The ocean meets the vine at the
Hunter Valley Semillon & Seafood Festival.
For 3 days a gourmet pairing of wine and seafood provides a feast for the senses with tastings, master classes, cooking demonstrations and gastronomic
events.
Some of the tastes on offer include the 'Semillon and Oysters - A Marriage Made in Heaven' featuring sumptuous oysters with fennel cream and cucumber jelly with Margan White Label 2008 Semillon on the menu at
Margan Family Winegrowers.
For a glutinous treat you can indulge in the 'Semillon & Seafood Degustation Menu' within the beautiful surrounds of Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant. The 4 courses plus canapés offers a range of seafood matched to a range of vintages including sparkling Semillons.
If you do not know a
bouquet from a tannin or a Semillon from a Riesling there is an opportunity to learn at wine master classes with
Andrew Thomas and The Wine Man
Peter Bourne.
According to the festivals website: "Andrew Thomas (aka Thommo) has achieved remarkable success with his Semillons including a Gold Medal quadrella for the 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009 Braemore Semillons at the 2010 Royal Sydney Wine Show."
The four marquee sessions hosted by Peter Bourne and a panel of Hunter Valley Winemakers are: Trophy/gold medal tasting, Vintage Bi-Vertical - 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, regional tasting and the many faces of Semillon - Sparkling, table, off-dry and dessert styles.
The educational theme is continued with the opportunity to learn from MasterChef favourite Alvin Quah at the Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood's
main event.
The Masterchef finalist will host three seafood cooking demonstrations at Tyrrell's Vineyard, Pokolbin. He will share his favourite seafood recipes, knowledge on how to match the dish with a Hunter Valley Semillon followed by a Q & A session.
For the opportunity to feel like a Masterchef judge, you can have your say at the 'Winemaker's Cook Off'. Local wine makers and chefs will be put to the test with a surprise bag of ingredients with the audience ultimately voting for their favourite dish.
According to the website: "The festival coincides with the launch of the 2010 Hunter Valley Semillons... where guests will be able to mingle with some of the world's most renowned winemakers."
