Hunter Valley Cheese Company

Just a short drive from the vineyards, the Hunter Valley Cheese Company is a must-visit for food lovers exploring the region. Housed in a rustic stone building surrounded by grazing pastures, this artisan cheesemaker offers a sensory journey into the world of handcrafted cheese. The air is filled with the earthy aroma of aging cheese, and the tasting room invites you to sample award-winning bries, blues, cheddars, and washed-rind cheeses. It’s a perfect pit stop to stock up for a picnic among the vines or to simply indulge in a platter paired with local wines.

Highlights & What to See

• Cheese Tasting Platter: Sample a curated selection of six to eight cheeses, from creamy triple-cream brie to tangy vintage cheddar, often paired with local condiments and crackers.
• Dairy Tour: Join a behind-the-scenes tour (book ahead) to see the cheese-making process up close, from curdling to aging, and learn about traditional techniques.
• Cheese & Wine Matching: Discover how different cheeses complement Hunter Valley semillon and shiraz – the staff offer expert pairing advice.
• Farm Shop: Browse the shelves for cheese wheels, gift packs, and local artisan products like olive oil and honey.
• Outdoor Seating: On fine days, grab a seat on the verandah overlooking the paddocks and enjoy your platter with a glass of wine from the adjoining cellar door.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed tasting and a browse of the shop. If you plan to do the dairy tour, add another 45 minutes. The experience works well as a mid-morning or afternoon stop, breaking up a day of wine tasting. Many visitors combine it with a leisurely lunch at the on-site café or a picnic in the adjacent park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin: The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants, and the Hunter Valley Gardens just 10 minutes away.
• Lovedale: A quieter wine sub-region with boutique cellar doors and the Lovedale Long Lunch events.
• Broke: Known for its scenic vineyards and horse-riding trails, about 20 minutes north.
• Maitland: A historic town with heritage buildings, markets, and the Maitland Gaol, a 15-minute drive south.
• Newcastle: A vibrant coastal city with beaches, a thriving food scene, and the iconic Nobbys Head, about 45 minutes east.

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