Current Events

The Wine and Waves Festival will return to Merewether on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th March for its fourth consecutive year.

Set against the backdrop of the region’s best beach, Wine and Waves showcases a weekend of the Hunter’s exceptional food, wine and produce.

This local and highly successful cultural event, presented in conjunction with the world class Surfest carnival, welcomes some of the Hunter’s top restaurants, wineries and gourmet producers with their award winning products in a stunning location.

Providing a fresh approach to the traditional food and wine event, this free entry two day festival presents foodies and wine buffs alike, with the opportunity to experience the Hunter’s palate as local and family owned producers present items sure to stimulate the tastebuds.

Matt Dillow and his specialised team from The Verandah Restaurant, Pokolbin, will be on hand for their third consecutive year to serve up their own signature dishes.

“Verandah Restaurant loves to be involved in Wine and Waves because of its great location overlooking Merewether Beach; you couldn’t find a better location for this event,” said Owner and Executive Chef Matt Dillow.

“We see a good number of patrons at the festival who become regular visitors to the restaurant, so we love that this event provides the opportunity for Novocastrians who may not be familiar with The Verandah Restaurant, to experience a sample of our extensive menu in a relaxed environment”.

Mount Pleasant Wines, RidgeView Wines and prominent family vigneron, Margan Family Winegrowers are among the Hunter Valley based vineyards presenting their award winning varietals from their recent season.

Tracy Kearney, Managing Director of Eclipse Media and Events, says this event continues to highlight the regions exemplary talent and creativeness when it comes to all things food and wine.

“Wine and Waves is renowned for providing a unique opportunity for vignerons, culinary experts and provedores to showcase their finest products to an untapped market in Newcastle”.

“Every year we aim to present an event where there is something that appeals to everyone. We invite anyone who enjoys great food, wine and live entertainment to come down to this free event and experience for themselves, exactly what is putting Newcastle and the Hunter on the map”.

Signature event wine glasses will be on sale for $5 to sample the fantastic range of beverages averaging in price between $5 and $8 per glass. The Beach Hotel will again be on site with their range of James Squire boutique beers to enjoy by the beachside.

Wine and Waves will continue to present a family friendly atmosphere incorporating the ever-popular Kids Play Zone, high-quality market stalls along the ‘Market Bazaar’ of Henderson Parade and some of the best known live entertainment currently on the Newcastle music scene. Entry is free, with food, wine, and gourmet products available for purchase to take home at the end of the day.

Whether visitors are interested in exceptional food, gourmet products and treats, sampling fine wines, browsing market stalls or sitting back and relaxing to great music in a beachside setting, there is something for everyone at Wine and Waves.

Limited sites are still available for those wishing to participate in the event. For more information please contact Eclipse Media and Events on 02 4961 3200.