Absent With Leave!

We can now advise that we will be away for a couple of weeks, on our honeymoon!

Cam and I had a surprise wedding at our engagement party on Saturday 23 July, it was a fantastic day and night, one we will never forget. We were very lucky to be surrounded by our loving family and friends, and will treasure our wedding day forever.

As such, the Hunter Valley Grapevine will be having a couple of weeks of nothingness, however when we return in mid August, we will be getting back into the swing of things and will be ramping up our efforts with the Grapevine.

Thanks for your patience, please check back in with us.

What's Happening 16-17 July

As you may have noticed the Hunter Valley Grapevine has been a bit quiet of late, Cam and I are organising our engagement party to be held in Pokolbin next weekend, so we have been a bit strapped for time.  For the next couple of weeks we will list some info each Friday re what's on in the Hunter.  We look forward to getting things back to normal around the middle of August, when we will get back into the swing of our regular reviews and information. Thanks for your patience!

What's on this coming weekend, 16-17 July in the Valley:

1 July - 31 July
Christmas In July at Esca Bimbadgen

Embrace the frosty weather at Esca Bimbadgen restaurant during July for a mid-winter festive feast celebrating Christmas in July.
Executive Chef Ebonnie Newby has created a Christmas inspired menu with a distinct local style.

Entrée
Prawn cocktail of Manning River prawns, verjuice dressing and lemon aioli
Matched with 2010 Estate Semillon

Main
Five spice roasted pork belly, caramelised apple, micro turnips
Matched with 2009 Estate Shiraz

Dessert
Treacle pudding, gingerbread soil, vanilla bean ice-cream, brandy anglaise
Matched with 2006 Botrytis Semillon
$55 per person or $70 with wine match

Christmas in July Menu available for lunch or dinner throughout July in addition to Esca’s regular menu. Bookings essential by contacting Esca Bimbadgen on 02 4998 4666 or email esca@bimbadgen.com.au

So if you're coming up to Pokolbin, be sure to head out to Bimbadgen Estate, the views are amazing!

What's Happening 09-10 July

Even though it's the middle of a cold windy winter, there is always something happening in the Hunter Valley.

If you are visiting this weekend, a highlights of what's on which may pique your interest:

Indulge Your Senses - 9-10 July
During this exclusive Wine & Chocolate tasting you will be guided through a selection of the finest wines from Wyndham Estate, which will be matched with the new premium chocolate range from Nestle.

Unfortunately we won't be able to attend, due to family commitments, however it is on our 'must-do' list for 2012!

Over the past few wintery weekends, we have visited a few local establishments for a warm lunch:

• Blaxlands Inn - always worth a visit, open fire, great food & service
• Harrigans Irish Pub - can be extremely busy, but if you get a seat near the fire, away from the door, it's a good spot
• Oscars @ Hunter Valley Gardens - good food & service, a bit chilly outside, but great music, a regular haunt for us