The Must-Do Hunter Valley Chocolate And Cheese Trail

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.

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.

Peter the chocolatier at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company — 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.

desserts and pastries at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company — The 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.

Cocoa Nib

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

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.

artisan chocolates at Cocoa Nib in vivid colours — 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.

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.

a look inside Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop — Shop the world’s finest cheeses and platter accompaniments. (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.

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 attracts 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.

people entering Hunter Valley Cheese Company — The standout Aussie cheese is available to purchase.

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.

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.

a cheese plate at Binnorie Dairy — The 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.

cheese products available for sale at Binnorie Dairy, Lovedale — Cheesemaker Simon Gough is the mastermind behind Binnorie Dairy. (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.

the bar counter at Wild Wren Wine Room — 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.

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.

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

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.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

The must-do Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese trail