If you think the Hunter Valley is simply about sun-drenched afternoons and a swirl of wine in hand, think again. At Margan Wines, the experience runs deeper—right down to the roots. Here, sustainable winegrowing, farm-to-table dining, and immersive wine experiences invite you to connect with the land, taste the seasons, and discover a Hunter Valley story far richer than the view from a tasting bench.
Margan Wines Hunter Valley vegetable garden.
Rows of estate-grown vines stretch towards the Brokenback Range at Margan Wines, a sustainable vineyard in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
A Sustainable Legacy at Margan Wines, Hunter Valley
Co-founder Lisa Margan welcomed me into her world—a world where sustainability, heritage, and farm-to-table dining come together to create one of the most authentic wine experiences in Australia.
“Margan began as a vision to create not just great wines but meaningful experiences,” says Lisa Margan, her passion unmistakable. “People today want to engage—to really understand where their wine comes from.”
And Margan Wines delivers. Producing 25,000 cases of estate-grown, estate-made wines annually, they were the first winery in the Hunter Valley to achieve full accreditation with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. But for Lisa, sustainability isn’t a badge—it’s a calling. “We see ourselves as custodians of the land,” she says. “The spirit of preserving it for future generations shapes everything we do.”
Their vineyards rest against the dramatic Brokenback Range, bordered by ancient Aboriginal heritage sites. Every glass you raise carries the taste of rich history and environmental respect.
The elegant cellar door at Margan Wines in Broke, Hunter Valley, welcomes guests for immersive wine tasting experiences.
Sip your way through estate-made wines at Margan’s cellar door, where every pour tells a story of sustainability and terroir.
Taste the Seasons at Margan’s Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Margan’s farm-to-table restaurant is no side gig—it’s an essential part of the experience. Lisa explains how a flourishing kitchen garden underpins the restaurant’s celebrated menus. “If something’s ripe in the garden, it becomes the focus of a dish,” Lisa says, grinning. “It’s a living menu, always changing with the seasons.”
At peak times, 90 percent of the produce served is grown on-site. Anything they don’t grow? They source hyper-locally to shrink their carbon footprint even further.
Lisa’s culinary background as a trained chef adds another layer to Margan’s holistic approach. “We’re not just making wine; we’re crafting a whole experience that reflects the Hunter Valley’s landscape and seasons,” she says.
Explore behind the scenes with Lisa Margan in Margan’s barrel room, where Hunter Valley wine is aged with care and crafted with connection to the land.
Why Margan Wines Is a Must-Visit for Wine Lovers
Margan doesn’t just offer tastings—it invites you behind the scenes. From walking the rows of the vineyard to sipping wine straight from the barrel, guests experience the full story of their wine from ground to glass. And the restaurant? It’s a destination in itself, proudly holding a Good Food Guide Hat for nine consecutive years.
“We’re in a rural location, so we had to build something special,” Lisa says. “Our guests feel the authenticity—the connection to this place—and that’s what makes it worth it.”
Visiting Margan Wines is more than a day in the Hunter Valley. It’s a reconnection to the land, the seasons, and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
“Each bottle represents more than just a beverage,” Lisa says. “It’s a piece of this valley, crafted with care and respect.”
If you’re looking for a wine adventure that’s rich in heart, sustainability, and unforgettable flavours, Margan Wines is where your journey begins.
The thriving kitchen garden at Margan Wines supplies the restaurant’s seasonal farm-to-table menu, with produce picked daily.
Getting There
Margan Wines is located at 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke, in the Hunter Valley’s tranquil Broke Fordwich region. It’s an easy two-hour drive north of Sydney via the M1 Pacific Motorway and Hunter Expressway, making it perfect for a luxurious day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway. From Newcastle, it’s even quicker—just 45 minutes west along the Hunter Expressway, making it an easy day trip for locals.
And for those making the trek from Brisbane, hop on the Pacific Motorway (M1) and enjoy a road trip down Australia’s coast, clocking in at about nine hours to the Hunter Valley. Want to skip the drive? Newcastle Airport is the nearest for quick access, or Sydney Airport if you’re coming from further afield.
Prefer to leave the car behind? Private wine tours from Pokolbin, chauffeur services, and even helicopter transfers are available for a truly unforgettable arrival. Whether by road or air, all paths lead to a dreamy escape filled with rolling vineyards, world-class wines, and the charming hospitality the Hunter Valley is famous.
Helpful Links
Here’s how to explore the Hunter Valley.
- Hunter Valley Wine Tour
- Cheap flights
- Savings on accommodation from hotels to luxury hotels
- Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
- Affordable car rental options
- Great destination touring options
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Disclaimer: Kerry Heaney travelled as a guest of Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.
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