When you grow up in Venice, food isn't just fuel. It's ritual. It's family. It's the way meals are crafted by hand on Sunday mornings, or how neighbours share fresh sardines from the morning catch because that's just what you do.

For Mattia "Chef Chiero" Secchiero, food was never about perfection—it was about connection. Simple ingredients, cooked with care, shared with the people you love. That philosophy shaped his training in some of Italy's most respected culinary institutions and followed him through kitchens across Venice's bustling restaurant scene.

But when he decided to leave Italy, he wasn't looking for just any kitchen. He wanted a place where his values—seasonal, local, made with love—weren't just welcome, they were essential.

He found it in the Hunter Valley. At Saddler's Creek Wines.

When Two Families Find Each Other Across Continents

Meanwhile, in Pokolbin, Wendy and Frank Laureti were facing a challenge that's become all too familiar for regional Australian businesses: finding a skilled chef.

The Hunter Valley hospitality scene has been hit hard by the nationwide chef shortage. Quality talent is scarce, and competition is fierce. Many wineries have had to scale back food offerings or settle for inconsistent service.

But Wendy and Frank weren't willing to compromise. Not when food is such a core part of their story.

The Lauretis have Italian heritage, and that heritage runs through everything they do at Saddler's Creek. Over the years, they've quietly built a reputation for crafting Italian varietals grown in Australian soil—Fiano, Montepulciano, Nero D'Avola, Nebbiolo. Wines that thrive in the Hunter's unique climate and reflect the family's roots.

"It felt natural to pair them with the foods we grew up eating and enjoying," says Wendy.

So when they couldn't find the right chef locally, they made a bold decision: sponsor a chef from Italy.

The Chef Who Chose Australia

When Chef Chiero arrived at Saddler's Creek, something clicked.

It wasn't just a job. It was a cultural homecoming. Two families—one from Venice, one with Italian heritage in the Hunter Valley—creating something that honours tradition while embracing possibility.

"Coming from Venice to the Hunter Valley is a dream," says Chef Chiero. "Working with a family who shares my passion for Italian culture and food—it feels like home, but with Australian possibilities."

And that's the magic of Mangia at Saddler's.

Mangia means "Eat!" in Italian—but it's so much more than a word. It's an invitation. An embrace. A reminder that the best meals are the ones shared with people who matter.

The Philosophy Behind Every Dish

Chef Chiero's cooking is rooted in the Italian art of mangiare: seasonal produce, locally sourced, prepared with respect, and shared with joy.

No shortcuts. No pretension. Just food that tastes like it was made by someone who cares.

From the silver Airstream kitchen nestled in Saddler's wine garden, he serves:

• Handmade focaccia baked fresh daily, drizzled with local olive oil
• Hand-rolled gnocchi that melts in your mouth, paired with seasonal vegetables
• Slow-cooked ragu that simmers for hours, crafted with traditional Venetian technique
• Fresh seafood from the coast, prepared simply to let the quality shine
• Rustic antipasti featuring local cheeses, house-pickled vegetables, and cured meats

Every dish is designed to pair with Saddler's wines—especially their Italian varietals.

It's casual. It's authentic. And it's filling a gap in the Hunter Valley where quality food options alongside wine tastings have been surprisingly limited.

More Than a Chef—A Solution to a Regional Crisis

Chef Chiero's arrival isn't just good news for Saddler's Creek. It's a model for how regional businesses can tackle Australia's unprecedented hospitality staffing crisis.

By sponsoring a skilled chef from overseas, the Lauretis haven't just solved their own challenge—they've shown other wineries and regional venues that creative thinking can turn obstacles into opportunities.

"The winery experience is changing," explains Wendy. "People don't just want a tasting anymore. They want food with their wine, authentic chefs, and boutique gatherings instead of big function centres."

And Chef Chiero delivers exactly that.

What Mangia at Saddler's Offers

Wine & Chill: The Signature Experience

Every Friday evening and weekend, the wine garden comes alive. Live music, casual Italian eats from the Airstream, and Saddler's wines by the glass create the kind of atmosphere where strangers become friends and time slows down.

When:

• Friday: 5 pm – 8 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 11:30 am – 3 pm

Curated Private Dining

Chef Chiero curates bespoke food and wine experiences for groups, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

From Wine and Food Pairing Journeys to Chef's Table Feasts in the Bluegrass Members Lounge, every event is designed to bring people together over exceptional food and wine. The Barrel Room and picnic grounds can accommodate larger gatherings of up to 80 guests.

Chef's Deli Pantry

Take Chef Chiero's flavours home with you.

The Deli Pantry features:

• House-made pasta sauces (arrabiata, puttanesca, basil pesto)
• Marinated antipasti
• Fresh-baked focaccia and Italian biscotti
• Ready-to-enjoy meals like lasagne and slow-cooked ragu

All crafted to pair perfectly with Saddler's wines.

Redefining Wine Tourism in the Hunter Valley

There are over 150 cellar doors in the Hunter Valley. Standing out takes more than good wine—it takes a story.

Chef Chiero's journey from Venice to the vines is that story.

It's about heritage meeting opportunity. About solving real challenges with creativity and courage. About two families who believed that food and wine aren't just products—they're experiences that bring people together.

"He has found his new home here," says Wendy. "And in doing so, he's redefining what it means to visit a winery in the Hunter Valley—more than a tasting, it's a true food and wine experience."

Experience Mangia at Saddler's

Ready to taste the story?

Visit: 130 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday (see Wine & Chill hours above)
Contact: info@saddlerscreek.com | (02) 4990 9900
Follow: @saddlerscreekwines | @chefchiero

From Venice to the Hunter Valley, Chef Chiero has made Saddler's Creek his home. Now, he's inviting you to join him.

Mangia.