Hunter Valley Cheese And Chocolate

Hunter Valley Cheese And Chocolate is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for artisan dairy. This dual-purpose shop in Pokolbin combines a boutique cheese factory with a chocolate-making kitchen, offering tastings that showcase the region's finest produce. It's a perfect pit stop between wineries, where you can sample handcrafted cheeses like vintage cheddar, brie, and blue, paired with award-winning chocolates made from Belgian couverture. The friendly staff guide you through the flavours, and you can buy blocks, gift packs, or even cheese-making kits to take home.

Highlights & What to See

• Cheese Tasting Platters – Sample a curated selection of local cheeses, from creamy camembert to sharp vintage cheddar, often paired with fruit pastes and crackers.
• Chocolate Factory – Watch chocolatiers at work through the viewing window, then indulge in handmade truffles, chocolate bars, and chocolate-coated honeycomb.
• Chocolate & Cheese Pairing – Try the signature pairing of dark chocolate with blue cheese – a surprisingly harmonious combination that highlights the region's artisan skills.
• Gourmet Gift Shop – Stock up on picnic supplies: cheese wedges, olive oils, relishes, and locally made fudge. Perfect for a self-drive hamper.
• Free Tastings – Generous samples of both cheese and chocolate are offered, so you can explore flavours before buying.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to an hour for a relaxed tasting and browse. It's an ideal quick stop – you can easily pop in between cellar door visits. If you're on a self-drive tour of the Hunter Valley, schedule this as a mid-morning or afternoon treat. For a more immersive experience, join a cheese-making workshop (check availability in advance). Most visitors combine it with a nearby winery lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with dozens of cellar doors, including Lindeman's and McGuigan, plus the Hunter Valley Gardens.
• Broke – A quieter wine sub-region known for boutique vineyards and scenic drives, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
• Lovedale – Another wine district with excellent restaurants and craft breweries, just a short drive from the cheese shop.
• Mount View – Offers panoramic valley views and premium wineries like Mount View Estate, perfect for sunset photos.
• Wollombi – A historic village with a charming pub and art galleries, about 30 minutes south – worthwhile for a detour into the valley's convict past.

Please check official sources for current details.