Bluegrass Wine & Food Pairing
A guided wine tasting flight of six Bluegrass wines featuring side by side tasting of the new release vs the aged release
Three brackets. Three dishes. Each bracket pairs a current release with its cellar-aged counterpart, matched to a dish designed by Chef Chiero to bring out the best in both wines.
What's included
Who this is for
- Wine lovers curious about what cellaring actually does to a wine
- Anyone who wants to taste new vs aged without buying a cellar's worth
- Couples, friends, and small groups looking for a long lunch in the Hunter
What to expect
The Bluegrass Collection is our iconic range of full-flavoured red wines - crafted for longevity and loved for over 30 years. Settle into the Barrel Room for a three-bracket lunch built around these cellar-worthy reds.
Each bracket pairs a 2023 current release with its cellar-aged counterpart. The new releases are fruit-forward with firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The cellar-aged wines have softened - the tannins are silkier, the fruit has deepened into darker, earthier notes, and the finish lingers longer. Tasting them side by side is the fastest way to understand why people cellar wine.
Chef Chiero has designed each dish specifically to showcase the flavours of these wines - hearty, slow-cooked comfort food that brings out the best in both styles.
What is a vertical tasting?
A vertical tasting means tasting the same wine from different vintages - in this case, 2023 alongside 2016 or 2017. It shows you exactly what time does to wine, and why Bluegrass is built to age.
Planning your visit
- Book ahead. This experience is available daily but seats are limited.
- Allow 90 minutes. This is a relaxed, seated lunch - not a quick tasting.
- Need a lift? Hunter Valley Taxis: (02) 6572 1133 or 13cabs: 13 22 27
Details
Time: Daily at 12pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Venue: Barrel Room, Saddler's Creek Wines, 15 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Tickets: $85 | Members: $75
Season: April - June 2026
Notes: 18+ only. Menu subject to seasonal changes.
FAQ
What time does the Bluegrass Wine & Food Pairing start?
The Bluegrass Wine & Food Pairing runs daily at 12pm in the Barrel Room at Saddler's Creek Wines. Allow 90 minutes for the full experience.
How many wines are included?
Six Bluegrass wines across three courses - each course pairs a 2023 current release with a cellar-aged vintage from 2016 or 2017.
What does "new vs aged" mean?
You'll taste the same wine from different years side by side - a 2023 current release alongside a cellar-aged 2016 or 2017. The new releases are fruit-forward with firm tannins. The cellar-aged wines have softened - silkier tannins, deeper fruit, and a longer finish. It's the fastest way to understand why people cellar wine.
What is a vertical tasting?
A vertical tasting means tasting the same wine from different vintages - in this case, 2023 alongside 2016 or 2017. It shows you exactly what time does to wine, and why Bluegrass is built to age.
Do I need to book?
Yes. The Bluegrass Wine & Food Pairing is a seated lunch experience with limited seats. Book online or call the Cellar Door.
How do I get the member price?
Club Equus members access the member discount at $75 per ticket. To join and receive 25% off all wines plus other member perks, visit saddlerscreek.com/join-club-equus.
