Broke & Fordwich

Nestled in the lush Wollombi Valley, the twin villages of Broke and Fordwich offer a serene escape from the Hunter Valley's main tourist strip. With rolling vineyards, historic homesteads, and a slower pace of life, this is where you come to taste boutique wines, chat with winemakers, and soak up genuine rural charm. The backdrop of the Brokenback Range adds a dramatic touch to every vineyard vista.

Highlights & What to See

• Broke Village Wineries: Explore family-owned cellar doors like Krinklewood, known for organic wines and a picturesque setting, and Gartelmann Wines, where you can taste award-winning semillon and shiraz.
• Fordwich Village: A tiny hamlet with a historic church and the Fordwich Store, a rustic café perfect for a coffee or a wine tasting among antiques.
• Pokolbin State Forest: Just north, this forest offers walking trails and scenic drives through tall eucalypts, with picnic spots and birdwatching.
• Broke & Fordwich Winemakers Trail: A self-drive route connecting cellar doors, with signs guiding you through back roads lined with vines and grazing cattle.
• Historic Homesteads: Peek at 19th-century buildings like the Broke Church and the Fordwich schoolhouse, reflecting the area's early settlement.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devote half a day to a full day to truly unwind. Start mid-morning with a coffee at the Fordwich Store, then spend a leisurely afternoon visiting three to four cellar doors—each winemaker is happy to chat, so don't rush. If you're a keen walker, add a couple of hours for a stroll in the state forest. Many visitors combine Broke & Fordwich with a morning in Pokolbin and an afternoon here for a contrasting, quieter experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin: The Hunter's main wine region, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants, and accommodation—just a 15-minute drive away.
• Cessnock: A larger town with supermarkets, pubs, and the Hunter Valley Gardens, ideal for supplies and a family-friendly stop.
• Wollombi: A historic village south with a famous pub, the Wollombi Tavern, and the Wollombi Brook for a scenic picnic.
• Hunter Valley Gardens: Located in Pokolbin, these sprawling themed gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll and photo opportunities.

Please check official sources for current details.