It also has a blog that will include information on the Hunter Valley – the wine, people, cellar doors, restaurants, accommodation, attractions and more. Read the latest article on Hunter Valley Semillon. Starting next month we’ll feature a recipe from a local restaurant and a ‘Wine of the Month’ . Our smartphone friendly newsletters will be archived on our site.
Ever changing valley
New Places
Gundog Estate – A lovely boutique producer located at 101 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. The winemaker, Matt Burton (formerly at Wandin Valley), focuses on single vineyard wines from two properties: A block of Semillon in nearby Mount View and the other a Shiraz vineyard owned by his parents in Canberra. The portfolio of wines include a classic Hunter Semillon, a semi-sweet Semillon, a dry style Rose and a lovey fruit driven Shiraz. I’m looking forward to trying their flagship Shiraz called the Marksman, due to be released mid September. A ’5 Star’ producer rating from James Halliday and a MUST visit from me.
Lambloch – This beautiful 20 acre property located on Broke Road overlooks the picturesque Brokenback Range. Like it’s neighbour Lakes Folly, Lambloch shares rich volcanic clay soil on the southern side of the hill and has sandy loamy soil at the flatter base of the property. Some of the vines planted on the property date back to the 1950′s. With winemaker Andrew Leembruggen at the helm, we will hope to see some impressive examples of Hunter Semillon and Shiraz from this producer. Lambloch also sources fruit from other parts of Australia to offer an extensive wine tasting. Worth checking out.
Hunter Barn - Located next door to Lambloch, this barn seems to have everything. They roast their own coffee, sell chocolates, lollies, and have a large variety of other merchandise.
Christian College – The development on the corner of Wine Country Drive and Lomas Lane (opposite Ernest Hill) is going to be an Christian College. At the moment the flooded site looks like the ideal location to start a fish farm!
Changed Ownership
Pooles Rock – Formerly owned by the late David Clarke, this beautiful historic property has been purchased by the Agnew Family (owners of Audrey Wilkinson). The former Rock Restaurant will now become the new cellar door that will showcase the Pooles Rock, Cockfighters Ghost and Firestick range of wines. This is expected to happen by October this year. What a stunning location to taste their wines!
Who’s Playing – Concerts
@ Bimbadgen Estate
Meat Loaf – October 8th
Steely Dan, Steve Winwood – October 22nd
Cold Chisel – November 12th
@ Hope Estate
Dolly Parton – November 19th & 20th
Elton John – December 3rd & 4th
Rod Stewart – February 11th
Festival Time
Opera In in the Vines @ Wyndam Estate – October 15th
Jazz in the Vines @ Tyrrells – October 29th
Bitter and Twisted Beer Festival @ Maitland Gaol – November 5th & 6th
CMC – Country and Roots @ Hope Estate – March 16 – 18th
Contact us for concert or event transfers
. I’ve noticed the new growth on a few Chardonnay vines around the Valley. That’s not all that’s new!