The Lovedale food and wine trail

Discover the undeniable charm of the Lovedale in the Hunter Valley where the streets lined with quaint and intimate wineries serving quality wines, the outdoor seating boasts stunning vineyard views, and premium handcrafted cheeses and range of cafes that makes Lovedale all the more inviting. Learn more about the Lovedale food and wine trail of the Hunter Valley.   

DRINK

One thing that makes Lovedale special is that it's full of boutique, family owned and operated wineries and vineyards that often fly under the radar. 

Like Gartelmann Wines. Located on Lovedale Road, Gartelmann Wines has become a bit of an all-in-one destination with wine tastings, an extensive garden and an super-popular The Deck Cafe overlooking the iconic pond. With a number of trophies under their belt, including their recent trophy for their 2022 Veronica Rose Shiraz at the 50th Hunter Valley Wine Show, this boutique cellar door is absolutely not one to be missed

Located in an iconic blue building, Stomp Wines! is another to put on your list. Family owned and operated by winemaker Michael, and Meredith McManus, create a personable experience sharing their passion and knowledge throughout your visit. Wines available include Sparkling Verdelho (a rare find), Sparkling Chambourcin, Moscato, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Fiano, Chardonnay, Rose, Merlot, Shiraz, Tawny and Muscat. If you're searching for an up close and personal wine-tasting experience, look no further.

Despite being one of the smallest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Alter Wines at Emma’s Cottage produces premium boutique wines from the seven different varieties of grapes grown onsite. All of the grapes are hand picked to ensure the best of the best gets crushed, fermented and bottled for your enjoyment. Their cellar door also boasts a gift shop filled with design-led homewares. Extend your Emma’s Cottage Vineyard experience booking their new chocolate and wine tasting experience, where local handmade chocolates and paired perfectly with a selection of their wines.

Offering an extensive range of award winning wines, alongside a restaurant and Tuscan-style villas Wandin Estate provides the full package. If visiting in the afternoon be sure to keep try spot Kangaroos hopping about the extensive estate. A stones throw away from Wandin you will find breathtaking views and simply delicious drops at Saltire Estate. Soak in panoramic vineyard and mountain views in front of a pond full of flora and fauna whilst sipping Tattler's bubbles, reds and whites where all wine is made onsite for your enjoyment. 

And if you want a sunset shot and a warm cosy fireplace, then you can't beat Allandale Winery. You may come for the scenic views but you'll stay for the great wines. Take a sip of their Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz whilst watching the sun slowly sink behind the Brokenback mountain range in Lovedale.

The newest kids on the block, Molly Morgan wines have transformed transforming the vibrant and historic 60-year-old winery into a must-visit destination. Boasting stunning views overlooking their vineyards, make sure to get a spot outside to take in the views during your wine tasting. 

Craving something different? Check out the selection of craft beers and ciders at Sydney Brewery, offering everything from lagers and pale ales to rich porters. For those wanting to go a little deeper be sure to book in a brewery tour available to book every Saturday at 2pm.

Discover a full list of Cellar Doors in Lovedale here.

EAT

You can't visit Wine Country without having at least one meal out and Lovedale has some absolute crackers.

If you're looking for a spot to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of country life, head to The Deck Café at Gartelmann Wines. It's open seven days for breakfast and lunch, with owner/chef Matt Dillow offering everything from pancakes and hangover rolls for breakfast to burgers, pasta and gin-cured salmon gravlax for lunch. Even after a big expansion it draws crowds, so if you want to snag one of the outdoor deck tables perched beside the dam, you'll need to book.

Jimmy Joans opened their doors in 2022 providing the perfect place to eat, drink, relax and celebrate. The intimate dining room, inviting outdoor area and modern bar have been created for the gathering of family and friends to enjoy the space and region as much as the owners do. Feast on a range of delicious bar snacks from traditional scotch eggs to gourmet lobster rolls, or opt in for the degustation offering paired with matching wines in the dining room, whatever the occasion Jimmy Joans caters for all. 

New kids on the block, Lucky Duck Restaurant located at Leaves & Fishes is the perfect place to relax and unwind with family and friends. This picturesque, waterfront venue features flavours from various Asian cuisines made with locally sourced produce for both hot and cold, small and large dishes. Whether it’s sharing snacks of smoked trout betel leaves, bao buns, prawn toast or something larger - think whole fried baby snapper or sticky beef short ribs - we guarantee you’ll walk out feeling like fortune is in your favour. 

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley's laid back yet lively, Lovedale Bar + Grill has everything you need to wind down or rev up. Soak up the afternoon rays in the outdoor beer garden, or keep the beat to live music by local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. From burgers to pizzas, they have all the classics reimagined in our signature Lovedale style. Go from starters to schnitties, or choose from bountiful salads to perfectly grilled steaks – there’s something for any appetite.

Nibble your way through an assortment of soft cheeses at Binnorie Dairy. Marinated fetta, ripe brie and creamy labna are standouts at this dairy dynamo, but the Binnorie team also make some out-of-the-box salamis too.

Another fabulous food producer is Lovedale Smokehouse. Discover an astonishing selection of handmade charcuterie and smoked goods including vine-smoked bacon, duck, salmon, and kangaroo to tasty terrines and pates, dressings and smoky sauces. If a taste isn't enough, you can take a seat in the on-site restaurant, which showcases the artisan smokehouse produce.

There's also a thriving olive scene in the Valley so head to Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove for some local olive oil.  Alongside their range of impressive wines Adina also grow and process fruit from about 2000 olive trees in their on-site olive mill. The shelves are stacked with premium EVOO, oils infused with truffle, garlic, chilli and lemon myrtle, jars of table olives, dressings and condiments, as well as olive-based skincare.

STAY

When it's time to hit the sack there are oodles of places with peaceful panoramas and country comforts. The plush pads at the sprawling Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is ideal for those who want all the bells and whistles including a golf course, pools, restaurants, bars and spa.

Tuckers Lane Boutique Accommodation is nestled in a peaceful, nature oasis in the heart of Lovedale. Each cabin is made from recycled shipping containers and feature unique and quirky interiors with plenty of amenities such as spa baths, private balconies and firepits. 

Located on 6 private acres Whitevale Estate is creates the perfect base for your next group getaway. Every detail in this property has been meticulously created and styled to impress our most discerning guests, and accommodates beautifully to groups of up to 18. Only moments to award-winning wineries, memorable dining experiences, concert venues and iconic golf courses..

Peace, serenity and nature, that's what to awaits you at your stay at Woodlane Cottages. Located on 24 private acres offering peace and serenity surrounded by nature with views to the stunning Brokenback Ranges. The property offers two 4 bedroom cottages each accommodating up to 11 guests plus infants with a maximum of 9 adults in each. 

For extravagant group getaways, try Villa Leone, a unique, self-contained Hunter Valley Stays property conveniently located next to the Hunter Valley wildlife park. You and your guests will feel like you have landed in the Italian countryside, with the added privilege of experiencing time slow down as you take in the neighbouring giraffes, lions and zebras as they roam!

Another group getaway crowd pleaser is Allawah Estate. Another iconic Hunter Valley Stays property, this house entails everything an entertainer needs to have to host an epic getaway with your loved ones. True to its name, Allawah, meaning ‘make your abode here’, comprises of a main house and guest wing, located 15 metres from the main house, together accommodating up to 22 guests within 11 luxurious bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 2 enormous living and dining rooms, two chef’s kitchen along with extensive entertaining areas.

Discover a full list of accommodation venues located in Lovedale here.

PLAY

Once in Lovedale, take a left at the T intersection on Wine Country Drive and take the next left onto Lomas Lane, and you will end up at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. A place to meet both exotic and native animals, the Wildlife Park is open seven days a week and caters fun for all ages.

You'll catch killer views as you cruise the country roads but seeing the sun rise over the vineyards from a hot-air balloon will make your heart go boom, according to the many posts about Balloon Aloft and Beyond Ballooning on Instagram. You need to be an early riser as the team meet passengers around 6am in winter, but they say it's the most beautiful part of the day, drifting over the vineyards stretched out below surrounded by the craggy mountain range.

Or, kick back in the Lovedale Bar & Grill and enjoy beautiful brews from Sydney Brewery at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. 

This post was created by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.