Portugal Came to the Hunter Valley

Portugal Came to the Hunter Valley. Pull Up a Chair.

There are cellar door tastings. And then there are experiences that make you put down your glass, look out at the vines and think: "I had no idea wine could feel like this."

The Portuguese Wines Fireside & Cheese experience at Whispering Brook in Broke, Hunter Valley is firmly in the second category.

It's 90 minutes. It's five wines — aged and current vintages tasted side by side. It's a fireside. It's artisan cheese from Binnorie Dairy. And it's the story of how a trip to Portugal in 2007 changed everything for one Hunter Valley winery — and gave Australia a wine it had never tasted before.

Five wines from Portugal's greatest varietals. One wood fire. A cheese board from Binnorie Dairy. And a story unlike anything else in the Hunter Valley.

First, the story. Because this one is worth knowing.

When Susan Frazier and Adam Bell established Whispering Brook in 2000 on their beautiful Broke estate, they were already doing something different. The terra rossa soils. The Wollombi Brook along the boundary. The mountain views. This was a piece of land with genuine character.

But it was a trip to Portugal in 2007 that sparked something extraordinary. Tasting the wines of the Douro Valley — the depth of a Touriga Nacional, the crisp brightness of an Arinto — Susan and Adam came home with a question nobody in the Hunter Valley had thought to ask: what if we grew these here?

They planted them. They tended them. They watched those vines take to the terra rossa soils as though they'd always belonged there. And in doing so, Whispering Brook became the first winery in the Hunter Valley to grow and produce a 100% Touriga Nacional — a variety that is now winning trophies at the Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show and earning the winery a coveted 5-star rating from James Halliday.

The Portuguese Wines Fireside & Cheese experience exists to share that story properly. Slowly. With wine in hand and a fire crackling beside you.

What actually happens — and why it's unlike any tasting you've done before.

You'll settle in beside the wood fire inside Whispering Brook's beautiful cellar door — a soaring Australian-style building with exposed timber trusses, lovingly restored windows and French doors that look out across the vineyards and the Brokenback Range. In winter, there's nothing quite like it.

Your host will pour five wines across the course of the experience — each one chosen to tell a specific part of the Whispering Brook story. The tasting is structured around a fascinating comparison: an aged vintage of Touriga Nacional poured alongside the current release, so you can taste firsthand how this extraordinary variety evolves and deepens over time. The same comparison follows with the Arinto — watching an aged white open up beside a fresh current release is the kind of revelation that changes how you think about white wine entirely.

The experience finishes with a Portuguese-inspired tawny — a warm, rich, contemplative glass that feels perfectly at home beside a crackling fire. It's a beautiful way to end: something sweet and complex, deeply Portuguese in spirit, made right here at Whispering Brook.

Alongside the wines, a board of artisan cheeses from Binnorie Dairy arrives — local, handmade and chosen to complement the Portuguese varietals beautifully. The combination of an aged Touriga Nacional with a rich cheese beside a winter fire is one of those pairings that, once you've had it, you'll find yourself craving again.

"It's peaceful, picturesque and personal. A 5-star James Halliday winery that feels like a genuine discovery." — Walk My World blog

The whole experience runs around 90 minutes — unhurried, relaxed and genuinely educational without ever feeling like a lecture. You'll leave knowing more about Portuguese wine, more about this remarkable little corner of the Hunter Valley, and almost certainly with a bottle or two tucked under your arm.

The wines you'll taste.

Five wines, each with a story. Here's what to expect:

Aged Touriga Nacional — a back vintage of Whispering Brook's trophy-winning flagship red, opened up with time and ready to show you what great cellaring does to this remarkable variety. Deeper, more complex, more contemplative.
Current Release Touriga Nacional — the same wine, a different year. Vibrant cherry colour, notes of cherries, plums and spice with richness and complexity on the palate. Tasting these two side by side is a genuine education in how wine evolves.
Aged Arinto — a back vintage of Whispering Brook's pioneering white. Portugal's finest white varietal, grown here on sandy loam soils — and with a little age, it opens into something truly extraordinary.
Current Release Arinto — lively citrus and crisp apple aromas, a palate of refreshing acidity and bright tropical notes. Tasted beside the aged version, it's a completely different experience to tasting it alone.
Portuguese-inspired Tawny — the perfect finish. Warm, rich and complex, with the spirit of the Douro Valley in every sip. Made right here at Whispering Brook, it's the ideal glass to hold beside a crackling fire as the afternoon settles into evening.

Each wine is estate-grown, small-batch and made with an obsessive focus on the character of this particular piece of land. When your host tells you the story of a vintage, they're telling you the story of something they watched grow from bud burst to bottle.

Who is this experience for?

Honestly? Anyone who loves wine and wants to understand it a little better. But it's particularly wonderful for:

Couples looking for a genuinely memorable Hunter Valley experience beyond the standard tasting trail
Wine enthusiasts who want to try something they genuinely can't find anywhere else in Australia
Groups of friends celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special occasion
Visitors from Sydney looking for something more personal and less commercial than Pokolbin
Anyone who loves Portugal, Portuguese food and wine culture, or simply a good fire and a great glass

It's also a beautiful experience for guesthouse guests — if you're staying at the Whispering Brook vineyard guesthouse, this is the kind of experience that turns a lovely weekend away into a truly memorable one.

The details.

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Includes: Five wines — aged and current release Touriga Nacional, aged and current release Arinto, and a Portuguese-inspired tawny — paired with artisan cheeses from Binnorie Dairy
Location: Whispering Brook Cellar Door, Rodd Street, Broke NSW — two hours from Sydney
When: Friday to Saturday, and by appointment
Bookings: Essential — book directly at whispering-brook.com
Dog friendly: Yes — well-behaved dogs welcome on the verandah

While you're there, take the time to explore the estate's other experiences — the vineyard and olive grove tour, the cheese and wine pairing, and the seasonal alfresco platters on the verandah are all exceptional in their own right. And if you'd like to make a proper weekend of it, the Whispering Brook vineyard guesthouse sleeps 10 to 18 guests right on the estate.

Come and see what we found in Portugal.

There's a moment in every great wine experience where everything quiets down — the conversation, the distraction, the noise of everyday life — and it's just you, the glass, and something genuinely beautiful.

That's what we've tried to create with the Portuguese Wines Fireside & Cheese experience. A little corner of the Hunter Valley that feels, somehow, like a Sunday afternoon in the Douro Valley. The fire. The wine. The story of how two people fell in love with a varietal on the other side of the world — and brought it home.

We'd love to share it with you.

Book your Portuguese Wines Fireside & Cheese experience at whispering-brook.com

Whispering Brook  |  Rodd Street, Broke NSW  |  Friday to Saturday and by appointment  |  (02) 6579 1386

Escape to Whispering Brook House: Your Hunter Valley Vineyard Retreat

Escape to Whispering Brook House: Your Hunter Valley Vineyard Retreat

Experience life on a working vineyard estate in Australia's oldest wine region

When you're ready to escape the city and immerse yourself in authentic Hunter Valley wine country living, Whispering Brook House offers something special: spacious, beautifully appointed accommodations surrounded by rolling hills of vines, offering a unique escape in a picturesque setting.

A Working Hunter Valley Vineyard Experience

This isn't just Hunter Valley accommodation with vineyard views—it's your chance to stay on a genuine working vineyard and winery. Whispering Brook specializes in innovative Portuguese wine varietals, cultivated across 25 acres of established vines in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region. From your accommodation, you'll watch the daily rhythm of vineyard life unfold, from seasonal pruning to harvest activities.

The country house commands spectacular views of the estate's vineyards, olive groves and cottage gardens, all framed by the sweeping mountain ranges of the Brokenback and Yengo National Parks. It's the Hunter Valley as it was meant to be experienced—peaceful, authentic, and deeply connected to the land.

Your Private Wine Country Retreat

Accommodating groups of 8-18 guests, the fully equipped country house features spacious rooms, open fireplaces, outdoor entertaining areas with BBQ, and modern amenities including air-conditioning and a games room. The property's tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for corporate retreats, family gatherings, or celebrations with friends.

What sets Whispering Brook apart is the onsite cellar door experience. Just a short stroll from the house, guests enjoy complimentary wine tastings and tutored tours of the vineyards, olive groves, and winery. No driving between venues, no crowds—just an intimate wine education experience with panoramic vineyard views.

Beyond the Vines: Olive Grove to Table

The estate's olive groves add another dimension to your Hunter Valley stay. Wander through the cottage gardens with fresh herbs for cooking, or arrange for the in-house chef to prepare gourmet meals featuring estate-produced olive oils. The combination of wine and olive production creates a complete farm-to-table experience.

Located in Broke, just two hours from Sydney, Whispering Brook sits in the peaceful heart of the Hunter Valley wine region. The property offers easy access to the region's attractions while providing the privacy and space of a genuine working estate.

Your Hunter Valley Base

The Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region, offers charming vineyards, peaceful landscapes, and rich viticultural history. From Whispering Brook House, you can explore local markets, walking trails, and neighboring cellar doors, or simply relax and enjoy the estate's natural beauty.

Whether you're seeking a weekend retreat, planning a group getaway, or wanting to experience authentic vineyard life, Whispering Brook House provides spacious comfort in one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions.

Ready to Book Your Hunter Valley Vineyard Retreat?

Book direct and save on your Hunter Valley accommodation. All stays include complimentary wine and olive grove tours with tastings.

Contact us today to secure your dates at Whispering Brook House - where authentic Hunter Valley wine country living awaits.

Best Hunter Valley Wineries | Visit Whispering Brook – Wine & Olive Estate

Discover the Best Hunter Valley Wineries

Explore the diversity, heritage and flavours of Australia's oldest wine region

Where tradition meets innovation in every glass

The Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia's most renowned wineries — from historic family vineyards to contemporary producers pushing the boundaries of winemaking. It's a region celebrated for Semillon, Shiraz, and an exciting range of emerging varietals, all showcased against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and warm hospitality.

At Whispering Brook, we're proud to be part of this rich winemaking landscape. Nestled in the heart of the Hunter, our estate is dedicated to crafting small-batch, estate-grown wines that reflect the character of this special place.

We believe experiencing the best of the Hunter is about more than just visiting cellar doors — it's about slowing down, tasting thoughtfully, and connecting with the people and stories behind each bottle.

What makes the Hunter Valley so special?

A long winemaking heritage

With vines first planted in the 1820s, the Hunter is Australia's oldest continuous wine region, shaped by generations of families who've tended these soils.

Unique climate & soils

Warm days, cool nights and distinctive red and sandy loam soils give Hunter Valley wines their unmistakable character and impressive longevity — especially Semillon and Shiraz.

Diverse wine experiences

From architect-designed cellar doors to relaxed vineyard picnics, there's a style to suit every palate and occasion.

Visit Whispering Brook — a unique Hunter Valley winery experience

At Whispering Brook, we offer an unhurried, authentic approach to wine tourism. Here's what makes us a little different:

Portuguese-inspired varietals

Alongside Hunter classics, we grow and craft Touriga Nacional and Arinto, offering a fresh dimension to the region's wine story.

Estate olive grove

Wander among 1,000 olive trees and taste our first-press extra virgin olive oil — a rare addition to the Hunter Valley experience.

Immersive stays

Our guesthouse lets you wake up to vineyard views, with private tastings or long lunches just steps away.

Small production focus

Every bottle is a reflection of the season and our site, thoughtfully nurtured by our family from vine to glass.

Plan your Hunter Valley wine adventure

Whether you're visiting for a day or staying the weekend, take time to explore beyond the well-known labels. Chat with winemakers, discover boutique cellar doors, and let the Hunter Valley surprise you.

We'd love to be part of your journey. Come taste, stay and see why so many guests consider Whispering Brook one of the most memorable stops in the Hunter Valley.

Experience Whispering Brook

Discover our unique wines and immerse yourself in the authentic Hunter Valley experience

Explore Our Wines Plan Your Visit

Whispering Brook's Sparkling Shiraz: A Symphony of Australian Elegance

Whispering Brook's Sparkling Shiraz: A Symphony of Australian Elegance

Nothing says magnificent like a glass of Whispering Brook's Sparkling Shiraz, a delightful fusion of dark berries, sweet plum, cherry, and spices. This sparkling red has the power to transform any table into a spectacular showcase of flavours and festivities. But what makes Australian Sparkling Shiraz so special?

Uniquely Australian Elegance

Sparkling shiraz is a uniquely Australian creation. A diverse variety, it gracefully accompanies lazy summer afternoons by the pool, adds a touch of glamour to barbecue gatherings, and stands as the ultimate companion for special occasions adorned with indulgent dishes.

A Historical Toast

The roots of Sparkling Shiraz trace back to 1881 when the Victorian Champagne Company, led by a Melbourne doctor and parliamentarian, collaborated with a French winemaker.  This marked the inception of a sparkling legacy.

Shortly thereafter, another Frenchman, Edmund Mazure, entered the Australian winemaking scene. Fascinated by sparkling red varieties, he worked on a shiraz vineyard in South Australia, earning his place as a creator of Australian Sparkling Shiraz. Today, this effervescent gem graces dining tables, brightens breakfast spreads, and adds sparkle to cooler nights. Discover the heritage and elegance of Whispering Brook's Sparkling Shiraz — a true celebration of Australian winemaking excellence.