Hunter Valley: Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Wine tasting history meets chocolate and cheese in hunter valley

You’ll wander historic vineyards in Hunter Valley, taste wines with local stories behind them, enjoy a relaxed two-course lunch with paired wines, then sample chocolate and artisan cheeses—all with an easygoing guide who knows the region inside out. Expect moments of quiet beauty between bites and sips that linger longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

I wasn’t expecting the first vineyard to smell so earthy—almost like rain on warm stone. We’d just rolled into the Hunter Valley after a sleepy drive from Sydney, and our guide, Dave (he’s lived here forever), pointed out the rows of vines stretching way past where I could squint. He told us about some old Pinot Noir that apparently started it all here. I tried to sound like I knew what “terroir” meant but mostly just listened while holding my glass, feeling the sun get stronger on my neck. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a second, just looking out at those vines. Kind of peaceful, actually.

Lunch was at this manor house—voco Kirkton Park or something? The kind of place where you half expect someone in riding boots to show up. They served us a two-course meal with local wine pairings (I picked white for both courses because honestly red still confuses me), and I’m not sure if it was the food or just being there with strangers-turned-friends, but it felt easy to laugh. Someone spilled water and nobody cared. That’s when Dave told us the story about how winemakers here survived the big drought years—he made it sound heroic, but also kind of everyday.

After that came chocolate—properly rich stuff at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company—and then cheese at Binnorie Dairy. I tried a soft cheese that tasted almost grassy (in a good way). The air smelled sweet outside, like eucalyptus and something floral I couldn’t name. My hands were sticky from tasting samples and I didn’t even mind. On the ride back, people dozed off or chatted quietly about which bottle they’d bought for home. I kept thinking about that silent moment in the vineyard earlier—how sometimes you don’t realize you needed a pause until you get one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hunter Valley wine, lunch, cheese, chocolate

• Travel to Hunter Valley
• Visit historic vineyard and wine tasting
• Tour Mount Pleasant Wines and taste Pinot Noir
• Enjoy two-course lunch with paired wines
• Chocolate tasting at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
• Cheese tasting at Binnorie Dairy
• Return home from Hunter Valley

Top questions

How long is the Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tour?

The tour lasts one full day including travel from Sydney to Hunter Valley and back.

Is lunch included on this Hunter Valley day trip?

Yes, a gourmet two-course lunch with local wine pairings is included at a scenic venue.

Are wine tastings part of the tour?

Yes, you’ll have guided tastings at three select Hunter Valley cellar doors during the day.

Does this tour include pickup?

The tour includes pickup; details are provided upon booking confirmation.

Are children allowed on this Hunter Valley tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

Is there vegetarian food available for lunch?

The gourmet lunch uses fresh local ingredients; dietary requests can usually be accommodated if notified in advance.

Can I buy wine during the tour?

Yes, guests often purchase bottles directly from cellar doors visited during the tour.

Will we visit both cheese and chocolate producers?

You’ll stop at both Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and Binnorie Dairy for tastings after lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Sydney, bottled water throughout, guided tastings at three renowned Hunter Valley wineries, a leisurely two-course lunch with matched local wines or drinks at one of the region’s top venues, plus visits to both an artisan chocolate company and a local dairy for cheese sampling before heading home in comfort.