You know we’re big fans of the Hunter Valley for its fantastic wines, craft beers, olives and other fantastic local produce. But are you looking for a cheese tasting adventure in stead? Home to a variety of cheesemakers and tasting venues that are sure to satisfy your taste buds, the Hunter Valley is still the perfect destination! Located just a short drive from Sydney, and home to our favourite wine tours, is the perfect destination whether you're a seasoned cheese aficionado or just a casual cheese lover, there's something for everyone in the Cheese Tasting Hunter Valley scene.
Where to Go for Cheese Tasting in Hunter Valley?
If you're eager to try some fantastic cheeses, you're in luck! There are many great cheese artisans in the Hunter region, but here are a few of our favourites.
A Classic Cheese Tasting Room: Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is one of the oldest and most well-known cheese producers in the area. Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, their range of cheeses is impressive, from classic cheddars to creamy bries, and everything in between. You can stop by their tasting room for wine pairings and cheese platters. Their location also makes them perfect to visit some close-by located wineries.
A Lesser Known Cheese Artisan: Binnorie Dairy
Binnorie Dairy is a great spot for artisanal cheeses and is a bit more off the beaten track if you’re looking for a smaller cheese artisan. They use traditional methods to create a stunning range of handmade soft cheeses, including delicious labne, marinated feta, triple cream brie, various goats cheeses -swoon-, and much more! Their tasting room also offers wine pairings and cheese platters.
The Popular Kid in Town: Smelly Cheese Shop
The Smelly Cheese Shop is a cheese retailer with two locations in Hunter Valley, and a popular stop amongst for many wine tour operators. They offer a wide variety of cheeses from all over the world, wine pairings, and cheese platters. They also offer cheese appreciation classes and workshops if you're looking to improve your cheese game.
The Smart Way: Join On Of Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours
We may be biased, but we love all the cheese artisans that we feature on our Hunter Valley Wine Tours! We love including the abundant local cheese and picnic platters to spoil our clients on each tour. This means that you’ll get a chance to taste a variety of artisan cheeses in one visit while enjoying the stunning views we like to pick out. Book your wine tour now and ensure an insanely good-looking cheese platter!
Creating the Perfect Cheese and Wine Pairing
Pairing cheese with wine can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect cheese and wine pairing:
Match Intensity in Your Wine and Cheese
When it comes to cheese and wine pairing, you want to match the intensity of the cheese with the intensity of the wine. Strong, bold cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar pair well with full-bodied red wines, while lighter, milder cheeses like brie or goat cheese pair well with lighter white wines. If you want to really step it up, start with milder cheeses accompanied by your favourite white wines, and move your way up to bolder flavours, both in wine and in cheese!
Consider Complementarity
Another approach to cheese and wine pairing is to think about complementarity. This means pairing flavors that complement each other, like pairing a creamy brie with a crisp, acidic white wine. The idea is to create a harmonious balance between the cheese and wine flavors.
Try Regional Pairings
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try pairing local cheeses with local wines? This is a great way to get a taste of the Hunter Valley's unique terroir. For example, you could pair a Hunter Valley cheddar with a Hunter Valley shiraz or a Hunter Valley blue cheese with a Hunter Valley semillon.
Put your Knowledge to Practise and try wine and cheese pairings
One of the most popular cheeses in the Hunter Valley is the locally made brie like the one from Binnorie Dairy or one of the many other locally-made bries in the region. This soft, creamy cheese pairs perfectly with a crisp, acidic white wine, such as the Semillon, a grape variety the Hunter Valley is famous for! The fresh citrus notes of the Semillon bring out the buttery, nuttiness of the brie, creating a great balance in flavours.
Another local cheese you should try is the Hunter Valley cheddar, like for example from Hunter Belle Cheese, located in Muswellbrook. This hard, crumbly cheese pairs well with a full-bodied red wine like Shiraz, like the one from Brokenwood Wines. The bold, fruity notes of the Shiraz complement the nutty, sharpness of the cheddar, creating a rich combination.
For a more adventurous pairing, try a local blue cheese like the Blue Moon from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. This bold, creamy cheese is perfect with a sweet dessert wine like a Late Harvest Semillon, like the De Iuliis Late Picked Semillon 2021. The sweetness of the wine cuts through the tangy, sharpness of the cheese, creating a truly unique and satisfying experience.
Take Home a Taste of Hunter Valley
Don't forget to bring some local cheeses and wines home with you to impress your friends at your next dinner party or simply to enjoy after a long day in the office! It's a great way to share your Hunter Valley experience with friends and family, and it makes for a fantastic gourmet gift idea. Most of the cheesemakers in the region offer cheese and wine for sale, so stock up on your favourites before you head home!
Chocolate and Olive Tastings
Of course, the Hunter Valley is not just about cheese or wine. The region is also famous for its local chocolate and olive tastings, so you can savour the region's flavours to the fullest. If you want to add a chocolate or olive tasting to your tour experience, simply head to our booking page or contact our team!
Make the Most of Your Hunter Valley Experience
Look guys, we might be biased, but we’ve poured so much love in creating our tour itineraries that we really think we can offer you an experience like no other! What makes Urban Legends Wine Tours unique? You get to visit exclusive boutique wineries that usually don’t take group bookings with a fun and knowledgable local tour guide whilst listening to your favourite tunes along the way. If you want to experience the ultimate gourmet adventure in the Hunter Valley, our tours are the way to go.