Gartelmann Wines is hosting a tasting event to pose the question, does the shape of the glass effect the taste of the wine. The only way to find out is to come along to this great event on the Saturday 24th September 2011 between 5:30pm to 7pm.

$25 per person will get you into this event and you can read more on the Gartelmann Wines Website at http://www.gartelmann.com.au/

Set amidst the beautiful gardens and vineyards of australia’s world famous hunter valley wine country, the hotel is a romantic retreat offering intimate luxury hotel accommodation, ideal for a getaway and those wishing to truly indulge themselves. with a total of 17 guest rooms, the air-conditioned hotel offers a lobby, restaurant, conference facilities and both room and laundry services.

This certainly is one place you don’t want to miss.

Address: Halls Road, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, 2320

Suburb: Hunter Region

The Hunter Region, more commonly known as the Hunter Valley, is a region of New South Wales, extending from approximately 120 km (75 mi) to 310 km (193 mi) north of Sydney, Australia. The Hunter Region has approximately 645,395 people on its population. Most of the population of the Hunter Region lives within 25 km of the coast, with 55% of the entire population living in the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. There are numerous other towns and villages scattered across the valley in the eleven Local Government Areas that make up the region. The Hunter Valley is a major tourist destination in New South Wales and is the 6th most visited place in Australia attracting more than 2.5 million people annually. Spring is the perfect time of year in the Hunter Valley as it brings beautiful mild sunny days followed by cool nights. A full calendar of events to enjoy kicks off in Spring & carries on into Summer to make the most of the wonderfully warm weather & lush green scenery.

There are regular events held in the Hunter for visitors, including the Hunter Valley Steam Trains running the first three Sundays of each month and regular scenic cruises on the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie. Another is the Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood that would be on Friday 7th of October to Sunday 9th October this year. Here over 150 Hunter Valley Semillons, Hunter Valley Seafood producers, local restaurants, oyster and Semillon bar, seafood cooking demos are all gathered on the same venue all in one long day. The event will be programmed at the Vineyard, Broke Rd, and Pokolbin specifically on Saturday 8th October 2011. Pokolbin, at the heart of the Hunter Valley, is Australia oldest commercial wine region. The 8th of October is the main event of the 3 day celebration. This includes master classes, seafood cooking demonstrations, an Oyster Bar, entertainment and Semillon tastings amongst the vines and the whole weekend includes special Semillon events that will be hosted throughout the region. . The main event also is a fun filled day designed to entice, entertain, and educated in a relaxed Hunter Valley atmosphere of sensational wines, fabulous food, good friends and great music. The  Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood  event is a must do for all lovers of Semillon who want to rub shoulders, meet and greet with the prominent Winemakers and celebrity chefs alike. This event is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and its Regional Tourism Partnership Funding Program in Australia.

The event basically offers a lot of new experience one could ever have. From museum show pieces, sit in on wine master classes (then go home and impress all with your new found wine expertise), mingle with some of the world’s most renowned winemakers, to unlocking your inner gourmet genius with seafood cooking demonstrations (including an Oyster Master class), and to devouring  the delights of awarded Hunter Valley restaurants. So it is of a fun activity one could not afford to miss. Hunter valley is open for a whole new lot of experience you wanted to divulge in. so better mark your calendar on the 7^th to 9^th day of October this year and be ready for a whole experience on the world of winery and with a bunch of cooking and food tasting.

Situated only 150km (2.5hrs) north of Sydney, the wine paradise of Pokolbin offers an excellent selection of country resorts, golfing resorts, motels and guest houses and hostels to suit every taste and budget. And its relaxing scenery offers great for travelers which include the views of the magnificent broken back mountains. Pokolbin is Australia’s oldest commercial wine region. With its 120 wineries, and home to award-winning Hunter Valley Gardens, the place is sure a great venue for short breaks or day trips. Wine grapes were first planted in the place in the 1870s but development the development was stunted until the 1970s, when Australian winemaking truly spread its wings. Since then Pokolbin has been a wine lover’s paradise since the mid 1800s. The district is extremely scenic and those who have no interest in viticulture will appreciate the various restaurants, galleries, nurseries and gift shops that can be found in the quaint towns and villages in the region.

Three of the most wine producing place in Pokolbin is the Scarborough Wine Co., Peterson House, and the Hanging Tree Wines Vineyard. The Scarborough Wine Co. is one of the leading wine producers in the Hunter Valley (New South Wales), It has been producing its unique style of wines since 1987. Scarborough Wine Co. specializes in Chardonnay but also producing other traditional premium Hunter varieties, such as Semillon and Shiraz, Scarborough has established itself as a leading wine brand. The Co. was operated by Ian, Merralea, Jerome and Sally Scarborough. Born from the vision of Ian Peterson, the Peterson House is another one of the leading winery in the district of Pokolbin. Since 1995 Peterson House has been producing fine traditional method sparkling wines. The Peterson House aimed to have a wine for all tastes and all occasions. The Peterson House could be your ideal place to either start or finish a tour of the Hunter Vineyards, at the gateway to Pokolbin, so one might care to visit the place. While the Hanging Tree Wines Vineyard is perched on the most scenic ridge of Pokolbin in the sensational Hunter Valley, an easy drive of about 2 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Newcastle. Hanging Tree covers 40 magnificent acres that are planted with Shiraz, Cabernet, Semillon, and Chardonnay vines with olive groves stretching around the crown of the hill and looking over the valley to the backdrop of the Broken back Range. It is rumored that the historic Hanging Tree was used by the local bushrangers and constabulary to settle scores during the days of early settlement. If you’d want to have a journey of pure relaxation and indulgence in the Hunter Valley then the Cypress Lakes Resort is the best place for you. Spread out over 300 acres, you will discover over 200 luxurious villas with a generous choice of one bedroom studios, and two, three or four bedroom self contained accommodation. The villas all offer wonderfully spacious interiors.

If you’re a food enthusiast, then you could visit the Australian Regional Food Store and Cafe at Pokolbin. This produce café is nestled in wonderful Australian bush land overlooking water. One can taste jams from Tasmania, native Australian herbs and spices, old fashioned cordials, specialty cheeses, meats and breads.

The Hunter Valley is now a must on the annual to do list. The quality of the vineyards and their Cellar Doors, the range of gourmet restaurants, galleries and antique shops and a selection of championship golf courses make this location a world class lifestyle experience.