Indulge in the Ultimate Chocolate Experience

As one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the country, the Hunter Valley’s wine tasting trails are always a good choice for those seeking to make the most of a day trip to the vineyards. But the tastes of the region go well beyond its world-renowned wines, with the Hunter home to a wide variety of local produce, which you can source fresh from the farm gate or, in this case, straight from the factory.

Established at the turn of the last century, the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has grown to become one of the area’s premier attractions for a legion of chocolate aficionados across the country.

Known for innovation and dedication to quality, the team continually strive for perfection and use only the finest Belgian couverture chocolate, together with Australian dried fruits and nuts. A distilled pure fruit oil is used for infusion and results in a subtle but authentic flavour of the fruit.

Owner Jo Clarke said Hunter Valley Chocolate Company was conscious about using a quality Swiss or Belgium couverture as the basis for their range of products “because it is like any recipe that is prepared by a chef - the best result comes from using top-quality ingredients.”

The secret of their success (says Chocolatelier Peter) is keeping fillings and flavourings very simple, recognising that the chocolate itself should be the experience.

Visit the Chocolate and Fudge Factory at 2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, where you can watch Peter concoct his creations in the kitchen or sit back in the Twenty-3-Twenty Café and drink in the chocolate-based excellence that surrounds you.

You’ll also find a store at Peterson House (Corner of Broke Rd and Wine Country Drive), where bubbles and chocolate form the ultimate gastronomic partnership.

Whatever you do, let yourself enjoy some indulgence while you’re visiting. And don’t forget to take home some treats for your friends!