social program (included in registration). . .
Tuesday, 7:00pm: Welcome Drinks, sponsored by The Sebel-Kirkton Park
(The Tennis Courts)
Wednesday, 5:30pm: Sponsored drinks
(The Assembly and Rothbury Rooms/Exhibition area)
Thursday, 7:15pm: WINETASTING and CONFERENCE DINNER at Peppers Creek Estate.
With a central Green and fountain, Peppers Creek Estate has a "village-feel" about it. The Green is ringed by Peppers Creek Winery - David Hook Wines cellar door, Peppers Creek Antiques, Cafe Enzo, The Grocer, Les Indiennes de Provence and Monsoon Living - as well as two spectacular function rooms, which is where we become involved!
We will be tasting Cellar-Door, with David Hook and his award-winning wines, spilling out onto the floodlit Green, followed by a special dinner...
The approach to the Peppers Creek function room is always met with gasps as the 3 meter high Indian elephant doors frame the entrance to our festivities.
This impressive sandstone building has 20 foot high gabled ceilings and beautiful exposed beams. The entertainment area is centred around an astonishing 5 metre wide stone fireplace - the largest in the Valley!
The room is carefully constructed to provide the ambience of a traditional Tuscan barrel room.
Catering is by the chef’s of the Hunter's famed Casuarina Restaurant.
optional Friday activities (additional cost)
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
a) Golf - 9 holes (minimum numbers apply - $42.00)
Fabulous course - and a great chance to collaborate!
Leave from Reception, Kirkton Park
b) Boutique Winetasting tour (minimum numbers apply - $45.00) A great opportunity to talk science and taste the Hunter's fine wines - perhaps even join and become a member? - and visit a craft gallery as well ...
Leave from Reception, Kirkton Park
FRIDAY EVENING ~ TASTING AND DINNER, TALLAVERA GROVE ESTATE
Tasting at Tallavera Grove, and dinner at Molines Bistro (relocated).
From the top of the range...
Stunning views over the vineyard-covered hillsides of this serene, tranquil valley on the slopes of Mount View, provide the perfect aspect for continued discussions and, dare I say, sipping of Hunter wines!
Iconic Hunter chef, Robert Moline has entranced Hunter diners for near-on 25 years. His new restaurant, to open in October 2008, will provide yet another opportunity for fine dining in the Valley. One of the Hunter's highest awarded chefs, his French-flavoured menus attract the highest praise from the locals.
Please wear conference name badges, as we will not be the only diners. Cost $72 per head includes:
- pre-dinner tasting
- dinner, a glass of wine with dinner
- return shuttle transport
749 Mount View Road
Mount View NSW 2325
optional Saturday morning activities
Hot-Air Ballooning (pre-booked).
Check the "Interested in Ballooning" box with registration. Cost around $320/person.
You must have independent travel to Sydney Airport/out of the Valley as the
Shuttle bus leaves before the Balloon flight returns...
- Sunrise flights are held daily all year round
- Meet one hour before dawn at the Cessnock Airport
- Plan for approximately a 3-hour session including set-up and pack-down (sometimes longer, depending on the wind direction...)
- Champagne on return