The Hunter Valley is just coming out of what has been labelled by some as the most difficult vintage since 1971. From January to March this year, we received some 344mm of rain. This is around 35% more rainfall than average. The rain, in combination with exceptionally low summer temperatures (5 degrees below the average), meant that the vines were unable to defend themselves against powdery / downy mildew, and botrytis.

Due to the traumatic vintage conditions we were forced to cancel this year’s Pick, Stomp & Munch. However, the winemakers put their heads together and came up with a new exercise, Sit, Sip & Eat. The day started with a blending exercise in the morning to determine the final make-up of the 2007 Member's Block Ruby Cabernet, followed by a judging competition. We originally planned for this to be a friendly exercise but when push came to shove and bragging rights were at stake, we had a fierce competition on our hands.

On Sunday 4th May Wandin Valley will be coming to Sydney for our annual members Lunch. The day will be hosted by our winemaker Matt Burton who has matched some great Wandin Valley wines to a tantalizing three course menu. Pony restaurant is located in the Rocks and is one of the leading restaurants in the area. The cost of the lunch is $110 per person, this includes all wines. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, drinking a selection of Wandin Valley’s finest and eating some of Sydney’s best cuisine.

The 17th and 18th of May are the dates for this year’s Lovedale Long Lunch. Now in its 15th year, the once humble event has grown into a food, wine and music extravaganza that draws in close to 15,000 visitors!