From both of us here in Sydney, we would like to wish you all a safe and happy Easter. We’d love to hear what you got up to this weekend, so comment or share a photo below.
We have a four (4) day long weekend here in Australia and usually, many will take advantage of any public holiday by getting out of the city – including us.
Moe and I decided to take a day trip two hours north of Sydney to wine country New South Wales (NSW): Hunter Valley. This time, however, we decided to stay away from touristy Pokolbin and opted for Lovedale.
Lovedale is one of the five main regions of what is known as Hunter Valley Wine Country. Whilst still attracting a healthy number of tourists, as a first timer to this region, I found Lovedale to be more relaxing and cellar door staff were more personable, who took their time explaining their wine offerings. If you love boutique wines, Lovedale is a place to add to your itinerary.
I’m not going to recommend any specific wines as everyone’s palate is different. Out of the three (cellar door) vineyards we visited, our pick of the day is Gartelmann Winery. We especially loved their award-winning 2012 Petit Verdot and 2014 Sarah Elizabeth Chardonnay. A special shout-out to Robyn who was very helpful and provided really good recommendations around the Lovedale area. Robyn if you’re reading this, we couldn’t find any last minute accommodation.
Savannah Estate was our second stop. I had to fight the urge to say ‘Savannah’ in a southern accent! It was a brief stopover for us as there was a fairly large group in there.
The weather also started to let up which made the next stop a perfect lunch stop.
Emma’s Cottage Vineyard was a surprise find. Not many vineyards in Australia offer the famous Eiswein – a must try here at Emma’s. However, the stand-out for us was their exquisite lunch menu at their onsite restaurant, Emma’s of Lovedale (Tip#1: Book a table outside). Their Bavarian Pan (aged scotch fillet) was absolutely delectable. We were looking forward to tasting their famous Crepes Suzette flambéed at the table, however, it wasn’t on the lunch menu (Tip#2: This is only served during dinner service so make sure you book a table). The staff here were so attentive and a shout-out goes out to Terese at the cellar door who gave us an in-depth background on winemaker David Hook’s specialty wines.

Entree: Seared sea scallops with grilled chorizo, prosciutto crumb and a saffron lemon jelly | Main: Bavarian Pan –
Aged scotch fillet, sliced and coated with a milder mustard, cream and herb sauce accompanied by “Bratkartoffeln” (pan fried potatoes with speck and diced onion) | Wines: 2014 Emma’s Cottage Rose & 2010 Emma’s Cottage Shiraz
…and finally a quick caffeine fix at Emerson’s Cafe & Restaurant before the drive back home. Plus, what’s Easter without a chocolate fix to boot!

Emerson’s Cafe & Restaurant at Adina Wines | Chocolate delice, doughnut, crumble and house made chocolate ice cream
UPCOMING EVENT: Lovedale Long Lunch | 16-17 May 2015
For more information, click here.
Hey there!
Love your blog and have just nominated you for the Premio Dardos award. You can check it out here:
http://lifestylecounter.com/2015/04/06/premio-dardos-award/
Have a great day (& week)!
XOXO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Christiana! How are you? THANK YOU so much for nominating my blog – I feel very honoured indeed. Seeing as I’ve been nominated previously, I will update my Premio Dardos post (http://rheacollections.com/2015/01/22/premio-dardos-award-nominee/) & link your blog as well. Loved your post by the way & also your blog =)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fitting place to be on an Easter Sunday. Happy Easter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was & I wish I lived on a vineyard hehe Happy Easter too! What did you end up doing?
LikeLike
I couldn’t remember exactly what I did but I think I worked. shame on me haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very very cool post. Good photos, great words, great time!!
cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you =))) How’s your day going?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two words: Yellow Tail. Do you know it? Their “bubbly” is great…and inexpensive.
LikeLiked by 1 person