Lovedale's Long Lunch

Hunter Region - Lovedale's Long Lunch

If nostalgia for the 1980s ever builds up, an institution that will be recalled fondly is the Long Lunch. A region of the Hunter Valley has cleverly taken the 'Oh, 6 o'clock already, hardly worthwhile going back to the office' concept and extended it for an entire weekend each year. The Lovedale Long Lunch takes place on the third weekend in May and attracts more and more visitors every year.

Lovedale is the side of the Hunter Valley vineyards that is sometimes overlooked for better-known Pokolbin. If you leave Cessnock heading north on Wine Country Road, you turn right into Lovedale and left into Pokolbin. While the name conjures an image of 1960's love-ins, it takes its name more prosaically from an early farming family. These days most of the farms have given way to vineyards, guest houses, restaurants and galleries. It's generally laid-back and owner-operated, rather like Pokolbin was over a decade ago.

Of course, the focal point is the vineyards and there are seven to choose from including Wandin Valley, Sandalyn, Warraroong, Gartelmann, Cooper, Emma's Cottage and Allandale. These are boutique wineries that give the impression that every visitor is a welcome surprise.

There's a range of cafes and restaurants including Mojos on Wilderness and Bel Posto. For dinner, another option is Shakey Tables at Hunter Country Lodge where the modern Australian dishes are excellent and the tables, contrary to the name, are very stable, even unladen.

For every Lovedale vineyard there are two guest houses - almost 20 in total

These range from secluded self-catering cabins and cottages to the expansive Hunter Country Lodge. A highly recommended guest house is Tony and Sharon Dickinson's Burncroft that has six guest rooms, all with ensuites and all with wonderful panoramic views over the countryside and neighbouring Wandin Valley.

To work off the good life of large breakfasts, leisurely lunches and grand dinners interspersed with wine-tastings, there are several activities available locally. A popular choice is a round of golf at the Hunter Golf and Country Club or Cypress Lakes courses. Both are 18-hole and they will soon be joined by Greg Norman's The Vintage course. The Lovedale Golf Classic is held each April.

Those seeking a very early start to the day may like to get a different perspective on the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley from a wicker basket suspended under a hot-air balloon. Balloon Safaris and Balloon Aloft operate at dawn when the air is normally quite still.

The Lovedale Long Lunch is the main event for the region. It is organised by the Lovedale Vignerons Association and offers the combination of wine-tasting with a chance to try a selection of signature dishes from the area's talented chefs.

The process is not complicated - simply

• Buy a LLL commemorative wineglass at any of the participating Lovedale wineries
• Choose a plate of entree size gourmet cuisine provided by some of the Hunter Valley's most talented chefs, matched with a complimentary glass of the winemaker's specially selected premium wine
• Enjoy delicious desserts, local cheeses, fresh coffee and a host of other delights at every venue. (These items don't include a complimentary glass of wine)
• Relax and enjoy

You can book in advance and there are shuttle buses to avoid driving and the hassle of parking - there are even special coach services from Sydney and Newcastle. You can also arrange your own group.

If you're driving, even on non-Long Lunch weekends, the Vineyards Shuttle Service provides a useful service from wherever you are staying to all dining and drinking venues (and return). It makes a very casual and enjoyable weekend even more relaxing.