Taste of Lovedale
March 21, 2026
10am to 4pm
Taste of Lovedale is an event that brings together local Lovedale wineries, restaurants, gourmet produce vendors, musicians & locals arts & crafts in a casual, vibrant, market-style community setting. Think of it as a traditional Country Fair…with beautiful Lovedale wine & food!
Taste of Lovedale will offer a great day out with delicious food & wine for the whole family and will be pet friendly too. Food & wine masterclasses will be run throughout the day, and a multitude of entertainment offerings for kids including petting zoo, fun slides for kids, fairy floss, and face painting.
Tastings & Produce
On arrival, visitors will show their pre-purchased ticket or buy an entry ticket at the gate (entrance via Wilderness Road only) and receive a Taste of Lovedale card with 5 included wine tastings (5x30ml wine) or beer tastings and a Taste of Lovedale souvenir wine glass.
All 5 of included tastings (30ml) may be exchanged for a glass of wine (150ml) once only, at any winery stall.
There will be over 15 Lovedale wineries present on the day for you to taste their wines.
Delicious Dining & Exciting Exhibits
There will be wonderful local food available on the day. Delicious seafood penne (suggested wine match Rose) or Slow braised lamb with rosemary roasted potatoes, matched with local Shiraz.
Different dietary requirements including GF & vegetarian will be catered for and kids meals will be available like hotdogs, chicken & chips and penne. There will also be a coffee van with small muffins/cakes and drinks.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses will return in 2026, with plenty of educational and exciting workshops running throughout the day in the Wandin Pavilion (in a dedicated area) and will cost from between $15-30 per person.
Please stay tuned for more information.
Kid’s Corner
We will have a fabulous array of entertainment options for kids of all ages including a cuddly petting zoo, fun slides & activities for kids, fairy floss, & face painting.
Kids’ Corner is generously sponsored by Cessnock City Council. We thank them for their generous community based & family focused sponsorship.
Pet Friendly
As a truly family friendly day out, we don’t want you to have to leave your fur baby behind! Bring them along and enjoy the family experience together. Many of our cellar doors are pet friendly!
Live Music
Isabella McGavin is a Hunter valley local. Belle devoured singing lessons in the grassroots city of Newcastle & by age 12 was busking with her guitar & singing professionally. A captivating voice of power & intimacy. An intriguing mix of whisper & soul mama. Belle will be playing the Taste of Lovedale afternoon session from 1pm to 4pm (with 15min set breaks per hour).
Live Music
Good Corn Liquor are a country, bluegrass & blues band originally hailing from Gunnedah NSW. The Good Corn Liquor (duo of Ben Murphy & Ben McCauley) will be setting our morning Taste of Lovedale vibes, playing from 10am to 1pm (with 15min set breaks per hour).
Buy Your Ticket
Adult tickets $30.00
Child tickets $10.00
A family ticket of $75.00 will be available in advance online. This ticket will comprise 2 x adult tickets ($60 value) and up to 3 children tickets ($30 value), ie. $90 ticket value for $75.00 paid.
This discounted ticket will not be available at the gate on the day. All prices inclusive of GST
Tickets for the 2026 event on sale soon.
FAQs
Do I need to purchase a ticket?
Yes, tickets are available to purchase online ahead of the event or individually on the day. Please note, family passes must be pre-purchased.
Parking
Parking will be available via Wilderness Road entry only, this is the near vehicular entry to the Cricket Pavilion. Parking marshals will be onsite to direct vehicles on the day. Licensed security personnel will be at both Wilderness & Talga Road vehicular entrances. Vehicles trying to enter via Talga will be redirected to Wilderness Road.
Weather & Cancellation Policy
The event will go ahead rain, hail or shine! However, the LCC organising committee reserve the right to make the decision to cancel the event in the event of unforeseen circumstances or natural disaster &/or the best interest of participants & attendees. In this instance, ticketholders will be advised as soon as possible regarding refund process.
Can I BYO?
No alcohol can be taken into the event, we have plenty of Hunter Valley wine to enjoy! Tasting token’s can be redeemed to sample wine and beer at your chosen vendor. Additional tasting tokens can be purchased.
Are children and pets allowed?
Yes children are welcome to the festival. We also welcome well behaved furry friends but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Interested in Participating?
Are you a fellow Lovedale local business looking to participate in our Taste of Lovedale events? Find out more information and register your stand today.