Your Invitation to Discover the Tranquil Side of the Hunter Valley The beautiful Broke Fordwich valley has quietly developed into a quality wine tourism region where visitors can enjoy premium wines, olive oils and farm gate products, wonderful restaurants and cafes, luxury accommodation and most importantly, a tranquil Explore & Discover Broke Fordwich Wine Region rural experience which is far removed from the hustle and bustle. Broke Fordwich in the Lower Hunter Valley sits astride The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine growing area the Wollombi Brook – known locally as Cockfighter’s in Australia with plantings dating back to the early It is an easy fifteen minutes drive from the centre of Pokolbin and about two hours drive Creek – that flows into the Hunter River near Walkworth. 1820’s. The Broke Fordwich region now has a mixture of innovative new producers as well as original proud from Sydney via the historic township of Wollombi. Experience the relaxed and charming It is an area of hills and plains and is known for its farming families. Early settlers needed to be self- atmosphere of the region and meet the ‘people who do’- the vignerons, the olive growers, stunning natural beauty and peaceful rural ambience. Flanked by the Brokenback range and including sufficient, so grapes were grown along with fruit and the winemakers and farm gate producers. parts of the World Heritage listed Wollemi and Yengo vegetables, cattle pigs and poultry to feed the family National Parks. and – in some cases – the convicts. Broke village with its rustic country churches and Visit the Broke Fordwich Wine Tourism Association website at old fashioned charm is the focal point of the region. The unique character of the sub region was officially recognised in 2003 for its well drained sandy loam www.brokefordwich.com.au Dominating the village is the majestic icon Yellow Rock – known as Lizard Rock to the indigenous Wanaruah soil : ideal for the Hunter’s distinctive gift to the world for regional information and event details. people - which keeps a watchful eye over the valley. of wine Semillon. River flat alluvial soil suits both Along the banks of the Brook heading west towards Verdelho and Chardonnay, with the red volcanic soil Milbrodale and Bulga is the more farming-oriented more suited to Shiraz. The area boasts a unique and area of Fordwich. highly sought pocket of red (terra rossa) basalt on the Fordwich Sill. Contents History In recent times the inventive and creative vignerons The region was first inhabited by the Wanaruah have developed a number of lesser known varieties Food & Wine 3 many thousands of years ago. These culturally and that seem perfectly at home in Broke Fordwich: environmentally rich people left many significant cave Barbera, Arneis, Touriga, Tempranillo, Fiano, Albarino, Accommodation & Weddings 15 paintings in the area, the most famous and accessible Graciano and Mourvedre many not be familiar to being the red ochre ‘Baiame’. some visitors – but be sure to ask. European settlement first occurred in the early 1820’s Churches 28 when John Blaxland (of the early exploration family) Traditionally, the region has been known as one of the was granted 8,000 acres of land upon which he built a ‘produce bowls’ of the Hunter, supplying much of its Attractions & Services 33 grand sandstone home called Fordwich. grapes to large Pokolbin based wine companies. Broke was officially named in 1830 by Major Thomas Broke Fordwich Region Map 40 Mitchell after a colleague Sir Charles Broke-Vere. The There are no large-scale wine producers in the Broke settlement of Broke soon flourished, situated as it Fordwich area – all are distinctly boutique scale, family was on the convict trail north from Sydney. Numerous run businesses where you are quite likely to meet the buildings from this early colonial area are still in use viticulturist or winemaker standing behind the bar. Cover image courtesy Margan Wines today – a leisurely stroll round the village street will reveal some treasures. 1 What’s On Community Markets first Sunday of the month McTaggart Park, Broke Grape Elbow Harvest Lunch last weekend of March Ascella Organic Wines Catherine Vale Members Day last Sunday in March Catherine Vale Wines A Little Bit of Italy second weekend in April Broke & Fordwich Tuff Trucks April Milbrodale Margan White Label release May Margan Wines Bulga Beats May Bulga Olive Long Table Lunch June Whispering Brook Milbrodale Classic July Milbrodale French Car Club Day August Nightingale Wines Broke Village Fair Second Sunday in September McNamara Park, Broke Milbrodale Family Fun Day Third Sunday of September Milbrodale School Go for Broke (Sydney to Broke by bicycle) September McNamara Park, Broke Jazz at Catherine Vale October Long Weekend Sunday Catherine Vale Wines Community Christmas Carols December Broke Recreation Ground Food & Wine Discover the picturesque Broke Fordwich region and its amazing range of unique wines ready to taste and enjoy along with a diverse range of places to eat. With 12 boutique cellar doors to visit: several of whom also have restaurants and cafes - the food and wine lover has plenty of choice. Sustainable restaurants along with several organic and biodynamic vineyards in the region produce award winning food and wines and also leave the land in better condition. The classic and iconic Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Shiraz are Check out all the action at www.brokefordwich.com.au joined by other new, exciting emerging European varieties throughout Broke Fordwich. Come and meet the gardeners, farmers and vignerons: the chefs, cooks and winemakers in this most pleasant and peaceful setting. 2 3 While you’re here, don’t miss these regional highlights… Ascella Organic Wines Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard Ascella vineyard is the largest certified organic vineyard in the Hunter Valley Our French inspired boutique Hunter winery and cellar door is set and one of the largest in Australia. The vineyard itself uses amongst Provencal gardens, urns and fountains on the banks of the self-sustaining organic farming practices and Ascella Organic Wines Wollombi Brook. Not only are our wines certified organic, every aspect of our are free of harmful chemicals. Hunter Valley vineyard and farm is managed in a biodynamic, organic, holistic and sustainable way. Catherine Vale Margan Family Wines Our original wines were Semillon, Chardonnay and a Semillon Chardonnay, Visit Margan for their unrivalled paddock to plate dining, kitchen garden but over the years we have added Verdelho plus some unusual Italian and pioneering grape varieties. Must try their Albarino, Barbera and a varietals in Arneis, Barbera and Dolcetto: not to be missed! Vermouth cocktail with a charcuterie and cheese plate. Elysium Vineyard Mount Broke Wines The home of rare aged vintages of Gold medal Elysium Limited Release Mount Broke Wines offers fantastic wines in a unique location, nestled at Verdelho and 2003 Madeira made from original Tulloch unirrigated vines. the foot of surrounding mountains. Drop by for wine tasting on Saturday or Open by appointment. Sunday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Coffee and lunch is also available. Glenguin Estate & Vineyard Nightingale Wines Open Thursday - Monday, other times by appointment. Your wine-tasting experience will be enhanced by the breathtaking surrounds Home of Aristea and award-winning Shiraz and Semillon, of our beautifully manicured vineyard and the magnificent valley vista. with one of the most unique tasting experiences in the Hunter Valley. Drive through the vineyard with care so not to injure our resident ducks. Greenway Wines Whispering Brook Open Weekends: Truly boutique vineyard, intimate setting, producing Our love of the land and artisan winemaking is reflected in our estate grown Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Fiano, Merlot and Shiraz, one of the few of wines. Production is limited in accordance with each season. Our passion Gewurz Traminers of the Hunter Valley. Groups by appointment is exploring new viticultural and winemaking boundaries to uncover exciting new wine varietals like our Touriga Nacional. 4 5 GREENWAY★ WINES★ SINGLE VINEYARD HAND PICKED LIMITED RELEASE You will find Greenway Wines Cellar Door within an ‘old world’ Red Barn. A charming wine tasting experience set against the dramatic backdrop of Wollombi Brook and the Tasting under the silk tree Organic Wines Brokenback Ranges. This small family run vineyard, GREENWAY grows great Fiano, Rosé, Traminer, Pinot, Merlot and a little Shiraz. Greenway Wines are made from 100% estate grown fruit, nurtured using sustainable farming practices. Passionate and dedicated to the making of great wine, only bottling when the vintage is at its best, producing limited releases – approximately 500 cases per year. Let us share our passion with you! Accept this invitation, order a cheese platter, join us wine tasting, and in doing so become part of the magic that is Greenway Wines. Jack’s bbq in the orchard open Weekends & Holidays Big Red Barn, 350 Wollombi Road, Broke NSW 2330 Ph 02 6579 1175 www.greenwaywines.com.au OPENING HOURS: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:00AM - 05:00PM. GREAT WINES AWARD WINNING & CERTIFIED ORGANIC Join us for an Ascella Organic Wine Tasting Experience with organic cheese & olive tasting. Open 7 days a week you can book now to enjoy the well renowned Ascella Wines Experience. Our hours - 10am to 5pm P 02 6574 5275 or M 0431 357 105. www.ascellawine.com.au | [email protected] 203 Thompsons Rd Milbrodale, NSW 2330 Catherine Vale 656 Milbrodale Rd,