NEWCASTLE KIWANIS CLUB              

MUDGEE WINE WEEKEND 7-9 NOVEMBER 2008

Approximate cost per person $225.90, includes two nights accommodation, one breakfast, BBQ lunch on Saturday, gourmet dinner Saturday night, all wine tasting and all travel costs.  

ITINERARY: Leave Newcastle by bus 4.pm Friday (7 Nov), travel to Mudgee (chicken and bread roll dinner on the way).

Arrive Mudgee 9.30-10pm , check in to Vineyard Motel. ”F amily owned and run, modern, comfortable, quiet rooms all with reverse cycle air-conditioning, electric blankets, direct dial phones and fax, hair dryers, remote control colour TV, tea and coffee making.”

Saturday:   Early start to the day with breakfast in the motel (included in price), then head out to wineries, three or four on Saturday.

Enjoy a barbecue lunch at Farmer’s Daughter winery: “Visit the farmer, his wife and daughters, enjoy award winning wines, BBQ facility, wine garden, local olive oil, self-contained accommodation, coaches welcome.”

 Back to Deeb’s Kitchen restaurant for dinner around 7.30pm :                                     ‘A Sun Herald food reviewer said: "Food prepared by Deeb sings on the plate."

(Option of visiting wine bar after dinner with live music, or back to motel.)

Sunday: Have a bit of a sleep in, check out, then breakfast at one of Mudgee’s many boutique restaurants (own expense); join the bus about 10.30-11 am for departure.

Head home to Newcastle, stopping at Arrowfield winery for a final wine tasting on the way. Arrive back in Newcastle around 5pm (?) .

Saturday morning alternatives  for people who do not want to spend the entire day at the wineries.

·         Mudgee community markets held second Saturday of each month, so 8 November. Along with a wide variety of local arts and craft, the markets feature local produce including olives and olive oils, exotic sauces and chutneys honey, cheeses etc.

·         Art studios and galleries, such as Allen Fizzell gallery, Studio 30, Stony Creek Studios and the local art co-operative at the old railway station.

·         There are also many gourmet food retailers in Mudgee. Top of the list is the High Valley Wine and Cheese Co, along with the Olive Nest, the Mudgee Honey Haven, and the Mudgee Brewing Company – just to name a few …      

To secure motel and restaurant bookings and pay deposits, payment is due before 30 June.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations before 23 September will receive a full refund; up till 17 October will incur a penalty of $100 per person.

This weekend  will also provide an excellent opportunity to invite prospective members or family and friends to enjoy a great social experience with Kiwanis .

SOME SUGGESTED WINERIES:

Di Lusso Estate: offers the cellar door visitor Australia 's widest range of Italian varietal wines. Enjoy your wine tasting - and tasting of Estate-grown olive oli, seasonal figs and fig products - as we serve you Italian cheeses, Mudgee lamb and food from our own wood-fired oven. Wine Varieties: Late Harvest - Dessert Style; White - other inc. blends & mead; Italian Varietals; Reds - other inc. blends, Rose.

Oatley Wines Craigmoor Cellar: The Oatley family have recently taken ownership of the Craigmoor Cellar Door & Restaurant (formerly known as Poet’s Corner).   Established in 1858, the site has a tremendous history that we’re keen to recapture, hence reverting to the name given to it by the founders. You can’t miss the beautiful vineyards, cricket pitch and winery building. And you won’t want to miss our terrific wines and delightful cuisine.

Pieter van Gent: In the winery’s cask hall, beneath the cobwebs, barrel full of wine are maturing in a restful slumber which is almost tangible. By contrast you are invited to investigate where technology meets tradition in the winery’s tank room where the grape starts the transition into wine. The wines, all made on site using Mudgee grapes, are rich in character displaying the personality of grape, soil, season and winemaker. Complete autonomy has enabled the cultivation of some unusual grape varieties and the development of wines, which are truly innovative and enjoyable.

Huntington Estate : Established 1969. Estate Grown, made and bottled wines resulting in unique, powerful and developed red wine styles displaying terroir. Halliday's 2005 Wine Companion rates Huntington as Mudgee's only 5 star winery, one of eleven in NSW and within Australia's top 10%. Wine varieties include Chardonnay; Unwooded Chardonna; Semillo; Late Harvest - Dessert Style; Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot, Pinot noir; Shiraz; Rose and a Reserve range. NOTE: Jennie’s son Jason says they have some good (and very well-priced) reds.

Andrew Harris: Selection of over 40 wines to taste. Families welcome, coaches by appointment. New "Museum" wine bar; selection of imported cigars and accessories; Riedel glass ware; coffee and tea available .

Frog Rock: is a family owned company, established since 1970. We are passionate about our wines and offer a highly regarded brand of individuality that represents affordable well crafted wines of outstanding quality. Come and visit our friendly cellar door and take in the wonderful gardens and setting.

  Abercorn: Rated 4.5 star James Halliday Wine Companion The 2002 A Reserve Shiraz, was chosen in Top 40, at NSW Wine Awards 2001. A Reserve Shiraz was chosen in top 8 in the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, covering every region.

NOTE: The above wineries have been suggested as well worth a visit. Jennie has visited some, and her son Jason has lived in Mudgee for seven years (and likes a drop). We are open to suggestions from members who may also have their own favourites. .  

Deeb’s Kitchen, Mudgee 

Corner of Cassilis Road & Buckaroo Lane

Phone: (02) 63 733 133 Email: deebskitchen@bigpond.com

Website: www.deebskitchen.com.au

  MENU

  CHICKEN GALANTINE 50%

Filled with rice spinach and pine nuts

  GRILLED LAMB BACKSTRAP 50%

Marinated in mild chilli and ginger

SALADS IN SEASON

  CRÈME CARAMEL 50%

With whipped cream and fresh fruit

  MERINGUE 50%

With homemade vanilla ice cream and fruit coulis

  WITHAM’S PLUNGER COFFEE OR TEA