Local Produce & Gourmet Delights

The Hunter Valley's gourmet experiences are as abundant as its world-class wines. From grass-fed beef, smoked fish and seafood to cheeses and olive oils, you’ll find mouth-watering seasonal produce in Australia’s oldest wine region. Visit a market, sign up for a foodie event or learn some skills of your own.

Food tastings & trails

The valley makes exceptional dairy products, including hard-rind and soft cheeses. Enjoy cheese tastings at Binnorie Dairy – its wash rind is moreish – and the delicious Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. There are also daily cheese tutorials and a cheese tasting room at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company.

At the Lovedale Smokehouse Gourmet Pantry and Cafe you can try some of the region’s finest charcuterie, pâtés and relishes, and join a smoking and curing class. Still want to indulge your sweet tooth? Then treat yourself at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company or the Cocoa Nib.

Discover award-winning delights on the Hermitage Wine and Food Trail, where local farms and vineyards are home to skilled artisans. Dive into local foodie delights with the Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Tours. iHop Hunter Valley offer customised tours through some of the region’s most sought after dining destinations.

Festivals & events

At festivals and markets you can taste and buy more local produce, including Handmade in the Hunter Markets and Hunter Wine Country Markets. The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival runs over May and June. Another popular annual event is the Lovedale Long Lunch, also in May.

Cooking classes

Learn some tasty local secrets at the Hunter Valley Cooking School. Majors Lane Cooking School has fun classes on their 100-acre vineyard, with classes including Thai street food, Vietnamese and Mexican. For the sweet-toothed, there’s a candy making at the Hunter Valley Resort.