Go for Broke: Get to know Broke Fordwich in the Hunter Valley

In the southwest corner of Australia’s oldest wine region is its second oldest GI, Broke Fordwich. Nestled in the foothills of the Brokenback Range and flanked by the Wollemi and Yengo national parks, this picturesque Hunter Valley subregion is home to top wineries and grape growers, great cellar doors, and a range of dining and accommodation options.

There are 500ha under vine in the subregion, which incorporates both the township of Broke and the historic ‘parish region’ of Fordwich, west of Broke Village. Many of the Hunter Valley’s traditional varieties feature, including semillon, shiraz and chardonnay, as well as historic plantings of verdelho. Some of the subregion’s more progressive winemakers are also cultivating alternative varieties such as barbera, albariño, tempranillo, mourvèdre, fiano, touriga and arinto, too.

Andrew Margan of Margan Wines, who incidentally was the first to plant alternative varieties in the subregion, back in 1998, says that although there are viticultural similarities between the wider Hunter and Broke Fordwich, what makes the latter unique is the stretch of red weathered volcanic clay, known as the Fordwich Sill, that runs through the area.

“The deep volcanic soils of the Fordwich Sill produce wines of depth and character that, while they may carry the style and shape of the Hunter Valley climate, have their own regional personality regarding flavour concentration and acid profiles.

“Not only are these soils rich in minerals, but they absorb moisture easily and release it slowly,” he adds.

Additionally, the hills to the west can sometimes act as a rain shadow, protecting the subregion from potentially damaging vintage rains, and the various local waterways also influence the mesoclimate.

Visitors can taste the difference at one of Broke Fordwich’s many cellar doors, including Margan (which also boasts a restaurant and offers guided garden, winery and vineyard tours), Winmark (be sure to book in for an art and sculpture walk after your wine tasting), Krinklewood, Whispering Brook, and the Little Wine Company.

The area is rich in natural beauty, too, with plenty in the way of bush walks, horse riding and nature trails through the surrounding national parks. The surrounding rock caves, featuring Aboriginal art, also provide a glimpse into the region’s ancient history.

To discover more about the Broke Fordwich wine region, click here.