BEYOND THE POUR

JOIN US FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DINNER EXPERIENCE IN THE HUNTER VALLEY

Friday 10th July | 6.30pm-10pm

Our annual pre‑festival dining experience, where three local chefs collaborate with Hunter Valley winemakers to set the tone with matched wines and seasonal plates on the eve of the Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival.

This year, Matt Dillow from the Deck Cafe and Gartelmann Wines returns, joining Gather Executive Chef, Ran Kimelfeld, and the Hunter Valley’s own Frank Fawkner of EXP, Australia’s recently crowned Regional Restaurant of the Year.

What to expect ~

A specially curated 4-course menu with canapés celebrating local produce
Perfectly matched Hunter Valley wines and beer with each course
Bubbles on arrival
Live Q&A and storytelling with the chefs

WHAT'S ON THE MENU

Canapes
Chef: Frank Fawkner
Sourdough crumpets, sour cream, caviar, sunrise lime.
+
Chef: Ran Kimelfeld
Gougères, smoked sheep labneh, salt baked beetroot, pickled persimmon.
Matched Wine: Bubble on arrival

Starter
Chef: Frank Fawkner
Cobia crudo, smoked buttermilk, wattle blossom vinegar, organic cucumber, desert lime.
Matched Wine: Matched wine to come

Entree
Chef: Ran Kimelfeld
Spiced carrot triangoli, carrot consume, black garlic, bonorrie vine ash chevre, saltbush pesto.

Main
Chef: Matt Dillow
Duck confit, truffled wild mushroom risotto, cherry honey, asparagus and rosemary sauce.
Matched Wine: Matched wine to come

Dessert
Hunterbelle Blue moon mild blue vein cheese, poached quince, smoked salt, local olive oil

MEET THE CHEFS

FRANK FAWKNER

Chef Frank Fawkner will bring his refined technique and passion for seasonal, produce-driven cuisine to the dinner. With an impressive career spanning some of Australia’s most respected kitchens, Frank has built a reputation for elegant dishes that balance creativity with simplicity. Deeply committed to showcasing local ingredients, he approaches food with a thoughtful, modern sensibility – promising an evening defined by precision, warmth, and beautifully crafted flavours.

MATTHEW DILLOW

Matthew Dillow, owner of Gartelmann Wines in the Hunter Valley, brings a spirit of exploration to everything he does—from wine making to hosting immersive food and wine experiences. With a team of over 50 and more than 22 wine varieties produced annually, Matthew is known for pushing boundaries while staying grounded in local tradition. His wines consistently earn top awards, reflecting his commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

RAN KIMELFELD

Renowned chef Ran Kimelfeld will bring his bold, contemporary approach to modern cuisine to the dinner. With a career that spans internationally acclaimed kitchens and leadership roles at some of the world’s top restaurants, Ran is celebrated for his inventive style and precision-driven cooking. Deeply inspired by seasonal ingredients and global flavours, he crafts dishes that are both expressive and refined – setting the stage for an evening of creativity, sophistication, and unforgettable taste.