Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Providore

Now the next two stops of our make your own foodie adventure – South West style – were two of the most popular on the trail. We’d actually heard from our Top Drop Tour tour guide that a sign of how busy the region was by how many cars were in the parking lot at Margaret River Chocolate Factory. And there was a decent turnout when we pulled in. I’d been to this Chocolate Factory before and a few more times to the Swan Valley branch and I was a fan…. Long time chocolate fiend over here 🙂

At The Margaret River Chocolate Company we’re mad about chocolate! With factories in both the Margaret River and Swan Valley wine regions of Western Australia and a concept store in Perth City, we have been making award-winning chocolate products since 1999. All three sites provide a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate, with free chocolate tastings and interactive displays, with the two factories also providing viewing windows to watch the chocolate products being made. The Margaret River Chocolate Company makes and sells a mouth-watering range of chocolate bars, chocolate coated delights, hand made truffles, novelty chocolates, chocolate sauces and much more.

As they themselves note, they have a dizzying array of chocolate products available – from bars to ice-cream to special truffles and even a range of body products! Who doesn’t want to smell like chocolate! It’s a magic place, a little piece of Willy Wonka’s in West Australia. While our visit may have been brief, a few samples later – milk, white and dark buttons included – I had my chocolate buzz on and we were headed just around the corner to the divine Providore.

Voted one of Australia’s Top 100 Gourmet Experiences by Australian Traveller Magazine, Providore is a food and wine lovers paradise. Our vineyards, organic olive grove, orchard and vegetable gardens provide us with a spectacular array of produce and our rammed-earth shop and tasting centre showcases an award winning selection of wines, chocolate liquer, home made jams, preserves, sauces, dressings, spice mixes and desserts.

Our rammed-earth shop and tasting centre showcases an ever-changing selection of home made jams, preserves and sauces, and a treasure trove of unique gourmet ingredients.…… Each day over 30 different products are presented for complimentary tasting.

When GG and I had visited Providore a few years before we had bought some really delicious dukkah and this spicy rub, which was perfect for any red meat so I couldn’t wait to head back and see what was on offer now. Similarly to the Chocolate Factory there was a decent crowd at Providore. As you walk in you can see their very impressive and very well kept vegetable garden. Such a wonderful array of fresh veggies and herbs they have!

As I walked inside, past the metallic scarecrow, I busied myself with samples – decadent jams, indulgent lemon and passionfruit curds and many a tasty variety of sauces.

I suspect I put a considerable dent in their plastic spoon supply as I happily skipped from jar to jar – it was all so delicious! They have some beautiful products available, including a few wine too! On this visit we didn’t leave with anything in tow, but I know they conveniently have a store in Murray St Mall these days, much closer to home, and I had made a note of my new favourites. We are spoilt for options in the South West, I’d make my own foodie adventure in this part of the world any day!

We had one final place in mind to visit before heading back to our home base of Smith’s Beach Resort. We were in search of cheese and of eating it somewhere with a stunning view. On we go!