The Hunter is renowned for its world-famous wines, fulsome flavours and exceptional entertainment, and all this will be showcased in infinite detail as the region hosts its annual wine and food festival in the coming weeks.
Running from May until June, the annual event features an unsurpassed line-up of the best wine indulgence experiences, gourmet cuisine and cellar door activities. It’s the chance to get up close and personal with the rich culture of the region with unprecedented access to the artisans behind it.
So, for those looking to explore all the Hunter has to offer here’s just a taste of the Wine and Food Festival 2017.
Long lunches
On May 20-21 seven of the region’s finest wineries will team up with the best known restaurants of the region for the ultimate degustation experience – The Lovedale Long Lunch. Featuring fabulous food, fine wine and live entertainment, the lunch is a moveable feast, visiting Allandale Winery, Emma’s Cottage Vineyard, Gartelmann Wines, Saltire Estate, Sandalyn Wilderness Estate, Tatler Wines, and Wandin Valley Estate.
A sumptuous Mediterranean menu will be the order of the day for the Olive Long Table Luncheon at Whispering Brook on June 3. The event will showcase the application of olive oil with a spectacular four-course meal set in the picturesque ambience of an olive grove.
Margan Estate throws open their doors each day throughout May and June, welcoming guests to enjoy the Original 100m Meal. Unique and delectable, the luncheon features produce grown within a 100m radius of the restaurant table.
The Mediterranean and the Middle East meet in the one location at Ridgeview as Executive Chef Donna Hollis and her team craft a spectacular menu from local and organic produce. These Chef’s Plate Lunches will be held each day throughout May and June.
Luscious dinners
Learn the intricate details and finer points of wine creation as Hunter Valley Resort hosts weekly By The Fireside dinners. Each week an individual winemaker will be on hand to reveal the details of their blend while guests enjoy a four-course dinner.
The region’s finest wines will be on further display at Redsalt Restaurant as the venue hosts nightly Heroes of the Hunter. The dinner includes a five-course degustation menu, matched with wines to highlight the flavours.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the producers behind the region’s fine fare at Margan Restaurant’s Meet the Farmer Dinner. Held on June 17, the evening will include a five-course paddock to plate menu accompanied by Margan Limited Release Wines.
The smooth flavours of the region’s local cheese will be explored at the unique event that is the Classic Cheese Dinner at Sebel Kirkton Park on June 16. The night includes a three-course cheese focussed meal designed by cheese ambassador Nick Haddow, and wine ambassador Bruce Tyrell.
Meanwhile, a degustation exploration of the region’s local produce and seafood will be on offer on June 24 as RidgeView hosts its Ocean to Paddock experience. The night includes a seven-course menu perfectly paired with RidgeView wines.
Experiences
It’s not just dining indulgences that are set to delight the crowd throughout the two-month festival. A host of events will also be staged to complement the food and wine experience. From cooking classes to film festivals and a cheese lover’s festival that’s billed as “feta than ever”, exciting adventures will abound throughout the region.
Highlights include Taste and Play which features games like croquet and giant chess, along with food and wine tastings throughout the Hermitage region.
Meanwhile, a highlight of the festival will be the annual Burning of the Barrel at Glandore Estate on June 3. The night will include fine wines, an outstanding local menu, and dancing, all enjoyed in the ambient warmth and glow of a raging outdoor bonfire.
The Longhouse
After a day exploring the finest the region has to offer and relishing the exceptional experiences of the Wine and Food Festival, retreat to the boutique accommodation that is the Longhouse.
Nestled in the heart of the Pokolbin region amidst its own private 25 acre vineyard we offer guests a unique luxury retreat to soak up the ambience of the Hunter.
You can learn more about our spectacular property or make your booking here. For more information of the Hunter Wine and Food Festival, see here.