New in Food and Wine in NSW Australia

The Thoroughbred Scone

Autumn is one of the best times to explore NSW’s food and wine scene, take advantage of the public holidays and go on an adventure, and enjoy some of Sydney’s newest dining experiences. This month’s highlights include a new menu at Jamie’s Italian Sydney.

On Saturday 22 April Port Macquarie’s oldest winery Douglas Vale will have a huge celebration to mark 150 years since its first harvest. The celebration will include live music, vintage cars, tours of the homestead museum, treasure stalls, craft displays, and of course, wine-tasting. Other highlights of the heritage celebration include a live performance of an historical account of ‘The Story of Douglas Vale’, and the special release of a new Premium Port aged in special oak since 2009. The event will be held from 9.30am-3pm and entry is by gold coin donation. Devonshire Tea, a BBQ and other tasty treats will be on offer all day.

The Village Green at Dunbar Park in Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches will host the inaugural Uncorked Avalon Festival on Sunday 23 April. The event brings together more than 20 wineries from the Hunter, a brewery and food stalls from popular local restaurants. Visitors will be able immerse themselves in the tastes, sights and sounds of Australia’s oldest wine region.

The Thoroughbred Scone will open in a few weeks to coincide with the Scone Horse Festival. The bistro style wine bar features a fully-fledged bakery, restaurant and accommodation.

NOLA Smokehouse and Bar is the newest addition to Sydney’s new food scene, The Streets of Barangaroo. With more than 500 whiskies on offer and a New Orleans-inspired menu, the restaurant has water views of Jones Bay Wharf.

Jamie’s Italian Sydney restaurant is set to launch a brand new menu, collaborating with local suppliers and producers. Jamie Oliver himself will visit Sydney from 8 – 12 May to launch the new menu. To celebrate, Jamie’s Italian will offer a signature pasta dish for only $10 throughout May, changing every Monday from 8 May. Oliver is also introducing ‘kids eat free’ during the Easter school holidays. For every main course ordered, one child can enjoy a meal on the house – selected from the six award-winning dishes from the kids' menu, all made with fresh produce and served with a shake-me salad and drink.

NSW’s Southern Highlands is set to celebrate the inaugural ‘Pie Time’ – a series of mouth-watering pie themed events and festivals through the month of June. The event will include The Pie Time Festival, held on 24 - 25 June in Bowral’s Corbett Gardens and the Southern Highlands’ Best Pie Competition, held on the 22 – 23 June also in Bowral’s Corbett Gardens. Visitors can sample the region’s signature pies year-round by following the Pie Trail at hotels, cafes and restaurants.

The Sydney Opera House has launched a new tour, Taste of the Opera House, which takes visitors on a culinary tour of Australia’s icon. Bringing together the best of Australian food and culture, the new gastronomic experience includes cocktail-making at Opera Bar with one of their top mixologists; a Japanese sushi-making masterclass at Opera Kitchen; a specially prepared lunch menu from Portside Sydney’s ‘hatted’ head chef Lauren Murdoch including paired wines showcasing local winemakers; and a signature dessert and theatrical cocktail experience at Peter Gilmore’s Bennelong, skilfully served and hosted by Bar Manager Aaron Gaulke. Tours take place on 23 April, 7 May and 21 May and more information is available here.