Discover the Flavors of Hunter Valley Cheese Tasting
Embark on a delightful journey through the world of cheese with our exclusive cheese tasting Hunter Valley tours. Experience the rich, creamy textures and bold flavors of locally crafted cheeses, perfectly paired with the region’s finest wines. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of New South Wales Wine Country.
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.
Cheese and Wine Hunter Valley Tours
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 cheese tasting Hunter Valley 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 cheese tasting Hunter Valley tours!
Key Features of Our Cheese Tasting Tours
Door-to-Door Service
Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at your chosen destination.
Personalized Service
Your driver will be at your service throughout the journey, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Flexibility
You can customize your itinerary to include stops at tourist attractions or restaurants.
Comfort
Enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle with ample legroom and climate control.
HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE TASTING TOURS
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 food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. Used 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.
Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour Package
Enjoy Hunter Valley Wine Country your way
Half Day Wine Tour
Pokolbin/Lovedale Pick Up- Air-conditioned minibus
- Local pickup/drop off
- Guided tour of 3 venues
- Wineries/Distilleries/Cheese Factories/Chocolate Factories/Chilli Tasting
- Standard tasting package included
- Premium tasting packages available
- Morning or afternoon tours available
- Water included
- Scenic views of the Hunter Valley
- Minimum group numbers apply
Half Day Wine Indulgence
Pokolbin/Lovedale Pick Up- Classic/modern convertible Mustang
- Local pickup/drop off
- Guided tour of 3 venues
- Wineries/Distilleries/Cheese Factories/Chocolate Factories/Chilli Tasting
- Premium tasting package included
- Morning or afternoon tours available
- Water included
- Scenic views of the Hunter Valley
- Photo opportunities included
- Suitable for up to 3 guests
Full Day Wine Tour
Pokolbin/Lovedale Pick Up- Air-conditioned minibus
- Local pickup/drop off
- Guided tour of up to 5 venues
- Wineries/Distilleries/Cheese Factories/Chocolate Factories/Chilli Tasting
- Standard tasting package included
- Premium tasting packages available
- Lunch stop at venue of your choice
- Water included
- Scenic views of the Hunter Valley
- Minimum group numbers apply
Full Day Wine Tour
Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Pick Up- Air-conditioned minibus
- Up to 4 pickup/drop-off points
- Guided tour of up to 5 venues
- Wineries/Distilleries/Cheese Factories/Chocolate Factories/Chilli Tasting
- Standard tasting package included
- Premium tasting packages available
- Lunch stop at venue of your choice
- Water included
- Scenic views of the Hunter Valley
- Minimum group numbers apply
Luxury Wine Indulgence
Pokolbin/Lovedale Pick Up- Classic/modern convertible Mustang
- Local pickup/drop off
- Guided tour of up to 5 venues
- Wineries/Distilleries/Cheese Factories/Chocolate Factories/Chilli Tasting
- Tasting fees included (premium wines)
- Lunch stop at venue of your choice
- Water included
- Scenic views of Hunter Valley
- Photo opportunities included
- Suitable for up to 3 guests
Exploring the Best Hunter Valley Cheese Factories
Cheese Tasting Hunter Valley
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. Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of the Hunter Valley, where the lush landscape and artisanal craftsmanship create a paradise for cheese aficionados and wine enthusiasts alike. Discover the delightful symphony of flavors as you sample exquisite cheeses expertly paired with the region’s finest wines, all while soaking in the serene vistas and vibrant atmosphere of this iconic destination.
Engage your senses and broaden your palate as you learn from passionate cheese makers who share their secrets and stories, making each bite an experience to savor. Watch cheese production and enjoy 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.
Whether you’re gathering with friends or seeking a unique outing, Classic Tours ensures an enjoyable, personalized journey through the world of gourmet delights, where every tour is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of the Hunter Valley.
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 history 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.
What we love about Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
At the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, the joy of gourmet cheese-making comes alive in every delicious bite, where the artistry of traditional techniques meets the richness of local ingredients. Each cheese tells a story, from the nutty undertones of the celebrated Hunter Gold Washed Rind to the creamy, dreamy texture of the Grape Vine Ash Brie, providing a unique taste of the Hunter Valley’s bountiful landscape. Indulge your cheese pairings with exquisite McGuigan wines, all while soaking in the vibrant surroundings that embody the heart and soul of this culinary haven.
The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory cheesemaking workshop invites both novice and seasoned food lovers to roll up their sleeves and dive into the art of crafting exquisite cheese. Under the expert guidance of a master cheesemaker, participants embark on an interactive experience that unfolds the fascinating science behind this age-old tradition. From curdling the milk to shaping the cheese, each step offers a hands-on lesson infused with the rich heritage of the Hunter Valley.
As you experiment with flavors and techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to create your own artisan cheese at home, all while surrounded by the stunning backdrop of lush vineyards and rolling hills. This delightful workshop is not just about learning; it’s about connecting with the local culture and savoring the satisfaction of creating something truly unique.
Hunter Valley Cheese Factory cheeses we like
Grape Vine Ash Brie
Hunter Gold Washed Rind
Watagans Tomme
Hunter Valley Marinated Goats Cheese
Housemade Tomato Chilli Relish
Contact Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
Address: McGuigan Wine Cellars, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Hours: 9am to 5.30pm, 7 days
Web: huntervalleycheese.com.au
Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
The 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. As you meander through the shop, the rich and complex aromas of aged cheddars, creamy bries, and zesty goat cheeses envelop you, creating an inviting ambiance that beckons you to sample local and imported delights.
Beyond the cheese, indulge in the warmth of their café, where you can savor a succulently baked cheesecake or a hearty meal paired perfectly with fine local wine. 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 their monthly specials with a glass of local wine, beer or coffee.
What we love about Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of artisanal cheeses, each crafted with care and passion, inviting you to indulge in a sensory adventure that celebrates local flavors and global inspiration. Beyond the extraordinary cheese selection, the shop’s vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a warm and knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through a tasting experience that’s as educational as it is delicious.
The 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.
Smelly Cheese Shop cheeses we like
Smelly’s Own – Labna with Mint Garlic & Rosemary
Smelly’s Own – Caramelised Onion Cream Cheese
Wensleydale Cranberry
Contact Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
Address 1: Pokolbin Village Estate, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Address 2: Roche Estate Complex, 2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Hours: 9.30am to 5pm Monday – Thursday, 9.30am to 5.30pm Friday, 9am to 5.30pm Saturday and 9am to 5pm Sunday
Web: smellycheese.net.au
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.
What we love about Binnorie Dairy
At Binnorie Dairy, the magic of cheesemaking unfolds like a beautiful symphony where each note is a creamy delight waiting to be savored. What truly captivates us is their dedication to local sourcing, allowing the rich and lush landscapes of the Hunter Valley to shine through in every bite. From the tangy marinated goat feta to the luscious triple cream brie, each cheese tells a story of craftsmanship and passion, inviting both connoisseurs and casual cheese lovers to explore a world of flavors that are as diverse as they are delightful.
The inviting atmosphere of the dairy shop, coupled with the opportunity to witness skilled cheesemakers at work through the viewing window, transforms an ordinary visit into an engaging experience that nourishes not just the palate, but also the spirit of community and tradition in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Grab a coffee and some tasty treats from the cafe and relax on the deck, surrounded by the tranquility of the Gum trees on this beautiful acreage.
Binnorie Dairy cheeses we like
Vintage Cheddar
Pesto Labna
Chilli & Garlic Brie
Marinated Goat Fetta
Contact Binnorie Dairy
Address: 25 Lodge Road, Lovedale NSW 2325
Hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days
Web: binnorie.com.au
Hunter Belle Dairy Co.
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).
What we love about Hunter Belle Dairy Co.
Hunter Belle Dairy Co. consistently introduce exciting products, such as their famous cheese curds and unique flavors of cheddar, that keeps us coming back for more. By sourcing milk from local farmers and focusing on environmentally conscious practices, Hunter Belle Dairy Co. not only delivers exceptional quality but also supports the regional economy and a greener future – we love that.
Beyond the products, Hunter Belle Dairy Co. has a welcoming and immersive customer experience. Whether visiting their picturesque facility for a cheese-tasting tour, enjoying a meal at their café, or purchasing their products at local markets, you can feel a genuine connection to the people and the process behind the brand. This commitment to transparency and community engagement makes Hunter Belle Dairy Co. more than just a dairy producer – it’s a symbol of local pride and passion for excellence.
Hunter Belle Dairy Co. cheeses we like
Ash Brie
Cranberry Pistachio
Hunter Haloumi BBQ Cheese
Herb & Garlic Marinated Feta
Caramelised Onion & Thyme Cheddar
Ol Smokey Cold Smoked Cheddar
Contact Hunter Belle Dairy Co.
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
Hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days
Web: hunterbelledairy.com
What People Are Saying
We know you’ll have an awesome time with Classic Tours on one of our awesome half day Hunter Valley wine tours, but don’t take our word for it. Read what our guests are saying about us and find out why you should gather a group of friends and book a minibus with the Hunter Valley’s premier private wine tour operator. Let us show you a classic day!