Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley at First Creek
Some wines make more sense with something on the side. A young Semillon finds its feet next to fresh goat's cheese. Chardonnay settles in beside a soft brie. Shiraz meets its match in a crumbly aged cheddar.
That is the thinking behind our cheese and wine tastings at First Creek, 600 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. Locally made cheese, wines from Liz Silkman and the team, and a seat on the verandah while the kangaroos graze the grounds.
Two ways to taste
Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience, $25
Four wines, four cheeses. Each 40ml pour is matched to a locally sourced artisan cheese chosen to bring something out in the glass. It takes around 30 minutes, which makes it an easy first stop or a good reason to slow down mid-afternoon.
Book the Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience
Halliday Top Picks Wine and Cheese Experience, $65
For the full picture. A curated tasting of the highest rated wines in our current cellar, Winemaker's Reserve included, served with a cheese and salumi platter to share. Allow 60 to 90 minutes. These are the wines behind First Creek's Five Red Star rating in the Halliday Wine Companion.
Or add a platter to any tasting
Already booked a Classic or Flex Tasting? Add a Cheese Board for Two ($20) with two locally made cheeses, cornichons, fig paste and crackers. Or go further with the Cheese and Salumi Platter for Two ($45). Both scale up easily for larger groups.
What goes with what
There is no rulebook, but a few pairings are hard to go past.
- Semillon and fresh goat's cheese. Hunter Semillon's citrus and acidity cut straight through the creaminess.
- Chardonnay and brie. Texture meets texture.
- Rosé and salumi. Bright fruit against something salty and savoury.
- Shiraz and aged cheddar. The salt in the cheese softens the tannin in the wine.
- Sparkling and triple cream. Bubbles reset the palate between bites.
For pairings beyond the cheese board, see our guide to food and Hunter Valley wine.
Before you visit
Seated tastings are limited, so book ahead, particularly on weekends and through the school holidays. Let us know about any dietary requirements when you book and we will plan the cheese around them. If you are making a day of it across a few cellar doors, sort out a driver early.
Our cellar door is open seven days, 10am to 5pm. First time in the Hunter? Here is what to expect at a cellar door tasting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a cheese and wine tasting in the Hunter Valley?
It varies by winery. At First Creek, the Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience is $25 per person and the Halliday Top Picks Wine and Cheese Experience is $65 per person. Cheese platters can be added to any tasting from $20.
Do I need to book?
Yes. The cheese is prepared for each table and seats are limited, especially on weekends.
How long does it take?
Around 30 minutes for the Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience, and 60 to 90 minutes for Halliday Top Picks.
Which wines go best with cheese?
High-acid whites such as Semillon, and sparkling wine, are the most versatile. Save fuller reds like Shiraz for aged, harder cheeses.
Do wine club members pay for cheese and wine tastings?
First Reserve members can reserve up to six complimentary seats. First Flex members can reserve up to six discounted seats. See our wine club for details.