Sydney Cellar Door @ Hyde Park

My backlog of blog posts is getting longer and I am busy trying to work through the list so bare with me and enjoy.  If you missed out this year...there is always next year!

 

Sydney Cellar Door which was part of the NSW Food & Wine Festival was held in Hyde Park on the first weekend in March 2015.

 

The park played host for the abundant winemakers of NSW wine regions which included Orange, Hunter Valley, Mudgee and Southern Highlands.

 

Pre-purchased tickets which included a wine tasting glass (essential for any wine tasting event) can be arranged and collected at the beginning.

 

First stop for us is Bunnamagoo Estate from the Mudgee region.  I have not had the opportunity to taste Bunnamagoo before.  A friend highly recommended I do. 

 

 

I particularly liked the Shiraz and have now added this to my bucket list to visit.  Bunnamagoo is also known for Mudfest, an International Short  Film Festival event (another thing added to the list).

 

Another Mudgee wine is Moothi Estate, an award winning boutique winery from Mudgee.

 

 

 

I cannot pass up a stop at Ross Hill Wines.  I discovered  Ross Hill Wines at a Taste of Orange event in Martin Place a few years ago and instantly feel in love with their Pinnacle Series 2011 Shiraz, which to this day is still my favourite wine (and so sad I don't have another bottle).

 

 

Told you I loved Ross Hill wines!  Their shiraz is peppery and robust.

 

 Twisted River is from the Orange region and their wines are more focused on reds, although they do do whites and a rose too!

 

Feeling a little peckish we head to Salt, Meats, Cheese for some cheese and olives.  I love their olives.  Always plump and full of salty goodness.

 

Sometimes you just have to do a cheese platter and olives with a glass of wine.  Forgive me as I cannot remember what cheeses were included!

 

 

 

Over at Hungerford Hill there is a competition running and you can't stop me entering to win a weekend in the Hunter Valley.  Helps alot when Hungerford Hill also do a bloody great drop!

Moppity Vineyards grab my attention.  A new cool climate wine growing region at Hilltops is emerging.  Moppity have recently won many awards for their wines and are growing strength to strength.

 

Throughout the festival bands and DJ's are playing, people are milling about eating from the many food stalls and also tasting testing at the Mudgee Region markets. There are breakout areas hosted by various companies to chill out and kick back with.

 

Serious eats are calling and I had to grab a tray of chicken and pork belly bao's from Bao Stop to share between the three of us.  They were delicious as always.

 

This is a fabulous event that gives you access to a huge selections of wineries throughout NSW and I can't wait until next year.



Taste Orange @ Sydney (Martin Place)

Luck was on their side today as the the heavens held off the rain for the opening of Taste Orange in Martin Place.  It's on until Friday.  Wine tastings and food during the day and there is a pop up bar on Thursday night (also last night) along with music and food.

I popped down early to beat the crowds and managed to have a good chat to a few of the wineries. 

 

First stop has to be Ross Hill Wines.  I have been a fan of Ross Hill wines since I first tasted their reds at the Taste Orange 2012.

 

I particularly like the Pinnacle Series Shiraz 2012 that is on offer today. This vintage has been awarded the top Shiraz in New South Wales by Huon Hooke. Always a pleasure.

 

 

Orange grapes are grown at higher altitude and cooler climes. It's perfect conditions for wine grapes, along with some of the best fruit in New South Wales including apples and stone fruit, amongst others (and no, oranges do not grow in Orange due to the cooler climate).

 

 

 

Second stop is Tamburlaine Organic Wines.  So, I have been a long time drinker of Tamburlaine.  It was recommended to me on a visit to the Hunter Valley many years ago when I mentioned that I sometimes had a reaction, which turned out to be sulphur, to some wines.  Being organic there is very low usuage of sulphur dioxide.

 

After a few tastings, I signed up as Wineclub member and enjoyed many bottles of Reserve wines.  However, when I moved overseas for a few years I stopped the membership.....and since returning have been meaning to sign up again....and I think it's time!

 

Although the Cellar door (and some vineyards) are in the Hunter Valley, Tamburlaine also have vineyards and a range of wonderful wines in Orange.  

 

Over at The Agrestic Grocer, there is a range of jams to be tasted.  I end up with a jar of a awesome burnt fig jam (perfect for a recipe I want to try).  Also grab yourself a unpolished, unwaxed fresh apple or pear!

 

 

 

 Fresh Fodder has a new offering in dips.  It's the Smoky Roe taramasalata and it's devine.  The smokiness throughout this taramasalata is only a hint but makes a huge impact (on me at least).

 

A Slice of Orange is a regional providore in Orange and works with local farmers and artisan producers to bring the seasonal products to you easily.  They sell a range of products from the region in store or online.  Their philosophy is local - and that's the way it should be. 

 

If you are in and around the city, get down to Martin Place over the next couple of days and have a looksy.  Orange is a beautiful part of New South Wales and I can't wait to visit again (I haven't been since I was a kid)....I will get there soon!