Duration:
4h
A long-table lunch in the vineyard at Saddlers Creek Wines, Pokolbin. Share-style Italian feasting, porchetta carved over the coals, six Single Suitcase Italian wines to choose from and live music. Saturday 3rd October 2026.
Operated By:
Picnic in the Vines is a long-table lunch held in the picnic grounds at Saddlers Creek Wines in Pokolbin, overlooking the vineyard and the Brokenback Ranges. One long table, four unhurried hours, and an Italian share-style feast cooked by our Venetian-born chef. It suits couples, groups of friends, wine lovers and anyone building a weekend around the Hunter Valley.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
The afternoon opens with grazing platters under the pergola. Arancini, Chef Chiero’s meatballs, Italian cheeses and cured meats, and warm rosemary focaccia. From there the hot food comes out to the tables on shared platters, with whole porchetta cooked over the coals and carved live in the picnic grounds. Live music runs across the afternoon.
Every adult ticket includes six wine tasting tokens to spend across the Single Suitcase Italian varieties. Two whites, Pecorino and Fiano. Four reds, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Barbera and Nero d’Avola. Try all six or stay with the one you love, it is your call. This is where the Single Suitcase collection is properly launched, and there is a take-home offer on the mixed pack before you leave.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
The full share-style Italian feast, from grazing through to Italian desserts. Six wine tasting tokens per adult guest, redeemable across the six Single Suitcase Italian varieties. Live music across the afternoon. Under 18 tickets include the same food without the wine tokens.
THE MENU
To start, grazing. Porcini and Asiago arancini with rosemary mayonnaise. Chef Chiero’s meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. A selection of Italian cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle pecorino and Gorgonzola. A selection of Italian cured meats, Prosciutto di Parma, Salame Felino and Mortadella. Homemade rosemary focaccia with garlic whipped butter, Italian EVO oil and aged balsamic vinegar.
The feast. Porchetta over the coals, whole roasted and carved live in the picnic grounds. Pan-seared salmon with peas and broad bean ragu, lemon and dill sauce. Caserecce with homemade basil pesto, sundried tomato and pecorino.
Sides. Roasted duck-fat potatoes. Rocket, walnut, pear and smoked ricotta salad.
To finish. Pannacotta. Mini cannoli.
WHO IT IS FOR
Couples, groups of friends, families and anyone who would rather spend an afternoon at one long table than rush between cellar doors. There is an under 18 ticket, so children are welcome at the table. Falls on the Saturday of the NSW Labour Day long weekend.
WHAT TO BRING
The picnic grounds are outdoors on grass. Comfortable flat shoes, a hat and sunscreen for the spring sun, and a light layer for the shade. There is no dress code.
GOOD TO KNOW
Runs from 11:30am and lasts about four hours. Held in the picnic grounds at 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, about two hours from Sydney and forty minutes from Newcastle Airport, with parking on site. If the weather turns, the event moves undercover on site. Bookings close one week before the event. Get in touch with any dietary requirements when you book and the kitchen will look after you.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
The afternoon opens with grazing platters under the pergola. Arancini, Chef Chiero’s meatballs, Italian cheeses and cured meats, and warm rosemary focaccia. From there the hot food comes out to the tables on shared platters, with whole porchetta cooked over the coals and carved live in the picnic grounds. Live music runs across the afternoon.
Every adult ticket includes six wine tasting tokens to spend across the Single Suitcase Italian varieties. Two whites, Pecorino and Fiano. Four reds, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Barbera and Nero d’Avola. Try all six or stay with the one you love, it is your call. This is where the Single Suitcase collection is properly launched, and there is a take-home offer on the mixed pack before you leave.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
The full share-style Italian feast, from grazing through to Italian desserts. Six wine tasting tokens per adult guest, redeemable across the six Single Suitcase Italian varieties. Live music across the afternoon. Under 18 tickets include the same food without the wine tokens.
THE MENU
To start, grazing. Porcini and Asiago arancini with rosemary mayonnaise. Chef Chiero’s meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. A selection of Italian cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle pecorino and Gorgonzola. A selection of Italian cured meats, Prosciutto di Parma, Salame Felino and Mortadella. Homemade rosemary focaccia with garlic whipped butter, Italian EVO oil and aged balsamic vinegar.
The feast. Porchetta over the coals, whole roasted and carved live in the picnic grounds. Pan-seared salmon with peas and broad bean ragu, lemon and dill sauce. Caserecce with homemade basil pesto, sundried tomato and pecorino.
Sides. Roasted duck-fat potatoes. Rocket, walnut, pear and smoked ricotta salad.
To finish. Pannacotta. Mini cannoli.
WHO IT IS FOR
Couples, groups of friends, families and anyone who would rather spend an afternoon at one long table than rush between cellar doors. There is an under 18 ticket, so children are welcome at the table. Falls on the Saturday of the NSW Labour Day long weekend.
WHAT TO BRING
The picnic grounds are outdoors on grass. Comfortable flat shoes, a hat and sunscreen for the spring sun, and a light layer for the shade. There is no dress code.
GOOD TO KNOW
Runs from 11:30am and lasts about four hours. Held in the picnic grounds at 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, about two hours from Sydney and forty minutes from Newcastle Airport, with parking on site. If the weather turns, the event moves undercover on site. Bookings close one week before the event. Get in touch with any dietary requirements when you book and the kitchen will look after you.
Thanks for booking Picnic in the Vines. We’re glad you’re coming.
WHEN
Saturday 3rd October 2026, from 11:30am. The afternoon runs about four hours, so plan to finish around 3:30pm.
WHERE
The Picnic Grounds at Saddler’s Creek Wines, 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320. There is parking on site. We are about two hours from Sydney and forty minutes from Newcastle Airport, and taxis and rideshare operate locally if you would rather not drive.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Long tables in the picnic grounds, overlooking the vineyard and the Brokenback Ranges. Grazing platters to start, then the feast comes out in courses on shared platters, with whole porchetta carved live over the coals and brought through to the tables. Live music across the afternoon.
Every adult ticket includes six wine tasting tokens to spend across our Single Suitcase Italian wines. Our team will be pouring all afternoon, so ask them what to drink with the porchetta or which red to finish on. Matching food and wine is what we do here.
WHAT TO BRING
The picnic grounds are outdoors on grass, so comfortable flat shoes are a good idea. Bring a hat and sunscreen for the spring sun, and a light layer for the shade. There is no dress code, come as you are.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you noted any when you booked, we have passed them to the kitchen. If anything has changed, call the Cellar Door on 02 4991 1770.
IF IT RAINS
The event goes ahead. We move undercover on site, and we will be in touch before the day if anything changes.
See you at the table.
The Saddler’s Creek team
