I do love a regional wine and food festival. They're one of the best ways to showcase some amazing local produce that otherwise remains tucked away in a corner of Australia known only to foodie locals.
One exciting event this year was in the gorgeous Hunter Valley, where food and wine is rightly celebrated for a whole month. A whole month of non-stop wine and cheese! This is my kind of month.
One exciting event this year was in the gorgeous Hunter Valley, where food and wine is rightly celebrated for a whole month. A whole month of non-stop wine and cheese! This is my kind of month.
As part of the festivities was a WInemaker's Table Series, where local Hunter Valley winemaker hosted cozy dinners in tandem with a local chef. The beauty of these feasts was that you had the chance to not just stuff your face with tasty morsels, but you could also learn all about the origins and foodie philosophy behind every forkful presented to you.
For wine aficionados, there was also a Pure Wine Indulgence series, where you could learn more about your favourite wine variety, and unearth secrets of the winemaking process.
For wine aficionados, there was also a Pure Wine Indulgence series, where you could learn more about your favourite wine variety, and unearth secrets of the winemaking process.
We dined at the delectable Restaurant Botanica at Spicers Vineyards to celebrate a friend's milestone 30th, and the food was melt-in-your-mouth brilliant, with perfectly cooked meats and seafood matched with fresh produce from their very own garden.
Below is the Duck Confit, Du Puy Lentils, Chorizo, Bell Peppers, Binnorie Fetta which I have on good authority was a good antidote to perhaps one too many alcoholic beverages the night before.
Also below is the Herbed Gnocchi, Yamba Prawns, Chilli, Tomato, Shaved Fennel and Fresh Herbs, which had some rich aromatics wafting down the length of the table.
Below is the Duck Confit, Du Puy Lentils, Chorizo, Bell Peppers, Binnorie Fetta which I have on good authority was a good antidote to perhaps one too many alcoholic beverages the night before.
Also below is the Herbed Gnocchi, Yamba Prawns, Chilli, Tomato, Shaved Fennel and Fresh Herbs, which had some rich aromatics wafting down the length of the table.
 |  |
We were also treated to a lovely little amuse bouche of a Cauliflower Soup with Dukkah, which had a light, frothy texture and made me think of eating an extremely tasty cloud.
Also on the menu was Seared Scallops, Citrus Butter, Garden Peas and Shaved Fennel. While you only got two scallops, they were rich and meaty and I actually did fill up on this dish surprisingly.
Also on the menu was Seared Scallops, Citrus Butter, Garden Peas and Shaved Fennel. While you only got two scallops, they were rich and meaty and I actually did fill up on this dish surprisingly.
 |  |
It's not just about amazing food at the Hunter though; what really draws people first and foremost are the abundance of wineries in the region. Excellent conditions for Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon mean there is a drop here for any wine drinker.
Bluetongue Brewery covers beer drinkers and the Hunter Valley Distillery will make spirit fans happy. While the idea of a 10am organic schnapps was a bit much for me, I can appreciate its appeal to others.
Some big name cellar doors we visited included Tempus Two and Tyrrells, though everyone's tasting experience was at Keith Tulloch where were were invited to take a seat among the rolling hills while glasses of wine were brought out to us.
Bluetongue Brewery covers beer drinkers and the Hunter Valley Distillery will make spirit fans happy. While the idea of a 10am organic schnapps was a bit much for me, I can appreciate its appeal to others.
Some big name cellar doors we visited included Tempus Two and Tyrrells, though everyone's tasting experience was at Keith Tulloch where were were invited to take a seat among the rolling hills while glasses of wine were brought out to us.
 |  |
 |  |
As part of the Food and Wine month, Petersen House held its inaugural Bare Vines and Bubbles event, with marquees set up among the vines offering samples and tasty treats to all visitors.
There was an abundance of local oils, dukkah, tapenade and dips to go with your prawns and oysters. Of course these things make you thirsty so thankfully there were various wines on offer too including an array of sparkling wine.
There was an abundance of local oils, dukkah, tapenade and dips to go with your prawns and oysters. Of course these things make you thirsty so thankfully there were various wines on offer too including an array of sparkling wine.
 |  |
We also picked up tubs of strawberries soaked in rich chocolate and a diabetic fit of sweet goods from the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.
 |  |
If you do get a chance to visit the Hunter Valley I have one piece of advice for you- go hungry. Apart from the cornucopia of food already listed, there is also truffle brie, truffle duck pate and fennel seed salami to be had there.
 |  |  |
And if you've had a snippet too much wine the day before, there are some excellent natural pillows dotted all over the countryside.
For more info on visiting this gorgeous and lightly inebriated region of Aus, check out the official Hunter Valley website.
