Front cheese case.
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Smelly Cheese Shop

4.2
·974 reviews·Pokolbin, Australia

Artisan cheese shop & deli in Hunter Valley, offering unique cheeses, gourmet goods, cheesecakes, and ice cream.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
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Front cheese case.

Smelly Cheese Shop

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Artisan cheese shop & deli in Hunter Valley, offering unique cheeses, gourmet goods, cheesecakes, and ice cream.

4.2
(974 reviews)

"A must-visit for cheese lovers, with an amazing selection and delicious treats!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Miss the Cool Room!

Venture into the walk-in cool room for an extensive cheese selection. You might miss it if you're not looking!

🧀 Cheese Tasting Experience

Consider the cheese tasting for $5/person. It's a great way to sample before you buy.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cool Room Cheese Selection

The Cool Room Cheese Selection

Walk-in cool room

Explore a vast array of unique cheeses, many not found in regular supermarkets. A true paradise for cheese lovers!

Artisan Cheesecakes

Artisan Cheesecakes

Shop counter

Indulge in decadent, homemade cheesecakes with a variety of flavors. A sweet treat that complements the savory offerings.

Gourmet Delicatessen

Gourmet Delicatessen

Shop shelves

Discover cured meats, artisanal pastes, local honeys, and jams perfect for pairing with your cheese haul.

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Planning Your Visit

Hunter Valley Cheese Haven

Plan your visit to the Smelly Cheese Shop in Hunter Valley for a delightful cheese experience. Consider booking a cheese tasting session, especially if you're a cheese enthusiast. The shop is a popular stop for tour groups, so be prepared for crowds during peak times. Reddit

Beyond the Cheese

While cheese is the star, don't miss their delicious cheesecakes and a wide array of gourmet goods like cured meats, sauces, and local honey. It's a perfect spot for unique foodie souvenirs. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Highly recommend this place for your next Hunter Valley visit! 🦘🍇 #fyp #huntervalley #hiddengem #airbnb #thewellnessfarmbroke #thewellnessfarm #viralvideo #airbnbfinds #hiddentreasure #foryou #wineregion #trending #airbnbtour #huntervalleynsw #PlacesToVisit #hiddengemairbnbs
@acontentqueen
26.8K likes • 562.1K views

🎯 Don't Miss the Cool Room!

Venture into the walk-in cool room for an extensive cheese selection. You might miss it if you're not looking! Reddit

🧀 Cheese Tasting Experience

Consider the cheese tasting for $5/person. It's a great way to sample before you buy. Reddit

I can’t believe I survived this 🤣 this tiny cabin is called Lila in Pokolbin 🌳🏠 #tinycabin #unyoked #offgridliving #alrighthey #pokolbin #huntervalley #unyokedcabins
@alright.hey
23.3K likes • 258.3K views
Consider your weekend plans made! Head out to the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop for some delicious cheesecakes made on site, plenty of flavours available!
huntervalleysmellycheese
65 likes • 1.8K views

🍰 Sweet & Savory Delights

Beyond cheese, try their delicious cheesecakes and explore gourmet items like cured meats and local honey. Instagram+1

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Plenty of parking makes this a convenient stop, especially for tour groups. Reddit

De Paris à Adélaïde, le fromage crée des liens. Laurent Dubois retrouve Valérie Henbest en Australie pour une plongée au cœur des caves d’affinage du Smelly Cheese Shop. L’occasion d’échanger sur les méthodes de maturation et d’apporter son regard d’expert sur les fromages en cours d’affinage. En boutique, il partage son savoir-faire en faisant découvrir ses propres créations, ouvrant le dialogu...
laurentdubois_fromager_paris
127 likes • 6.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Miss the Cool Room!

Venture into the walk-in cool room for an extensive cheese selection. You might miss it if you're not looking! Reddit

🧀 Cheese Tasting Experience

Consider the cheese tasting for $5/person. It's a great way to sample before you buy. Reddit

🍰 Sweet & Savory Delights

Beyond cheese, try their delicious cheesecakes and explore gourmet items like cured meats and local honey. Instagram+1

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Plenty of parking makes this a convenient stop, especially for tour groups. Reddit

🛍️ Great for Foodie Souvenirs

Find unique cheeses, pastes, biscuits, and honeys – perfect gifts for food lovers. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(974 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the exceptional selection of cheeses, particularly those found in the walk-in cool room, and the delicious homemade cheesecakes. While the shop can feel a bit cramped and service is sometimes described as cool, the quality and variety of gourmet products, including cured meats and local honeys, make it a highly recommended stop for food enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

"The selection of cheeses in the cool room was excellent, and there was a very good range of small goods, sauces and charcuterie items.. The shop is a bit tight though and is hard to navigate with only a few people in there. The service was ok but a little cold...nothing outstanding. I'd recommend it for the products only."

Stephanie Bielby

"Hunter Valley Must Stop for Visitors & Tour Groups
Sydney Clients Love the Break, Check out Smelly Cheese in Pokolbin Village Estate."

Hunter Valley Tours n Cargo services

"Everyone knows it, always plenty of parking, it has been here for years and as a meeting place it is excellent.
There are many and varied cheeses available here and it is well worth a visit to try, and buy, some unusual cheeses not available in your local supermarket."

Peter Johnston

What People Like

Excellent cheese selection
Delicious cheesecakes
Gourmet deli items

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Service sometimes cold

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Smelly Cheese Shop is located in Pokolbin Village Estate in the Hunter Valley. It's a popular stop on many Hunter Valley tours and is easily accessible by car. There's ample parking available, making it convenient for visitors and tour groups alike. Reddit

While not exclusively a wine tour stop, it's frequently included in Hunter Valley itineraries, especially those focusing on food and wine experiences. Many visitors combine a visit here with wine tastings at nearby vineyards. Reddit

Driving is the most common method. Alternatively, consider booking a guided tour that includes the Smelly Cheese Shop, or hiring a private driver for a more personalized experience. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Smelly Cheese Shop itself is free. However, there is a small fee for cheese tasting sessions. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the shop is open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially around public holidays. Instagram

Yes, the cheese tasting is typically around $5 per person. It's a great way to sample a variety of their offerings before making a purchase. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, given their popularity with tour groups, it's possible they accommodate private bookings. It's best to contact them directly to inquire about private tasting or event options. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a wide selection of cheeses, including many unique varieties in their walk-in cool room. They also offer cured meats, sauces, local honeys, jams, and gourmet crackers. Reddit

The shop can get quite busy, especially on weekends and when tour groups are present. The space can feel a bit tight with several people inside. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended for a less crowded experience. Reddit

The 'cool room' is a walk-in refrigerated area within the shop that houses an extensive and impressive variety of cheeses. It's a must-visit for any cheese aficionado. Reddit

Yes, they offer delicious homemade cheesecakes, cured meats, and a variety of gourmet accompaniments like pastes, biscuits, and honeys. Instagram+1

Yes, families often enjoy the experience. Kids might particularly like the cheesecakes and the variety of interesting products. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

They boast a wide and varied selection of cheeses, including many unusual types not typically found in supermarkets. The walk-in cool room is where you'll find the most extensive range. Reddit

Absolutely! They have a great range of cured meats, sauces, pastes, biscuits, honeys, and jams that are perfect for creating a cheeseboard. They also make delicious cheesecakes. Instagram+1

The description mentions toasted sandwiches, suggesting they are available. It's a great option if you're looking for a light meal to accompany your cheese exploration. Instagram

Yes, the Smelly Cheese Shop also offers great ice cream, which is a popular treat for visitors. InstagramReddit

Yes, there's a Thai/Japanese restaurant located next door, offering additional dining options if you're looking for something beyond the shop's offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the impressive displays of cheese in the cool room, the beautifully arranged gourmet products, and of course, your delicious cheesecakes or ice cream. The vibrant market atmosphere also makes for great shots. Instagram+1

Generally, yes, you can take photos inside the cool room to showcase the incredible cheese selection. Be mindful of other shoppers and the delicate nature of the products. Instagram

The colorful cheesecakes, artfully arranged cheese boards, and the sheer volume of cheese in the cool room are all highly 'Instagrammable'. Don't forget to capture the unique packaging of their gourmet goods. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Smelly Cheese Shop is a fun stop for families. Kids often enjoy the delicious cheesecakes and ice cream available. Instagram+1 The variety of interesting products can also spark curiosity. While the shop can get a bit crowded, the ample parking makes it an easy stop on a family outing. Consider it a sweet treat destination alongside the cheese exploration. Reddit

🧀 Cheese Connoisseurs

For true cheese lovers, the walk-in cool room is an absolute must-visit. It houses an extensive and unique selection of cheeses that you won't find elsewhere. Reddit The opportunity to sample during a cheese tasting session is highly recommended to discover new favorites. Reddit The shop's dedication to quality, even hosting expert maturers, ensures a premium experience. Instagram+1

🛍️ Souvenir Hunters

Looking for unique foodie gifts? The Smelly Cheese Shop is your go-to. Beyond cheese, they offer a fantastic range of cured meats, artisanal pastes, local honeys, and jams. Reddit These items make for perfect, memorable souvenirs that capture the essence of the region's gourmet offerings. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cheese Maturation

The Smelly Cheese Shop is not just a retail space; it's a hub for cheese expertise. They even hosted renowned cheese expert Laurent Dubois, who shared his knowledge on the art of maturation. This highlights their commitment to quality and the science behind developing complex cheese flavors. Instagram+1

Maturation is a critical process where cheese develops its unique texture, aroma, and taste over time. Factors like temperature, humidity, and the type of rind all play a role. The shop's dedication to this process ensures that visitors are sampling cheeses at their peak. Instagram

For visitors, this means an opportunity to taste cheeses that have been carefully crafted and aged to perfection. It's a chance to appreciate the dedication and skill that goes into producing high-quality artisan cheeses. Instagram

A Culinary Stop in Hunter Valley

The Smelly Cheese Shop is a cornerstone of the Hunter Valley's culinary scene, offering more than just cheese. It's a destination for food lovers looking for unique gourmet products. From cured meats and artisanal pastes to local honeys and jams, the shop provides a comprehensive selection for creating the perfect cheeseboard. InstagramReddit

Their homemade cheesecakes are a particular highlight, often described as 'better than ice cream,' showcasing their versatility beyond savory offerings. This sweet treat is a popular choice for visitors looking for a delightful indulgence. Instagram+1

Combined with their ice cream and the proximity to other eateries like a Thai/Japanese restaurant, the Smelly Cheese Shop makes for a well-rounded culinary stop in the region. It’s a place where you can sample, purchase, and enjoy a variety of delicious food items. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Shop and Service

While the selection of products at the Smelly Cheese Shop is widely praised, some visitors note that the shop itself can feel a bit tight and difficult to navigate, especially when it's busy. The aisles can be narrow, making it challenging to move around comfortably with multiple people. Reddit

Regarding service, reviews suggest it can be 'okay' but sometimes a little 'cold' or not outstanding. This might be due to the high volume of visitors and tour groups passing through. However, the quality of the products is consistently highlighted as the main draw. Reddit

Despite these minor points, the overall experience is generally positive, with many recommending the shop primarily for its exceptional product range. It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience. Reddit

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