Growers Market at The Vintage

The Hunter Valley like many holiday/tourist areas these days has any number of different markets to attend and there seems to be a market of some sort on just about every weekend. We have been to a fair few of them already and will endeavour to give you a run down on the good and the bad as we get to them. We'll also put together a Markets page, as we think they're a huge attraction in the Valley.

On Easter Sunday we attended ‘The Vintage Growers Market’ at The Vintage Golf Course at Rothbury, about a 5 minute drive from the heart of Pokolbin. This market is a once a year event on Sunday of the long weekend at Easter, and it has certainly grown since the first one we attended last year. It is a perfect venue for a big market as there is plenty of parking and plenty of space for the stall holders to spread out over.

The variety of produce on offer was incredible. Several of the local vineyards had stalls offering tastings of their entire range of quality wines. There was a couple of stall holders selling a wide range of fruit and vegies straight off the local farms. One of the local sourdough bakers had a stall selling their bread which are very tempting (I can’t walk passed without buying one). Not to mention the lovely ladies of the Turkish Gozleme stand, too delicious, we had to walk by quickly, as we always give in to temptation when we see them at the Newcastle Farmers Market!

Two or three of the local olive oil producers had stalls letting you taste the wide range of flavoured olive oils, olives and condiments. The Falky’s honey man was there with some amazing flavoured honeys which we hadn’t tried before. The Irish Cream flavour was great and the Rum and Raison was so good we had to have a jar.

Falky's honey - amazing flavour options, delish

The stalls went on and on with chocolates, cakes, health foods and apart from food there were clothing, pet supplies, soaps, art and many more. Plus an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddies.

If you are in the Hunter over an Easter long weekend take a look at The Vintage Markets. There is something there for everyone.

Mel had to be dragged away from this gorgeous bowl

Cam & Mel of Hunter Valley Grapevine were paying visitors to the Vintage Growers Market, and paid for all produce we picked up

Vintage Growers Market
Vintage Drive, Rothbury NSW

Tel: +61 (2) 4998 6789

Blaxlands Inn, Pokolbin

If you are looking for somewhere to have a bit more of a casual lunch or dinner in Pokolbin, Blaxlands Inn is a good place to start. Its one of not many options, outside of Harrigans, in the whole wine district where you can have a drink and a meal with a comfortable country pub style atmosphere.

We have eaten there several times for both lunch and dinner and have tried several different meals on the menu and have always come away thinking how good it was.

We’ve been there in the cold winter months when the open fire is ablaze in the indoor dining area as well as the outdoor bonfire for those wishing to take in a bit of campfire atmosphere. This is a perfect time to sample a local Shiraz with one of the house specialty deep dish pies.

Firepit & seating

We had lunch there over the Easter weekend when we were able to sit outside in the sun, take in a couple of Bulmers ciders with one of the best beef burgers (Certified Angus Beef Burger with 150g Angus sirloin, caramelised onion, lettuce, cheese, tomato, beetroot relish) I’ve had in a long time. Mel said the chicken burger (Flame Grilled Chicken Burger with marinated chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, aioli, sweet chilli sauce & extras of cheese, caramelised onion) was also a beauty. And the chips that we should have resisted proved irresistible!

Cam's Beef Burger

Mel's Chicken Burger

It’s a bit of a hidden jewel that a lot of people drive straight past (opposite Hope Estate and next to the original Smelly Cheese Shop) but its well worth stopping in for a drink and a meal. You wont be disappointed.

Blaxlands is open Wednesday - Sunday for Lunch & Dinner, and Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday. The also cater for groups, parties, weddings, functions.

Blaxlands Inn is also home to the 'The Boutique Wine Centre' which acts as a cellar door for several of the smaller vineyards, well worth sampling their offerings.

Plus Blaxlands also provide a courtesy 'safari vehicle', which will hold 12 people, for pick up and drop off for locals and visitors, we haven't yet taken up the offer, but will do no doubt, as we'll certainly be returning!

Cam & Mel of Hunter Valley Grapevine were paying diners at Blaxlands Inn

Blaxlands Inn
2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW

Tel: +61 (2) 4998 7550