Located 15 minutes from the centre of Pokolbin, the region accounts for 11 per cent of the vineyard area planted in the Hunter Valley.

Secretary of the Broke Fordwich Wine Tourism Association Mike Wilson said the key was the variety of soils.

Gravelly, sandy soils of the banks of Wollombi Brook are highly sought after for the mineral quality it gives to white wines such as semillon and verdelho, while rich volcanic basalt soils produce the finest reds.

"Right through the Broke belt around the Wollombi Brook and Fordwich Sill is world-class red grape-growing soil," he said.

Mr Wilson said the region was similar to what Pokolbin was 20 years ago.

"All the growers in Broke grow their own grapes and it's the real old authentic Hunter Valley," he said.

"It's on a boutique scale, a whole different feel to the other end of the Valley."

Grapes for wine production have been grown in the Broke Fordwich region for many years and used in many well-known and established Hunter Valley brands such as Wyndham Estate, Lindemans, Tullochs, Pooles Rock and Oakvale.

Mr Wilson also pointed to the notable Margan, Nightingale Wines, Mount Broke Wines and Krinklewood Wines, which produced biodynamic and organic wine.

Located in Singleton Shire and comprising the two villages of Broke and Bulga, and the two smaller communities of Fordwich and Milbrodale, the region has 36 vineyards, four wineries, 11 cellar doors and an array of restaurants and farm produce shops.

Situated in a wide section of the valley, the surrounding hills frame some of the best scenery in the area, with the Brokenback Mountain Range and iconic Yellow Rock providing an impressive backdrop.

There is a range of low-key and family friendly events held in the region throughout the year, including the upcoming Spirit of the Vine on October 22 and 23.

Now in its ninth year, the festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet, taste, experience and learn directly from many of the regions award-winning vignerons, winemakers, chefs and farm-gate producers.

The festival starts in the village of Broke where visitors pick up their $5 souvenir wine glass and map and follow the flags around to the participating venues.

Wine tasting, live music, food and more will be available at all venues.

After the sun goes down on Saturday the celebrations continue with the annual Winemakers Dinner, at Nightingale Wines.