hunter valley cheese factory tour

Cheese Tasting Hunter Valley | A guide to plan your cheese tour

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

If you love tasting artisan cheese and happen to visit Sydney , Hunter Valley is the closest destination to fulfil your dream. Hunter Valley is home to over five of the best artisan cheese manufacturers that can be found in Sydney. If you are really into cheese, you can arrange a cheese talk with one of the Hunter Valley cheese shops. Many day tour operators in Sydney offer Hunter Valley cheese tasting tours , cheese, and wine pairing tours, and cheese-making tours. Below is a brief guide on how to choose the best cheese shops on your Hunter Valley wine tour from Sydney. It is essential to learn the five cornerstone elements of cheese tasting before you participate in any cheese tour. Below are our best tips from Sydney Private Tours to appreciate cheese on a cheese tasting tour .

Five cornerstone words in cheese-tasting

You need to appreciate the beauty of the masterpiece before you taste it. The eye is one of the sensory elements and lets it observe the colour of the paste and rind. These visual clues elevate your tasting buds.

Give a good sniff before you do a cheese tasting . Subsequently, can you recall any food you tasted previously? Maybe it smells like the favourite flower you like. How about smelling notes of roasted nuts or vegetables? Try to describe the aroma by using your own vocabulary.

Give a gentle squeeze and feel the cheese. Can you feel a crumbly texture? Or is it elastic? Or you may think it’s best to use a spread with toasties.

Yap… we all waiting for this. Cheese tasting at one of the shops at Hunter Valley . Take a bite and press the cheese against the roof of your mouth. Try to link back to previous sensory elements . Let it rest a few seconds in your mouth before you gulp it. Let to emerge flavours in your mouth.

Now you have basic knowledge of how to appraise a cheese. Now time to pair your cheese with an accompaniment or a beverage. Cheese and wine pairing? Ideally the best. However, there are many other options you can try. Cheese and crackers, cheese and grapes, cheese and olives, cheese and cured meat, and cheese and honey are a few other accompaniments you can try at the Hunter Valley cheese-tasting tour.

Types of cheese you can taste at Hunter Valley

Hard cheese.

As the name explains, the hardest and drier cheese in the family. These cheeses come with heavily sharper flavours and more pungent aromas. Some of the common hard cheeses include Parmigiano-Reggiano, Edam, and Gruyere.

Semi-hard cheese is made in wheels or blocks and a couple of common varieties are Red Wax Gouda and Emmental.

Washed-rind

Washed rind is one of the cheese varieties you can taste in the Hunter Valley. Washed rind and ripen from outside to in by assistance of mould. In the process of making washed rind, usually, the cheese is bathed in or brushed with brine. These brines can be beer, wine, and any other solution as recipes of cheesemongers. The common washed-rind variations are Limburger and Appenzeller and are usually an excellent pair to full-bodied wine .

Soft and creamy cheese with visible blue veins throughout. Blue cheese is packed with distinct sharpness and tangy taste.

Which shops to choose on cheese tasting Hunter Valley?

There are a few different artisan cheese manufacturers and shops in Hunter Valley and below is a brief introduction to them.

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

A family-owned business in Hunter Valley and led by cheese expert Rosalie. Up to our knowledge, Hunter Cheese co is the oldest in the region and was established in 1995. The offering from Hunter Valley cheese factory includes five cheese tasting, cheese, olive & regional preserves, and lunch-tasting platters. The prices of these can vary from 8 to 15 Australian dollars. Apart from in-store cheese tasting at Hunter Valley, they offer online shipping too. Please contact them for more information. If you take a day trip to Hunter Valley from Sydney and the shop is in the corner of McDonald’s road and Mercure hotel. The shop is open daily; however, it can be quite busy during the summer months.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese shop

Another oldest and most well-established artisan cheese manufacturer in Hunter Valley. The smelly cheese shop is not only famous for its cheese but also gelato. The gelato from Hunter Smelly Cheese Shop is well accoladed. They won recent appreciation, such as Gelato Maker of the year in 2005. Smelly cheese shop adds an overwhelming cheese-tasting experience to any traveller by offering local and international cheese varieties. For example, Viking Danish Blue from Denmark, Gorgonzola from Italy are a few of those. The cheese shops are located in the Roche estate complex and are usually open from 10 am to 5 pm. However, we advise you to contact them in advance before making a cheese-tasting tour to Hunter Valley.

Binnorie Dairy

Binnorie is a fairly young cheesemonger to Hunter valley in comparison to Smelly cheese and Hunter cheese co. Opened in 2003 and soon after that, they were able to establish a good reputation in Hunter. An artisan cheese factory located in the Lovedale area of Hunter Valley. Many travellers on a Hunter Valley cheese-tasting tour miss this shop as it’s situated away from McDonald’s and Broke road. These two roads are most travelled by Hunter Valley Wine Tours and Lovedale, not the favorite as it needs a quick detour from wine country drive. Labana, marinated fetta, ripe brie, and washed rind are most famous with Binnorie Dairy.

Hunter Belle cheese room

Owns by the Chesworth family and one of the cheese shops in Hunter Valley won several medals from the Royal Sydney Diary show. Their range of cheese includes soft, hard, blue, and club cheddar. The other facilities offer by Hunter Belle are wedding cake cheese towers and on-site cafe.

Health benefits from cheese tasting

Cheese recognized as one of the most nutritionally completed food in the world. Surely, that’s the first point you can justify a tour to Hunter Valley for cheese tasting. Cheese is an excellent source of proteins, peptides, and amino acids. It also contains lipids, free fatty acids, and calcium. Lastly, cheese acts as an agent of cardioprotective due to some of the fats it has. Now you get ample benefits on why to plan a cheese tasting trip to Hunter Valley .

Cheese and wine pairing tips

A study shows that Australian red wines were better accompaniment with cheese than whites. Lighter body red wines like Pinot Noir is a perfect match with lower-fat cheese Parmigiano Reggiano. Also, Pinot Noir seems to be the most “Cheese-friendly Wine” overall. If you are a Blue cheese lover, dessert wine like late-harvested Semillon is a perfect match (Harrington and Hammond, 2005). We recommend trying Brie with Chardonnay. And why not try Belford Chardonnay from one of the best Hunter Valley wineries ; Tyrrells.

Be an expert and learn cheese vocabulary

Now time to pretend that you are a cheese expert. You can define cheese as spoilage of milk. Rennet is an enzyme used during the coagulation process. The skin of the cheese is called rind. Some cheese rinds are edible and some are not. The cheesemaking process is called affinage in cheese vocabulary.

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Hunter Valley Cheese Factory - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cheese Tasting Hunter Valley

Tasting Hunter Valley cheese is a must do experience when visiting Wine Country. After all, few things go better with a bottle of your favourite vintage than a cheese platter. Fortunately there are plenty of great cheese tasting options to choose from in the Hunter Valley, including cheese tasting tours, cheese making tours and lunch tasting platters for two that can include local artisan breads, crispbreads and water crackers. You can also add cold cuts, local olives, dips, cornichons, salmon and anchovies to your hunter valley cheese and wine tasting.

Make sure you allocate an hour to indulge in an organised Hunter Valley cheese and wine tasting , where you can also choose to pair your cheese selection with a glass of local wine. For cheese lovers that desire a more hands on approach, you can choose either a 2.5 hour cheese making class or 3 hour cheese and yoghurt making workshop. Take home a marinated cheese along with your cheese made on the day to complete and savour at home.

If organised cheese tastings and cheese making workshops aren’t your thing, visit one (or more!) of the best artisan cheese manufacturers in Australia and sample some of the large range of local Hunter Valley cheese and international cheese available to buy. Why not spread a picnic blanket under the shade of a tree and enjoy the tranquil country Hunter Valley vistas as you savour cheese in Hunter Valley vineyards , or pick up a cheese hamper to take home and enjoy it at your leisure with family and friends.

What is Cheese?

Cheese is a dairy product comprised of milk fat and protein, usually the milk of cows, goats or sheep. During cheese production, milk is usually acidified and the enzymes of rennet are added to cause the casein to coagulate. The solid curds are then separated from the liquid whey and pressed into finished cheese. Cheese has a longer shelf life than milk and shelf life depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, last longer than soft cheeses, such as Brie.

Cheese Vocabulary

Want to sound like a cheese expert? Here are the definitions of some common words associated with cheese and cheese making. Throw a few of these words around at your next dinner party and impress your friends, or at least sound like you know what you’re talking about! They’ll surely know you’re a dedicated turophile (see what we did there??).

Annatto – an orange-red f ood coloring  derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. U sed to impart a yellow or orange color to dairy products, including cheese.

Cheddaring   – A cheesemaking technique where the curd is cut into small pieces to further drain the whey and gives cheddar cheese a dense, layered texture.

Casein – One of the major proteins found in milk. This protein separates and coagulates during the cheesemaking process forming the beginnings of cheese curds.

Caseophile – Someone who loves wine as well as cheese (guilty as charged, your honour!).

Curd – The solid masses that result from the coagulation of milk and from which most cheeses are made.

Eyes – Round, spherical openings in the paste of certain firm cheeses. Formed when carbon dioxide gas, produced by various bacteria, create bubbles in the curd.

Hoops – Containers that cheese curds are poured into so they can be pressed and molded into solid cheese.

Pasteurised – Milk sterilized through heat treatment to remove potentially harmful micro-organisms.

Rennet – An enzyme added to milk during the coagulation process to help separate the solid curds from the liquid whey.

Rind – A cheese’s outermost layer that forms during the aging process. Cheese rinds range from inedible to delicious.

Turophile – Someone who loves cheese.

Wedge – A piece of cheese cut from a wheel.

Wheel –  A block of cured cheese, usually still protected by a rind.

Whey – A protein found in milk and is the liquid that separates from the curd during the coagulation process.

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE TASTING TOURS

Cheese and wine hunter valley tours, personalised hunter valley private cheese tasting tours for your group.

If you love tasting artisan cheese, the Hunter Valley is home to four of the best artisan cheese manufacturers that can be found within two hours of Sydney. Classic Tours offer Hunter Valley cheese tasting tours, cheese and wine pairing tours, and cheese-making tours. Here are the best cheese shops in Wine Country that are worthy of inclusion on your gourmet Hunter Valley wine tour. Book a cheese tasting Hunter Valley tour and combine it with a beer, spirit or wine tasting tour for the ultimate private Hunter Valley tour experience. If you’re a cheese addict, get cheese overload and visit all the cheese factory outlets at once with our Hunter Valley cheese tours!

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory was established in 1995 as a purpose built operating cheese factory and tasting rooms, producing a European inspired range of Australian specialty cheese to suit the fruit driven wines of the iconic Hunter Valley. Premium cheese made from Hunter Valley cows and goats milk are produced onsite, creating truly traditional farmhouse cheese with sharp, piquant aromas and flavours. Cheese varieties produced include fromage blanc, marinated fetta, washed rind, natural rind, cheddar, hunterzola, goats cheese, brie, tommes and blue vein.

Consider an artisan cheese and cheesemaking appreciation session. Learn the h istory of cheesemaking, cheese styles, cheese selection when purchasing, cheese care and design of the perfect cheeseboard. Includes a Q&A session with a senior cheese expert, matching red and white McGuigan Wines and fresh cheese recipes to make at home. Why not try your hand at cheesemaking in a fun and interactive cheesemaking workshop? Learn the fundamental science of cheesemaking with a master cheesemaker and discover the world of home cheesemaking.

Address: McGuigan Wine Cellars, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Hours: 9am to 5.30pm, 7 days

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop are providores of the finest local, Australian and imported artisan cheese gourmet delights, cured meats and accompaniments, including its own “Smelly” product range. Grab a cup of coffee and a slice of house made baked cheesecake, sit outside and enjoy the view. Alternatively enjoy a meal from their extensive menu of a baguette, burger or one of heir monthly specials with a glass of local wine, beer or coffee.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is also home to the Hunter Valley Gelato Company, featuring traditional Italian Gelato made onsite with imported Italian ingredients using a 200 year old recipe. There are 32 flavours of Gelato and Sorbet to choose from in store and take home packs are also available.

Address 1: Pokolbin Village Estate, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Address 2: Roche Estate Complex, 2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Hours: 10am to 5pm Sunday – Thursday and 10am to 5.30pm Friday and Saturday

Binnorie Dairy

Binnorie Dairy opened in 2003, producing artisan cheeses with locally sourced goat and cow milk, using dairy farms located between Scone and Cessnock in the Hunter Valley. Binnorie Dairy specialises in soft fresh cheese styles such as their award winning marinated feta, triple cream brie and creamy labna. Soft fresh cheese is typically young in age, soft in texture and delicate in flavour. As the name suggests, fresh cheese is not matured prior to release, and its flavour does not benefit from ageing. They also produce a few surface-ripened cheeses such as brie, washed rind and buche de chèvre .

You can see the Binnorie Dairy  cheesemakers when they are at work, as there’s a viewing window into the state-of-the-art cheesemaking room. Sit on the deck with a freshly made coffee and housemade tiramisu or baked cheesecake, or savour a glass of wine and a cheese platter and enjoy the tranquil view.

Address:   25 Lodge Road, Lovedale NSW 2325

Hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days

Hunter Belle Cheese Room

Hunter Belle Cheese was established in 2004 and produces unique, artisan cheese products from the milk of Brown Swiss Cows. All of the cheese at Hunter Belle is hand made using traditional methods, which results in the quality cheese that is loved by foodies around the country.

Located in Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley , next to De Iuliis Wines, is a Cheese Deli, Bar and Gourmet Produce and Gift Store all in one – a social space for people to enjoy quality wine and craft beer matched with artisan cheese and fine food (not to mention decadent fudge and gelato).

Address 1: Hunter Belle Cheese Room,  1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

Address 2: Hunter Belle Cheese Factory, 75 Aberdeen Street (New England Highway), Muswellbrook NSW 2333

Fuelled from the cows and goats milk of the lush Hunter Valley pastures, this creative food and wine region is a favourite destination for cheese lovers. Watch cheese production and e njoy handmade artisan cheese in the Hunter Valley direct from the maker. Cheese experts are always on hand to introduce guests to the many varieties on offer, provide tasting advice and answer any questions you may have. With a cellar door nearby, an accompanying wine is also within easy reach.

On our small group wine and cheese tasting Hunter Valley tours, Classic Tours guests can enjoy visiting cheese factories, vineyards, breweries, distilleries and boutique produce stores. With standard and custom itineraries available, your private Hunter Valley cheese tours experience with Classic Tours is just a phone call away. Book your tour now!

Pokolbin/Lovedale PickUp

From $130 per person (minimum group numbers apply)..

• Local pickup from accommodation
• Visit 3 wineries or distilleries
• Cheese or chocolate factory visit
• Tasting fees included
• Lunch stops optional (at your expense)
• Local drop off to your accommodation
• Water included

Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Pick Up

From $160 per person (minimum group numbers apply)..

• Up to 4 location pickup/drop-off points
• Return to set location drop off points

What People Are Saying

Thank you Therese, for an excellent day on Saturday. It was an absolute pleasure and we will be happy to recommend your services to family and friends 😃

A great afternoon spent with Classic Tours. Therese was fantastic and helpful all the way from booking to dropping us home. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. Would definitely recommend.

So much fun, thank you Therese for such a fab day. Loved the wineries you chose, can’t pick a favourite they were all so good. Thanks for putting up with us, can’t wait to do it again.

Thanks so much Therese, best ever vineyard tour. Ticked every box but especially for making us feel relaxed and driving all us ladies around in your beautiful new vehicle and showing us a fabulous time.

Therese you gave us such an amazing day. Great choice of wineries and lunch venue. Will definitely use  Classic Tours  again.

Classic Tours Therese our hostess and driver was amazing – punctual, courteous and lots of fun. We visited 4 vineyards throughout the day and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. The 12 seat bus was brand new and so comfortable. Fully recommend this company.

Phone Us 0417463759

[email protected], 447 mcdonalds road, pokolbin.

Tasting, Lunch & Workshops

Personalise your visit.

Groups over 15 guests are invited to call, text or email to curate your tasting, lunch or workshop to suit your specific interest level cheese tasting, lunch or education or recreational.

Sharing our passion and knowledge of cheesemaking & cheese tourism in Australia for over 28years Hunter Valley Cheese Factory specialize in cheesemaking, cheese & food tourism, education & tastings. Direct Contact: Rose (Fromager) 0417 463 759

Taste five of our handmade Hunter Valley Cheeses with matching bread and/or crackers.

• Seated Tasting
• Shared tasting trio of housemade fruit paste, olive medley & our famous caramelised balsamic vinegar & hunter olive oil blend
• Senior Cheese Expert presentation of Hunter Valley Cheese & produce on Tasting
• Regional Producer overview – “Making cheese in the Hunter Valley”
• Question & Answer
• Optional Extras  can be ordered on arrival meats, olives etc…

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE, REGIONAL PRESERVES & OLIVE TASTING

$15.50 per guest

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE CO - LUNCH TASTING

$23.00  per guest – made for two to share

• Three handmade Hunter Valley Cheeses -your selection or we can advise our cheeses at their seasonal best. Choose from Branxton Brie, Vintage Cheddar, Goats Cheese and Blue Vein, we have a range of 20 cheeses to savour.
• We will include Local Artisan Breads Lavosh, crispbreads & water crackers
• Quince Paste, deliciously sweet, to accompany your platter 

On arrival you are welcome to add  cold cuts, local olives, dips,  cornichons, salmon, anchovies to add to your vineyard lunch.

School holiday and Long Weekends or by appointment for groups over 10 students

• Demonstration of Cheesemaking by actual Cheesemaker using easy to source ingredients.
• Interactive demonstration with instructional chat through the milk to cheese process
• Hunter Valley Cheese & Local Produce Tasting (children’s cheese selections available)
• Cheese Recipe made on the day & Cheese Tasting Notes
• Fun Education & Memorable Activity for adults and children alike
• Session times will be published on our website.

School holiday special

Head Cheesemaker, David will demonstrate how cheese is made and hold an interactive chat throughout the class ensuring this is fun and Educational activity for all ages.

Included is our Hunter Valley Cheese 5 cheese tasting with Regional Produce, children under 13yrs will enjoy pared back tasting of fresh, creamy and bitey cheese.

Duration 1hr (but feel free to stay and relax to enjoy your cheese tasting)

CHEESEMAKING & TASTING SCHOOL

$35 per Adult, $10 Children accompanying

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE, PRODUCE & KOMBUCHA TASTING

$23.50 per guest  

• Seated tasting with table water and souvenir tasting notes.
• Seasonal Tasting of five (5) handmade cheese varieties with crackers to match cheese style.
• Trio Tasting of olives, oils, jams and chutney with wafers and bread.
• Cheese variety & flavours chat by Cheese Expert & Question & Answer session.
• Viewing windows to cheesemaking and cheese maturation room.
• Add meat (salami & prosciutto) $8.50 per person.
• Four (4) flavours craft kombucha 100ml (on tap) chosen to match our cheese tasting above.   
• A perfect pause or alternative to wine and cheese   
• Add meat (salami & prosciutto) $8.50 per person.  
• Seated inside or alfresco with table water and souvenir order menu.  
•  Three artisan handmade cheese varieties, choose mild, medium, or strong flavours  
• Quince paste & House made Traditional Tomato Relish  
• Quality Breads & Crackers (Gluten Free available)  
• The menu allows you to build your cheeseboard with olives, oils, meats, nuts, dried fruits.   

HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE LUNCH TASTING or BUILD YOUR OWN CHEESEBOARD

$23.00 per guest (3 cheese) extra portions available $5.00 per guest

ARTISAN CHEESEMAKING AND CHEESE TASTING CLASS 101

$50.00 per guest   

Add meat (salami & prosciutto) $8.50 per guest

• One on one session, duration 45minutes, schedule your time now.
• Tasting of eight (8) handmade cheese varieties with crackers to match cheese style.
• Hosted by Cheese Expert, discover the world of cheese varieties, flavours & home care.
• How we make our cheese overview at our cheese factory viewing windows

Cheese Appreciation 101 includes

• History of Cheesemaking, Cheese Styles, Regionality of Cheesemaking, Cheese selection when purchasing, Cheese care at home, Design / Structure of the perfect cheeseboard, Questions & Answer Session with one of our Senior Cheese Expert
• Comes with two matching wines – one red and one white from internationally awarded McGuigan Wines.

SMALL BATCH CHEESEMAKING WORKSHOP

$200.00 per guest

Four seasonal classes or by appointment for groups over 10persons

• Discover how to make cheese at home 2.5hours of ‘hands on” cheesemaking.
• Food Safe Code Workshop
• Your instructor is one of our senior cheesemakers – 25years of cheesemaking expertise!
• Learn hygiene, equipment, milk choices, enzymes, coagulation and ripening in cheesemaking.
• Includes eight (8) cheese, eight (8) wine – Cheese & Wine matching Masterclass while cheese is ripening (Value $50per person)
• Learn how to “whey off,” marinate and care for your cheese at home.
• Understand food labelling requirements – name your own cheese!!
• Two (2) cheeses completed to take home (Value $55.00)
• Cheese Club Membership for one year with complimentary freight (if desired)

Quick links

© 2024 Hunter Vallery Cheese Factory

Hunter Valley Cheese and Wine Tasting

Cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Co. is a popular optional activity on Country Trails’ Private Tours to Hunter Valley wine country.

Country Trails conducts private tours for the best cheese tasting in Hunter Valley for small groups (up to seven), departing from and returning to Sydney’s CBD.

Hunter Valley cheese tasting will take your tastebuds on a sensory overload. If you want to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure, our personalised cheese-tasting experience in Sydney will surely be the highlight of the whole trip. These cheese-testing sessions, specifically curated for small groups of friends or family, are a perfect way to begin your Sydney tour on a cheesy note. 

Are you a fan of hand-made gourmet cheeses? Then add a cheese tasting session at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company to your Country Trails Hunter Valley wine region tour! Our cheese tour to Hunter Valley is every cheese lover’s dream come true!

Gourmet Cheese Tasting in the Hunter Valley

• It’s no secret that the Hunter Valley region is becoming a favourite destination for foodies.
• With its long tradition of independent produce, the Hunter has a wide selection of delicacies to offer  the adventurous palate.
• On our c heese Hunter valley private tours, our guests often enjoy stopping at boutique wineries, produce stores and other independent hunter valley cheese factories and establishments for the best in local flavour.
• One of our favourite destinations is the Hunter Valley Cheese Company .
• Established in 1995, the Hunter Valley Cheese Company craft handmade, preservative-free cheeses from the finest local cow and goat milk.
• Here, guests can sample and purchase cheeses directly from the maker. Their selection of award-winning and innovative cheeses includes cheddar, feta, fromage blanc, brie, natural rind, washed rind, tommes and blue vein.
• There’s no mass-production here! The cheeses here are genuine handmade produce, so you’ll get a true boutique experience. The company staff are dedicated cheese experts who love their craft– and that means simply excellent cheese.

Boutique cheese tasting & appreciation

• Enjoy handmade and the best cheese in Hunter Valley direct from the maker! The Hunter Valley Cheese Co. offers a variety of tasting plates featuring their entire range.
• In addition to delicious and distinctive regional cheeses, guests can choose plates featuring a variety of sides to compliment the main event: local preserves, seasonal fruit pastes, gourmet crackers, deli produce, antipasto, salads and more.
• And with a wine cellar as their neighbour, a delightful accompanying wine is also within easy reach.
• The cheese shop in Hunter Valley provides daily tasting notes to accompany plates, helping tasters maximise their enjoyment.
• A cheese expert is also on hand to introduce guests to the varieties on offer, and provide tasting advice. So you can enjoy your Hunter cheese tasting with as much – or as little – instruction as you choose.
• Learn about cheese making in the hunter valley and their history, how to care for and enjoy artisan cheeses, and regional cheese specialities.
• Whether you are a cheese novice or a seasoned gourmet, the cheese experts here will surely teach you something new!

The perfect gourmet stop-off

• Hunter Valley Cheese Co, is a family-owned cheesemaker with genuine hand-made gourmet cheeses for tasting and sale.
• We’ve been coming here for years, so we know that it is the best cheese shop in the Hunter Valley and a great place to visit on your private tour of the Hunter Valley !
• Or, if there’s a special foodie in your life, consider a private tour of hunter valley cheese and wine tasting and brewery/distillery visit. It’s the perfect gift for any fine food enthusiast!
• Cheese tasting is one of several optional extras in addition to our Hunter Valley wine tour standard itinerary .
• Our cheese and wine tour in Hunter Valley departs from and returns to Sydney centre, so they are ideal if you’re visiting on holidays.
• If you would like to make wine and cheese tasting in the Hunter Valley part of your holiday experience, contact us so you can find out more about our Hunter Valley Private Tours. With standard or custom itineraries available, your perfect Hunter Valley getaway is just around the corner!

Where to do cheese tastings in the Hunter Valley

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 04/02/2024

Reading time: 2 mins

Hunter Valley is a beautiful region filled with award-winning wineries and restaurants.

The Hunter Valley not only provides amazing wine, but there are mouthwatering local and international cheeses you can try here! Come prepared and get ready to taste all kinds of local, Australian, and international cheese that will have you coming back for more.

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory opened in 1995, producing a range of specialty cheeses to pair with different wines from the region. With a chance to try cheeses from the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, there are plenty of tastings to choose from. A popular option includes five handmade cheeses with matching bread and crackers.

There are also options to join a cheese-making workshop and discover how to make handmade cheeses.

Hunter Belle Cheese Room

Once dairy farmers but now cheese makers, a husband and wife duo are located in Pokolbin and create quality cheeses for everyone to enjoy.

As earlier mentioned, nothing beats tasting wine along with incredible tasting cheese! Here at Hunter Belle Cheese Room, you can taste three premium local wines that are matched with six of their very own cheeses. Or if you’re a beer drinker, there is a chance to try four Hunter Belle cheeses with four local beers.

Along with the cheeses, you can also try their very own decadent fudge and gelato!

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

A chance to try and buy the finest local, Australian and international cheeses, come down to the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop ! The Smelly Cheese Shop was established in 2004 and offers all kinds of cheeses from cheddar to blue, chevre, and so much more.

The Smelly Cheese Shop also offers delicious food such as breakfast wraps, toasties, burgers and other tasty meals. A must while visiting the shop is trying a slice of their very best house made baked cheesecake, you won’t regret it!

The best way to get to the cheese shops for cheese tastings is to hire a car. The drive is around three hours to Hunter Valley from Sydney. Or you can book a tour and enjoy a cheese tasting on a wine tour. This winery tour includes a stop at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop.

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.

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Cheese & Wine

Morning Experience

Afternoon experience, late afternoon experience.

• All inclusive
• Hurry, Limited Spots Available
• Cancellation up to 72 hrs is $25pp, within 48 hrs is 50% of the total paid, within 24hrs no refund. The current COVID 19 conditions have caused considerable stress for us all. To accommodate all our fantastic customers we are happy to rebook your Tour to a future date or hold your booking until conditions allow us to run the tour on a date which is suitable to you.
• Every cancellation attracts a $25 fee per booking to cover administration expenses

Perfect for cheese lovers Taste 9 amazing cheeses served with 9 delicious wines.

Cheese and Wine Matching

Enjoy 9 world-famous cheeses with 9 top local wines.

Local Guide

Be entertained by the Hunter Valley’s most loved guides.

Local Wildlife

Want to see kangaroos? Just ask, we know the best locations!

Accommodation in Wine Country

Antipasto Grazing Box

VIP Wine Tasting

Visit Wineries

Was so nice to sit outside with a band playing, drinking good wine and eating a divine antipasto plate.

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Group Information

What is the minimum number of people you will pick up.

There is no minimum restriction to book so singles and couples can book tours, but there is a minimum number of people needed to run tours effectively.

We do our best to make sure every tour runs, which sometimes means shuffling minimum numbers together so tours can operate.

We need to group together at least  4 people (minimum number shown on each tour) for it to operate.

Do you take parties like a 40th or 50th?

Yes. A day tour with your friends enjoying drinks and tasty food is one of the most enjoyable but hassle free ways to celebrate a birthday. We take care of the details and let us know if you would like something extra special too!

What size groups can you cater too?

Each tour vehicle contains passengers from multiple bookings until it is filled to the ‘maximum guest limit’ (shown on each tour). This limit keeps our group small so it’s fast and fun with premium access.

A tour will operate when a minimum of four seats are booked. If there are only four seats booked, great you will have the tour all to yourselves in one of our smaller vehicles. The more a tour fills up, the bigger the vehicle we use until our maximum guest limit for that tour is reached.

If you would like a completely private tour for two, or, have a larger group than the ‘maximum guest limit’ please contact us for options.

We can cater to larger groups by combining multiple vehicles for any tour.

Transfer Locations

• For the 'Cheese & Wine'
• we offer pick-up and drop-off to your accommodation at the following locations only:
• Cedar Creek
• Kurri Kurri
• Lovedale (up to Wilderness Rd)
• Quorrobolong
• Rothbury (Not inc North Rothbury)

Sydney Transfers

• SYDNEY direct transfers  are not available.
• To arrive from Sydney  customers can catch the train between ‘Sydney-Newcastle-Maitland’ and request a Two Fat Blokes pick-up/drop-off at ‘Maitland’.

Transfer Fee Information

• Flat rate  is a single price for pick-up/drop-off at that location whether it’s two people or a full group of people.
• Minimum 2 person pickup  is required to operate the pickup service to fee based locations.
• Fees are in addition  to your tour booking and will be collected by your guide at time of pick-up. Please pay these fees by cash, ATM’s will be available on the tour.

Discover up to 3 great wineries handpicked for you.

How long will we spend at each winery?

There is no set time. Some winery experiences take longer than others. The average is about 45min – 1hour at each winery.

How do you determine which wineries are best for my group?

Because we know the area so well and try to deliver the best experiences based on: – Rave reviews from previous tour groups – Boutique, non-touristy locations – Excellent wines, moderately priced – Warm & friendly service – Perks available (cellar tours, barrel-tasting, wine-maker available, etc.)

Which wineries do we visit?

There is no set schedule of wineries. Our tour guides will take advantage of the best winery experiences available on that day, including special events, to make sure you get the most value from your itinerary, have an enjoyable day and maximise your taste time of the Hunter Valley.

The must-do Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese trail

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

11 September 2023

Elevate all that liquid gold with the finest Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese.

Milk and cookies. Beer and burgers. Coffee and cake. Drinks just taste better washed down with their ultimate counterparts and when it comes to wine in the Hunter Valley , we’re spoiled for choice. NSW’s premier wine country  has cottoned on plenty-fold, overflowing with sensational Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese either masterfully crafted locally or sourced from the most famous European producers. Here, we round up the most delicious chocolate and cheese retailers and experiences in the region.

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

No visit to the Hunter Valley is complete without sampling local chocolate and these guys have been churning out the silky-smooth stuff for more than 20 years.

Slip into chocolate heaven at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company prides itself on using the most premium Belgian ingredients blended with Australian fruit and nuts, and crowds can’t get enough of it. In fact, the team have expanded their operations with Twenty-3-Twenty, their boutique factory and chocolate-making facility where you can catch Willy Wonka himself, Peter the chocolatier, spin his magic and enjoy his treats in the comfort of an on-site cafe.

Catch Peter the chocolatier at work on his edible creations.

For the original experience, head to Petersons Champagne House where a quaint store overflows with edible art. Blocks, bark, bars, brittles – you name it, they nail it.

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company serves an array of desserts and pastries.

Bestsellers include chocolate-coated pretzels, chocolate-coated coffee beans and bags of rainbow-dusted ‘Speckles’ but there’s truly an option for every taste bud. Milk chocolate ginger, anyone?

Address:  The original location remains at Petersons Champagne House, corner Broke and Branxton Roads, Pokolbin, and the other is a showroom off their new factory located at 2320 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

What started out as a passion project for pastry chef Aymee Slaviero at Newcastle’s Olive Tree Markets blossomed into her very own shopfront in 2012.

Treat yourself to a selection of artisan chocolates at Cocoa Nib. (Image: Nikki To)

Now selling her exquisite handmade creations out of a flagship store on Keith Tulloch Wine in the heart of wine country, Cocoa Nib ’s founder has built a reputation for crafting some of the most splendid sweets in the state.

Cocoa Nib’s chocolates come in a range of vivid colours. (Image: Nikki To)

The Hunter Valley chocolate brand utilises a premium French couverture (that’s a word for bloody fancy chocolate, FYI) to whip up Cocoa Nib’s crowd favourite, melt-in-your-mouth artisan bonbons splashed Jackson Polloch-style with vivid colour, and an array of beautiful bites. Tarts, desserts, endless barks, bags of coconut rough, peanut brittle, honeycomb and so many more classics are just heavenly.

Address:  Keith Tulloch Wine, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

A smorgasbord of the world’s finest cheeses, Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop  is a non-negotiable in wine country. Built with the only fromageries in the region and filled with a far larger range than any other Hunter Valley cheese retailer, it opened its doors in Pokolbin Village in 2004 and it wasn’t long before the passionate team began drawing loyal crowds.

Enjoy a smorgasbord of gooey goodness at Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. (Image: Destination NSW)

Drop in to stack your charcuterie with the likes of blue (don’t miss the strong and sharp yet utterly melty Saint Agur), cheddar and hard and soft varieties including the standout Fromager d’Affinois Le Fromager in all its pudgy, buttery goodness.

Cured meats, top-notch olives, pastes, tapenades, pates and other delicious platter accompaniments can also be found and the team’s edit is so renowned that they’ve opened a second location within Roche Estate further down the road.

Drop by the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop to build your own feast. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address:  The original Smelly Deli is at Shop 3, Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin and there’s another outlet within Roche Estate Complex, 2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Pokolbin Chocolate Company

Once you’ve stocked   up on savoury, hop next door for your sweets. The Pokolbin Chocolate Company  houses an impressive collection of Hunter Valley chocolate and it’s located one door down from the Smelly Cheese gang.

Putting smiles on dials for more than 21 years, 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 a handful of out-of-the-box products including chocolate pasta. They’ve also got an unusual range of sweet teas.

Address:  Right next door to Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Sabor Dessert Bar

After winning hearts through their original Hunter Valley Dessert Bar in Lovedale, the team’s Sabor Dessert Bar  on Broke Road’s Lambloch Estate has cemented their status as local confectionary and sweet pastry heroes.

Growing their inventive edit of Hunter Valley chocolate and desserts to a menu filled with 50+ creations, these local wizards are renowned for the award-winning Sabor 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 the Bar’s large seating area or take away for at-home indulgence.

They even offer a tasting plate of their favourites and a kids’ menu for the littlest of visitors. Large groups and parties (including hens’ celebrations) are welcome as set menus and packages are available to order with seven days’ notice.

Address:  Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Cheese Company

The Melbourne-bred Curtis family is the brains behind the much-adored Hunter Valley Cheese Company . Located at McGuigan Wines on McDonalds Road and established by the late Peter Curtis and his wife Rose Lambert in 1995, it churns out its own seasonal handcrafted ranges that span the award-winning Hunter Gold Washed Rind, cheddar, gorgonzola, brie, goat’s cheese and more.

Find all your favourites at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company.

Leaving a busy city life behind them in favour of something entirely new, the team honed their skills in their very own factory and now attract visitors from all over the world for their standout Aussie cheese crafted from local cow and goat milk.

Pop in for a tasting of five paired with olives and preserves or upgrade your visit by booking a two-person lunch tasting of their seasonal best paired with a range of delicious accompaniments.

Visit for a tasting or to purchase cheese directly from the shop.

Address: McGuigan Wines, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin.

Binnorie Dairy

Famed for its ultra-creamy, completely irresistible labna and multi-award-winning marinated feta, Binnorie Dairy  is always a good idea before heading home with your wine haul.

Visit Binnorie Dairy for a taste of their best cheese. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Hunter Valley cheese pit-stop was opened by cheesemaker Simon Gough in 2003 after he’d spent significant time making it in Europe and the Yarra Valley . His Hunter Valley digs are home to so many indulgences including those aforementioned superstars plus several goat’s cheeses, washed rines, a triple cream brie and homemade sweet treats.

Don’t miss out on sampling the best of Binnorie Dairy by ordering a specialty cheese plate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Drop in to see the team hard at work through a viewing window or grab a table on the deck to soak up the peaceful scenery before retreating.

You’re in for a treat. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address:  25 Lodge Road, Lovedale.

Hunter Belle Cheese Room

Geoff and Tania Chesworth, a pair of passionate dairy farmers, bring a wealth of experience to their Hunter Belle Cheese Room . But it might just be the next Chesworth generation, led by Annie and Jason, who are really putting their mark on the region.

While Geoff and Tania run the wonderful deli, bar and cafe located right next to De luliis Wines on Broke Road, Annie and Jason produce Hunter Belle Dairy Company’s dairy range in a factory in Scone.

House-made bries, cheddars, yoghurts, fetas and more can be found at the Hunter Belle Cheese Room which offers multiple experiences including picnic packs, wine and cheese tastings, beer and cheese tastings, a very punny ‘High Cheese’ and relaxed dining in the licenced cafe.

There’s 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 Road, Pokolbin

D’Vine Treats and Fat Cow Cheese

Climb upstairs at Ben Ean Winery and stumble into a boutique Hunter Valley chocolate shop that offers tastings and a separate section dedicated to cheese.

D’Vine Treats , which has expanded with the introduction of Fat Cow Cheese, is packed full of handcrafted chocolate including liqueur varieties using hard stuff from Petersons Family Wines and Savannah Estate.

The Fat Cow Cheese portion of the store gathers some of the region’s finest cheese, cured meats, olives, olive oils and sauces while the sweets branch out to fudge, lollies, gelato and more. It’s a wine country pit stop that’s really got it all.

Address:  Ben Ean Winery, Shop 1, 119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Chocolate Escape Room at Sutton Estate

Inspired by the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film, Sutton Estate’s Chocolate Escape Room is unlike any other chocolate-tasting experience you’ve ever encountered.

Locked in a room within Sutton Estate winery in Rothbury, you and your group of no larger than six people must decode a series of puzzles in 60 minutes to uncover your exit and some of those puzzles include tasting chocolate. Sounds bizarre? It is, and we’re here for it. A ‘love of chocolate’ is required to unlock clues and five tastings are included in each session which costs $60 per person.

With axe throwing, a smash room inviting you to literally smash stuff and electric bike rentals to be found elsewhere on the property, it’s clear to say these guys offer a totally unique take on the whole Hunter Valley experience.

Address:  Sutton Estate Hunter Valley, 381F Deasys Road, Rothbury.

Wine and chocolate pairings

While they’re better known for fermenting and ageing than tempering, a string of vineyards offer ultra-delicious wine and Hunter Valley chocolate pairings.

Tulloch Wines  stages a 45-minute wine tasting of five blends paired with five local handmade chocolates, priced from $30 per person.

Wild Wren Wines  does a ‘Birds of a Feather’ wine and chocolate pairing which lasts for one hour and costs $22 per person. Treat yourself to three wines matched with French and Swiss truffles.

Pull up a chair at Wild Wren for a glass of wine paired with truffles. (Image: Wren Wines)

Binet Family Wines  offers a wine and chocolate tasting at around $30 per person including four to five premium wines served with Cocoa Nib’s signature bon bons.

McGuigan Wines  has a wine, cheese and chocolate tasting for groups of up to six people priced at $25 per person. It includes their fortified and dessert wines matched with cheese from Hunter Valley Cheese Factory and handcrafted chocolates.

Glandore Wines  does a one-hour chocolate and wine pairing experience priced at $30 per person that includes six wine samples and handmade chocolate to match.

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

Saltire Estate  is another winery making magic from Cocoa Nib’s famous bon bons, staging a one-hour chocolate and wine tasting priced at $25 per person.

Address:  Various wineries in the Hunter Valley

For more delicious dining options, make your way through our definitive list of the best Hunter Valley restaurants .

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

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Hunter Valley Cheese Companies You Must Visit

Hunter Valley Cheese Makers

The reputation of the Hunter Valley’s cheese makers is quickly growing to match that of its world famous wine makers. The Hunter Valley Cheese Company is one of the region’s best-known long-standing cheese destinations for cheese-loving visitors. However, there are a host of boutique and specialist cheese makers around the region where you can visit and sample some the best of the cheese makers’ art. Here’s just a ‘taste’ of what’s on offer.

The Hunter Valley Cheese Company

The Hunter Valley Cheese Company in Pokolbin runs The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, and it’s definitely a must visit on any Hunter Valley cheese tour. This is a boutique cheese factory with its own cheese maturation and tasting rooms.

The beauty of visiting The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is that you get to sample the same cheeses made on site. One of their expert guides will be on hand to explain each of the cheeses you taste and how they’ve been made.   

What’s on the tasting plate? The Hunter Valley Cheese Company specialises in handmade cow and goat milk cheeses, including fromage blanc, feta, brie, washed and natural rind cheeses, cheddar, tommes and blue vein. Don’t forget to stock up on your favourite cheeses to take with you.

You’ll find The Hunter Valley Cheese Company at Hop 5 (opposite Roche Estate) on the Central Pokolbin route of the iHop Hunter Valley Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Discovering the Hunter Valley’s top cheese makers

The Hunter Valley Cheese Company is by no means the only cheese show in town. There are an ever-growing number of top cheese makers and specialist cheese companies popping up all over the region.

Two of best are cheesemaker Simon Gough’s Binnorie Dairy and the Hunter Valley Smelly’s Cheese Shop.

After travelling extensively and honing his skills making cheese throughout Europe and later in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Simon began making cheese at his Binnorie Dairy in 2003. With his extensive cheese knowledge and skill, combined with his passion for sourcing the very best local goat and cow’s milks, Simon produces world-class cheeses with a distinctively Hunter Valley flavour. The Binnorie Dairy has recently opened brand new cheese factory and tasting room in Lovedale that is open to the pubic Tuesdays to Sundays, so drop in and sample some of Simon’s best or make this a must visit stop at Hop 5 on our Lovedale and North Pokolbin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour service.

Another highlight on any Hunter Valley cheese tour is a visit to the Hunter Valley Smelly’s Cheese Shop. Here you’ll find top local and imported cheeses, as well as a wide variety of gourmet foods, including their own locally-sourced product range. It’s not only a great place to stock up on the best cheeses, you can also sit down for a great meal featuring the best local produce, local wines and beers.

The Hunter Valley Smelly’s Cheese Shop is also home to the Hunter Valley Gelato Company. If you’re a gelato lover, don’t miss the chance to sample the company’s traditional Italian Gelato made with imported Italian ingredients and using their own 200-year-old recipes.

You’ll find Hunter Valley Smelly’s Cheese Shop at both Hop 4 and Hop5 on the Central Pokolbin route. See iHop Hunter Valley Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Combined cheese and wine tours: The perfect pairing

The wonderful cheese is just one of the reasons to visit the Hunter Valley. There’s also fantastic produce of all types and beautiful natural scenery. But, of course, on top of most people’s lists are the world-famous wines and vineyards.

Naturally, wine and cheese go hand-in-hand – a match made in heaven! And there are many different options on all the iHop Hunter Valley tours. There are three ways you can combine the best Hunter Valley cheese and wines all in the one experience .

iHop’s Hop On Hop Off bus tours are a flexible option that enables you to sample the best cheeses and wines the Hunter has to offer at various stops. With two routes, 30 stops and more than 50 cellar doors you can access, you can enjoy cheese plates with your wine tasting, visit cheese factories, gourmet providores, you can explore all the best of the Hunter your way and at your own pace.  

Taste ‘n’ Graze – Premium Food and Drink Pairing Tours are a great way for foodies and wine lovers to sample the region’s great cheeses, wines and quality seasonal local produce from some the Hunter’s most sought-after winery and dining venues, from fine chocolate to award-winning whiskey. You’ll also pick up some great food and wine pairing tips from the experts along the way that can be shared and enjoyed back home.

iHop’s Wine and Cheese Lovers Twilight Dinner Tours are another fantastic way to enjoy the best the region has to offer. This complete Hunter Valley experience combines sampling the region’s fine wines and cheeses with dinner at an award-winning restaurant set amongst stunning vineyard surrounds. Add to that an insight into the art of perfect cheese and wine pairing, and a private tour behind the scenes of a working family vineyard, and you’ve got an evening you won’t soon forget.  

Getting to Hunter Valley cheese country

When to visit : The cheese makers mentioned, as well as the cellar doors and providores are open all year round. iHop tours run most days. Check here for specific dates and times.

Travel options : Drive north from Sydney via the M1 motorway or board the Sydney to Hunter Valley train at Sydney’s Central Station. Trains depart regularly throughout the day. You can also fly to Newcastle from Sydney and most other Australian capital cities.

Distance and times : The Hunter Valley is around 160 kilometers from Sydney, via the most direct route north on the M1 motorway. Driving typically takes two-and-a-half hours and around a 50-minute drive coming from Newcastle.

Staying in the Hunter Valley : There are many accommodation options from budget to boutique 5-star winery stays available via online booking sites and travel agents. We recommend choosing your perfect wine country accommodation in Lovedale, Pokolbin, Cessnock and Rothbury areas.

Cheese to you!

600+ 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor

Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Experience Tours in Hunter Valley

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate

It is a perpetual delight to taste the vintage wines while admiring the stunning views of the surrounding hilltops. But how about spending a day sipping your favourite wine coupled with cheese and chocolate? The Hunter Valley is not only home to Australia’s oldest vineyards, but it is also dotted with chocolate factories and artisan cheese boutiques. So, it’s not a stretch to describe this region as quintessentially “ winey, cheesy, and chocolatey! “

Our customised Hunter Valley Day trip will take you through the region’s choicest cellar doors, chocolate makers, and delicatessen. How about learning a little about wine, cheese, and chocolate pairing before you start your trip?

There is a saying that “…there is nothing that cheese, chocolate, and a glass of wine can’t solve. ”

This adage is true! There is no better way to unwind and rejuvenate your spirit than with a glass of wine and a selection of cheese and/or chocolate. Taste each ingredient separately to get the finest of all three. Begin with a bit of chocolate. Let it melt in your mouth for 5-10 seconds. Take a sip of the wine, then a slice of the cheese. Enjoy the fragrant taste explosion on your tongue!

An added tip : Keep your eyes closed to fully appreciate the scent and flavour, and feel the sensations throughout your nerves!

Cab Sauvignon

Wine and cheese pairing if you have a fetish for wines, you must know how to combine them with cheese. but obviously, this does not imply that every wine goes perfectly with every cheese. hence, we're here to discuss which wine complements which unique cheese type. without further ado, let us begin our cheesy voyage.

Wine and chocolate pairing Wine and food pairing is not a new concept. However, of all culinary combinations, chocolate with wine can't be overlooked. But the point is, which chocolates go well with which wines? Let's look at some solutions below.

Semillon & White Chocolate

Shiraz & dark chocolate, chardonnay & white chocolate, verdelho & chilly/dark chocolate, cab sauvignon-semi & sweet dark chocolate, cellar doors we visit in hunter valley, glandore estate wines.

Briar Ridge Vineyard

Our first wine tasting of our trip to Hunter Valley. The views are stunning. We had a lovely table outside at Briar Ridge vineyard. Our server was friendly, and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The wines were great paired with a platter of cheese. Great way to start our day!!! What we didn’t know was this would be our best experience of the day.

The Glandore vineyard is absolutely gorgeous! We had a great wine tasting paired with chocolates. We sat outside and were amazed by how beautiful everything was. The White Label Rose’ is the best of any we bought from any of the Hunter Valley vineyards. The Staff was friendly. All around it was a fabulous experience!

Tour duration – 6 to 8 hours depending on the pick-up location

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD OR Hunter Valley (Pokolbin/ Cessnok) – 15 km radius

Departure – 7.30 am from Sydney OR 9.30 am from Pokolbin

Return – 5.30 pm to Sydney OR 3.30 pm to Pokolbin

Inclusions – Wine tasting from 2 small boutique Hunter Valley wineries , paired with cheese or chocolate, visit to distilery, and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch

Tour price – A$ 190.00 per person. (max 11 passenger private small group tours, the tour starts $1000+), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

Tour itinerary – Visit a trio of small boutique Hunter Valley wineries and pair wine with cheese or chocolate, stop over for lunch to taste local produce, and visit the Hunter distillery at the end of the tour to taste spirits and liqueurs .

What to wear – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

*** Inside winery visit – It’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations.

Contact details – (+61) 0498507873 or [email protected]

Cancellation policy – 2 weeks’ notice; full refund. 7 to 14 days of departure – 50% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, loss of full fee. Tasting fees and online transaction fees will not be refunded in any circumstance.

Tour duration  – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off  – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney  – 8.00 am

Return to Sydney  – 5.00 pm

Inclusions – Wine tasting, Expert guide, Luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, bottled water, hotel pick-up, and drop-off

Exclusions – Wildlife park entry, lunch, and cheese-tasting

Tour price – A$ 150 pp (max 11 passengers or tour starts $900+), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

Tour itinerary – Stop at Walkabout Wildlife Park , visit boutique Hunter Valley winery for tasting, and lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 2 nd  winery, cheese shop, or distillery

What to wear  – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Additional information –

Wine tasting – We recommend Gartelmann wines at Lovedale Road due to its beautiful cosy atmosphere with outdoor seating. Other recommended wineries include Oakval, Ernest Hill & Capercaillie. 

Lunch options – Hunter Valley offers a vast variety of restaurant styles such as casual dining (Goldfish Restaurant at Roche Estate), Pub style dining (Harrigan’s Hunter Valley), or Bistro Molines for perfection. Let the guide know which restaurant you prefer for lunch.

Cheese tasting – There are 3 famous artisan cheese shops (Hunter Valley Cheese co, Hunter Belle Cheese, and Smelly Cheese Shop).

Beer tasting – The Mighty (formally Potters & Foghorn Brewery), Iron Bark Hill, Hope Valley, and Matilda Brewhouse are your options for beer paddle tasting.

Organic gin and vodka tasting – $5 per person at Hunter Distillery.

Walkabout Park entry – $30 per adult, and $15 for 3 to 15 aged

COVID-19- update for Hunter Valley Wine Tours – booking is essential for all of these venues.

Contact details  – (+61) 0498507873 or  [email protected]

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD OR Hunter Valley (Pokolbin/Cessnock) / 15 km radius

Departure – 7.30 am from Sydney OR 9.30 am from Pokolbin/Cessnock

Return – 6.00 pm to Sydney OR 4.30 pm to Pokolbin/Cessnock

Inclusions –

Tasting from 3 to 4 pre-selected cellar doors (wines, spirits, or beer), expert guide, luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, pick-up and drop off from accommodation and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch, chocolate tasting, & cheese tasting

Tour Itinerary –

A usual Hunter Valley wine tour itinerary is picking up at a time suitable for the first tasting at 10 am from pre-selected Hunter Valley wineries , 2 nd tasting at 11 am, and 12.30 pm – 3 rd the tasting or lunch stop, depending on the timings for the lunch, 3 rd and 4 th tasting could be around 3 pm and 4 pm. We usually end the tour tasting spirits and liqueurs from Distilery.

Tour price – A$ 150 per person (maximum of 11 per group, $980++ tour starting price is you have a smaller group), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

*** If you need to customize the tour and want to do an inside winery visit, it’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations. Usually, inside winery tours are available at 10.30 am or 12.30 pm (not included in the tour price)

Wineries  we visit – Our recommended wineries for this tour are Gartelmann wines Lovedale , Oakvale Estate , Capercaillie wines, and Ernest Hill vineyard.

Lunch options (excluded in tour price) – Twine Restaurant for a modern Australian Twist, Muse Restaurant at Broke Road, Goldfish Bar & Kitchen for a casual lunch, or Harrigans for a pub meal.

Cheese tasting – Cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Co usually costs $7.95 for a Five Cheese Platter PP.

Beer Paddles – can choose beer tasting from Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse or Mighty Hunter Valley.

Hunter Distillery – This certified Organic distillery offers unique ‘test-tube’ tasting sessions for Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs, and Schnapps.

Cancellation policy – 2 weeks’ notice; full refund. 7 to 14 days of departure – 50% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, loss of full fee. Tasting fees and online transaction fees will not refund in any circumstance.

OPEN 7 DAYS!

Take our quick virtual tour and hear the amazing experiences waiting for you, we welcome you.

Hunter Belle Cheese Room is founded by us -  a husband and wife team, dairy farmers turned cheesemakers.

Located in Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, next to DeIuliis Wines, is a Cheese Deli, Bar and Gourmet Produce & Gift Store all in one - a social space for people to enjoy quality wine and craft beer matched with artisan cheese and fine food (not to mention our decadent fudge and gelato).

We hope you love Hunter Belle Cheese Room as much as we do!

From our family to yours.

Geoff and tania chesworth xo.

Cheese to die for

"With the amount of cheese shops around picking the right one can be tricky so I can definitely recommend the Hunter Belle Cheese Room. These cheeses are made right here in the Hunter with milk produced by Swiss Brown cows owned by the cheese makers themselves. The flavoured cheeses are amazing!!"

-Michelle P - Trip Advisor

When we say family business, we mean it! The next generations of Chesworths Annie and  Jason  head the team producing our dairy range in our factory in Scone NSW. The milk comes from a local family milking Brown Swiss Cows which is excellent for cheese production, allowing us to make our beautiful artisan products with bold flavour and creamy consistency.

Our huge range includes creamy bries, flavoursome fetas, bold cheddars as well as butter, milk and yoghurt. Our range has won us many awards, most recently Ash Triple Cream Brie won the top Cam/Brie at the Australian DIAA awards taking home the trophy!

Eat, Drink. Experience

We offer a range of experiences perfect for any cheese lover! More details here >>>   Pre-booking is highly recommended!

Our licenced Cafe invites you to enjoy our casual lunch menu, featuring cheese platters and fresh baguettes while you enjoy the local scenery, quality wines, and celebrate our beautiful handmade cheese.

Sit back and relax with a boutique beer, locally roasted gourmet coffee or creamy milkshake (with our very own Brown Swiss Cows milk); and top off your visit with a scoop of our creamy gelato, made in-house, or try some of our famous creamy fudge.

Best of the Hunter

We are proud to be partnering with our wonderful neighbours DeIuliis Wines to bring you a quality selection of local drops available at the bar, as well as the quality Hunter Valley craft beer from Ironbark Hill Brewhouse.

Fantastic Choice

"Great choice and flavour of cheeses. Service was great, anyone who enjoys cheese,fudge and gelato should visit."

-Peter B- Trip Advisor

Celebrate with Cheese

Whether it’s to make your wedding an affair to remember or the perfect addition to any party or celebration, Hunter Belle Cheese Towers are show-stoppers, and they really do taste as good as they look. We can also help with catering, cheese boards and  grazing  tables!

Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Our Details

1616 Broke Road  Pokolbin NSW 

[email protected]

P: 02 9159 0770

Legendary Cheese

"Took a trip to Hunter Belle Cheese Room to get some of the best cheese in the world. The Cheese Room has all the products that Hunter Belle Dairy Co produce in their factory in the Hunter Valley. We found the place clean, well stocked and the staff were great! Legendary!"

-Warren B- Trip Advisor

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