Hunter Valley Cheese Company - Image 1
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Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

3.9
·338 reviews·Pokolbin, Australia

Discover artisanal cheeses and delightful pairings at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, a must-visit for food lovers in the wine region.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting

CrowdLow
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Hunter Valley Cheese Company - Image 1

Hunter Valley Cheese Factory

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover artisanal cheeses and delightful pairings at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, a must-visit for food lovers in the wine region.

3.9
(338 reviews)

"The cheese was high quality and delicious. Would recommend."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Signature Cheese

The Hunter Gold Washed Rind is a standout! Creamy and unique. :cheese_wedge:

Ask About Tasting Plates

Even near closing, they might accommodate! Worth asking for a great experience. :pleading_face:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hunter Gold Washed Rind

Hunter Gold Washed Rind

Cheese Counter

Signature cheese with a soft, creamy center and earthy bloomy rind. A must-try for cheese aficionados!

Cheese Tasting Plate

Cheese Tasting Plate

Tasting Area

Sample a variety of high-quality, delicious cheeses. A perfect way to discover your new favorites.

Chilli Jam

Chilli Jam

Retail Area

A perfect accompaniment to the cheeses, adding an amazing kick and flavor.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Tastings

Arrive early or be prepared for potential closing time limitations on cheese tasting plates. Some visitors have reported being accommodated even close to closing, but it's best to plan ahead to ensure a full experience. Check their hours before you go!

Beyond the Cheese: What to Expect

While the cheese is the star, some visitors note the 'Masterclass' experience may not offer the value expected. Focus on the cheese tasting plates and purchasing your favorites to get the most out of your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (before closing)
Why
Potential for accommodating service
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Funthingstodo try a unique #cheese making workshop in Hunter valley at hunter valley cheese factory it was so fun & got a cheese tasting after! #huntervalley #huntervalleycheese #huntervalleycheeseco #cheeseclass
@adventuresaustralia
215 likes • 19.2K views

Don't Miss the Signature Cheese

The Hunter Gold Washed Rind is a standout! Creamy and unique. :cheese_wedge:

Ask About Tasting Plates

Even near closing, they might accommodate! Worth asking for a great experience. :pleading_face:

#cheese #huntervalley #nswtourism #australia #Foodie #huntervalleycheese Cutting shapes 👀
@huntervalleycheese
200 likes • 33K views
Cheese tasting 🧀📍 Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
applerrol
3 likes • 164 views

Pair with Chilli Jam

Their chilli jam is a perfect match for the cheeses. Adds a great kick! :chili_pepper:

Plan for Purchases

Stock up on your favorites before you leave; you won't regret it! :shopping_cart:

The Hunter Gold Washed Rind, our signature cheese here at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Soft creamy center & an earthy bloomy rind. Divine! 🤤 #huntervalleycheese #cheese #huntervalley
huntervalleycheese
21 likes • 603 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Signature Cheese

The Hunter Gold Washed Rind is a standout! Creamy and unique. :cheese_wedge:

Ask About Tasting Plates

Even near closing, they might accommodate! Worth asking for a great experience. :pleading_face:

Pair with Chilli Jam

Their chilli jam is a perfect match for the cheeses. Adds a great kick! :chili_pepper:

Plan for Purchases

Stock up on your favorites before you leave; you won't regret it! :shopping_cart:

Consider a Tour

Combine with winery visits for a full Hunter Valley experience. :wine_glass:

What Travellers Say

3.9
(338 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for its high-quality, delicious cheeses, particularly the signature Hunter Gold Washed Rind, and the friendly, accommodating staff. The tasting experience and the option to purchase cheeses to take home are significant highlights. However, some guests have found the 'Masterclass' experience to be poor value and certain cheeses to be underwhelming.

"There were six of us that day, and we arrived just 17 minutes before closing. I was already prepared for them to say no to the cheese tasting plate since it looked like they were wrapping up.

But to my surprise, the lady at the counter kindly checked with her manager—and they said yes!

We were blown away by the warm service and the delicious cheeses. Even though we were short on time, we still fully enjoyed the experience. The manager even came over to ask how we liked the tasting—of course, we told him it was wonderful.

What a perfect way to end our trip"

Lenny Sudiro

"We had a great time at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Dave greeted us and was very helpful and knowledgeable. The tasting plate was a great way to try the available cheeses, and all the cheese was high quality and delicious. Would recommend."

Suzanne

"No real cows ☹️🐄❌
Two fake cows 🐮🐮 and one named Tobi 🐄✨, nice aesthetic ✨, clean area ✨🧼, a lot of parking 🚗🅿️.
Stinky cheese smell 🧀💨 upon entrance 🚪 but some people are into that 🤷‍♀️👃 yk.
The bruzz 👨‍🧀 has been making cheese 🧀 by hand ✋🕰️ for 30yrs which is kool 😎.
Staff were friendly 😊👋, atmosphere was nice and chic ☕🪑, prices were questionable ❓💰 but fair enough 🤷.
The cheese 🧀 was kinda underwhelming 😕 — only reason why lost a star ⭐❌, idk 🤔 was kinda tasteless 😐 mostly, maybe I've just got a weak tongue 👅🥱 but cheese was kinda bland 😶.
For a cheese factory or whatever, like if you're already deep in the dairy game 🧀🥛, chuck in a bit of ice cream 🍦 or a top-tier cheesecake 🍰 gimme a reason to stay after tasting that mid cheese stmo smh, pmo fr ngl."

Eilia Jamali

What People Like

Delicious, high-quality cheese
Friendly and accommodating staff
Hunter Gold Washed Rind

What People Dislike

Underwhelming cheese variety
Poor value 'Masterclass'

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region. Many visitors arrive as part of a guided wine tour, which often includes a stop at the factory.Instagram+1 If driving, it's accessible via major roads from Sydney and other surrounding areas. Ample parking is available on-site.Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.Reddit

Absolutely! The Hunter Valley is a popular day trip destination from Sydney, and the cheese factory is a common stop on many itineraries.Instagram

For visiting multiple wineries and the cheese factory, booking a small group day tour is highly recommended. This allows you to enjoy tastings without worrying about driving.Instagram

Public transport options directly to the cheese factory are limited. It is best accessed by car or as part of an organized tour.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the factory itself is generally free. However, if you wish to participate in a cheese tasting plate or a 'Masterclass,' there will be associated costs. It's advisable to check their official website for current pricing and booking information.

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Some visitors have noted they can be accommodating even close to closing time for tastings.Reddit

While walk-ins for cheese tasting plates are often possible, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee your spot. Some visitors have had success even close to closing.Reddit

A cheese tasting typically includes a selection of their high-quality cheeses, often served with crackers. Some reviews mention accompaniments like chilli jam or meats, though this can vary.Reddit+1

While there isn't typically an age restriction for tasting cheese, any wine pairings or consumption of alcoholic beverages would adhere to standard legal drinking age requirements.

🎫 🧀 Onsite Experience

You can expect a diverse range of high-quality cheeses, including their signature Hunter Gold Washed Rind, which is a creamy and earthy bloomy rind cheese.InstagramReddit They offer a variety that appeals to different palates.

While the factory has been making cheese by hand for 30 years,Reddit specific public demonstrations or detailed tours might not be consistently available. Some visitors have found the 'Masterclass' experience to be brief and not as informative as expected.Reddit

The atmosphere is generally described as nice and chic,Reddit with a pleasant aroma of cheese upon entry.Reddit It's a clean area with a good aesthetic.Reddit

While the focus is on cheese, they also sell accompaniments like their popular chilli jam.Reddit Some visitors have suggested they could offer ice cream or cheesecake to enhance the experience.Reddit

Yes, absolutely! The factory has a retail area where you can purchase your favorite cheeses to take home. Many visitors recommend stocking up before leaving.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant displays of cheese, the tasting platters, and the charming facade of the factory. The aesthetic is described as nice and chic,Reddit offering pleasant visuals for your travel photos.

Yes, you are welcome to take photos of your cheese tasting experience. Documenting the variety of cheeses and your enjoyment is part of the fun!

The retail area with its array of cheeses and the tasting counter are great spots. The exterior of the factory also provides a nice backdrop for your pictures.

Daylight hours are best for photography. Visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, can also allow for more relaxed and unobstructed photo opportunities.

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the experience. If you're looking for more professional shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a good lens will also work well.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory can be a fun stop for families, offering a chance to sample delicious cheeses. While there aren't extensive kid-specific activities, the novelty of a cheese factory and the opportunity to try different flavors can be engaging for children. The clean and pleasant atmosphere makes it a comfortable environment for families.Reddit Consider purchasing a variety of cheeses that might appeal to younger palates, and don't forget to grab some of their popular chilli jam to take home as a tasty souvenir.

🧀 Cheese Enthusiasts

For true cheese lovers, the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is a must-visit. The opportunity to taste a range of artisanal cheeses, including the highly-praised Hunter Gold Washed Rind, is a major draw.InstagramReddit Many visitors recommend trying a tasting plate to explore the diverse offerings and stocking up on favorites to enjoy later.Reddit The knowledgeable staff can also provide insights into the different cheeses, enhancing the tasting experience.

🍷 Wine Tour Goers

If you're visiting the Hunter Valley for its renowned wineries, a stop at the cheese factory is a perfect complement to your wine tour.Instagram+1 Many tours include this as a scheduled destination, offering a delightful contrast to wine tasting. It's an excellent way to experience the region's culinary offerings and discover delicious pairings that enhance both the cheese and wine.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cheese Tasting

A visit to the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is a sensory journey, with cheese tasting being the highlight. Visitors can opt for tasting plates that showcase a selection of their artisanal cheeses. The Hunter Gold Washed Rind is frequently praised for its unique texture and flavor profile, described as having a soft, creamy center and an earthy, bloomy rind.InstagramReddit Many reviewers emphasize the quality and deliciousness of the cheeses, encouraging visitors to try a bit of everything.Reddit

Beyond the signature cheese, the factory offers a range of other varieties. Some patrons have found certain cheeses to be a bit bland or underwhelming,Reddit suggesting that personal preference plays a significant role. However, the overall consensus leans towards high-quality products. Don't forget to explore accompaniments like their popular chilli jam, which is highly recommended for adding a delightful kick to your cheese selections.Reddit

Understanding the 'Masterclass' Experience

While the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is renowned for its cheese, the 'Masterclass' experience has received mixed reviews. Some visitors have found it to be poor value for money, with a very brief talk, limited visual aids, and a small tasting portion of cheeses and crackers.Reddit The cost associated with this 'Masterclass' has been noted as quite high, leading some to feel it was not as described and not worth the expense.Reddit

For those considering this option, it's worth weighing the cost against the potential for a more in-depth educational experience. Many reviewers suggest that using the funds to purchase cheese directly from the factory might be a more satisfying alternative.Reddit The general sentiment is that while the cheese itself is good, the 'Masterclass' may not deliver the comprehensive or engaging experience that some travelers anticipate.

Customer Service and Atmosphere

The customer service at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory often receives high marks. Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.Reddit One notable review highlighted exceptional service when a group arrived just before closing and was still kindly accommodated for a tasting plate, even receiving a check-in from the manager.Reddit This level of warmth and willingness to go the extra mile contributes significantly to a positive visitor experience.

The atmosphere is generally pleasant, with a clean area and a chic aesthetic.Reddit The distinct aroma of cheese upon entering is part of the sensory experience, which many find appealing.Reddit The factory also features some decorative elements, including fake cows, adding a touch of whimsy to the visit.Reddit

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