGE MAP CONTACT DETAILS OPENING HOURS Adina Vineyard 46 G5 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale
PH 4930-7473 7 Days 9AM-5PM Arrowfield Estate 14 C1 Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane,
Pokolbin PH 4998-7440 7 Days 10AM-5PM Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard 30 D1 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin
PH 4998-7411 7 Days Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM; Sat & Sun 9.30AM-5PM
Ballabourneen Wine Co. 30 C6 2347 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6505 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Bimbadgen Estate 15 D7 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4600 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Blueberry Hill Vineyard 16 C7 999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7295 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Briar Ridge 61 G3 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3670 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Capercaillie Wine Co. 46 I4 4 Londons Rd, Lovedale PH 4990-2904
7 Days Mon to Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 10AM-5PM
Catherine Vale 67 B1 656 Milbrodale Rd, Broke PH 6579-1334 Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM
Centurion Wines 16 B3 110 Old North Rd, Pokolbin PH 0421 289 905 Fri-Sun 10AM-4PM
Constable Estate 17 E4 205 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7887 7 Days 10AM-4PM
DeBortoli 47 H3 532 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4993-8800 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Denmar Estate 15 B2 479 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7291
Thurs-Mon 10AM– 5PM. Until 9.30PM on Fridays
Elysium Vineyard 67 A1 393Milbrodale Rd, Broke PH 0417-282-746 By Appointment
Emmas Cottage Vineyard 47 E3 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4998-7734 Sat & Sun 9AM-5PM
Ernest Hill Wines 32 E7 307 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba PH 4991-4418 7 Days 10AM-5PM
First Creek Wines 18 F7 Cnr McDonalds & Gillards Rds, Pokolbin PH 4998-7293 7 Days 9.30AM-5PM
Gartelmann Estate 48 E5 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7113
7 Days Mon—Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 9AM-4PM
Gundog Estate 32 E2 101 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6873 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Hermitage Rd Cellars 19 C2 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7777 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Honeytree Estate 18 E5 130 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7693
Fri-Sun 10AM-5PM; Wed & Thur by appointment
Hungerford Hill Wines 33 C7 2450 Broke Rd,Pokolbin, PH 4998-7666
7 Days Mon to Thurs & Sun 10AM-5PM; Fri/Sat 10AM-6PM
Ivanhoe Wines 33 F2 525 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7325 7 Days 10AM-4.45PM
Kelman Vineyard 61 E6 2 Oakey Creek Rd, Mount View PH 4991-5456 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Kevin Sobels Wines 34 C5 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7766
7 Days Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM Sat/Sun 9.30AM-5PM
Krinklewood 68 C2 712 Wollombi Rd, Broke PH 6579-1322 Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM
Kurrajong Vineyard 19 A2 266 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7117 Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM
Lambloch Estate 33 C6 2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 0406-424-367
Fri to Sun 10.30AM-5PM; Mon 10AM-2PM
Lindeman’s Wine 34 E2 119 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4993-3700 7 Days 10AM-5PM
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Macquariedale Organic Wines 20 B4 170 Sweetwater Rd, Rothbury PH 6574-7012 7 Days 10AM-5PM
McGuigan Wines 35 C3 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7402 7 Days 9.30AM-5.30PM
McLeish Estate 35 E4 462 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7754 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Misty Glen Wines 20 D5 293 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7781 7 Days 10AM-4PM (5PM Sat)
Moorebank Estate 20 E7 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7610 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Mount Broke Wines 68 B1 130 Adams Peak Rd, Broke PH 6579-1314
Fri 12PM-5PM; Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM
Mount View Estate 61 F2 502 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3307 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Oakvale Wines 21 F2 1596 Broke Rd,Pokolbin PH 4998-7088 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Peterson House 36 C6 Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4998-7881 7 Days 9AM-5PM
Petersons Wines 62 G2 552 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-1704
7 Days Mon to Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 10AM-5PM
Pokolbin Estate 37 D3 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7524 7 Days 9AM-5PM
Ridgeview Wines 22 B4 273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7332 Wed to Sun 10AM-5PM
Sandalyn Estate 51 E4 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7611 7 Days 9.30AM-5PM
Savannah Estate 62 E5 402 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-6326
7 Days Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 10AM-5PM
St Clements Estate 51 C5 136 Talga Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7799 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Tallavera Grove 63 H2 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-7535 Thurs to Mon 10AM-5PM
Tallowwood Mount View 63 F1 147 Mount Bright Rd, Mount View PH 4991-7696 Sat & Sun 11AM-5PM
Tamburlaine Organic Wines 38 D3 358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4200 7 Days 9AM-5PM
Tatlers Wines 52 D5 477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-9139 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Tempus Two 39 C4 Cnr Broke & McDonalds Rds, Pokolbin PH 4993-3999 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Thalgara 40 E3 536 DeBeyers Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7717 7 Days 10AM-5PM
The Garden Cellars 41 C3 Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7466 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Tintilla Estate 23 C2 725 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7093 7 Days 10.30AM-6PM
Veladare Wines 23 D6 463 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7783
Fri to Sun 10AM-5PM Thurs & Mon 11AM-4PM
Wandin Valley Estate 53 D5 Cnr Wilderness & Lovedale Rds, Lovedale PH 4930-9888 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Waverley Estate 24 E7 207 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-6750 7 Days 10AM-5PM
Wombat Crossing Vineyard 24 B1 530 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7357
Sat 10.30AM-4.30PM; Most Sundays 10AM-2PM
Wyndham Estate 54 A1 700 Dalwood Rd, Dalwood PH 1800 677 366 7 Days 9.30AM-4.30PM
NAME PAGE MAP CONTACT DETAILS OPENING HOURS
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QUICK INDEX TO RESTAURANTS NAME PAGE MAP CONTACT DETAILS OPEN Al-Oi Thai Restaurant 60 F8 19 Vincent St, Cessnock
PH 4990-8666 Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Amandas on the Edge 14 C7 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
PH 4998-7900 Lunch Fri to Mon Dinner 7 Nights
And the Winner is Oscars 30 C3 Shop 15 Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7355 Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days
B.L.U.E Thai 60 E6 137 Mount View Rd, Cessnock PH 4991-7444
Lunch Wed to Sat Dinner Tues to Sun
Bistro Molines 60 H2 749 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990 9553
Lunch Thurs to Mon Dinner Fri & Sat
Blaxlands Inn 31 C5 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7550
Lunch & Dinner Wed to Sun
Bodega Bar & Grill 31 D3 At Cypress Lakes Resort, 15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin PH 4993-1500
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days
Briar Grillade 61 G3 Mount View Rd, Mount View PH 4990-3670 Wed to Sun 9.30AM-4PM
Emmersons of Pokolbin 17 D2 1014 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7733
Lunch Thurs to Mon Dinner Thurs to Sat
ESCA Bimbadgen 15 D7 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-46666
Lunch 7 Days Dinner Thurs to Sat
Harrigan’s Irish Pub 18 G5 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-4300
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days
Leaves and Fishes 50 E5 737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930 7400
Lunch Wed to Sun; Dinner Fri & Sat
Lovedale Smokehouse & Café 49 F5 64 Majors Lane, Lovedale PH 4930-7832
7 Days 10AM-5PM for tasting Café Sat & Sun 12PM-3PM
Magpie Café 48 E5 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7113
Thurs to Mon 10AM-4PM; Sun 10AM-3PM
Majors Lane Restaurant 49 F5 64 Majors Lane, Lovedale PH 4930 7832 Dinner 7 Nights
Mojos on Wilderness 50 E5 84 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930 7244 Dinner 7 Nights
Muse Restaurant & Café 35 C7 1 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6777
Lunch 7 Days Dinner Wed to Sat
Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant 36 C4 Cnr McDonalds & Broke Rd’s Pokolbin PH 4998-7051
Lunch 7 Days Dinner 7 Nights
Restaurant Cuvee 37 C6 Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drv Pokolbin PH 4998-7881
Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days
Restaurant Sanctuary 38 C2 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin PH 4993-8999
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days
Ridgeview Restaurant 21 B4 273 Sweetwater Rd, Pokolbin PH 6574-7332
Breakfast Sat & Sun; Lunch Fri & Sat; Dinner Fri & Sat
Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar 50 E3 319 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850 Fri to Mon 10AM—10PM
San Martino Restaurant 19 C2 At Hunter Resort, Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7777
Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner 7 Days
SSS BBQ Barns 63 H6 4 Wollombi Rd, Cessnock PH 4991 4700
Dinner 7 Nights Lunch groups by appointment
Taste of the Country 39 C3 Shop 11, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-6605
Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days Dinner Fri & Sat
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Tatler Tapas 52 D5 477 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-9139
Lunch Fri to Tues Dinner Fri & Sat
The Olive Mill Café 46 G5 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7473
Breakfast Sat & Sun Lunch Wed to Sun
The Brickworks Brasserie 64 B4 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba PH 4991-7922
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days
The Cellar Restaurant 40 C3 Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7584 Lunch & Dinner Mon to Sat
The Legends Bar & Grill 22 D7 At The Vintage, Vintage Drive, Rothbury PH 4998-2213 Breakfast Lunch & Dinner 7 Days
The Olive Tree Restaurant 52 A1 At Wyndham Estate, Dalwood Rd, Branxton PH 4938-1831
Breakfast Sundays Lunch Sat & Sun
The Verandah Restaurant 21 E7 At Calais Estate, Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7231 Lunch & Dinner Thurs to Sun
Tilly’s Gourmet Pizza Café 53 E3 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4998-7333
Lunch Sat & Sun Dinner Fri & Sat
Wine Country Café 41 D7 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin PH 4990-9208 7 Days from 9AM
Wine House Bar & Restaurant 41 C4 188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7945
Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days Dinner Fri—Sun
NAME PAGE MAP CONTACT DETAILS OPEN
QUICK INDEX TO PROVIDORES NAME PAGE MAP REF CONTACT DETAILS OPEN Adina Vineyard 46 G5 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale
PH 4930-7473 7 Days Binnorie Dairy 15 C1 1 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin
PH 4998-6660 Tues to Sun Gartelmann Estate 48 E5 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale
PH 4930-7113 7 Days
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
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Shop 5, Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7221 7 Days
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company 48 C6 Peterson House, Cnr Broke Rd & Wine Country Drv, Pokolbin PH 4998-7301 7 Days
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
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Factory & Showroom 820 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7388 7 Days
Lovedale Smokehouse 49 F5 64 Majors Lane, Lovedale PH 4930-7832 7 Days
Mojos The Deli 50 E5 84 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7244 7 Days
Moorebank Estate 20 E7 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin PH 4998-7610 7 Days
Nulkaba Hatchery 62 A6
78 Fleming St, Nulkaba PH 4991-2501 Mon to Sat
Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar 50 E3 319 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 1300 958 850 Fri to Mon
Sandalyn Estate 51 E4 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale PH 4930-7611 7 Days
Hunter Olive Centre
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298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin PH 4998-7117 7 Days
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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 On Site Parking
Onsite Restaurant/Café Accommodation
Functions/Events/Weddings Family Friendly
Picnic Area 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
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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.
From these beginnings, the Hunter Valley flourished, with several families establishing vineyards in the area including the first vineyards by George Wyndham of Wyndham Estate. By the end of the decade, plantings had expanded from 200 acres to approximately 500 acres and by 1876 land planted with vine had exceeded 1800 acres.
By the 1860s, plantings of vineyards began to move from the fertile alluvial plains along the Hunter River towards the foothills of the Brokenback range near Pokolbin and Rothbury (Lovedale) where many of the most well established and highly regarded vineyards of the Hunter can be found today.
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
The history behind Australia’s oldest wine producing region
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.
The 1950s and 1960s saw consumer taste shift toward drier styles of wine. As a result the 1960's saw a dramatic increase in the number of plantings of vine including red wine varietals and the reintroduction of Cabernet Sauvignon to the Hunter Valley.
As Hunter red wines were gaining acclaim, Hunter whites were also being noticed. In the 1960s, a Sydney wine merchant named Leo Buring began marketing the first commercially successful Hunter Valley Semillon which was initially known as ''Hunter Riesling''.
The year 1971, saw the first commercial bottling of Chardonnay - an event that sparked the beginning of the Australian Chardonnay craze.
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.
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Robert Lusby (Tintilla Estate - Hermitage Rd) What makes a wine age well?
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.
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. 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 which all contribute to the ageing process.
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 micro-oxygenation 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. The bottom line is that the quality, reputation, variety, structure and vintage all count towards picking a wine that will improve with age.
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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 Broke-Fordwich, 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.
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.
Pokolbin 1 12
Pokolbin 2 28
Lovedale 44
Mount View, Cessnock & Nulkaba
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Broke Fordwich 66
Wine & Food Trail PG
About the Lower Hunter Valley
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POKOLBIN WINE & DINE TRAIL 1 (NORTH) TRAIL 1 CELLAR DOORS PAGE MAP
Bimbadgen Estate 15 D7 Blueberry Hill Vineyard 16 C7 Centurion Wines 16 B3 Constable Estate 17 E4 Denmar Estate 15 B2 First Creek Wines 18 F7
Honeytree Estate 18 E5 Kurrajong Vineyard 19 A2 Macquariedale Organic Wines
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Misty Glen Wines 20 D5 Moorebank Estate 20 E7 Oakvale Wines 21 F2
Tintilla Estate 23 C2 Ridgeview Wines 22 B4
Veladare Wines 23 D6 Waverley Estate 24 E7 Wombat Crossing Vineyard 24 B1
Hermitage Rd Cellars 19 C2
Arrowfield Estate 14 C1
TRAIL 1 CELLAR DOORS WITH RESTAURANTS
PAGE MAP
Bimbadgen Estate 15 D7 Denmar Estate 15 B2 Ridgeview 21 B4
TRAIL 1 RESTAURANTS PAGE MAP Amandas on the Edge 14 C7 Emmersons of Pokolbin 17 D2 ESCA Bimbadgen 15 D7 Harrigan’s Irish Pub 18 G5 Ridgeview Restaurant 21 B4 San Martino Restaurant 19 C2 The Verandah Restaurant 21 E7 The Legends Bar & Grill 22 D7
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 PROVIDORES PAGE MAP
Binnorie Dairy 15 C1 Moorebank Estate 20 E7
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HOW TO USE WINE & DINE 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. Listings are in alphabetical order where possible and can be easily identified by the following symbols: Wineries—will display the following symbols:
= White Wines
= Red Wines
= Sparkling Wines
= Fortified Wines
Restaurants– will display the symbol Providores— will display the symbol
Annual Events 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. NSW Open Golf Championship at The Vintage The Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course is home to the NSW Open Golf Championships, with some of Australia’s best 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.
i For more information about events visit
www.thehunterblackboard.com
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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 o u r r e c e n t d i n i n g 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. So you can feel fairly confident when you wine and dine here that you will have a “gastronomic” experience never to be forgotten. Once again, welcome to our Valley. We (Lady Lunchalot and myself) would like to share two of our recent “Lunch Adventures”.
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” tasting plate which consists of a trio of oysters magnificently presented. These come natural, tempura with wasabi aioli and Virgin Mary. A perfect starter! Then came Taramasalata which is made from fish roe, very much like a Paté, and is served with a caper berry salad and crisp lavosh. Hopefully you like garlic as much as we do?
Restaurant reviews by Sir Lunchalot—Peter Firth Two greats spot to lunch..alot!
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inter/Spring 2011 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. Please leave a little room for a dessert or two, especially if there are a number of you. These “After Thoughts” as described on the menu are well worth loosening the belt for! The soft centred Chocolate Souffle is served with Baileys and almond ice cream. Just decadent! There is also a choice of four other flavours. The Dessert Tapas Plate is another for those who are unable to make “executive” decisions. There is a selection of many varieties of tea and coffee – my favourite is the Affogato. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
ECSA BIMBADGEN on McDonalds Road has over the past 10 years gained a reputation for
producing some of the best food in the Hunter. Executive chef Ebonnie Newby is maintaining the standard and high quality with her very creative dishes. Her new winter menu shows her culinary skills at their best and I am sure you will agree with me after you have dined here. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining areas with views overlooking vineyards, mountains and the famous Vintage golf course. Not only is this one of the favourites with we locals, but people book in from all over the world, not only to dine but for weddings and functions and food and wine courses as well. It is one of the Hunter’s most popular lunch venues. Here are just a few of dishes off the new menu that we enjoyed immensely. 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.
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. 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 we had not had many rabbit dishes with so much flavour and so tender. Lady Lunchalot was keen to try the char-grilled tuna. This is accompanied by an olive and parsley butter and mograbiah, which is cous cous with larger sized grains. Another on the “must have next time” list was the Bouillabaise of blue eye cod, mussels, yabby and cuttlefish with baby vegetables. Once again there are many more dishes to choose from. Good luck making decisions! The desserts were left to me and I had no choice but choose the Winter Warmer Chocolate Plate being a bit of a “chocoholic”. Made up of Callebut hot chocolate, vanilla bean ice cream, hazelnut biscotti, chocolate pot and a shot of Frangelico. We had major problems when trying to leave the table as you may imagine. The extra kilos made my movement a little on the slow side. Superb, but do not plan to go out for dinner. Another way of “desserting” is the Dessert Tasting Plate served with Bimbadgen’s botrytis semillon. Very popular. Well, I hope you enjoy Esca as much as we do. If you notice the Lunchmobile in the car park, easily recognised by the “Lunch” number plates, please come a n d s a y h e l l o o r e m a i l m e a t [email protected] and share the experiences that you had while in the Valley. Bon Appétit! Sir Lunchalot
Esca Bimbadgen
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POKOLBIN WINE & DINE TRAIL 2 (SOUTH) TRAIL 2 CELLAR DOORS PAGE MAP Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard 30 D1 Ballabourneen Wine Co. 30 C6 Ernest Hill Wines 32 E7 Gundog Estate 32 E2 Hungerford Hill Wines 33 C7 Ivanhoe Wines 33 F2 Kevin Sobels Wines 34 C5 Lambloch Estate 33 C6 Lindeman’s Wine 34 E2 McGuigan Wines 35 C3 McLeish Estate 35 E4 Peterson House 36 C6 Pokolbin Estate 37 D3 Tamburlaine Organic Wines 38 D3 Tempus Two 39 C4
The Garden Cellars 41 C3 Thalgara 40 E3
TRAIL 2 CELLAR DOORS WITH RESTAURANTS
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Hungerford Hill Wines 33 C7 Peterson House 36 C6 Tempus Two 39 C4
TRAIL 2 RESTAURANTS PAGE MAP And the Winner is Oscars 30 C3 Blaxlands Inn 31 C5 Bodega Bar & Grill 31 D3 Muse Restaurant & Café 35 C7 Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant
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Restaurant Cuvee 37 C6 Restaurant Sanctuary 38 C2
The Cellar Restaurant 40 C3
Wine House Bar & Restaurant
41 C4
Taste of the Country 39 C3 The Brickworks Brasserie 64 F8
Wine Country Café 41 D7
TRAIL 2 PROVIDORES PAGE MAP
Hunter Valley Chocolate Co. 48 C3/C6 Hunter Olive Centre 37 D3
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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Annual Events Chocolate Festival at Hunter Valley Gardens A chocolate experience like no other - great family fun and activities. First Weekend in August. The Feast of the Olive Learn all that there is to know about olives & olive products, with tastings, cooking demonstrations, classes & free recipes. End September. Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens. Over a million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens. November to January.
i For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.hvg.com.au
HOW TO USE WINE & DINE In the following pages you will find information about Wining & Dining in the Pokolbin South area. This area is differentiated by the colour TAN throughout and also by the shaded bar down the outside of each page. Listings appear in alphabetical order wherever possible. Wineries—will display the following symbols:
= White Wines
= Red Wines
= Sparkling Wines
= Fortified Wines
Restaurants– will display the symbol Providores— will display the symbol
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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 the rules? Wine and food pairing is an extremely personal pastime, drawing from the background, culture, and habits of each person sampling the wine or food, but in the end, it comes down to what an individual enjoys, and what combination works best for that person. It is important to remember that when it comes to wine and food pairing - there really are no rules! The traditional theory of matching red wine with red meat and white wine with chicken and fish, while still considered reasonable advice, is no longer feasible in a multi-cultural country such as Australia where there is less of a national cuisine but instead more freedom and diversity in culinary influences from cultures that include American, European, African, Indigenous and Asian. Not to mention the fact that Australian tastes have evolved significantly over the years and that there is now a far wider variety of wines available than ever before. The secret to successful food and wine matching is in the tasting.... Some argue that the important thing to do when choosing a 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. 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. For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with appetizers or opening courses in a meal. White wine is usually a match for salads and lighter dishes, while red wine works perfectly with steaks and heavier meat sauces. A port is often the perfect end to a meal, sipped with a chocolate cake, mousse or a cheese dish.
The Perfect Couple … the marriage of food & wine
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Pairing the Whites Chardonnay (medium to full bodied dry white wine) is well matched with pasta dishes in a cream sauce, grilled or poached salmon, poultry and any other game bird - especially turkey also Thai cuisine. Also great with creamy soft brie or camembert cheeses. Sauvignon Blanc (light – medium bodied dry white) works well with most seafood - especially lobster, oysters, other shellfish, herbs and green salads or Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Perfectly served with semi hard cheese. Riesling (light to medium bodied, mildly sweet - finishing quite dry white). Goes well with pasta, pork, turkey, grilled fish and Chinese cuisine. Semillon (medium bodied dry white) is well paired with grilled fish, creamy pastas, lemon based sauces, oysters and most seafood as well as semi hard cheese. Chenin Blanc (varies from dry to sweet) ideal foods are Thai curries, salads - especially Greek salad, mild to spicy rice dishes, sushi and seafood. Verdelho (Medium bodied dry white) should be enjoyed with fresh seafood, smoked salmon, fruit platters, pastas with a creamy based sauce, sushi and Asian dishes. Matching the Reds 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, mushroom risotto, baked ham. Middle Eastern dishes and strong blue cheese. Shiraz (medium to full bodied red) is a good match with veal dishes, steak (especially peppery steaks), kangaroo, roast duck, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, chocolate, smoked cheese. 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.
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LOVEDALE WINE & DINE TRAIL CELLAR DOORS PAGE MAP Adina Vineyard 46 G5 Capercaillie Wine Co. 46 I4 DeBortoli 47 H3 Emmas Cottage Vineyard 47 E3 Gartelmann Estate 48 E5 Sandalyn Estate 51 E4 St Clements Estate 51 C5 Tatlers Wines 52 F4 Wandin Valley Estate 53 D5 Wyndham Estate 54 A1
CELLAR DOORS WITH RESTAURANTS
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Adina Vineyard 46 G5 Emmas Cottage Vineyard 47 E3 Gartelmann Estate 48 E5 Tatlers Wines 52 F4 Wyndham Estate 54 A1
RESTAURANTS PAGE MAP
Lovedale Smokehouse & Café 49 F5 Magpie Café 48 E5 Majors Lane Restaurant 49 F5 Mojos on Wilderness 50 E5 Tatler Tapas 52 F4 The Olive Tree Restaurant 52 A1 The Olive Mill Café 46 G5 Tilly’s Gourmet Pizza Café 53 E3 Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar
50 E3
Leaves and Fishes 50 E5
PROVIDORES PAGE MAP Adina Vineyard 46 G5 Gartelmann Estate 48 E5
Lovedale Smokehouse 49 F5 Mojos The Deli 50 E4 Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar
50 E3
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
48 D6
Sandalyn Estate 51 E4
Lovedale, often referred to as the ''Heart of the Hunter'', is located just east of Pokolbin and is renown for its interesting community, award-winning 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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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 much-loved annual feast of opera, food and, of course, wine! 3rd weekend in October 2011 at Wyndham Estate
i 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
= Red Wines
= Sparkling Wines
= Fortified Wines
Restaurants– will display the symbol Providores— will display the symbol
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LEGENDARY WINES Made By Legends 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. It is therefore no surprise that it is these two varieties that were specially selected to produce the 2010 Legends Hunter Valley Semillon and the 2009 Legends Hunter Valley Shiraz. Both of these wines are produced from premium grapes donated by leading Hunter growers and then vinified and matured by the "Hunter Valley Legends'' including Brian Walsh, John Tulloch, Karl Stockhausen, Max Drayton, Perc McGuigan, Brian
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 knowledge of the local area, and the regions unique grape varieties that make these two wines true examples of what the Hunter Valley is renown for. The Legends wines are exclusive to Hunter Valley Wine Society. To taste these two great wines visit the Hunter Valley Wine Society at the Visitor Information Centre located at 455 Wine Country Drive (opposite Crowne Plaza in Lovedale MAP REF H3).
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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.
Husband and wife team Adam and Ros ensure the service is warm and attentive and offer diners a cosy and intimate dining atmosphere with an open fire in winter and seating limited to just 40 diners . The reasonably priced seasonal menu, while small, was superb and quite hard to choose from as it all looked so fantastic. We were torn between a number of starters that were extremely tempting. Up for selection were the seared tuna feuillantine with ginger, chilli and chive dressing and the quail scotch eggs with creamed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes and crisp pancetta. But it was only after much debate that we decided upon the spanner crab salad and seared scallops, with the spanner crab delightfully accompanied by an avocado, remoulade and garlic bruscetta and the seared scallops arriving with an eschallot and thyme tarte tatin with chorizo and horseradish creme fraiche. The wine list was complete with a large number of Hunter Valley favourites and a good mix of local boutique wines as
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..! The main dishes involved choosing between roasted barramundi fillet, Atlantic salmon, slow cooked pork belly, fillet of beef, roasted duck breast with French onion sauce and loin of lamb. We finally decided upon the Atlantic salmon and the fillet of beef wrapped in prosciutto. The attention to detail on the plate is terrific - the fillet of beef was thick, well cooked and tender and served with dauphinnoise potatoes, wild mushroom and tarragon, bearnaise sauce while the Atlantic salmon was accompanied with butternut pumpkin, feta and toasted almond risotto and basil pesto. After 2 courses there is often not enough room for a third but at Mojos it is difficult to ignore the dessert menu - with each dish delightfully prepared - whether it be the maple creme caramel with chocolate truffle filled brandysnap, the passionfruit and lime cheesecake with coconut sorbet or the lightly glazed lemon tart with Grand Marnier syrup. It just doesn't get better than this!!
Dining at Mojos a Salt&Peppa review
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A Coffee with….Neil McGuigan International Winemaker of the Year and CEO Australian Vintage 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. With over 30 years experience in the wine industry and growing up in a family of winemakers, Neil has become one of Australia's most recognised and acclaimed winemakers winning hundreds of awards including the prestigious titles of International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London in 2009 and the Australian Producer of the Year award at the same competition. In that same year, Neil then went on to receive the International White Winemaker of the Year award at the International Wine Challenge in London. These remarkable results are even more impressive when you realise that the above mentioned international awards have only ever been won by two other companies in Australia - Wolf Blass and Rosemount. There seem to be a large number of wine shows, both domestic and international with each of them varying in levels of importance and prestige, so what I really wanted to know from
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 outstanding quality you need to have a skilled and well supported team who are all motivated toward a common goal and then raise the bar by setting even higher expectations". Neil goes on to say that ''Winning a highly acclaimed wine trophy says to the world that Australia is at the top of its game and creates a level of excitement in the industry and the desire to be better and more innovative''. ''For the company or winery involved, winning an award is great for company morale, for everybody involved in the process and in the end result and benefits the companies overall brand image''. ''Let's face it'' he goes on to say, ''if the winery is winning awards at the top end of its range, then it is safe to assume that the entry level wines are good as well''. For Neil personally? Well winning an award has the effect of encouraging him to do even better and over deliver. ''We continue to listen to the market and reinvent ourselves and our wines - and of course there is always next year!''
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MOUNT VIEW, CESSNOCK & NULKABA TRAIL
CELLAR DOORS PAGE MAP Briar Ridge 61 G3 Kelman Vineyard 61 E6 Mount View Estate 61 F2 Petersons Wines 62 G2 Savannah Estate 62 E5 Tallavera Grove 63 H2 Tallowwood Mount View 63 F1
CELLAR DOORS WITH RESTAURANTS
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Briar Ridge 61 G3 Tallavera Grove 63 H2
RESTAURANTS PAGE MAP Al-Oi Thai Restaurant 60 F8 Bistro Molines 60 H2 B.L.U.E Thai 60 E6 Briar Grillade 61 G3 SSS BBQ Barns 63 H6 The Brickworks Brasserie 64 B5
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.
PROVIDORES PAGE MAP Nulkaba Hatchery 62 A6
Mount View image courtesy of Mount View Tourism
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Annual Events 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. 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.
i For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.mountview.biz
HOW TO USE WINE & DINE 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:
Wineries/Cellar Doors—
= White Wines
= Red Wines
= Sparkling Wines
= Fortified Wines
Restaurants– will display the symbol Providores— will display the symbol
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BROKE FORDWICH TRAIL CELLAR DOORS PAGE MAP Catherine Vale 67 A1 Elysium Vineyard 67 B1 Krinklewood 68 C2 Mount Broke Wines 68 B1
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. The area was first settled as early as 1824 and despite being one of the oldest wine growing areas in Australia, it is only in the last 30 years that Broke Fordwich has started to become an important player in the Australian wine making industry. With the Brokenback Range and the iconic Yellow Rock escarpment in the background, the Broke Fordwich region consists of two villages - Broke and Bulga each with their own identity as well as the two smaller communities of Fordwich and Milbrodale. Historically, the region was first inhabited by the indigenous Wanaruah tribe many thousands of years ago and were known as ‘the people of the hills and plains’ and many direct descendants still live in the area today. These culturally rich people left many significant cave paintings in the area which are still accessible today.
HOW TO USE WINE & DINE 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 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
= Red Wines
= Sparkling Wines
= Fortified Wines
Restaurants– will display the symbol Providores— will display the symbol
Annual Events
Broke Village Fair - A market day for local produce, a display of classic vintage farm machinery. Held in September. Spirit of the Vine—Award winning wines, live music and local produce. Held in October. 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.
i For more information about events visit www.thehunterblackboard.com or www.brokefordwich.com.au Views of Broke—photo courtesy of Catherine Vale
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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. “I just want to make great wines, and the biodynamic approach seemed the logical means to achieving this. Now we are
When visiting Broke...think biodynamically! 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 people who work and live on the property and it gives us better quality wine.”
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This European infused modern Australian Restaurant opened in September 2010 with husband and wife team Emerson and Samantha 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!
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.
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.
Tempted, we made a mental note to explore the degustation menu on our next visit, and deciding to take the middle ground ordered personal favourites - Pork Belly and the Goats Cheese Tortellini.
We soon discovered that at Emerson’s it’s all about flavour, texture and especially colour. An amuse bouche demitasse of vibrant green pea soup permeated with truffle oil arrives complimentary to our table, wakes up our tastebuds and gives us just a glimpse of the delights to follow…
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.
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.
It must be said that the overall experience was further enhanced by the excellent and extremely knowledgeable service from waitresses providing just the right amount of attention without being intrusive.
Emerson's has their own wine cellar with an impressive wine list which I delighted in discovering consisted mainly of some of the finest Hunter Valley wines on offer. After all we are in the Hunter Valley….
Dining at Emerson’s of Pokolbin a Salt&Peppa review
Emmerson’s of Pokolbin
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WINE & DINE ...WINE & FOOD TOURS & EXPERIENCES
