hunter valley’s best

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Verandah Restaurant Cover - XO Sashimi salmon with avocado ice-cream and fried seaweed RidgeView Cover - Lamb and Chicken Souvla cooked over a Cypriot grill with cinnamon sweet potato, tabouleh and yoghurt dressing

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hunter valley’s best

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contentsRestaurant Page

June2012-November2012

DiningOutHunterValleyisproducedbyDiningOut ABN: 97 283 081 944 PO Box 3878 Robina Town Centre QLD 4230 P: (07) 5575 1940F: (07) 5580 9044 E: info@diningout.com.au W: www.diningout.com.auPublisherJason Barns P: 0414 252 170 E: jason@diningout.com.au

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JapaneseOishii 35ModernAustralianAmanda’s On The Edge 19Bodega Restaurant & Bar 22Cracked Pepper 14 & 15Esca - Bimbadgen 3Nightingale Restaurant 36Restaurant Botanica 9Restaurant Cuvee 23Shakey Tables 11The Cellar Restaurant 7The Verandah Restaurant 41Vittorio’s 10OrganicBistro Vinden 38Cracked Pepper 14 & 15PastaBrokenback Bar 21Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34Vittorio’s 10 Pizza1843 Harvest Café 43Brokenback Bar 21Vittorio’s 10Winery/Vineyard/Restaurant/Café1843 Harvest Café 43Amanda’s On The Edge 19Bistro Vinden 38Cracked Pepper 14 & 15Esca - Bimbadgen 3Harry’s At Tatler 24Harvest Restaurant - Hope Estate 28Margan Restaurant 49Muse Kitchen - Keith Tulloch Winery 18Nightingale Restaurant 36Restaurant Botanica 9RidgeView 30 & 31The Olive Tree Restaurant 17The Verandah Restaurant 41RibsSSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27SeafoodHunter Valley Steakhouse 34Vittorio’s 10SteakBlaxlands Inn 6Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34SSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27Vittorio’s 10TapasBrokenback Bar 21Emerson’s At Pokolbin 52Harry’s At Tatler 24Harvest Restaurant 28RidgeView 30 & 31The Mill Restaurant 21The Verandah Restaurant 41Wandin Wine Bar & Diner 33ThaiBlue Thai 32Oishii 35ThemedRestaurantShakey Tables 11SSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27FeaturesMap & Contents 4 & 5Hunter Valley - Wine Country 12 & 13Passion, Pride & A Look Inside 15Mistletoe Wines / Pokolbin Gallery 37 & 39Hunter Valley Wine Society 42Balloon Aloft 48Special Events 44 & 45Live Theatre & Music 46 & 47Dining Out App 40

AlacarteAmanda’s On The Edge 19Harvest Restaurant 28Restaurant Cuvee 23Restaurant Sanctuary 16Shakey Tables 11The Cellar Restaurant 7The Mill Restaurant 21AlfrescoDiningAmanda’s On The Edge 19Bistro Molines 29Blaxlands Inn 6Restaurant Botanica 9The Olive Tree Restaurant 17The Verandah Restaurant 41Bars/Lounge/WineBarBodega Restaurant & Bar 22Blaxlands Inn 6Brokenback Bar 21Goldfish 8Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34Wandin Wine Bar & Diner 33BistroBistro Molines 29Bistro Vinden 38Café/Coffee1843 Harvest Café 43Muse Restaurant & Café 51RidgeView 30 & 31CasualCuisine/DiningCracked Pepper 14 & 15Goldfish 8SSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27ContemporaryDiningBistro Vinden 38Emerson’s At Pokolbin 52Muse Restaurant & Café 51Nightingale Wines 36Nine 25Roberts Restaurant 2Shakey Tables 11The Cellar Restaurant 7DessertSabor In The Hunter 50 EuropeanBistro Molines 29Muse Kitchen 18Nine 25FineDiningMuse Restaurant & Cafe 51Margan Restaurant 49Nine 25Restaurant Sanctuary 16Roberts Restaurant 2FoodSharingGoldfish 8Harry’s At Tatler 24The Verandah Restaurant 41Wandin Wine Bar & Diner 33Food/WineMatchingBistro Vinden 38Esca - Bimbadgen 3Harvest Restaurant 28Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34RidgeView 30 & 31Sabor In The Hunter 50French/Mediterranean/RusticBistro Molines 29Margan Restaurant 49The Olive Tree Restaurant 17GourmetPiesBlaxlands Inn 6HighTeaTower Lodge 20 ItalianVittorio’s 10

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hunter valley

Today, the Hunter Valley is certainly one of Australia’s most well-known wine regions, which, since its foundation, has produced many fine, world recognised wines. There are over 120 wineries producing a wide array of exceptional wines reflective of their origin.

Whilst Hunter Valley Wine Country is famous for its great wines, there are also a number of other activities to discover and enjoy. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, there are a myriad of things to do.

When visiting the Hunter Valley, most people don’t want to leave, and why would you? With amazing wines, fabulous local produce & quality restaurants, cosy accommodation properties, quaint galleries showcasing talented local artists & gorgeous scenery.

Whilst it is the Hunter Valley as a whole that is recognised and remembered as a world-class wine region and tourism destination, the region is made up of a number of small communities, townships and localities. Each of them has their own secrets to reveal and can be discovered on their own or as part of a Hunter Valley trail.

Broke Fordwich is home to boutique wineries and quality country accommodation with splendid vistas. Exceptional wines, fine restaurants and a gourmet selection of local produce make a visit to this area a must.

East of Pokolbin you will discover Lovedale. Known for its community of boutique wineries, cellar doors, quality accommodation, restaurants and unique galleries, Lovedale is also were the now famous Lovedale Long Lunch takes place every year in May.

Pokolbin/Rothbury forms the epi-centre of Wine Country. It is where most of the Hunter Valley’s first vineyards were planted and were you will find the largest collection of wineries, accommodation houses, restaurants and activities. And, of course, you will also find many of the original families here.

Mount View is one of the most idyllic and scenic parts of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy Mount View Road, from the south-eastern end of Pokolbin south to Millfield Village. The road winds its way around the breathtakingly beautiful Brokenback Range and reveals vistas you’ll just have to capture.

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hunter valley

wine country

The picturesque Wollombi Valley and its historic village are home to many old convict structures and ancient Aboriginal sites. Wollombi Village is famed for its heritage colonial architecture and is the gateway to the convict trail, National Parks, boutique wineries and museums.

Dalwood is located off the New England Highway. You will find these small village centres displaying historic architecture, arts & crafts stores and friendly locals. Dalwood is also the site of the Hunter Valley’s first grapevines and you will find links to the area’s history at Wyndham Estate.

Cessnock is just of the F3 Freeway and is Wine Country’s hub for business and shopping. Here you will find everything you need from groceries, gifts, fashion and the Performing Arts Centre as well as the essential services including post office and banks. There are also several accommodation options, restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Singleton/Upper Hunter via the New England Highway, the Golden Hwy, Putty Road or Hermitage Road, this sub-region offers boutique wineries, rolling pasture, horse studs and natural wonders – including Lake St Clair – and an intriguing mix of heritage, country charm and modern sophistication.

Around Hermitage at the northern end of Pokolbin this friendly rural destination offers a wide range of accommodation styles, restaurants, cafes and galleries. It is also where some of the region’s most acclaimed vignerons and winemakers both work and live.

Another world awaits within Maitland, your opportunities and experiences are limited only by your imagination. On arrival to the area, adventure, exploration, indulgence and relaxation await you. This is your chance to start a new chapter and unearth another world.

Step into the historic town of Morpeth, the Hunter Valley’s premier boutique shopping and dining venue. Wander down the gorgeous sandstone streets to find colonial buildings occupied by modern and inviting cafés, pubs, galleries, boutiques, antique shops and local businesses. Morpeth is situated on the banks for the Hunter River, just two hours drive north from Sydney.

Come and explore………..

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special events

MARKETS IN THE HUNTERAll year roundFarmers & Artisan Markets3rd Sat of Month, 8am - 2pm133 Morpeth Road, East MaitlandHand Made in the Hunter Valley2nd & 4th Sat of month, 9am - 4pmKevin Sobels Wines, Halls Road, PokolbinHV Gardens Village Markets3rd Sat of Month, 10am - 4pmBroke Road, PokolbinMaitland Markets1st Sun every month / 3rd Sun Oct to DecMaitland Showground’s 8am - 2pmMorisset Mega MarketsEvery Sat & Sun & Public Holiday Mondays8.30am - 4.30pmOff F3 freeway, Morisset exit3 acres undercover, 100’s of markets stallsSingleton Markets4th Sat of Month, 8am - 1pmSingleton Showground’s, Bathurst StreetWollombi Village MarketsMon of each long weekendEaster, June & October, 8am - 1pmWollombi Saleyards on Paynes Crossing RoadLaguna Markets3rd Sun of Month, 9.30am - 1pmLaguna 8kms south of WollombiWyee Community Markets2nd Sat of Month, Wyee Hall grounds

HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD MONTH1 - 30 June 2012This special event is a gastronomic delight and a great opportunity for visitors to meet the Winemakers, Chefs and Producers from the region and immerse yourself in the Hunter Valley like never before. Various venues across the Hunterwww.huntervalleyuncorked.com.au

SNOW TIME IN THE GARDEN30 June - 15 July 2012Hunter Valley Gardens will transform the Formal Garden into an enchanting winter wonderland complete with a skating rink for the whole family to enjoy. Broke Road, PokolbinPh: 02 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL7- 8 July 2012The HVG will transform into a chocolate lovers paradise with the annual Chocolate Festival taking place. Lap up the luxurious selection of ‘all things sweet’ and watch world class chocolatiers dazzle you. Broke Road, PokolbinPh: 02 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au

CHRISTMAS IN JULY21 July 2012Our most festive event of the year!Savour a 4 course feast in an atmosphere that would make Santa green with envy.Cost: Members $80 Non members $1006pm for a 6.30pm startPh: 1800 777 444 www.hopeestate.com.au

WINERY RUNNING FESTIVAL21 - 22 July 2012It’s not every day that you get to run through world famous gardens, historic homesteads, international golf resorts and of course, some of the most famous wineries in Australia.www.huntervalleymarathon.net

COFFEE, CHOCOLATE & FINE FOOD18 - 19 August 2012Entertainment will include chocolate demonstrations, historic walking tours, horse and carriage rides and a wide range of Blues and Jazz music performed on two stages.Heritage Mall, High Street, Maitlandwww.maitlandcitycentre.com.au

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THE MAILAND BALL25 August 2012The ball is truly a dancer’s delight with a program of old, new and much loved dances.Maitland Town Hall, High Street6:30pm Start $60 per person or $50 (early bird discount before 12 August), $50 non-dancers, $35 student, Children under 12yrs free.Ph: 02 4946 5602

WUPA AT WANARUAH21 September - 31 October 2012Wupa is the Aboriginal Wanaruah word ‘to make or to paint’. The Wupa at Wanaruah exhibition which involves 15 to 18 local Aboriginal artists creates a progressive Aboriginal Art Trail over the vineyards that visitors can follow.Various venues, Pokolbinwww.ungooroo.com.au

SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS7 October - 3 November 2012Six beautiful locations include five vineyards along the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail and the Gate Gallery where both indoor and outdoor works are displayed.Various locations in the Wollombi Valley www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au

OPERA IN THE VINEYARDS13 October 2012Prepare yourself for a special treat this spring as Opera in the Vineyards presents a gala concert to celebrate the world’s greatest opera composer Giacomo Puccini.Passionate & romantic, his exhilarating music touches the heart and stirs the emotions.Gates open at 3pm Concert starts at 7pmWyndham Estate Ph: 1800 675 875 www.operainthevineyards.com.au

JAZZ IN THE VINES27 October 2012Jazz 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 all wrapped up in the beautiful surroundings of the Brokenback Mountains.Tyrrell’s Vineyardwww.jazzinthevines.com.au

BITTER & TWISTED INTERNATIONALBOUTIQUE BEER FESTIVAL3 - 4 November 2012Around four thousand people flocked through the gates of the Maitland Gaol compound for the 2011 Bitter and Twisted - with crowds fizzing with excitement over the vast array of delicious and unique brews and high caliber entertainment. www.bitterandtwisted.com.au

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR At Hunter Valley Gardens9 November 2012 - 26 January 2013With exciting new displays of over a million lights, plus festive food, beverages, children’s entertainment & of course Santa Claus Broke Road, PokolbinPh: 02 4998 4000www.hvg.com.au

For more events go to…..www.diningout.com.auwww.hevents.netwww.hvg.com.au

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live theatre and music

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW7 June 20128pm Tickets $50 or CPAC Members $40Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL27 June 20128pm Tickets $45 CPAC Members $42Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

CLIFF JOINS THE BEATLES29 June 20128pm Tickets $60Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

BIDDIES4 July 20128pm Tickets $60 CPAC Members $50Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE11 July 201211am & 7pm Tickets $20Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

JON ENGLISH - Rock Revolution20 - 21 July 20128pm Tickets $59.90Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

WHAT A MANS GOTTA DO27 July 20127.30pm Tickets $34.90 CPAC Member $30Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

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HOPE HOEDOWN4 August 2012Get your cowboy/girl boots on and swing in for some good old country fun. Enjoy wave after wave of delicious finger- food served throughout our first ever Hope Hoedown.Cost: Members $60 Non Member $80Time: noon - 5pmPh: 1800 777 444www.hopeestate.com.au

TREASURE ISLAND18 August 20122pm Tickets $15If mum/dad is accompanied by a pirate they get in free!Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

THE FLOOD18 September 20128pm Tickets $49.90 CPAC Member $43Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

THE TWITS4 October 201210am & 2pm - Tickets $20Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

JOHNNY CASH THE CONCERTThe 80th Birthday Australian Tour 20122 November 20128pm Tickets $65Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

CARAVAN BURLESQUE 13 November 20128pm Tickets $55 CPAC Member $49.90Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

For more productions in 2012 Check Out…… www.diningout.com.au www.hopeestate.com.au www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac

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