Home » Chocolate, wine, and wow! Our 5-star tasting at Hunter Wine Lab

Chocolate, wine, and wow! Our 5-star tasting at Hunter Wine Lab

Sushi is my great love. That will surprise no one. But anyone who joins us for a sushi dinner with friends knows that the story doesn’t end there. After sushi rolls, buttery sashimi, and delicious nigiri, chocolate often appears on our table. Not a heavy dessert, but something intense and refined. Good chocolate from a real chocolatier is the perfect end to a long evening of dining. It’s precisely that combination of light and deep, of smooth and creamy, that fascinates me enormously. It shows how flavors can enhance each other. I took that thought with me to the famous Hunter Valley wine region here in Australia, curious to see how wine and chocolate would come together here.

How Hunter Wine Lab came into our lives

During our world trip, we are always looking for places that are just a little bit different. Not standard tastings, but experiences with character. Hunter Wine Lab came to our attention thanks to a tip that came from an earlier article I wrote about special food and wine experiences in Australia:
👉 https://schoolofsushi.com/on-the-hunt-for-australias-most-unique-sushi-chefs-restaurants-wine-experiences/

The name stuck. A wine lab sounded exciting. Young, curious, and experimental. Exactly what we were looking for. So we decided to head for Pokolbin, in the heart of Hunter Valley.

Hunter Valley: tradition with a fresh perspective

Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Its history is palpable. Old vines, rolling hills, and a relaxed pace define the landscape. At the same time, there is always something happening here.

Alongside traditional wineries, there is room for new ideas. Makers who dare to be different. Who play with styles and experiences. That’s what makes Hunter Valley so interesting. It’s not a museum, but a region in motion. And that’s exactly where Hunter Wine Lab fits in perfectly.

The young story of Hunter Wine Lab

Hunter Wine Lab was founded in 2020. Young, but anything but inexperienced. The team combines craftsmanship with curiosity. They approach winemaking as a journey of discovery.

Small batches, surprising blends, and great attention to detail. It’s not about mass production here, but about character. The tasting room is located right in the middle of the wine barrels. You are literally standing in the heart of production. That immediately feels personal. You can read more about their vision on their own page: 👉 https://hunterwinelab.com/pages/about-us

A warm welcome and a Rosé start

From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome. Big smiles, genuine attention, and a relaxed atmosphere. That immediately makes a difference. And luckily, the temperature inside their winery was pleasant, because outside it had already risen above 30 degrees Celsius. The day before, the mercury had even reached 45 degrees. Just our luck… visiting Hunter Valley during a heatwave!

We kicked off with their famous Pink Prosecco. What a start. Refined, fresh, and elegant. No harsh bubbles, but a soft, balanced style. This was one of those wines where you immediately know: there’s love in this. We didn’t have to think twice and took a few bottles home with us afterwards. Of course! 🙂

Six chocolates, six wines, pure pleasure

Then began the wine and chocolate pairing we were so curious about. Six different chocolates, each paired with its own wine. And each combination had a clear story.

Sometimes the wine enhanced the creaminess. Sometimes it added freshness or excitement. Bitter, fruity, soft, and intense flavors alternated. Everything was just right. We don’t want to spoil it for future guests. But let’s just say this: the smiles never left our faces.

Why this felt so familiar

This tasting felt surprisingly familiar. Not because chocolate and wine are obvious pairings, but because the principle behind them is exactly the same as with sushi. Texture, acidity, and intensity must complement each other.

That’s also what I look for when pairing wine with sushi. Balance is always key. This afternoon reaffirmed how universal good food pairing is. That same idea forms the basis of my favorite wine-sushi combinations, which I wrote about extensively earlier.

Who should definitely try this experience?

This wonderfully enjoyable experience is a must for every food lover. It is special to visit such a young winery that is already producing such strong wines.

The combination of chocolate and wine is golden. The team’s enthusiasm takes everything to a higher level. And because you are right in the middle of their production, it feels extra special. This is not a quick tasting, but an afternoon of enjoyment.

Conclusion: 5 stars

Five stars, without a doubt. For the delicious chocolate. For the fantastic wines. And above all for the infectious enthusiasm of the hostess.

Hunter Wine Lab demonstrates how powerful the experience can be when passion and quality come together. It’s a shame you couldn’t buy a box of chocolates to take home. But to be fair, that’s the only downside. Highly recommended in Hunter Valley.

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?