Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral Heats Up With MasterChef 2012 Winner

Media Release

Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral will celebrate its seventh year of showcasing the region’s best wines and produce with crowned 2012 MasterChef Andy Allen cooking up a storm on Sunday November 4 between 11am and 5pm at Balmoral Beach.

Offering 21 of the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries and a dozen or more Hunter Valley restaurants and food providers, Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral has something for everyone. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to savour one of the region’s acclaimed Semillons or a wine novice wanting to discover what the fuss is all about, this year’s event is packed with delicious and exclusive surprises.

The food and wine extravaganza will include tastings from well-known wineries such as Brokenwood Wines, McGuigan Wines, McWilliam’s Wines, Mount Pleasant, Tempus Two and Tyrrell’s Wines to boutique artisan producers including Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, De Iuliis Wines, Glandore Estate Wines and Thomas Wines.

“The Hunter Valley produces wine that can comfortably sit alongside the world’s best, with our Semillon and Shiraz in particular winning international acclaim,” said Andrew Margan, Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association President. “Our wines tend to be medium bodied and food friendly, so they’re perfect for Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral. This event is the ideal way to get a taste of the region, and then come and discover for yourself why the Hunter Valley is the most popular wine region in the country.”

Hunter Valley born and bred, Andy Allen will conduct two live cooking demonstrations for fans and cooking enthusiasts. Find out what is in season for Christmas lunch with Andy’s seafood feast at 1pm and catch him whipping up a meat lovers sensation at 3pm.

“I grew up going fishing with my Dad most weekends and love cooking seafood. At Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral you can enjoy the freshest seafood with some of the region’s best Semillon by the seaside – now that’s as good as it gets!” says Andy Allen, winner of MasterChef 2012. “I also love cooking and eating quality beef. Of course, it always tastes better washed down with a great Hunter Shiraz.”

Andy will join some of the Hunter Valley’s top restaurants, such as RidgeView Restaurant, The Verandah and Restaurant Cuvée, and food producers, including Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Pukara Estate olives and Nelson Bay Seafoods also making their mark on the day.

Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral is the ultimate springboard into the festive season where you can discover new Hunter Valley wines for $3.50 (60ml tasting) or enjoy a glass from your favorite producer from $7 (120ml), once you purchase your souvenir glass for only $7 as you arrive. Why not replenish your home cellar on the day by purchasing in single or six-case purchases to take away or complete an order form for delivery to your home on a later date.

Complimentary shuttle buses will be in action and will depart from Mosman’s Spit Junction to and from the venue. For more information please visit www.huntervalleyuncorked.com.au

Bottle purchases cannot be consumed at the event

Glasses and vouchers must be purchased by 4.15pm with last drinks poured at 4.45pm