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 the Branxton road, you turn left into Pokolbin or right into Lovedale. 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 nine to choose from including Wandin Valley, Sandalyn, Rothbury Ridge, Allandale, and Gartelmann that has been producing for more than 30 years. These are boutique wineries that give the impression that every visitor is a welcome surprise. There's a range of cafes and restaurants including Cafe Crocodile within James Davern's Wandin Valley estate. As the name suggests, the owner was a producer of TV's A Country Practice. On a sunny day, brunch while sitting in the shade at Mojo's restaurant is about as good as it gets. 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 those who'd like to return home with more than just a car boot-full of wine, La Cucina Regionale d'Italia is a cooking school in the heart of Lovedale where Italian skills are taught in hands-on classes.
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. Hunter Valley Ballooning operates at dawn when the air is normally quite still and after a few hours of tranquil aviation, staff and passengers may retire to Mojo's for brunch.
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 $5 souvenir wineglass at any of the participating Lovedale wineries, then choose a plate of gourmet cuisine ($17.50) provided by some of the Hunter Valley's most talented chefs. This was accompanied with a complimentary glass of the winemaker's specially selected premium wine. Delicious desserts ($7), local cheeses ($7), fresh coffee ($2) and a host of other delights were also available at every venue. 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.
Spend a night at one of the Peppers' properties and enjoy a complimentary breakfast when you book with your NRMA Member Card. Find out more...
If you do plan on visiting over this weekend its important to book early. This event has proven to be very popular over the past few years and accommodation in the surrounding areas sells out many weeks in advance.
Mary, Maitland.
4WD
