Delight in Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese tastings

Elevate pure liquid gold with the finest Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese experiences.

Milk and cookies. Beer and burgers. Coffee and cake. To me, drinks taste better washed down with their ultimate counterparts. In NSW’s bountiful Hunter Valley, a wine stop is more fulfilling when chased with a generous dollop of dessert. From silky smooth chocolate, crafted here and throughout Europe, to impossible-to-resist cheeses, my two most beloved treats always compliment a long, hard day of winery hopping. Here, I round up the most delicious Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese retailers, tastings and experiences to keep the indulgences flowing.

In short

If you only try one Hunter Valley chocolate or cheese experience, make it Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. I can’t count how many afternoon cheese platters this place has facilitated over my years as its gigantic range always provides something new to try.

1. Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory

artisan chocolates at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company — Slip into chocolate heaven at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

No visit to the Hunter Valley is complete without sampling the silky-smooth goodness these guys have churned out for decades. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory delivers truffles, pralines, fluffy fudge, and much more, and I can never get get enough of it. You can devour it all at their main store and also at Petersons House, one of the Hunter Valley’s best wineries, where the operation extends its edible art. The menu never ceases to amaze me: blocks, bark, bars, brittles – you name it, they nail it. My top recommendations include their chocolate-coated pretzels, chocolate-coated coffee beans and milk chocolate macadamias, but if my list sounds snoozy, things get far crazier in the kitchen. Dark chocolate ginger, anyone?

Address: 2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, and you can sample more at Peterson House, cnr Broke and Branxton Rds, Pokolbin

2. Cocoa Nib

Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolates, Hunter Valley — Cocoa Nib’s chocolates come in a range of vivid colours. (Image: Destination NSW)

What started as a passion project for pastry chef Aymee Slaviero at Newcastle’s Olive Tree Markets has blossomed into two shopfronts, one of which I never miss during a visit to the Hunter Valley. Selling exquisite handmade creations out of a flagship store at Keith Tulloch Wine, in the heart of wine country, Cocoa Nib ’s founder crafts some of the most splendid sweets in the entire region (her other shop is at Newcastle’s Junction Fair shopping centre). The Hunter Valley chocolate stalwart utilises a premium French couverture (that translates to fancy chocolate) to whip up Cocoa Nib’s crowd favourite – melt-in-your-mouth artisan bonbons splashed Jackson Pollock-style with vivid colour – and an array of other beautiful bites. Tarts, barks, bags of coconut rough, peanut brittle, honeycomb and so many more are just heavenly.

Address: Keith Tulloch Wine, 989 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

3. Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

Smelly Cheese Shop, Hunter Valley — Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop offers a smorgasbord of gooey goodness. (Image: Destination NSW)

My favourite, a smorgasbord of the world’s finest cheeses, Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is a non-negotiable every time I’m in town. Built with legitimate fromageries and filled with a larger range than most other Hunter Valley cheese retailers, the titans opened their doors in Pokolbin Village in 2004 and continue to draw tourists from across the globe. I drop in to stack my charcuterie with the likes of blue (particularly the sharp yet melty Saint Agur), cheddar, hard and unavoidable soft varieties including Fromager d’Affinois in all its pudgy, buttery goodness. Cured meats, top-notch olives, pastes, tapenades, pâtés and other delicious platter accompaniments are also found.

Address: Shop 3, Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

4. Gelato and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Peterson House

wine and gelato at Peterson House, Pokolbin — Gelato pairs perfectly with sparkling wine. (Image: Destination NSW)

I loved Peterson House for its easy-to-sip bubbles long before I learned of its Gelato and Sparkling Wine Tasting, but the cellar door addition is now one of my highlights. Extending the giddy fun of this well-trodden Hunter Valley establishment (it’s one of the first wine country stops when you’re coming in from the Pacific Highway), the experience pairs four of its sparkling wines with four gelato flavours sourced from a nearby supplier. It’s priced at $35 per person and I love that you can book it any day of the week. Visitors with dietary requirements should note that the team can’t cater to anybody but full cream milk devotees.

Address: Cnr Broke Rd and Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin

5. Pokolbin Chocolate Company

Once I’ve stocked up on savoury, I’m a sucker for next door’s sweets. The Pokolbin Chocolate Company houses an impressive collection of Hunter Valley chocolate and it’s one door down from Smelly Cheese. Putting smiles on dials for more than two decades, these chocoholics sell a beautiful range of hand-painted Belgian chocolates, gooey fudge, jams and chutneys, chocolate-dipped fruits and nuts, classics like rocky road and truffles, and seasonal specials. They’ve also got an unusual range of sweet teas, including flavours like Berry Cocktail and Citrus Punch.

Address: Next door to Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

6. Sabor Dessert Bar

After winning my heart through their original Hunter Valley Dessert Bar in Lovedale, Sabor Dessert Bar on Broke Road’s Lambloch Estate cemented itself as my go-to sweet pastry hero. Growing their inventive desserts to a menu filled with 50+ creations, these local wizards are renowned for their award-winning Portuguese Chocolate Mousse plus other Instagram-friendly showstoppers. Don’t miss the glistening Green Apple Royale or the Flaming Choc Caramel Brownie, which you can savour on-site in a large seating area or take away for at-home indulgence. They also offer a tasting plate of favourites and a kids’ menu for the littlest of visitors. Large groups are welcome as set menus and packages are available with seven days’ notice.

Address:  2342 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

7. Hunter Valley Cheese Factory Co

cheese tasting at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory — Pop in for a tasting paired with wine, chocolate, olives and preserves. (Image: Destination NSW)

The much-adored Hunter Valley Cheese Factory Co is a great pit-stop while visiting McGuigan Wines on McDonalds Road. It churns out its own seasonal handcrafted ranges that span a wonderful washed rind, cheddar, gorgonzola, brie, goat’s cheese and more. You can pop in for various tastings paired with wine, chocolate, olives and preserves, or shake up your visit entirely by booking a small batch cheesemaking workshop, priced at $200 per guest, that includes eight matching beverage samples. Better still, you’ll take two self-crafted cheeses home with you to share (begrudgingly) with your people.

Address: 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

8. Binnorie Dairy

Binnorie Dairy, Pokolbin — Binnorie Dairy boasts a range of award-winning cheese. (Image: Destination NSW)

Famed for its ultra-creamy, completely irresistible labna and multi-award-winning marinated feta, Binnorie Dairy is always a good idea. The Hunter Valley cheese pit-stop was opened by cheesemaker Simon Gough in 2003 after he’d spent significant time making the good stuff in Europe and the Yarra Valley. His Hunter Valley operation is home to so many indulgences including those said superstars, plus goat’s cheeses, washed rinds, one exceptional triple cream brie and homemade sweet treats. Drop in to see the team hard at work through a viewing window or grab a table on the deck to stare lazily at your gorgeous surroundings.

Address: 25 Lodge Rd, Lovedale

9. Hunter Belle Dairy Co.

Jason and Annie Chesworth, a pair of passionate dairy farmers, bring a wealth of experience to their Hunter Belle Dairy Co. cheese room. A family business passed down by Jason’s parents, Geoff and Tania, who still work on the retail side of things, it’s home to a busy deli, bar and cafe on Broke Road. House-made bries, cheddars, yoghurts, fetas and more are too tempting to resist, plus there’s picnic packs to take advantage of, and cheese and fudge tastings. There’s also plenty of lush grass to laze upon if you choose the picnic route and you’re right next to the vines, so every vantage point is quintessentially Hunter Valley.

Address: 1616 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

10. Fat Cow Hunter Valley

A gorgeous timber lodge overlooking the vines, Fat Cow Hunter Valley is a haven for gooey, more-is-more indulgence. While their famed cheese boards are best enjoyed on the deck with a glass of wine, what I love about this spot is its family-friendly attitude as kids are also offered their own ‘Chocolate Dipping Board’, priced at $15 and loaded with marshmallows, lollies, fruit and dippy chocolate. Don’t let your little ones have all the fun, however, as an on-site gelato fridge provides the perfect chaser once all the cheese is devoured.

Address: 16 Pokolbin Mountains Rd, Pokolbin

11. Chocolate Escape Room at Sutton Estate

Inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Sutton Estate Hunter Valley’s Chocolate Escape Room is unlike any other chocolate-tasting experience I’ve ever seen in wine country. Locked in a room, you’ve got 60 minutes to work through a series of puzzles and uncover your exit, and the best bit? Those puzzles involve a little chocolate tasting. Five unique tastings are included in each session, which costs $60 per person (but the price goes down to $50 per person if you’re bringing in between five and 10 guests). While you’re on-site, electric bike hire, axe throwing and a smash room (where you can safely swing at random objects to unleash your inner beast) also invite family-friendly fun.

Address: 381 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin

12. Wine and chocolate pairings

While they’re better known for fermenting over tempering, a solid lineup of Hunter Valley wineries offers irresistible sweets alongside famed drops.

Pokolbin Estate roll out a very popular Wine Paddle (I was surrounded by tables full of them during a recent visit) stacked with samples and one of two choices: five chocolates or five cheeses. Expect 30ml wine samplers and tasting notes, but what I love about this Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese experience is you don’t need to book — walk-ins are catered for right away. It costs $26 and lasts for 45 minutes.

Extras

Glandore Estate Wines, Pokolbin — Glandore Estate Wines offers a delicious chocolate and wine pairing experience. (Image: Time Out)

Tulloch Wines stages a 45-minute wine tasting of five drops paired with five local handmade chocolates, priced from $35 per person.

Wild Wren Wines do a wine and chocolate pairing that lasts for one hour and costs $30 per person. You’ll be treated to six wine samples and four unique chocolates.

Binet Family Wines offer a wine and chocolate tasting that costs about $45 per person and includes four to five wine samples that are each served with Cocoa Nib’s signature bonbons.

Glandore Wines do a one-hour chocolate and wine pairing priced at $40 per person. It includes six wine samples and handmade Adora chocolates to match.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

A foodie’s guide to the divine Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese trail