The Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine, renowned for its exceptional semillon and shiraz. With a rich heritage of pioneering viticulturists, it’s where Australian grape growing and winemaking took first root. The region’s first vineyard plantings date back to the 1820s, and by the 1920s, it was a leader in premium wine production. As one of the oldest wine regions in Australia and the world, the Hunter Valley boasts stunning landscapes, delicious food and charming vineyards. With more than 150 cellar doors and 500 acres of vineyards, it’s a must-visit destination that promises indulgence at every turn.
POKOLBIN
Pokolbin, nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is one of Australia’s most beautiful and historic word-renowned wine regions. Just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, this charming destination is renowned for its award-winning wineries, world-class restaurants and breathtaking vineyard landscapes.
With a unique climate, fertile soils, and a commitment to sustainable farming, Pokolbin has long been a hub of Australian viticulture. In fact, it holds the highest concentration of wineries in the region, and as far back as the 1800s, Australia’s first families of wine recognised Pokolbin as the prime location for grape growing and wine production. Today, many of the country’s most respected wine labels continue to craft their finest vintages here.
Beyond its wine, Pokolbin offers a rich tapestry of history, success, and local spirit, making it much more than a destination, and rather an experience. The Hunter Valley ranks as the sixth most visited wine region in Australia, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Whether for a relaxing weekend retreat or an extended holiday, Pokolbin invites every traveller and his dog to slow down, indulge in gourmet food and exceptional wine, and lose themselves in the region’s natural beauty and cultural charm. It’s a place that must be seen to be believed.
POKOLBIN
UPPER HUNTER
UPPER HUNTER
BROKE FORDWICH
Broke Fordwich is a distinctive and historically rich region within the Hunter Valley. Nestled west of Pokolbin and adorned by the Brokenback Range and Wollombi Brook, Broke Fordwich is known for its unique geology, microclimate and growing conditions, setting it apart from the broader Hunter Valley zone.
This area has deep geological roots. Millions of years ago, it was part of a vast inland sea that gradually filled with sediment, then evolved through volcanic activity and erosion. One of Broke Fordwich’s most defining features is the Fordwich Sill – a formation of red volcanic clay derived from ancient subterranean eruptions. These mineral-rich soils, combined with the moderating influence of nearby hills and waterways, create an ideal terroir for premium winegrowing.
Vines were first planted in the Broke region in the 1820s, shortly after the village of Broke was established. Soon enough, the potential of the area for grape growing was wholly recognised, with early pioneers planting vineyards in the 1960s that still form the backbone of current production. A resurgence in the 1990s saw significant vineyard expansion and the rise of key producers. Today, it is a sprawling tapestry of winemakers perfecting classic varietals and crafting the next best thing.
While traditional Hunter Valley varieties like semillon and shiraz remain central, Broke Fordwich is also known for innovation, with many growers experimenting with alternative varietals suited to the local conditions. Currently, the region is home to a passionate community of winegrowers who embrace sustainable practices and see themselves as caretakers of such ancient and unique land, crafting wines that express the true and irreplaceable character of Broke Fordwich.
BROKE FORDWICH
