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

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting
Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting
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.
"The cheese was high quality and delicious. Would recommend."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Tasting Area
Sample a variety of high-quality, delicious cheeses. A perfect way to discover your new favorites.
Chilli Jam
Retail Area
A perfect accompaniment to the cheeses, adding an amazing kick and flavor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tastings
Beyond the Cheese: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
If driving, it's accessible via major roads from Sydney and other surrounding areas. Ample parking is available on-site.Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Hunter Valley is a popular day trip destination from Sydney, and the cheese factory is a common stop on many itineraries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They offer a variety that appeals to different palates.While the factory has been making cheese by hand for 30 years,
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.The atmosphere is generally described as nice and chic,
with a pleasant aroma of cheese upon entry. It's a clean area with a good aesthetic.While the focus is on cheese, they also sell accompaniments like their popular chilli jam.
Some visitors have suggested they could offer ice cream or cheesecake to enhance the experience.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.
📸 📸 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,
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
🧀 Cheese Enthusiasts
🍷 Wine Tour Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cheese Tasting
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, 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.
Understanding the 'Masterclass' Experience
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. 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 atmosphere is generally pleasant, with a clean area and a chic aesthetic. The distinct aroma of cheese upon entering is part of the sensory experience, which many find appealing. The factory also features some decorative elements, including fake cows, adding a touch of whimsy to the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit