Our History
Established in 1970, Brokenwood Wines has evolved from a weekend venture for self-professed hobby winemakers into one of Australia’s most reputable wine labels.
1970 – 1974 The Founding Years
1970
Sydney solicitors Tony Albert, John Beeston, and James Halliday purchase a 10-acre block in Pokolbin for a record $970 per acre. Originally intended as a cricket ground, the land was instead planted to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
1971
The founders planted the first 1.5 acres to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This marks the transition from legal professionals to aspiring vignerons in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
1973
The first vintage is harvested and famously transported to the winery in the back of Len Evans’ Bentley. Despite the partners’ lack of formal training, the 75 dozen bottles of Shiraz-Cabernet receive immediate acclaim.
1975 – 1981 Expansion and Growth
1975
A new winery is built to manage increasing production. In these early boutique years, visitors enjoyed tastings from a simple table under the shade of a first-floor balcony.
1976
First wine-show success. The 1975 Hermitage Cabernet Sauvignon wins a gold medal and trophy at the Hunter Valley Wine Show.
1977
Brokenwood’s industry profile rises as James Halliday begins judging wine professionally. This expertise helps refine the winery’s standards and cements its reputation for quality.
1978
Six new partners join the venture, facilitating the purchase of the neighbouring Graveyard Vineyard. The name derives from the property’s designation as the Cemetery Block on the Pokolbin parish map, despite never being used as such. This site becomes the source of Brokenwood’s flagship Shiraz, known for its consistent high quality.
1979
The winery focuses on integrating the new Graveyard Vineyard fruit into its portfolio. The heavy clay soils prove difficult to work but yield berries with distinctive characteristics.
1980
Brokenwood expands it’s sourcing beyond the Hunter Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon fruit is brought in from Coonawarra to create premium regional blends, a tradition that becomes a brand hallmark “All the right regions, for all the right reasons”.
1982 – 1992 The White Wine Revolution
1982
The shareholders appoint their first employee, Iain Riggs, joining as Chief Winemaker and Managing Director. He introduces specialised equipment to launch a premium white wine program, specifically focusing on the Hunter Valley’s iconic Semillon.
1983
The first white wines are released, and the first Single Vineyard Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is made. James Halliday sells his shares in the business.
1984
Brokenwood invites supporters on its mailing list to a lunch at the winery, which has continued on ever since as the annual Graveyard Launch Luncheon.
1986
A ‘perfect’ vintage occurs for the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. The resulting wine is a critical triumph, later earning 100-point scores and establishing the site as one of Australia’s finest.
1991
Keith (KB) Barry is appointed as the first vineyard manager. The ‘Cricket Pitch’ label is launched as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend, and the Graveyard Shiraz is included in the inaugural Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.
1992
The inaugural ILR (Iain Leslie Riggs) Reserve Semillon is vinified. Though it will not be released for five years (1997), this wine is designed to showcase the incredible aging potential of Hunter Valley Semillon through extended cellar maturation.
1993 – 2003 Modernisation and Acclaim
1993
Expansion of the iconic ‘Cricket Pitch’ range to include the Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon white blend, helping build national retail presence.
1995
The 1993 Rayner Vineyard Shiraz is released, winning the trophy for Best Wine from a Small Producer at the Royal Sydney Wine Show. This marks a successful expansion into McLaren Vale fruit.
1997
The first aged ILR Reserve Semillon, the 1992, is released to critical praise. Simultaneously, the winery begins supporting the next generation of winemakers by sponsoring the Dux prize at the University of Adelaide.
1998
Brokenwood begins a major trial of screwcap closures. This initiative includes a massive quality audit of older cork-sealed stock to ensure the longevity and consistency of future releases.
1999
A standout vintage for the Hunter Valley results in Shiraz releases that receive high critical acclaim. The winery continues to refine its ‘Single Vineyard’ philosophy across all premium sites. PJ Charteris joins the team as Winemaker.
2001
The 1999 Rayner Vineyard Shiraz wins two trophies, including Best Red Wine of Show against 5500 reds, at the International Wine Challenge in London. The winery embarks on significant international expansion. Strong distribution networks are established in the UK and US markets, bringing Hunter Valley Semillon to a global stage.
2002
New Shiraz plantings are established at the Verona Vineyard. Meanwhile, the ILR Reserve Semillon is recognised by international critics as one of the premier white wines in the world.
2003
Brokenwood wins major trophies at the inaugural Decanter World Wine Awards. Iain Riggs receives the Graham Gregory Award for services to the NSW Wine industry, and the first Beechworth Indigo Vineyard wines debut. Brokenwood transitions to 100% screwcap closures, a major industry-leading move improving wine consistency and longevity (especially for Semillon).
2004 – 2014 Refining the Estate
2004
A new barrel shed is completed, and Geoff Krieger joins as General Manager. The Graveyard Vineyard is converted entirely to Shiraz, resulting in the final release of Graveyard Chardonnay.
2007
The Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is elevated to ‘Exceptional’ status in the Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine. This is the highest possible tier, reserved for the most iconic and investment-worthy Australian wines.
2009
Stuart Hordern joins the winemaking team as Assistant Winemaker. His arrival marks the beginning of a new era of technical leadership under the mentorship of Iain Riggs.
2010
The winery is honoured for the first time as ‘Cellar Door of the Year’ at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards. This recognition highlights Brokenwood’s commitment to providing an elite visitor experience in the Hunter Valley. Brokenwood celebrates its 40th anniversary (40 years since its founding in 1970).
2011
Brokenwood celebrates the 40th anniversary of its first plantings. Winemaker PJ Charteris departs after 12 years of service, signalling a transition within the core production team. Simon Steele joins as Senior Winemaker.
2012
Iain Riggs celebrates his 30th vintage with Brokenwood. Brokenwood installs energy-saving refrigeration and induction lighting, furthering its commitment to sustainable operations.
2013
The viticultural team. Keith and Katrina Barry, are named ‘Viticulturists of the Year’ at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards.
2014
Simon Steele departs and Stuart Hordern is promoted to Senior Winemaker. Brokenwood takes on the management of the then 95-year-old Tallawanta Vineyard.
2004 – 2014 Sustainability and Success
2015
Kate Sturgess joins the winemaking team as Assistant Winemaker. The winery excels at the Hunter Valley Wine Show, taking home six trophies and 20 medals.
2016
Katrina Barry takes over as Hunter Vineyards Manager following the passing of her father, KB. She continues the family legacy of meticulous care for Brokenwood’s most precious vines.
2018
Brokenwood celebrates the grand opening of the new Cellar Door, complete with circular tasting pods, and The Wood restaurant. Stuart Hordern is named ‘Winemaker of the Year’ for the first time at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards.
2019
The new cellar door wins ‘Cellar Door of the Year’ just five months after opening at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards. Sustainability efforts ramp up with the installation of a 99kW solar plant reducing energy usage by 23%.
2020
Iain Riggs AM retires as Managing Director after 38 vintages, and Stuart Hordern takes the helm as head of winemaking. Despite global challenges, the winery celebrates a major milestone with the 50th anniversary.
2021
The 2018 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz wins ‘Wine of the Year’ and the 2018 ILR Reserve Semillon wins Best Semillon in the Halliday Wine Companion. Brokenwood purchases the iconic Oakey Creek Vineyard in Pokolbin, their first owned white Vineyard. All Brokenwood-owned and managed shiraz vineyards complete Sustainable Wine Growing Australia (SWA) certification.
2022 – 2026 A Golden Era
2022
Brokenwood’s Hunter Valley Semillon wins ‘Best Current Vintage Semillon’ at the Hunter Valley Wine Show for the third consecutive year. The Oakey Creek Vineyard also achieves SWA certification, furthering the winery’s sustainability credentials.
2023
The Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is elevated to ‘1st Classified’ in the 8th Langton’s Classification, one of the selective 21 wines to be included. Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay wins the Wine of Provenance trophy at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show.
2024
Stuart Hordern is named ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards for the second time. The ILR Reserve Semillon was awarded the Wine of Provenance trophy at the Hunter Valley Wine Show.
2025
Brokenwood is named ‘Winery of the Year’ in the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion and ‘Cellar Door of the Year’ at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards. Brokenwood’s Semillon’s take out multiple awards at wine shows. The Wood Restaurant undergoes renovations.
2026
Brokenwood is awarded the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) 19th annual President’s Medal, one of Australia’s most prestigious food and beverage industry honours, recognising excellence across sustainability, innovation, governance, and business performance. Stuart Hordern is named ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards, marking his third win (2018, 2024 and 2026) and his second in three years.
