A Legacy of Artisan Excellence at Hunter Valley Chocolate Co.

For over 25 years, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has been delighting visitors with world-class chocolates crafted right in the heart of wine country. What began as a vision by owner Jo Clarke has blossomed into one of the region's premier attractions, combining international inspiration with artisan craftsmanship.

Jo's passion for excellence and her extensive travels across South America and Europe continue to inspire innovations at both locations— the factory and showroom at Twenty-3-Twenty on Broke Road, Pokolbin, and the Peterson House store, where chocolate and sparkling wine create the perfect pairing. With over two decades of experience in the industry, she's witnessed the evolution of chocolate appreciation in Australia and has been instrumental in elevating local chocolate-making to world-class standards.

The recently renovated showroom showcases a stunning circular display counter inspired by Jo's visit to Bariloche, Argentina, where 23 chocolate shops line a single street. This design innovation reflects her keen eye for global trends and commitment to enhancing the customer experience. The light, airy space, with its warm timber floors, provides the perfect backdrop for viewing the extensive range of handcrafted chocolates.

The secret to their exceptional quality lies in using only the finest Belgian couverture chocolate in dark, milk and white varieties, complemented by a touch of Swiss milk base for extra creaminess. Australian dried fruits and nuts, along with distilled pure fruit oils for infusion, create authentic, subtle flavours. Made in small five-kilogram batches almost daily and packed in-store, every piece guarantees freshness.

Peter Carpenter, Jo's son and trained chocolatier, leads the production alongside his daughter, ensuring the family legacy continues through generations. Their philosophy is simple: keep the focus on the chocolate itself, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine through.

The range is extraordinary—from caramel frogs and chilli bombs to peppermint creams and cherry liqueurs. Peppermint thins remain the top seller, followed closely by Rocky Road. For non-chocolate lovers, there are over 20 flavours of handmade fudge, Italian gelato, and candies to explore.

Both stores are open seven days from 9am to 5pm, and online orders are available at www.hvchocolate.com.au. Whether watching the chocolatiers at work or relaxing in the café with a hot chocolate, a visit promises pure indulgence in wine country.