It's been a while since we've been, but we're heading back to Lovedale Long Lunch this year and we can't wait to see what the Hunter has in store for us!
For the uninitiated, the Lovedale Long Lunch is one of the Hunter Valley's premier food & wine events and is the ultimate in progressive-style long lunches. Food & wine lovers are invited to discover the hidden gems of the Lovedale wine region for an enjoyable weekend in May.
Seven Lovedale wineries will join forces with local Hunter Valley restaurants for a weekend of fine wine, gourmet food, art and live entertainment. The participating wineries are Allandale, Emma's Cottage, Gartelmann, Saltire, Sandalyn, Tatler and Wandin who are all absolute pros at hosting this spectacular event.
Your entry ticket will get you a souvenir glass, which is your passport to a day of wine tasting. Plus you'll receive two main meal tickets and 1 dessert ticket. So, you're ready and equipped clutching tickets, but what to eat?
Our picks are to start the day with entrée/main at Sandalyn with Spiced & char-grilled free range chicken, butternut pumpkin, cous cous, raisin & pine nut salad, Binnorie marinated feta by Muse Restaurant, ideally washed down with a glass of Sandalyn Semillon/Verdelho.
Then head to Allandale for eight-hour slow-braised shoulder with roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips & carrots, lemon & mint crème fraiche, what a mouthwatering winter dish by The Cellar Restaurant.
Finally, make your way to Gartelmann for Muscat, chocolate and almond fudge cake with vanilla cream, oh hello – we've slipped into a food coma! Work off the fudge cake with a boogie to Uptown Funk Band/Victoria McGee on the Saturday afternoon.
Honestly, all the food & wine options look sensational and check out the Lovedale Long Lunch website for the full menu range. Still hungry? Additional tickets can be purchased for $25 main meals or $10 dessert/cheese plate.
But, how do you get from one winery to another? You can hire a private bus or private transport however in a stroke of genius, Rover Coaches provide shuttle transport between the wineries. Shuttle bus tickets are just $25 per person and can be purchased on the day and shuttle between the 7 wineries.
Best celebrated with a group of friends, stay in one of our Hunter Valley accommodation options and enjoy the fun of this must do food and wine event in 2016.
Tickets are available for purchase on the day from $65 per person (including entry, wine glass and 2 x main, 1 x dessert ticket) or for more information contact Lovedale Long Lunch. Lovedale Long Lunch is on Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May 2016 – 10am-4pm (gates open at 9.30am)
Tempted? Check out our collection of Hunter Valley accommodation here or contact us at info@alluxia.com and discuss your individual groups needs.
Our pick is H Boutique Hotel who offer one and two bedroom self-contained modern villas from $299 per night. A shuttle bus transfers can be arranged to the first winery for $25 from H Boutique Hotel.
Have you been to Lovedale Long Lunch before? How did you find the Rover shuttle service?
Image credit: Lovedale Long Lunch
