If you’ve got a soft spot for all things sweet, rich, and cocoa-filled, the Hunter Valley is your kind of paradise. From indulgent dessert bars and wine and chocolate pairings, to artisan chocolatiers, handcrafted chocolate and even chocolate-infused spirits, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge your sweet tooth. Here’s where to find the best chocolate in the Hunter Valley.
Handmade Chocolates and Dessert Bars
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
Chocolate enthusiasts are in for a treat at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Made from only the finest Belgian and Swiss Swiss Couverture chocolate, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company are well known for their quality, rich flavours and irresistible taste. Make sure to visit their Factory location in the heart of the Hunter Valley to get an inside look to the workings of an active kitchen and see owner Peter and his team busy at work creating their chocolate masterpieces. You can also find their sweet treats at Peterson’s House and Hunter Valley Gardens.
Sabor Dessert Bar
A cult classic, Sabor Dessert bar is a must visit for any sweet tooths. Visitors to Sabor, fondly known as Saborians can expect a dessert menu with over 50 different offerings, each one created individually as nothing is served by the slice. Think warm fluffy chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean ice-cream, dipping strawberries, bananas, honeycomb nougat and caramel popcorn in their chocolate fondue for two, warm Belgian waffles drizzled in chocolate and more. Pair your dessert with a matched wine, or coffee, and enjoy the panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains from the verandah or out of the large floor-to-ceiling windows.
Wine and Chocolate Tastings
Did you know that pairing wine with chocolate enhances the flavours and brings out different notes of the wine. We have been matching wine and chocolate here in the Hunter Valley for years and have crafted some pretty delicious pairings.
Audrey Wilkinson
Perched atop a foot hill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson boasts breathtaking 360 degree views of the Hunter Valley. Their chocolate-lovers Sweet Indulgence Experience includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival followed by a tasting of 6 dessert style wines perfectly matched with handmade local Hunter Valley artisan chocolates. Learn about the fascinating history of the place, and how the wines and chocolate make the perfect match. Each guest will receive a take home etched Audrey Wilkinson glass along with a handmade chocolate gift. BOOK HERE
Tulloch Wines
For over four generations and 130 years Tulloch have been crafting wines and experiences that entertain and educate. Join one of the Hunter Valley's original wine families for a unique wine tasting paired with local handmade chocolates. BOOK HERE
Glandore Wines
Step inside Glandore Estate’s bright, modern cellar door for their Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience. Taste six of their premium, single vineyard wines alongside handcrafted chocolates to match. Glandore Estate is open 7 days, plus they are dog friendly! BOOK HERE
Wild Ren Wines
Nestled in the boutique sandstone shopping village Peppers Creek, Wild Ren Wines' warm, welcoming (and children friendly) cellar door makes a great stop on your Hunter Valley adventure. Their chocolate and wine tasting includes a selection of handmade chocolates matched perfectly to compliment the wine. BOOK HERE
Stomp Wine
Family owned and operated Stomp! Wine invites you to their cellar door for a chocolate and wine tasting including four premium wines and a selection of delicious Hunter Valley Chocolate Company chocolates. BOOK HERE
Tempus Two
Match bubbles and creamy milk chocolate, vibrant rosé and silky white chocolate, buttery Chardonnay with salted caramel and Pinot Noir with 75% dark chocolate at Tempus Two. See how the chocolate compliments the different wines as their expert team guides you through the tasting. BOOK HERE
Hunter Wine Lab
The boutique Hunter Wine Lab, known for its flagship Pink Prosecco, marries traditional winemaking with innovative techniques to craft wines that truly reflect the character of their estate-grown fruit. At their inviting cellar door, open daily, you can taste a selection of their small-batch, single-vineyard wines paired with specialty chocolates in their chocolate pairing. Or, if you're after a unique twist, why not try their wine and gelato tasting experience? BOOK HERE
Keith Tulloch Wines
If you find yourself with a glass of wine in hand, soaking up panoramic vineyard views on the wraparound verandah at Keith Tulloch Wines, you know it’s a good day. Enjoy a selection of 5 easy-drinking and flagship Keith Tulloch wines matched with artisan handmade chocolates at their pairing experience. BOOK HERE
Pokolbin Estate
Discover the perfect combination of estate-grown Hunter Valley wines and handcrafted local chocolates at Pokolbin Estate. This guided tasting experience is designed to highlight how different flavours interact, bringing out the best in both the wine and chocolate. Their matchings include Semillon and milk chocolate, Riesling and coconut rough, Rosato and white chocolate popcorn, Shiraz & chocolate pretzels, Riesling Solera & incaberry chocolate. BOOK HERE
Chocolate Vodka and Liqueur
Hunter Valley’s buzzing distillery scene features unique spirits that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of local distillers. This includes a fun selection of chocolate vodkas and liqueurs.
Small Mouth
Small Mouth Distillery’s fun, glittery collection of handcrafted gin, vodka and liqueurs are infused with edible glitter, made premium and locally sourced ingredients and are 100% Australian made. Explore the range of shimmering spirits, including their chocolate-inspired flavours at their boutique store conveniently located at Hunter Valley Gardens shopping village. BOOK a tasting here.
Handmade Vodka Shimmering Chocolate Hazelnut Vodka
A delicious blend of Small Mouth's Organic Vodka, Hazelnut, and an intense dark chocolate flavour. Great on its own, with milk, or even in a coffee. Also makes for a delicious after dinner dessert.
Shimmering Chocolate Cream Liqueur
The Shining and Shimmering Chocolate Cream Liqueur create a delicious base for making cocktails with its creamy chocolate flavour.
Hunter Distillery
Located on-site at their distillery, treat yourself to Hunter Distillery’s collection of gin, vodka, liqueurs and schnapps all produced and hand-crafted on-site from natural raw ingredients. Sample the collection with their popular 'test tube' tasting method, and for chocolate-lovers, be sure to sample the below. BOOK a tasting here.
Valli Chocolate Vodka
This Chocolate Vodka is an amazing blend of Hunter Distillery’s world renowned Premium Organic Vodka with intense dark chocolate, creating a spirit that has a bitter dark chocolate aroma and a long bitter chocolate taste with a notable spirit finish.
Choc Mint Liqueur
A sinful mix of chocolate and fresh mint. A perfect after dinner companion, enjoy straight up, or in a cocktail.
Silk Almond Liqueur - Chocolate
Rich bold chocolate, has been likened to a chocolate lake belonging to a certain eccentric chocolate factory owner.
This blog was created by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.
