Broke Fordwich sits between Denman and Pokolbin, tucked under the sandstone wall of the Yellow Rock escarpment along Wollombi Brook. It's one of the prettiest corners of the Hunter and one of the least crowded — a strip of small, mostly family-owned vineyards, olive groves and paddocks.
The wine
Broke's alluvial soils suit semillon, verdelho, shiraz and chambourcin. Producers here are small enough that tastings are personal, and many double as providores selling olive oil, preserves and local produce.
The drive
The run down Denman Road is one of the best short drives in the valley — vineyards, river flats and the escarpment rising on your left. It's an easy sealed road the whole way.
Making a day of it
Combine two or three Broke cellar doors with lunch in the village, then either loop east into Pokolbin or head straight back to Denman for an early night.
- Check opening days — several Broke cellar doors open Friday to Sunday only.
- Take a picnic; a few vineyards will happily let you eat on the lawn with a bottle.
- The escarpment glows gold in late afternoon light — worth timing your last stop for.
South from Denman along Denman Road towards Broke village.
Base yourself in the village — our rooms are about ~45 min drive from here, with free parking at your door.
