June long Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month announced

Details of the fifth annual Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month, promising an even bigger and better line up of over 70 events ranging from small intimate experiential affairs to large celebrity laden festivals, have been announced.

A Tourism NSW Regional Flagship event, the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association will proudly present a series of themed activities throughout the month of June that includes dinners with leading Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs, an array of fun and interactive classes to fine tune those culinary skills, a showcase of local premium wines and fresh produce matched to perfection, and delectable tasting experiences by a roaring fireplace.

This year, the festival has introduced self guided tours unveiling the excellence of Hunter Valley Trophy, Gold winning and Heritage Vineyard wines.

Hunter Valley winter lifestyle would not be the same without a weekend cheering on the Pokolbin Reds, join the locals and cheer on our winemakers in the local Rugby Union competition.

All these activities provide a chance for visitors to meet and become a part of the local community and share their Hunter Valley wine and food culture along with all the other wonderful things the region has to offer.

The Edible Experience:

Events to date include:
• FlavourFest at Hunter Valley Gardens, a 3 day festival featuring Masterchef stars Callum Hann and Alvin Quah.
• Australian Regional Food Store and Cafe will offer a native flavours luncheon that will make you feel patriotic!
• McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Cafe White Wine and Red Wine Tasting Plates.
• Whispering Brook Olive Grove Long Lunch ï¾ delve into the world of olive oil over a long leisurely lunch.
• Scarborough Wine Co regional tasting plates.
• Moorebank Wines picnic cheese and condiment platters and Divine Grape Vine Produce Tasting.

The series will include 'Restaurant Week', from Friday 17th June to Sunday 26th June, when several restaurants will feature a series of set priced grazing menus paired with wines so you too can sample this relaxed way to spend a wintery day.

Class Is In:

For those who want to explore their inner foodie. Learn how cheese is made, what to look for in a quality olive oil, and most importantly how to really impress your friends in the kitchen:
• McWilliams Mt Pleasant match makes at "The Wine and Cheese Marriage: tips for avoiding a nasty divorce".
• Hunter Valley Cheese Shop hosts cheese appreciation and wine matching classes perfect for 'the connoisseur'.
• Margan Restaurant shows you how to select from your own garden and then cook with those fresh delights.
• Join a Goldfish Hunter Valley Cocktail School and make wine based cocktails.
• Learn the art of combining flavours at Tempus Two & Smelly Cheese Shop's premium wine & world of cheese workshop.

The Winemaker's Table Series:

This series of lunches and dinners is hosted by leading winemakers in their wineries or their favourite restaurants.
Bookings are essential.
• McGuigan's Wine Dinner - held among the barrels in the winery with menu prepared by highly awarded Chef Jean-Marc Pollet paired to McGuigan's wines and hosted by Neil McGuigan and his team.
• Tower Estate Wines at Robert's Restaurant with Winemaker Samantha Connew.
• Winemaker Scott McWilliam of McWilliams Mount Pleasant at Redsalt Restaurant Crowne Plaza.

The Pure Wine Indulgence:

Hosted by Hunter Valley winemakers and wine educators in small groups, guests will have the opportunity to understand Hunter Valley wine in depth and ask those questions they have always wanted to from the winemakers they admire!
• Self guided Hunter Valley Trophy, Gold and Heritage Vineyard wine tours will dazzle your pallet.
• Barrel & Blending Weekend will make you feel like a winemaker yourself as you assist the winemakers in the winery.
• First Creek Winemakers Challenge get a team together and spend the day learning the art of blending; finish

For more information go to www.hunterwineandfood.com.au