Hunter Valley Wine Country News
17th Annual Lovedale Long Lunch
Written by: HVWCT, 12 Apr 2010
Once again food and wine lovers will be flocking to the Hunter Valley for the 17th annual Lovedale Long Lunch on May 15th & 16th 2010. Seen as the biggest regional food and wine event in NSW, event organisers hope to match last years numbers and attract in excess of 18,000 visitors over the event weekend.
Lovedale opens its doors to provide a moveable feast of culinary delights matched with a selection of outstanding wines. The Lovedale Long Lunch is a progressive-type lunch where visitors wine and dine their way around the seven participating Lovedale wineries over the weekend enjoying a glass of wine, gourmet food, fabulous music and art.
When: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May 2010 - 10am to 4pm
Where: Hosts of the 2010 event include:
Tatler Wines + Tatler Tapas
Gartelmann Hunter Estate + Chez Pok Restaurant
Wandin Valley Estate + BelPosto Café/Restaurant
Sandalyn Wilderness Estate + Red Salt Restaurant
Swish Wine @ Warraroong Estate + The Verandah Restaurant
Emma’s Cottage Vineyard + Amanda’s Restaurant
Allandale Winery + The Cellar Restaurant
It doesn’t matter where you start and it doesn’t matter where you finish. Firstly visitors must purchase a Lovedale commemorative tasting glass and meal package for $42 at any participating winery, minimum requirement for entry into the event. The package includes the glass, a meal ticket and a dessert/cheese ticket which are transferable between wineries. Next choose a plate of gourmet cuisine provided by an impressive line-up of chefs which is matched with a complimentary glass of the winemaker’s specially selected wine. Delicious desserts and cheese platters, fresh coffee and a host of other delights await visitors at every venue. Additional meal tickets can be purchased at each venue.
The Lovedale Long Lunch is going green. In 2009 the events 7 restaurants served over 20,000 meals. The water and energy used to wash the crockery and cutlery will be reduced by 100% in 2010 with the introduction of biodegradable and compostable plates and cutlery. EATware products are 100 percent all-natural, made with annually renewable fibres such as bamboo and sugar cane pulp, starch and water, and no chemical additives.
Visitors are encouraged not to drive with several travel options available. Rover Coaches, the events official travel provider offer coach packages from several Hunter locations and a shuttle bus service between event wineries. Over 250 privately organised bus groups are expected, transporting visitors safely around the event and home again. Many visitors choose to stay for the weekend in the large range of Wine Country accommodation ranging from budget to breathtaking.
Lovedale provides the stylish and picturesque surroundings and all visitors need to do is enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of what is the most exciting food and wine event in NSW. Eat, drink, dance and most of all have fun!
Please visit www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au for information on “How to Long Lunch”, menus, wine, live entertainment and art.
For further event information, images or media passes please contact Tanya Henzell-Harvey at Allandale Winery on 02 4990 4526 or email lunch@lovedalelonglunch.com.au
