Lovedale

Wineries & cellar doors

The wine grapes grown in Lovedale range from the local classics of semillon, chardonnay and shiraz, to exciting alternative varieties such as barbera and tempranillo. This is the place to find boutique, family-run wineries with intimate cellar doors. You’ll often get to meet the winemaker themselves as you chat over a glass. Start at Gartelmann Wines, where all the styles are named after a family member, like the Brittany’s Blanc de Blanc. 

Domain de Binet blends traditional and new-age winemaking techniques to produce varietals you won’t find anywhere else in the Hunter Valley, while Capercaillie Wines celebrates its proud Scottish history in every bottle. At Adina Vineyard, you can sample their award-winning sparkling, white and red, then move on to the olive oil produced from their own olive grove. Stay for lunch at the on-site Emerson’s restaurant, serving contemporary Australian cuisine made from local ingredients. 

Emerson's Cafe and Restaurant, Lovedale

Other wineries in Lovedale include Wandin Estate, Tatler, Thirsty Palette, Stomp! Wines and Allandale, the perfect spot for a sunset drink overlooking the Brokenback Range. Visit the cellar doors yourself or take a wine tour with a difference on a three-wheeled motorbike with Hunter Trikes. 

Allandale Winery, Lovedale - Credit: Chris Elfes

Dining & local produce 

The deliciously popular Lovedale Long Lunch is a two-day festival in May, serving gourmet wonders from some of the region’s finest vineyards, including Gartelmann Wines, Saltire Estate, Emma’s Cottage, Sandalyn and Tatler. There is also plenty of local entertainment for a memorable weekend of foodie fun. 

The Deck Cafe at Gartlemann Wines is a picturesque spot for breakfast and lunch, with a large deck extending out over a dam. Leaves and Fishes is a stylish restaurant with a Balinese feel, serving an Asian-inspired menu featuring plenty of seafood. Restaurant Kawul at Calais Estate uses Australian native ingredients – sit down at the restaurant or get a picnic basket to take out into the vines. 

Gartelmann Wines - Credit: Gartelmann Wines Cellar Door Pty Ltd

For mouth-watering smoked and cured meats, visit Lovedale Smokehouse Gourmet Pantry, which has a cafe and courtyard with sweeping vineyard views. Lovers of chocolate will also find tempting treats at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Binnorie Dairy specialises in soft cheeses – watch the cheesemakers at work through the glass as you sample their wares. Pick up some new skills at the Major Lanes Cooking School, which specialises in Asian cookery.

Binnorie Dairy, Pokolbin

Things to do

Take your morning to new heights by watching a glorious sunrise in a hot air balloon high above the vineyards with Beyond Ballooning, followed by a champagne breakfast. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures also offer trail rides for beginners and advanced riders, with spectacular views of rolling wine country from the Molly Morgan Range. Tee off at the 18-hole Hunter Valley Golf Club, a championship course with many challenging holes. 

Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley

Where to stay

You’ll find many beautiful places to stay in Lovedale, from self-contained cottages to resorts and hotels like the sprawling Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. Unique accommodation options include the boathouses at Leaves & Fishes; Lillians on Lovedale, a country house modelled on a 1900s dairy farmhouse; and the onsite villas at Emma's Cottage, overlooking the vineyards.

Emma's Cottage Vineyard, Hunter Valley - Credit: Tim Pascoe Photography

Getting there

Lovedale is two hours’ drive north of Sydney and just under an hour from Newcastle. Trains also depart from Sydney for Maitland, Morriset and Singleton, where you can catch connecting buses to Wine Country. Or fly into Newcastle Airport and hire a car to explore.