Whilst Charlie is enjoying the wonders of Bristol and its surrounds, and displaying hitherto unknown writing talent, this BotF correspondent is spending a long weekend in Broke on an alpaca farm.
Broke is a town of 400 people in the Western part of the Hunter Valley about 25kms south of Singleton. The vineyards tend to be less showy than Pokolbin et al, but still off good plonk. Fortunately, plenty of beer has been brought up as well.
Seamus was given a 4 pack of Titje Wit Bier for his birthday and he generously shared one. Wit Bier is not my favourite variety but it comes from one my favourite breweries (purely by its name) – Brasserie de Silly. Brasserie de Silly is making a significant export push and I’ve spied this drop in the Gin Palace in Melbourne amongst other places. The label, which is produced, comes from hyperbolic school of labels – but that may be because of the translation involved. The flavours promised are evident, but one will do me.
Alpacas are very strange looking animals. It really looks like someone was half-way through designing an animal and got quite badly distracted. Hopefully they can keep the kids amused.
back of the ferry 
I can strongly recommend the Poole’s Rock wine label from the region. The cellar door is over in Pokolbin (follow the Broke Rd and turn right), but you can buy from the Broke Store. The 2007 Chardonnay is excellent as well as the Cockfighter’s Ghost Reserver Cab Sav.