Photo: Charlie Brewer / CC BY-SA 2.0
Welcome to the sweetest stop in the Hunter Valley: the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. This family-run chocolatier is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a behind-the-scenes look at artisan chocolate making. Housed in a charming cottage surrounded by manicured gardens, it’s a sensory delight from the moment you step through the door.
Highlights & What to See
- Chocolate Factory Viewing Window – Watch chocolatiers tempering, moulding and hand-painting pralines through the large glass window; it’s mesmerising and educational.
- Tasting Room – Sample an array of chocolates, from silky milk truffles to intense dark single-origin bars and quirky flavours like chilli and lemon myrtle. The friendly staff guide you through each bite.
- Chocolate-Covered Everything – Don’t miss the chocolate-dipped strawberries (seasonal), rocky road, and the legendary chocolate fudge – perfect for picnic supplies.
- Gift Shop – Stock up on beautifully packaged boxes, chocolate liqueurs, and cocoa-infused skincare. Great for souvenirs that won’t melt in the car.
- Outdoor Seating – Grab a coffee and a chocolate brownie to enjoy in the garden courtyard, a peaceful spot to recharge.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many samples you try and whether you linger in the garden. It’s a quick but satisfying stop that fits neatly into a morning or afternoon of winery hopping. Combine it with a cheese tasting at the nearby Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop for a perfect gourmet pairing.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants and the Hunter Valley Gardens just a short drive away.
- Lovedale – A quieter wine region with boutique wineries and the Lovedale Brewery, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
- Cessnock – The main town for accommodation, supermarkets and the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre.
- Hunter Valley Gardens – Ten themed gardens, a shopping village and seasonal events like the Christmas lights spectacular.
- Broke – A scenic drive through the Brokenback Range leads to this historic village with cellar doors and a country pub.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Hunter Valley Gardens — CassieShepherd / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Pokolbin — Sardaka ( talk ) 09:13, 15 December 2008 (UTC) / CC BY 3.0
- Lovedale — Martin Snicer Photography / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Cessnock — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Broke — Eva Rinaldi Celebrity Photographer / CC BY-SA 2.0