Thirty Years of Family, Food and Fine Wine
- Liane Morris
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
The Deck Café and Gartelmann Wines have long been one of the Hunter Valley’s most recognisable and beloved destinations.
Instantly identifiable by the iconic magpie sculpture perched proudly at the entrance on Lovedale Road, the estate has become synonymous with relaxed hospitality, quality food and wine, and a true sense of welcome. Now, as Gartelmann Wines celebrates five years under the ownership of Matt Dillow and looks ahead to its 30th anniversary in 2026, there has never been a better time to revisit this Lovedale landmark.
Owned and operated by Dillow - chef, restaurateur, Managing Director of Gartelmann Wines and President of the Lovedale Business Chamber, the estate is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, people and place come together. What began as a café and boutique cellar door has evolved into a multi-layered Hunter Valley experience that continues to grow while staying true to its roots.
Dillow has been at the helm of The Deck Café for more than 13 years and purchased Gartelmann Wines in 2020 from founders Jan and Jorg Gartelmann, who established the winery in 1996. Five years on, Dillow is proud of how far the business has come and deeply conscious of the legacy he is continuing to build.
“I bought their dream,” Matt says.
“I’m incredibly proud to keep that legacy alive and to build on what Jan and Jorg created. We’ve maintained the family-naming tradition for the wines and added my family members to the growing list. Everything we do is about respect - for the people who came before us, for our team, and for the guests who walk through the gates.”
That sense of history will be front and centre this year as Gartelmann Wines celebrates its 30th anniversary. A major highlight will be the unveiling of a brand-new magpie sculpture. Created by original artist Chris Fussell, who has come out of retirement especially for the occasion, it will be a giant magpie in full flight. The artwork will honour the original sculpture commissioned by Jorg Gartelmann in 1996 and symbolise the winery’s ongoing evolution.
Providing a genuine Hunter Valley experience that the whole family can enjoy has always been central to Matt’s vision.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is serve people good food and wine and join them in having fun,” he says.
“Make good food and fabulous wines part of everyday life.”
That philosophy carries through to the winery itself, where Operations Manager Jimmy Smith continues to guide Gartelmann Wines through a period of exciting growth. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Jimmy oversees every aspect of production and has helped expand the range by introducing new varietals, regions, and styles, while maintaining the winery’s signature approachability.
“It’s going to be a big year,” Matt says.
“We’ll be hosting more events than usual and taking Gartelmann out to our members as well, with dinners and tastings planned for Sydney, Brisbane and other locations up the east coast. I’ll be cooking at some of them myself,” Matt says.
At the heart of the estate, The Deck Café continues to thrive. Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, the café’s popular tapas-style menu draws locals and visitors alike, with Sunday mornings regularly welcoming up to 280 guests. The focus remains on generous, approachable food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with breads, sauces and pastas still made onsite.
The café has become a go-to venue for family gatherings, celebrations and community events, and that family-friendly ethos extends well beyond the plate. The expansive grounds feature gardens, open spaces, and an ever-popular collection of farm animals, including chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and the much-loved alpacas, making it a destination that caters to all ages.
“We’re creating wines that are palate-pleasing and food-friendly,” Jimmy explains.
“They have the complexity to win awards, but they’re also immediately approachable with great balance and no need to cellar them for years.”
That approach has paid off, with Gartelmann Wines recently awarded the trophy for Best 2024 Chardonnay at the 2025 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show for the 2024 Lisa Reserve Chardonnay. New releases generating plenty of excitement include the 2025 Blanc de Blanc and the Rosé, both ideal summer wines, alongside a trio of recent arrivals: the 2023 Phillip Alexander Cabernet Merlot, the 2024 Gracie’s Ambrosia and the 2025 Janette Moscato.
The Phillip Alexander Cabernet Merlot is a blend of Rylstone Cabernet and Orange Merlot, while Gracie’s Ambrosia continues as a much-loved 50/50 blend of Semillon and Verdelho. The latest Janette Moscato marks a first for Gartelmann, made entirely from Hunter Valley fruit sourced from the Tinonee Vineyard in Broke.
The cellar door experience has also continued to evolve, with refreshed labels, updated spaces and new tasting options designed to encourage guests to linger a little longer. Alongside standard, extended and reserve tastings, visitors can enjoy blending masterclasses, build your- own charcuterie boards and a new Chocolate & Fortified Tasting, pairing Gartelmann fortified wines with bespoke chocolates from local chocolatier Donarch.
Beyond Lovedale, Matt’s food and wine adventures extend far and wide. His much-loved cooking classes, including Kids in the Kitchen, remain a fixture, while his domestic and international food tours continue to sell out. Upcoming destinations include Tasmania, Margaret River and South Australia, as well as overseas tours through France, Spain and Italy, with a return to Malta planned for 2027.
“I can only do this because of my incredible team,” Matt says. “I have two fantastic managers and two executive head chefs. My staff are my family, and our members are part of that family too.” That sentiment is echoed in Gartelmann’s thriving wine club, which has doubled in size over the past five years and enjoys exclusive access to new releases, events and experiences both at the winery and on the road.
As Gartelmann Wines looks ahead to its 30th anniversary, the message is clear: this is a business built on relationships, respect and a genuine love of hospitality. From milestone celebrations and awardwinning wines to family lunches with kids exploring the grounds, The Deck Café and Gartelmann Wines continue to offer a Hunter Valley experience that feels both special and warmly familiar.
If you’re looking for a place where legacy meets laid-back luxury and where you’ll always be welcomed like one of the family, Lovedale’s famous magpie is still ready to guide you in.
As Matt says, “come as friends, leave as family”. For more information, visit www.gartelmann.com.au and www.deckcafelovedale.com.au.
