Hunter Valley to Celebrate Semillon and Seafood

Celebrate Australia's iconic Hunter Valley Semillon at this year's Semillon and Seafood festival - April 17-19, 2009.

In its 8th year, this spectacular weekend will play host to over 20 Semillon inspired activities that will include Semillon MasterClasses, world class chef demonstrations, lunches, degustation dinners, sneak peak tastings, and many more fantastic experiences to indulge all the senses.

Not to be missed, this year's Feature Event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 10.30am to 4pm at historic Tyrrell's Vineyard in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

What can you expect? A feast for the senses.

• Over 150 Semillons, including the latest releases, museum treasures, sparkling and dessert style Semillons will be available for tasting and to top up the cellar.
  
  
• Meet and mingle with some of the region's legendary semillon winemakers who make up the fabric of many generations of Hunter Valley winemaking families. A Hunter Winemaker BBQ cook off will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the day.
  
  
• Chef Andrew Clarke of the Hunter Valley's Rock Restaurant will be hosting cooking demonstrations of char grilled local Balmain bugs with fennel, zebra tomatoes and rouille. This perfect accompaniment to Semillon will have visitors licking their lips and eager to create the same magic in their very own kitchens.
  
  
• Semillon MasterClasses will be held by highly regarded wine expert, talented writer and the ever entertaining Nick Ryan, who will have wine lovers "Semillon savvy" in no time!
  
  
• "On the Lounge" centre stage interviews with winemakers and chefs will provide insight into their special lives and will have many fans of the region entertained for hours.
  
  
• Delectable gourmet seafood dishes prepared by local restaurants will be at guests fingertips, and Oyster Sessions with the Port Stephens Oyster Farmers, who will also have fabulous fresh prawns, will provide the perfect Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood feast.
  
  
• Delicious cheeses, olive oils and sourdough breads to make the mouth water will be on hand to taste and fill the pantry.
  
  
• The festive atmosphere created by live music and bands playing all day will have the feet tapping to the rhythm.

From Friday onwards, a full program of Semillon themed events in the region will involve many Hunter Valley wineries and awarded restaurants. Activities will include The Crowne Plaza Semillon Experience Dinner on Friday evening (see below), various feasts of Semillon and seafood, BBQ's with renowned winemakers, relaxing afternoons on grassy lawns with Semillon in hand whilst listening to live music, interactive and educational workshops, as well as food and wine matching Masterclasses, will have something for everyone.

Brad Russ, Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood Event Chairperson says, "This weekend is the perfect way to discover the Hunter Valley and all it has to offer. The area is not only Australia's most famous Semillon region; it is also Australia's most historic family wine region.

To make the most of Hunter Valley Semillon and Seafood, a range of accommodation packages will be available, many of which will include luxury accommodation and feature event entry.

For a full weekend program and event details, visit www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au.