Lovedale opens its doors once again to provide a moveable feast of culinary delights matched with a selection of outstanding wines.

On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2009, guests will wine and dine their way around the select vineyards enjoying a glass of wine, gourmet food and fabulous entertainment and art.

Now in its 16th year, the Lovedale Long Lunch is a must for all food and wine lovers, with seven local wineries teaming up with seven of Lovedale's best restaurants to showcase the finest of their offerings.

The participants in the 2009 event are:

• Gartelmann Wines and Chez Pok Restaurant
  
• Tatler Wines and Tatler Tapas
  
• Allandale Winery and The Cellar Restaurant
  
• Wandin Valley Estate and BelPosto Cafe/Restaurant
  
• Sandalyn Estate and Red Salt Restaurant
  
• Warraroong Estate and IL Cacciatore Restaurant
  
• Emma's Cottage Vineyard and Amanda's Restaurant
  

It doesn't matter where you start and it doesn't matter where you finish. Firstly purchase your Lovedale commemorative tasting glass for $5 at any participating winery. Then choose a plate of gourmet cuisine provided by an impressive line-up of chefs, matched with a complimentary glass of the winemaker's specially selected wine, all for just $23! Delicious desserts and cheese platters for $8, fresh coffee and a host of other delights await you at every venue.

We provide the stylish and picturesque surroundings and all you 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!

Enjoy the Long Lunch with friends at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley have released some rates for their brand new three bedroom villas and existing two bedroom villas, making the weekend a bit more affordable for groups.

Groups of up to four can stay in a two bedroom villa from $490 per night ($570 including breakfast for four) while groups of up to six can stay in a three bedroom villa from per night ($710 including breakfast for six). With shuttle buses running regularly to and from the hotel, everyone is free to relax and enjoy the wineries' specialty wines.

"The Lovedale Long Lunch is one of the region's most popular events and we are finding more and more people are choosing to head up in groups," said Crowne Plaza General Manager, Thomas Tait.

"By offering these rates in our two and three bedroom villas, groups can now experience the weekend at a more affordable rate and with a lot more space and privacy to kick back and enjoy the quality time together."

For the rest of the weekend, the Crowne Plaza offers guests a range of recreational activities. Set amongst an 18-hole golf course, the hotel features a huge outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, gym and Tea Tree Spa.

For more information, visit the Lovedale Long Lunch website.