With stunning weather, the attraction of over 40 beer styles to taste, sumptuous BBQ on offer and over 3000 visitors, on the weekend of 3rd & 4th August Hope Estate’s 5 acre amphitheatre became the Hunter’s Biggest Beer Garden.
“We’ve always had the vision of creating the Hunter’s Biggest Beer Garden and last weekend we achieved it” said venue owner Michael Hope of the inaugural Hunter Valley Beer & BBQ Festival. He went on to say “we’re delighted with the outcome of the Festival and have already set dates for next year. Patrons clearly enjoyed the pairing of Beer & BBQ with many making a day of it, bringing their family and relaxing on the lawn of the Estate. ”
Patrons on socials said “Fabulous weather on Saturday and fabulous beer. My favourite was your pale ale lime chilli!”, “The Tropical NEIPA was fantastic!”, and “One of the most relaxing days my husband and I have had in a long time”.
The Steak Cookoff Competition saw 15 competitors vie for prizes for the best Steak, Burger & Hot Dog on Saturday and 20 teams battled it out for the Australasian BBQ Alliance Championship on Sunday each submitting entries in the Chicken, Pork, Beef, Pork Ribs and Lamb Categories with Angus Grand Reserve Barbeque Crew taking out the top spot as Grand Champions with Team leader Grant Coleman saying “Angus Reserve Barbeque Crew travelled to Hope Estate for the Hunter Valley Beer & BBQ Festival and were crowned the inaugural Grand Champion, it was a pleasure to visit the Hunter with great weather and an amazing atmosphere at the event. Next year I am sure it will be a bigger and better event as the venue is first class.” The competition extended beyond the BBQ area with patrons enjoying the Bucking Bull Challenge “it was great to see people having a go, it was a real spectacle and boosted the Festival atmosphere” said Mr Hope.
Education was always part of the plan for the Festival, apart from being able to engage with the BBQ competitors everyone over the age of 18 received a 20 page booklet with information about the beer on offer as well as food matching information. All attending also had the opportunity to book in for a Masterclass with Head Brewer, Matt Hogan, or attend the free Beer & Cheese and Beer & Chocolate matching demonstrations.
“After such a positive start we’re really ramping up for next year with ideas flying at our post-event debrief” says Mr Hope.
Open up your diary - dates for the 2020 Festival have been confirmed for Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August.
Early Bird Tickets will be available from www.hopeestate.com.au in the coming weeks.