Any time is a good time to replenish one’s chocolate supply and some of the best places to do so are in regional Victoria. Here are some of the state’s sweetest spots for a specialty, artisan chocolate fix. Easter Bunny, take note.

HIGH COUNTRY



Renaissance Chocolates handcraft a unique range of artisan chocolates using the finest Belgian Couverture. Some of the most popular pieces include the truffles and praline, made with the Rutherglen region’s famous fortified and sparkling wines. Visitors can also indulge in a hot chocolate, decadent chocolate brownie or white chocolate scones, or book in for one of the regular artisan truffle classes. 

Open Thursday to Sunday. 507 Boorhaman East Road, Rutherglen +61 2 6035 7216

Former brick stables were lovingly refurbished in 2013 to provide a home for Bright Chocolate situated alongside the Ovens River, three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne. Single origin bars are the specialty, made using premium cacao beans from Madagascar, Ecuador, Trinidad and the Dominican Republic. Open every day, with a special behind-the-scenes tour on Fridays at 2pm. Bookings are essential. 8/3 Riverside Avenue, Bright +61 3 5750 1235

PHILLIP ISLAND

The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a celebration of all things chocolate, located two hours’ drive from Melbourne. In addition to the factory, there is an interactive exhibition, retail shop and a cafe serving meals, drinks and snacks, all with a chocolate theme. Open daily. 930 Phillip Island Road, New Haven +61 3 5956 6600

GIPPSLAND

Red Chocolate Tree in Sale, two-and-a-half hours from Melbourne, sells indulgent chocolates and patisserie items made in small batches, using traditional techniques. Intimate classes are held on the first Friday of each month giving visitors the opportunity to try their hand at the art of chocolate making. Classes cost $150 and are limited to four participants. Bookings are essential. Shop 3, 64 Cunninghame Street, Sale +61 3 5144 1445

GEELONG AND THE BELLARINE

Moorabool Valley Chocolates is a family owned business in Batesford, on the outskirts of Geelong, an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Pralines, chocolate bars and fruit and nut clusters are all lovingly made by chocolatier Lynne Meek in a kitchen attached to an 80-year-old farmhouse. Visitors are welcome to watch the regular chocolate making demonstrations and enjoy great coffee, hot chocolate, cold drinks, cakes and slices in the tea rooms. Open Wednesday to Sunday. 320 Ballarat Road, Batesford, +61 3 5276 1422

GRAMPIANS

Visit Glenelg Chocolates, four hours west of Melbourne, to sample the delicious range of German style continental chocolates. The range of handmade truffles and creams are free from artificial ingredients. The range includes peppermint sticks, hazelnut crisps, Turkish delight, ginger, marzipan and cherry liqueurs. Open Monday to Saturday. 99 Whyte Street, Coleraine +61 3 5575 2598

GOLDFIELDS

In Bendigo, less than two hours from Melbourne, Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates is the place to visit for artisan chocolates hand crafted daily by owner Hayley Tibbett using Callebaut Belgian chocolate. In addition to chocolate treats there is a range of homemade ice cream, gelato, cheesecake and muffins to choose from. Shop 26, Fountain Court, Bendigo +61 3 5441 1770

Ballarat’s Grounded Pleasures selects cocoa from the best growing regions of West Africa and blends it with all natural ingredients at the Ballarat ‘chocolatorium’ to make a range of drinking chocolate blends. All products are gluten, dairy and GMO free as well as being vegan-friendly and five percent of profits go to non-government organisations working in grower communities and rainforest rescue and preservation. Although the chocolatorium is not open to the public, nearby stockists include Vegas and Rose, Prickleberry Sourdough, Harvest Foodstore and Open Pantry. +61 405 537 532

YARRA VALLEY

A visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is a great day out for the whole family. Located just a one hour drive from Melbourne’s city centre, here visitors can see chocolatiers at work and enjoy free tastings. There are over 250 varieties on offer, made using local Yarra Valley fruit and nuts, some grown on site. There is a cafe, shop and plenty of space for the kids to play in the orchard. Open seven days. 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen +61 3 9730 2777