The story of Brokenwood Wines began in 1970. Lawyers from Sydney – Tony Albert, John Beeston, and James Holliday – bought 10 acres of land near the top of the Broken Back Range, paying a record price at the time. They had originally planned to create a cricket field there but planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (Syrah) vines instead. As a result, in just a few decades, their amateur hobby evolved into one of the most respected wine companies in Australia.

The enthusiastic winemakers harvested their first vintage in 1973. Soon after, the first batch of wine arrived. Although each of the landowners claimed that they knew nothing about the art of winemaking, their drinks attracted the attention of industry professionals and were praised by critics. That's when Brokenwood Wines got its first loyal fans.

Production grew rapidly. The winery was expanding and rebuilding. But the friendship of the three former attorneys and their families remained constant. The relatives of the Brokenwood owners, seduced by the clean country air, great food, fine wine, and each other's pleasant company, gladly helped them out in the vineyards in any way they could. No wonder the wines were so outstanding: the soul of the three friendly families was put into them.

In the eighties, the company brought in some new partners and bought a neighboring plot of land from the local parish. The land was intended as a cemetery but was never used for its intended purpose. Who would have thought that the grapes of Graveyard Vineyard would produce one of the best red wines in Australia! At the same time, the company bought new equipment and expanded its range to include white wines of the highest quality.

Not so long ago, the doors of the modern wine and restaurant complex, which has become the largest in the Hunter Valley, opened for guests of Brokenwood Wines. It provides visitors with exciting tastings in private rooms or unique round bars. Besides, there is a local wine museum where they can not only learn about the history of the company but also see some of the stages of production.