The Lovedale Long Lunch 2025 returns on 17–18 May with two full days of exceptional food & wine and live entertainment across Hunter Valley’s most iconic wineries. This progressive lunch event invites food lovers to slow down and sample local dishes as they enjoy the relaxed social atmosphere. With award-winning wines, top chefs, and a picture-perfect setting, this is one of the must-visit gourmet getaways.
Everything you need to know about the Lovedale Long Lunch 2025
So, what is Lovedale Long Lunch, and why should you attend it? Well, this is a food and wine celebration like no other. The festival is deeply rooted in the local Hunter Valley culture and often attracts locals and visitors from different cities in and around Australia.
It is worth noting that the Lovedale Long Lunch is celebrating its 31st year, and this event remains one of the most anticipated things to do in Hunter Valley. Food lovers know this event for its collaborative setting, which brings together top regional chefs and wineries for a shared weekend of dining excellence.
Lovedale Long Lunch 2025 Get Ready for a Gourmet Getaway! (Image source: Internet)This annual event also hosts live bands. Saltire Estate, for instance, has a live band list comprising local musicians who are favourites among locals. Sharing the same stage are popular DJs playing hits from the 2000s to the latest House and Techno jams.
If you are visiting with friends, it is best to plan your travel in advance. Book your accommodation early (more on this in a later section), book a bus and get ready to make new friends and enjoy the best foods and wines of the Valley.
Where is the Lovedale Long Lunch?
Located just a two-hour drive from Sydney and easily accessible via Newcastle, the Lovedale Long Lunch Hunter Valley showcases the best of this wine-growing region. The event will be held in various vineyards located on Lovedale Road & Wilderness Road, which offers a beautiful escape surrounded by rolling vineyards and boutique estates. This event is one of the best times to visit Hunter Valley, so be sure that you will catch the region in full autumn bloom.
When is the Lovedale Long Lunch 2025?
If you are planning to attend this event, the Lovedale Long Lunch Dates are locked in for Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th 2025. Each day runs from 10 am to 4 pm, giving guests plenty of time to relax, dine, and explore. You can get the most out of your visit with a tailored Hunter Valley weekend trip itinerary.
How Much is the Lovedale Long Lunch?
While the Sunday-only tickets go for $79, Saturday-only passes cost $149, and the full weekend package is $190.
Keep in mind that the Lovedale Long Lunch tickets are already on sale, and each option features meals, dessert/cheese plates, and a souvenir wine glass. This culinary breakdown makes the event a great entry point into the Hunter Valley wine-tasting culture.
What’s included in the Lovedale Long Lunch event?
Before planning your trip to Lovedale, you may want to know what to expect. The Lovedale Long Lunch menu highlights fresh, local produce prepared by some of the region’s most skilled chefs. It includes slow-cooked meats, vegetarian plates, and desserts.
Participating vineyards include Saltire Estate, Emma’s Cottage, Tatler Wines, Wandin Valley, Allandale, and Gartelmann – each ranked among the best wineries for Lovedale Long Lunch. Whether you are a wine novice or a seasoned foodie, the long lunch Lovedale weekend promises a feast of flavour & fun. If you have some spare time, you can discover even more local delicacies at local Hunter Valley restaurants before or after the event.
Entertainment and activities
All the Lovedale Long Lunch wineries will host live music, with acts ranging from acoustic sets to jazz and upbeat DJ sessions. For easier planning, grab a Lovedale Long Lunch map and build a two-winery itinerary that balances food, wine, and entertainment. While still in town, explore family-friendly activities like hiking and food adventures. You will miss the Mega Creatures Hunter Valley (it ends on May 4th), but there are plenty of other fun things to do as a family.
Important things to note when attending the Lovedale Long Lunch
Are you wondering what to wear to Lovedale Long Lunch? The most important consideration is to ensure your Lovedale Long Lunch outfit is comfortable. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and a bag for your souvenir wine glass. If this event fits into your Hunter Valley for couple’s itinerary, you might need to pack more clothes to ensure you are fully prepared for the weather.
If you were to do some research on the best Lovedale Long Lunch dress code, you would find that most past attendees recommend smart casual. This is great, but the main goal here is to ensure you have weather-ready layers.
Besides checking the weather and dressing for the occasion, you also should plan how you will get to the various wineries. Provided you are in Lovedale, transport services to these venues are easy, thanks to the official Lovedale Long Lunch bus services running between all six wineries. Similarly, if you are arriving from Newcastle or organising Lovedale Long Lunch from Sydney, shuttle services and group buses to Lovedale Long Lunch are your best bet. Be sure to plan your Lovedale Long Lunch transport in advance to get the most out of your weekend.
Hermitage Lodge – Cosy accommodation in Hunter Valley.
After exploring Lovedale and enjoying your time at the Lovedale Long Lunch, you want to retire to a comfortable home away from home. Luckily for you, you can easily access Hermitage Lodge, located approximately 9.3 kilometres (8 minutes) west of Lovedale.
Thanks to its strategic location, this Lovedale Long Lunch accommodation is just minutes from participating vineyards. The estate offers picturesque vineyard views, modern suites, and an on-site Italian restaurant. Hermitage Lodge is popular among solo travellers, couples, and groups because it offers a wide range of amenities and accommodation options.
Before you visit Lovedale, contact us to explore our Lovedale Long Lunch packages for 2025. If you are visiting with your partner, you can request our specialty Hunter Valley romantic accommodation package, and we would be glad to help.
