Picture row upon row of vineyards, luscious green paddocks and distant mountain ranges and you’ve got Lovedale, a pretty name for a very pretty place.

Considered warm and friendly, the cellar door experience here is generally very personalised, with owner/vignerons often around to pour you a glass of wine and have a chat.

There’s also some lovely cafes and restaurants in the area and a load of other activities to keep you occupied for the day or weekend.   For the foodies out there, be sure to visit Leaves & Fishes for a delicious lunch or dinner and stop by famous local cheesemaker, Binnorie Dairy, for a gourmet cheese tasting.  

Want more?  The area’s most notable event, the Lovedale Long Lunch, held in May each year sees a number of local chefs join forces with over a dozen Lovedale wineries for a progressive lunch and wine tasting. A great event for a weekend escape. 

If you’re planning a group trip, Lovedale has plenty of self-contained accommodation houses and is home to the large Crowne Plaza Resort.  If you’re after something a little more romantic however, there’s also a number of quiet and beautiful retreats, rustic cabins and cosy B&B options. 

While you’re hear, why not get a first-class view of the valley in a hot-air balloon, take an art or cooking class or go horseriding.