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JUNE 2016 | ISSUE #112

SATURDAY 4TH JUNE | HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL | Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley | An extensive array of wine, food, beer and cider will be on offer yet again as the Hunter Valley Wine Festival enters its fourth year. As always in the Hunter you will be spoilt for choice as the best of the Valley come together along with family friendly activities, light entertainment and various taste sensations catering for everyone. Pre-purchased tickets are $20 (including 5 tasting tokens and tasting glass) and $25 on the day. Those under 18 are free with an accompanying adult. Extra tokens are $1 each, available on the day. For more information visit www.huntervalleywinefestival.com

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE | THE BEST OF THE EAGLES | Cessnock Performing Arts Centre | The Best of the Eagles is a concert production, delivering a captivating show from start to finish that will showcase the synonymous sound Eagles fans have come to expect - timeless songs that are all part of the 20th Century musical landscape. Celebrating 40 years since the release of the iconic album ‘Hotel California’, part one will see the classic album performed in its entirety. The second part of the show will conjure up the Eagles’ rock classics including ‘Take it Easy’, ‘Take It to the Limit’, ‘Heartache Tonight’, and so many more. Tickets are $60 and are available from www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

5TH, 19TH AND 26TH JUNE | PAELLA COOKING CLASSES | at The Verandah Restaurant | Learn how to cook a Spanish Paella, tasty Spanish churros and of course Sangria at the renowned Verandah Restaurant with owner and celebrated chef Matt Dillow. These annual classes aren’t just educational, but fun too! The cost is $90 per person with bookings essential, phone 4998 7231 or email bookings@verandahrestaurant.com.au. For more information visit www.verandahrestaurant.com.au

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE | CHEESE LOVER'S FESTIVAL | The Sebel Kirkton Park | Cheeselovers unite! The Sebel will be showcasing the best cheese, wine, craft beer and compliments in the Hunter Valley, with tasting and pairing for all to enjoy. The main stage will host fun competitions, entertaining workshops plus live entertainment including soulful blues, folk and rock. Join fellow cheeselovers to celebrate the diversity and taste of all things cheese in this ultimate one-day festival, and join the conversation with the hashtag #CheeseLoveFest. Kids under 12 are free, adults $20. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.cheeseloversfestival.com.au

25TH JUNE TO 17TH JULY | SNOWTIME IN THE GARDENS | Hunter Valley Gardens | Snow Time in the Gardens is a great opportunity for families and friends to get together and experience an icy wonderland over three huge weeks, including the winter school holidays! Chill out on the giant ice skating rink, the 25m ice toboggan and build a snowman in the man-made Snow Play Zone! With games, entertainment, warm beverages and hearty food, there is so much fun to be had for all ages. This is a day and night event running from 10am – 9pm every day. www.hvg.com.au

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EACH FRIDAY IN JUNE | FIRESIDE WINEMAKER DINNERS | Hunter Resort | As part of the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival, Hunter Resort will feature a different Hunter Valley Winemaker each Friday evening in a series of "By the Fireside" Dinners. With a maximum of 30 guests each evening, this is indeed an intimate experience where you will discuss latest releases and talk all things wine with the likes of renown winemakers such as Bruce Tyrrell and Lisa McGuigan. Each of the 4-course dinners will be perfectly matched by the Winemaker's best. Cost is $120 per person, for more information or to book phone 4998 7777 or visit www.hunterresort.com.au/fireside

thb 3 | JUNE 2016

Dine at the divine Circa 1876 until the 30th of June 2016 with our decadent 5 Course Tasting Menu for $120 per person (food only). Mention this ad

to book in your complimentary kitchen garden tour!

Our own bees supply bush honey, free range chickens offer up our eggs each day,

and a lush, bountiful kitchen garden is lovingly tended to by Chefs with a passion for presenting

you produce that comes light on carbon footprint and high on flavour.

Sink into the rich soil of Circa 1876 and transport yourself to a truly

exceptional dining experience.

Bookings are essential: info@circa1876.com or PH (02) 4998 4998

64 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320www.theconventhuntervalley.com

If ever there was the perfect destination for wine, food and travel then the Hunter Valley is it. Not only is the Hunter Valley Australia’s oldest and most iconic wine region, but its accessibility from two of our major cities also ensures that a great day out is only a short drive from your doorstep.

Add to that the most recent count of wineries and restaurants in the area (there are over 150 wineries and 60 plus restaurants and growing) and the term

“spoilt for choice” seems synonymous with the region. Historically, June is the month to celebrate Food & Wine in the Hunter Valley, and 2016 is no exception. There’s a vast array of activities and events to be enjoyed throughout the Hunter Valley and throughout the month of June. This month’s food & wine issue features many of these activities.

Learn to appreciate olives, enjoy a wine matched degustation, dine by the fireside, match wine with cheese (expertly!), knock up a paella, trust a chef, appreciate art, get a grape education, shop at locally hand-made markets, devour a metre long pizza or taste all that the Hunter can offer all in one place – that’s June in a nutshell! Of course, you’ll find plenty more details inside… so read on and plan your delectable month of fun.

Winter has arrived, and Hunter Valley Gardens is fully into the winter spirit with the launch of “Snow Time in the Garden” on June 25th. Who needs to head south to enjoy a spot of tobogganing or outdoor ice-skating when you can enjoy it all right here! Get the kids off the couch and head out for some family fun.

As Australia’s oldest wine region it’s no surprise that the area is known for classic varieties such as Semillon (best in the world), Chardonnay, Merlot and of course Shiraz (also best in the world). As we go to press McLeish Estate has just had their 2007 Cellar Reserve Semillon named the Best Semillon in the World at the London International Wine Show – so we’re not stretching the truth one bit!

In this issue, we look in depth at the origins of each classic wine and offer up the best of the best for your tasting delight! All in all – a very palatable wine and food issue.

Enjoy!

FROM THE EDITORS

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FOOD & WINE EXTRAVAGANZAThis month sees the annual celebration of food & wine continue throughout the Hunter Valley. There is a plethora of fun events to enjoy so we have picked out the top things to do in June! A TASTE OF THE HUNTERFrom set price lunches matched with award winning wines to taste experiences and indulgent afternoon teas, June is the best time to experience what the Hunter Valley has to offer!

AUSSIE FOOD REVOLUTIONFrom cook to executive chef, bush tucker to dukkah, we take a look at Australia’s evolution into a modern multicultural nation of food lovers!

HUNTER VALLEY CLASSICSTake a closer look at 4 of the Hunter Valleys classic wine varieties – Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz and Merlot – including our top picks!

GROWING GRAPES SUSTAINABLY Increased awareness of our natural environment have seen a strong shift in winemaking recently, resulting in an increase in organic and biodynamic winemaking

HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAPThe Hunter Blackboard’s handy guide to finding your way around Wine Country.

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