Major annual and ongoing events in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter is thick with events throughout the year, from the cultural to the gastronomic to the sheer entertaining. Most of the bigger wineries have events and/or festivals during the year, some with opera, jazz or country music to entertain while you tipple. In keeping with Australia's increasing reputation as a producer of fine food, and building on the age-old traditions of marrying gourmet produce and fine wine - or just plonk and cheese - the festivals underscore the Hunter's talented winemakers and food producers. Ticketed events usually require prebooking, while during bigger festivals accommodation may be in short supply, so make sure you book early.
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Summer Festival of Film at Catersfield House – outdoor screenings of films with a food and wine theme.
96 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin (02) 4998 7220
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Hunter Valley Gourmet Cheese Festival at Terrace Vale Winery – an annual event in early April in celebration of all things cheesy, plus wine and entertainment.
www.cheesefestival.com.au
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Lovedale Long Lunch – a decadent weekend of progressive eating and wining at seven participating wineries - third weekend in May.
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Jazz in the Vines at Tyrrells Vineyard – more of a picnic than anything else, with great food and unforgettable music – held at the end of October.
Sound Addiction (02) 4933 2439 or www.jazzinthevines.com.au
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Pétanque Tournament at Catersfield House – annually in March.
Catersfield House (02) 4998 7220
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Wollombi Winemakers' Dinner at Undercliff Winery – an annual celebration of the fine wine and food of the Wollombi Valley
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Festa del Vino at De Bortoli Wines – an Italian-style focus on food, wine and music.
Hunter Valley Cellar Door (02) 4993 8800
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Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood – an annual event held in April at Tyrells Vineyard, celebrating “Australia's unique gift to the world”, and including masterclasses, tasting and entertainment.
www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au
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Artscrawl – held annually in June, this is an exhibition of works from the artists of the Hunter and beyond.
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Hunter Valley Harvest Festival.
Hunter valley Wine Country Toursim (02) 4990 0900
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Feast of the Olive – held in the Pokolbin area over a weekend in September, this event celebrates the 'other' local industry, involves several wineries, and discovers the secrets of olive oil production.
www.hunterolives.asn.au
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Festival of Flowers at the Hunter Valley Gardens – held from July to September, this winter special celebrates not only flora, but cooking and, of course, wine. The Hunter Valley Gardens has an entrance fee.
Broke Road, Pokolbin (02) 4998 4000
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Sculpture in the Vineyards – held during October and November, this exhibition is dislayed among the vineyards of the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail
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Hunter Valley Gardens Rose Spectacular – during October and November the gardens showcase their 35,000 rose.s
Broke Road, Pokolbin (02) 4998 4000
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Opera in the Vineyards at Wyndham Estate – an annual feast at the end of October of opera, food and wine under the stars
Wyndham Estate (02) 4938 3444 or www.wyndhamestate.com/index2.htm
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Stonehurst Cross Country Golf Classic – an annual charity event at Stonehurst Cedar Creek, held in November.
(02) 4998 1576
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