Gundog Estate owner and winemaker Matt Burton was a finalist in this year's Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year (ultimately won by Yarra Yering's Sarah Crowe). He impressed the judges with his winemaking talent as well as his philanthropy.
Burton, you see, is committed to making a positive change in the community and has partnered with Wallsend charity Path 2 Change to help break the cycle of youth homelessness in the Newcastle region.
Burton typically supports Path 2 Change's work through fundraising at wine club events and by hosting a hospitality work experience program at the cellar door however COVID-19 forced him to think outside the square. He is launching a special bottling of Gundog's 2019 Hunter Valley Shiraz and donating 100 per cent of the profits to Path 2 Change.
Branded "The Lived Experience", the limited edition wine features a hand-drawn label symbolising the struggles faced by many young people in our communities.
"The past two years have been tough for us and most others in the region. However, through our work with Path 2 Change, we know that disadvantaged and homeless youth are doing it even tougher. Their needs have escalated significantly, and Path 2 Change now has more clients on their books than ever before," Burton said.
Path 2 Change chief executive officer Jennifer O'Sullivan has seen an increase in mental health challenges, too.
"We have seen more young people being forced into homelessness due to family breakdown because of COVID and the lockdowns," she said.
"Many families have lost their incomes, causing added stress resulting in an increase in domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. Young people are also experiencing increased mental health challenges and are at a higher risk of suicide due to isolation, in addition to already being disconnected from family and social supports. Our young people are requiring more support than ever during this time."
Money raised by purchasing a bottle of The Lived Experience will help Path 2 Change break the cycle of youth homelessness through education and employment. The Gundog Lived Experience 2019 Hunter Shiraz ($35 a bottle; six pack $210) is now available online at gundogestate.com.au and at the 101 McDonald's Road, Pokolbin, cellar door.
Markets are back
Friday Night Feast returns to The Station in Newcastle on November 12, 5pm to 9pm. It is now a monthly, rather than a fortnightly, event and features food trucks, market stalls, live music, and entertainment for the kids - think balloon twisting, face painting, glitter tattoos and a jumping castle.
It's great to see the following markets making a comeback this week: Handmade in the Hunter Markets (Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm, Sobels Wines); Pelican Markets (Saturday, 9am to 1pm, Lakeview Parade, Pelican); Adamstown Lions Markets (Sunday, 7am to 1pm); Homegrown Market (Sunday, 10am to 2pm, Speers Point Park). More are returning in the coming weeks so keep an eye out.
Bavarian vibe
Head to Newy Fried Chicken tomorrow to try this beauty: lemon and thyme chicken schnitzel, sauerkraut, bratwurst, and obatzda (spiced cheese-butter spread) served on a seeded milk bun. One day only, until sold out, at The Newcastle Hotel.
Hampers of Hope
The good folk at Newcastle's Soul Cafe have launched their 2021 Christmas Appeal for Hampers of Hope. And you can help. Go to soulcafe.org.au and follow the links to the shopping list, grab items from the list, put them into a reusable shopping bag and drop them to Soul Cafe before December 16. The hampers will be distributed to people in need throughout the Christmas period.
Hidden gem
Have you heard about The Cob Shop? This family-run business in Charlestown doesn't want publicity (nor do they need it) but my goodness, what a concept. Each serving is a sensory overload.
Lockdown revamp
Many venues used lockdown as an excuse to update their facilities. For example, Lake Macquarie Yacht Club has new outdoor seating and a new cafe that is nearing completion. Hope Estate has a revamped cellar door. The Bennett Hotel at Hamilton has overhauled its beer garden and added a "gazebo" and looks amazing.
Check it out
The Indian Table has opened at Wallsend (68 Nelson Street) for takeaway and delivery. If you order by phone (4950 0621) you will get a 10 per cent discount. Also available through Menulog and DoorDash.
Birthday bash
Carrington's Earp Distilling Co. is celebrating its second year in business with a free birthday bash on December 12, noon to 5pm. There will be an outdoor BBQ pit and $6 Earp gin and tonics to enjoy, as well as live jazz in the Barrel Bar. This is a free ticketed event and tickets are, I'm told, going fast so don't drag your feet.
Tasting paddles return
Tasting sessions return to Bread & Brewery at Morisset this weekend: Charcuterie & Paddle $38; Pies & Paddles $20. Only eight people can attend each session, so bookings are essential. Phone or text 0490 353 584.
Freebie of the week
Got a sweet tooth or someone to impress? Up your dessert game with tried-and-tested recipes from MasterChef legend Reynold Poernomo. Perfect your butter cake, curd tart or creme caramel with Level 1. These are crowd pleasers and simple desserts for beginners. Kick it up a notch with Level 2. Step by step, Reynold shows how each element is made so you can dream up your own combinations and increase your confidence. Level 3 is an access-all-areas pass to his signature dishes and secret recipes.
The Dessert Game is out now through Murdoch Books, RRP $36.99. Food & Wine has a copy to give away. To enter, send the words "The Dessert Game" with your name, address and number to freelunch@newcastleherald.com.au. Entries close on Monday at 9am.
