Greetings from Hermitage Lodge

March 2007

Hopefully the warmer whether is now behind us - its been very hot and dry like most areas of NSW.  For those who have been keeping their eye on us, you will know that we now have our new accommodation open and that 'Il Cacciatore' underwent a face lift in August last year.  The changes to 'Il Cacciatore' have been well received and the new accommodation has been a hit with all those that have stayed.  A reminder that the new suites have spacious living rooms with fireplaces for those cooler winter months.

We are now in partnership with QANTAS and their Frequent Flyer points programme.  Points can now be earned when you stay at Hermitage Lodge (terms and conditions apply).

We have had some wonderful rain over the last couple of weeks and the valley looks fantastic.  The vines that were looking very stressed have new foliage, the brown grass has turned green and many of the dams are now full - what more could we ask for?  We decided against picking our grapes this year as we were affected by the lack of water. Although the quality was there, the quanitity wasn't.  We have very little of the fabulous 2003 Partners Pick Shiraz left Our 2005 has been bottled but yet to be released, and 2006 is still in barrel.  We still have quite a bit of 2001 Partners' Pick Shiraz left, so for thoselooking for a nice aged wine at a very good price, check out our Cellar Door prices.

'Il Cacciatore' continues to be busy with both visitors and locals.  The restaurant was closed for the month of August 2006, and some major renovations undertaken.  We have added a cosy guest lounge with fireplace, comfortable sofas, leather tub chairs and LCD TV adjacent to the bar. At the rear of the restaurant we have added a beautiful deck over looking the dam.  Lunch is served on the deck each Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. It is also the perfect place for a cocktail reception prior to having your group dine in the privacy of the back room. Michael Haines is still our head chef. He is working on some cooking classes planned for later in the year. Il Cacciatore will be at Surf Fest for Hunter Uncorked March 17-18 at Meriweather Beach.  Michael will be doing a cooking demonstration at Surf Fest along with some of the other Hunter Chefs. 

Special events in 2007 - the year started with a 'Day on the Green' concert at Bimbadgen Estate featuring 'Chrissie Hinds and the Pretenders'.  INXS and Simple Minds are performing at Tempus 2 winery the weekend of March 31st.  The Lovedale Long Lunch, now in its 14th year, is on the weekend of May 19th & 20th and should be bigger and better than ever.  As with previous years we will be at Sandalyn Estate, entertainment by the Kates.  This year we will be featuring Roast Duck Gnocchi, Char Grilled Lamb Fillets and Passionfruit Panna Cotta (of course the Tiramisu will be on offer as usual). 

In 2004, the HMAA (Hotel Motel Accommodation Association) 'Awards for Excellence' were held at Terrigal.  We were thrilled to win our category for 'Best Motor Inn in NSW' and to be a finalist in a second category 'Best Short Break Accomodation'.  It was our first overall property award which included the accommodation and the restaurant.  In July 2006 we were thrilled to be awarded 'Best Boutique Accommodation 4-5 Star' in NSW.  Another award to hang proudly in our new reception area

Greg Norman's new championship golf course 'The Vintage' is just 5 minutes drive away - if you enjoy your golf and don't mind losing a few golf balls, treat yourself to a round. The 'Vintage' offers reduced midweek rates throughout the winter months. This includes 18 holes, electric cart and practice balls.

We enjoyed 3 fabulous weeks in Northern Italy last May.  We attended cooking classes in Sienna, learning how to cook some traditional Northern Italian dishes.  We were looking forward to experiencing genuine Italian cuisine, which we thought may be better than we offer at ' Il Cacciatore', however we were quite disappointed by many of the meals we had. There is no doubt that the dishes offered in 'Il Cacciatore' represent the flavours, ingredients and dishes of Northern Italy.  For those who will be visiting Italy and looking for a traditional Tuscan dining experience we can highly recommend Ristorante 'Giardino' in the main square in Vallebona (near the Italy / France border). Phone number 0184 252185. What an experience - no menus, no wine list, and VERY little English. Be prepared to spend the afternoon eating and drinking.  They don't accept credit cards so take some euros.   

Escape the daily grind and bustle of the city - enjoy a couple of days in God's Own Country - Hunter Valley Wine Country. We look forward to you visiting us. If you have an enquiries or comments, we would love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Mark & Noreen Gottaas