McLeish Estate will come alive for a gastronomical experience like no other as lovers of all things gourmet flock to the vineyard during the inaugural End 2 End Festival on Saturday, 15 September.
Bringing together the very best of Pokolbin’s food, wine and produce, the Festival will celebrate the unique character of the picturesque region and include masterclasses, wine tasting, gourmet delights, helicopter flights and much more.
Spread over four venues, the End 2 End Festival will incorporate more than 20 wineries, with hop-on, hop-off shuttle buses running all day so visitors can move among the pleasures of the region’s most awarded and historic vineyards and local providores.
Set in the incredible scenery of the McLeish Estate hub, the ‘Semillon 2 Seafood’ experience will be enjoyed lounge style among the vineyards, with tickets to the McLeish hub including a festival glass on arrival and the region’s leading wineries; Brokenwood, Elbourne Wines, Ernest Hill, McLeish Estate and Mount Pleasant Wines will offer tastings.
Highlights of the day will be four free masterclasses hosted by celebrity chef Fast Ed, widely known for his role on Better Homes & Gardens. The masterclasses will include how to pair Semillon and seafood; Chardonnay and cheese; seasonal sensations and chocolate and wine.
There will be platters available to purchase from the Hunter Valley Cheese Company; Olio Mio and Moorebank condiments tastings and stalls; live music by local duo Phonic; Hunter Valley Aqua Golf; a petting farm for the kids; and Slattery Helicopters will run scenic flights over Pokolbin.
Local chef Matt Dillow will prepare a gourmet lunch perfectly matched to the incredible wines on offer, including wood smoked trout salad of roasted pumpkin, goats cheese, baby English spinach, currants and beetroot relish; slow roasted beef cheeks on soft polenta with gremolata; lemon curd tart with Italian meringue and raspberry coulis; and chocolate Muscat and almond cake with raspberry coulis and vanilla mascarpone.
McLeish Estate vigneron Jessica McLeish said the End 2 End Festival was the perfect way for visitors to enjoy the unique local flavours, incredible landscapes and the village vibe of Pokolbin.
‘There is nothing like a day among the vines, soaking up the sun, tasting local produce and enjoying the company of the people you love,’ Ms McLeish said.
‘The Pokolbin parish is a little piece of paradise – perfect for taking some time out, letting the world go by and enjoying the moment! We’re looking forward to sharing it with our visitors.’
The End 2 End Festival begins at 10am and finishes at 5pm. Early Bird Tickets are $43.95 (youth 13-17 $33.95). Shuttle bus tickets are $11. Pre-booking is advised for masterclasses.
Visit https://www.end2endfestival.com.au/
For media enquiries please contact Stephanie Airlie-Noe at stephanie@houseofairlie.com.au or call 0420 698 822.
