The tranquil side of the Hunter.
Broke Fordwich is a working sub-region. The producers we like best are the ones who pour their own wine and answer questions properly. Call ahead at smaller doors; some open by appointment.
An old garden, peacocks who think they own the place, and Cézan Trattoria on the same grounds if a tasting turns into lunch. Friday to Sunday; they close for private events, so check ahead.
10 min · Wollombi Rd
Estate-grown and estate-made, from their kitchen garden to their own lambs. The cellar door is open daily; the restaurant is the special-occasion booking.
6 min · Milbrodale Rd
Ian and Suzanne have made wine here since 2000, and everyone local just calls it Littles. Tastings happen at the winery itself on Milbrodale Road, seated among the barrels. Friday to Sunday, with Friday evenings open late.
8 min · Milbrodale Rd
A family-run micro-boutique vineyard beside Wollombi Brook. Fiano still and sparkling, a copper-skinned Pinot Grigio, and tastings in the barn, under the pergola or in the orchard, depending on the weather. Friday to Sunday.
5 min · Wollombi Rd
Named for the Wonnaruan word for wedge-tailed eagle, built from recycled wine barrel timber at the base of Kawal Rock Mountain, with a view that does half the work. Order the Gincato: their gin, their moscato, strawberries, ice. Friday to Monday.
11 min · Milbrodale Rd
A Chardonnay specialist with an art gallery, fifty-odd sculptures in the grounds, and a garden worth the detour on its own. Open seven days, which makes it the Monday answer when everywhere else is closed.
7 min · Wollombi RdFor the full list, the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail covers the sub-region. And if you make it to Lovedale, Binet Family Wines is run by Dan, who was our winemaker when we made wine here.
A long lunch, a country pub for a counter meal, and the coffee you'll walk to in the village before anyone's decided what the day looks like.
The most ambitious cooking in Broke Fordwich. Garden-led, single-region wine list, a long lunch worth a long walk after.
Milbrodale Rd, Broke
A country pub with the right number of locals. Wednesday is schnitzel night, Sunday is roast night, and both are local fixtures. Fifteen minutes down the Putty Road; watch for kangaroos at dusk.
15 min · Putty Rd
Proper coffee in the old Broke service station, four days a week. The Reuben has a local following, and if you're lucky there's a loaf of their sourdough to take back to the cottage.
Thu–Sun · 8am–2pmThe valley isn't only cellar doors. Three places we point people towards when they want a morning that isn't about wine.
A sacred site of the Wonnarua people first, and a place you can visit second. The painted figure of Baiame, the Creator, looks out from a sandstone overhang near Bulga. Visit quietly and respectfully; stay on the platform.
Bulga · viewing platform
Hand-feeding sessions Friday to Monday. Bookings are essential, and it's the easy yes if you've brought children who have run out of patience for tasting notes.
Fri–Mon · book ahead
If you're here between early December and early January, the lavender is in season. Outside those few weeks, it isn't.
Early Dec – early JanTwo ways to do the cellar doors without anyone drawing the short straw.
Our recommendation for guided wine tours, shuttle services and getting to dinner and back. Ken is fantastic.
brokeregionshuttles.com.au
A bicycle tour along Hermitage Road in Pokolbin is a great day out. There are several places to hire a bicycle or e-bike, and dedicated bicycle paths to follow for lunch, cellar doors and more.
Pokolbin · bike & e-bike hireTwo nights covers the cellar doors. Three lets you spend a whole day doing absolutely nothing.
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