hunter valley’s best

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Harry’s At Tatler Cover - Pan Seared Deep Sea Scallops, Spring Carrot Puree & Tarragon Macadamia Nut Butter Wandin Wine Bar & Diner Cover - Blackened Salmon Fillet with Collard Greens

Getting around...Taxi...............................02 4990 1111Bus...............................02 4935 7200Car Hire and Limousine....................02 4984 7766

hunter valley’s best

*Map is not to scale

contentsRestaurant Page

December2011-May2012

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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Dining Out & Entertainment Guide are members of Publishers Australia and Hunter Valley Tourism.

“We would appreciate you mentioning Dining Out when

visiting Hunter Valley restaurants featured in this guide”

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ModernAustralianAmanda’s On The Edge 19Bodega Restaurant & Bar 22Cracked Pepper 14Esca Bimbadgen 3Legends Grill 36Restaurant Botanica 9Restaurant Cuvee 23Shakey Tables 11The Cellar Restaurant 7The Verandah Restaurant 41Vittorio’s 8

OrganicCracked Pepper 14

PastaBrokenback Bar 21Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34 & 35Vittorio’s 8

PizzaBrokenback Bar 21Vittorio’s 8

Restaurant/VineyardAmanda’s On The Edge 19Esca - Bimbadgen 3Harry’s At Tatler 24Harvest 28Olive Mill Café 20Restaurant Botanica 9RidgeView 30 & 31The Olive Tree Restaurant 17The Verandah Restaurant 41

RibsSSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27

SeafoodHunter Valley Steakhouse 34 & 35The Legends Grill 36Vittorio’s 8

SteakBlaxlands Inn 15Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34 & 35SSS BBQ Barns 22 & 23The Legends Grill 36

TapasBrokenback Bar 21Emerson’s At Pokolbin 52Harry’s At Tatler 24Harvest - Hope Estate 31RidgeView 30 & 31The Mill Restaurant 21The Verandah Restaurant 41Wandin Wine Bar & Diner 33

ThaiBlue Thai 32

ThemedRestaurantShakey Tables 11SSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27

WineryRestaurantEsca - Bimbadgen 3Harvest - Hope Estate 28Muse Kitchen - Keith Tulloch Winery 18

FeaturesMap & Contents 4 & 5Hunter Valley - Wine Country 12 & 13Passion, Pride & a Look Inside - HVS 35Mistletoe Wines 37Hunter Valley Wine Society 42Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Tours 49Balloon Aloft 48Special Events 44 & 45Live Theatre & Music 46 & 47Advertising & Franchise Opportunities 38www.diningout.com.au 40Dining Out App 50

AlacarteAmanda’s On The Edge 19Harvest Restaurant 28Restaurant Cuvee 23Restaurant Sanctuary 16Shakey Tables 11The Cellar Restaurant 7The Mill Restaurant 21

AlfrescoDiningAmanda’s On The Edge 19Bistro Molines 29Blaxlands Inn 15Restaurant Botanica 9The Olive Tree Restaurant 17The Verandah Restaurant 41

Bars/Lounge/WineBarBodega Restaurant & Bar 22Blaxlands Inn 15Brokenback Bar 21Gold Fish 6Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34 & 35Vittorio’s 8Wandin Wine Bar & Diner 33

Bistro/Brasserie/GrillLegends Grill 36

Café/CoffeeHunter Valley Cookies 43Muse Restaurant & Café 51Olive Mill Café - Adina 20RidgeView 30 & 31The Vintage Cafe 36

CasualCuisine/DiningCracked Pepper 14Gold Fish 6SSS BBQ Barns 26 & 27

ContemporaryDiningEmerson’s At Pokolbin 52Muse Restaurant & Café 51Nine 25Roberts Restaurant 2Shakey Tables 11The Cellar Restaurant 7

EuropeanBistro Molines 29Muse Kitchen 18Nine 25

FineDiningMuse Restaurant & Cafe 51Nine 25Restaurant Sanctuary 16Roberts Restaurant 2The Mill Restaurant 21

FoodSharingGold Fish 6Harry’s At Tatler 24The Verandah Restaurant 41Wandin Wine Bar & Diner 33

Food/WineMatchingEsca - Bimbadgen 3Harvest - Hope Estate 28Hunter Valley Steakhouse 34 & 35RidgeView 30 & 31

French/Mediterranean/RusticBistro Molines 29The Olive Tree Restaurant 17

GourmetPiesBlaxlands Inn 15

HighTeaTower Lodge 10

ItalianOlive Mill Cafe - Adina 20Vittorio’s 8

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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………..

For more details go to www.diningout.com.au

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special events

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULARAt Hunter Valley Gardens11 November 2011 - 14 January 2012For the fifth year running, Hunter Valley Gardens is set to host Christmas Lights Spectacular, Australia’s biggest Christmas lights display and the largest display of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. A wonderful experience for the whole family to enjoy, the Gardens will be alive with colour every night.Broke Road, Pokolbin Ph: 02 4998 4000www.hvg.com.au

SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS2 October 2011 - 22 January 2012Now in its 8th year and is held at five vineyards in Wollombi Valley at Undercliff Winery, Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Noyce Wines, Wollombi Village Vineyard, Wollombi Wines together with a small sculpture exhibition at The Gate Gallery.www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au

INDULGE YOUR SENSES10 - 11 December 2011During this exclusive Wine & Chocolate tasting you will be guided through a selection of the finest wines from Wyndham Estate, including our extensive Shiraz blends, which will be matched with the new premium chocolate range from Nestle. Tastings will be held daily in the cellar door. Places are limited so bookings are essential.Wyndham Estate Winery, 700 Dalwood Road, Branxton.Cost: $5.00pp Time: 2pmwww.wyndhamestate.comPh: 02 4938 3444

CAROLS IN THE CITY17 December 2011Traditional Carols will be sung. So bring your chair and enjoy the evening. FREE event 5 - 9pmMaitland heritage mall, High Street, Maitlandwww.maitlandcitycentre.com.au

NEW YEARS EVE 2011 At Hunter Valley Gardens31 December 2011The event opens at 6:30pm with entertainment, food stalls and drinks available.Broke Rd Pokolbin www.hvg.com.auPh: 02 4998 4000

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUNAt Hunter Valley Gardens7 - 22 January 2012Throughout the January School Holidays children will be amazed by the Australian outback animals with an interactive reptile display by Croc Stars.Broke Rd Pokolbin www.hvg.com.auPh: 02 4998 4000

AUSTRALIA DAY26 January 2012To find a venue to celebrate go towww.diningout.com.au

REG LINDSAY ANNUAL RODEO & MUSIC RE-UNION10 March 2012Rodeo action from 3pm followed by Music Hoedown featuring Bob Morton and The Summerland Kings plus Bill Chambers as a special guest. Full Bar & Catering/ Market Stalls/ Kids Entertainmentwww.reglindsay.com.auPh: 02 4991 1585 44

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MAITLAND TASTEFood, Wine & Jazz Festival31 March - 1 April 2012There will be a host of entertainment and activities for all ages and interests including cooking demonstrations featuring celebrated Hunter Chefs, Kids in the Kitchen cooking classes, wine education and food matching sessions as well as wine and boutique beer tastings, guided history walking tours and helicopter joy flights.10am - 6pm Sat & 10am - 5pm SunCost: FreeMaitland Heritage Mallwww.maitlandcitycentre.com.au

A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY IN BROKE31 March - 1 April 2012Each autumn as the grape harvesting season gives way to the olive picking, Broke Fordwich hold their annual festival of food, wine, olives, music, dancing & celebration of all things Italian.Broke Fordwichwww.littlebitofitaly.com.au Ph: 0419 244 785

GRAND SOUTHERN CROSS AERO MODEL RALLY21 - 22 April 2012The largest model aircraft scale rally in the Southern Hemisphere with up to 300 models will be at the Luskintyre Aerodrome. Food, refreshments and child minding will be available on both days of the event. There will be marquees housing the retail stores for all of your flying needs over the weekend.7.00am - 5.00pmCost: Adults $10, Children (10 years and under) Free.Pywells Road (off Luskintyre Rd), Luskintyre

ANZAC DAY25 April 2012To find a service go towww.diningout.com.au/events

THE GUM BALL27 - 28 April 2012Gum Ball is a boutique music experience with simple necessities. Belford, Hunter Valleywww.thegumball.com.auPh: 02 6574 7142

MAITLAND RIVER RUN & MILE6 May 2012Events on offer are 4, 8, 12km fun runs & Street Mile raceStaged from Maitland City Centrewww.hevents.net

GROOVE THE MOO11 May 2012Maitland Showground Blomfield Street, MaitlandTickets Ph: 1300 438 849www.gtm.net.au

MOTHERS DAY13 May 2012Spoil your mum today with breakfast, lunch or dinner.www.diningout.com.au

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

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live theatre and music

LIVE JAZZLast Sun of every month1 - 5pm$59.00 - includes 4 course Italian LunchAdina Vineyard492 Lovedale Road, Lovedalewww.adinavineyard.com.auPh: 02 4930 7473

FREE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENTEvery Friday, Saturday & SundayHarrigan’s Irish PubHunter Valley Gardenswww.harrigansirishpub.com.auPh: 02 4998 4300

ELTON JOHN3 - 4 December 2011Tickets Ph: 1800 777 4442213 Broke Road, Pokolbinwww.hopeestate.com.au

LOOKING THROUGH A GLASS ONION28 January 20128pm Tickets from $55.00 AdultsCessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4993 4200

ROD STEWART11 February 2012Tickets Ph: 1800 777 4442213 Broke Road, Pokolbinwww.hopeestate.com.au

IL DIVO18 February 2012Tickets Ph: 1800 777 4442213 Broke Road, Pokolbinwww.hopeestate.com.au

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL2 March 20128.00pm Tickets: $45.00 AdultsCessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

CMC ROCKS THE HUNTERAUSTRALIAS BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY & ROOTS FESTIVAL16 - 18 March 20123 Day FestivalTickets Ph: 1800 777 4442213 Broke Road, Pokolbinwww.hopeestate.com.au

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WISH I’D SAID THAT 29 March 20128.00pm Tickets: $39.90 AdultsCessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnock www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

ROSS NOBLE30 March 20128pm Tickets from $44.90 AdultsCessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4993 4200

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD31 March 201212pm & 2pm Tickets: $20.00Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnock www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF28 - 29 April 20127.30pm - 2.00pm & 7:30pm Tickets: $39.00 AdultsCessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnock www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

LET THE SUNSHINE15 May 20128pm Tickets: $42.90 AdultsCessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnock www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4990 7134

THE CLASS OF 59’25 May 20128pm Tickets $65.00Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4993 4200

MEN IN PINK TIGHTS27 May 20128pm Tickets from $69.90Cessnock Performing Arts Centre198 - 202 Vincent Street, Cessnockwww.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpacPh: 02 4993 4200

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

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