Adelaide Hills Chocolate & Cheese Trail
This self-guided trail brings together two of the world's most desirable food types into a single foodie adventure, visiting a number of artisan producers and specialist outlets. In the Adelaide Hills we have more than our fair share of delicious cheese and chocolate experiences so we've pulled together this overview so you can share the joy. If you're trying to give up dairy or sugar, look away now.
Red Cacao, Stirling
Tucked just off the main street of Stirling, Red Cacao chocolate shop and cafe's display cabinet is laden with decadent chocolates, flavoured block chocolates, single origin bars, chocolate coated dried fruits, nuts and more. The menu features authentic Belgian Hot Chocolates, specialty drinks and chocolate creations. Red Cacao chocolates are handmade by chocolatier and founder Marcus Booth-Remmers who has trained extensively in Australia and Europe. On Friday nights Red Cacao becomes a very popular dessert bar.
Melba's Chocolates & Confectionery, Woodside
There’s something pretty special about being in an actual chocolate factory – and not a soulless, faceless affair, but one where you can see people using heritage equipment to make delicious treats. At Melba’s not only can you purchase a truly staggering range of traditional lollies and chocolates, but also see the processes first-hand in the chocolate room, the cooling tunnel, depositing room, packing room, panning room and toffee room. Then do some tastings, stock up on goodies and relax at the cafe.
ChocoVino at Hahndorf Hill Winery, Hahndorf
The ChocoVino experience at Hahndorf Hill Winery matches the winery’s boutique wines to the world's most acclaimed chocolate. ChocoVino is based on the concept of terroir, and it allows visitors to take their tastebuds on a journey of discovery while learning about gourmet chocolate and fine wine in a fun and informative way while enjoying spectacular vineyard views. Bookings are highly recommended.
FruChocs Shop, Hahndorf
Visit the FruChocs shop in Hahndorf's main street to sample and buy this iconic South Australian treat (that's a ball of peach and apricot covered in chocolate for the uninitiated). But it’s not just FruChocs on offer as the shop stocks a huge range of Robern Menz products involving already delicious things (think honeycomb, lollies, Turkish delight, nuts, ginger, coffee beans, dried fruit) covered in chocolate. True fans can purchase FruChocs merchandise and even stock up on FruChocs ice-cream and FruChocs flavoured milk.
Traditional Sweets Shops
You'll feel like a kid again in these gems, discovering a treasure trove of sweet treats - some made locally and a huge range sourced from around the world. In Hahndorf's main street visit Humbugs and Hahndorf Sweets, both featuring all your childhood favourites as well as amazing local fudge in a spectacular range of flavours. In the main street of Stirling you'll find Hokey Pokey stocking a huge range of traditional lollies plus their own chocolates and ice cream made on site. They also offer hands-on fun with special activities for birthday parties.
Woodside Cheese Wrights, Woodside
Located in Heritage Park next to Melba's chocolate factory, Woodside Cheese Wrights offers an innovative range of cheeses made from local cow, goat and buffalo milk. This extensive cheese range embraces seasonality in cheesemaking and showcases beautiful finishing techniques - from rolling in ash to wrapping in vine leaves or dressing with edible flowers. Sample the range of Kris Lloyd Artisan products which are handmade using local ingredients and designed to match perfectly with cheese. Cheese making classes are available.
Udder Delights Cheese Cellar, Verdun
Sharing a stunning new cellar door with Grunthal Brew in Verdun, Udder Delights is a cheese lovers' paradise. There are cheeses available for tasting and a dizzying array of cheeses and other gourmet delights for sale. Snacks and light meals are available, with a menu that includes cheese boards (naturally), high tea and an amazing cheese fondue experience. At Udder Delights you can become a cheesemaker for a day or taste your way through a cheese masterclass.