PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 JUNE 2021
WHISPERING BROOK: VINE TO BOTTLE
Winemakers, Susan Frazier and Adam Bell, have completed over 21 vintages overseas and at their Hunter Valley winery and cellar door facility. Susan and Adam established Whispering Brook in 2000, while both were completing a Bachelor of Applied Science, Wine Science at Charles Sturt University. Adam also completed an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Wine Growing at CSU. Susan also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Food Science.
Whispering Brook is nestled in the charming area of Broke Fordwich in the Hunter Valley. Shiraz vines were already established on the property and planted on the highly sought after “Fordwich Sill”, a plug of red volcanic clay which runs through the property. The soil is the weathered product of ancient volcanic eruptions. It brings valuable trace elements to Whispering Brook’s vineyards, including basalt and iron. The soil and terroir are integral to the production of premium wines. Sandy loam soils located near the Wollombi Brook, which borders one end of the property, are the source of high-quality white grapes.
A passion for Portuguese grape varietals was sparked by a winemaking trip to Portugal in 2007. “Through a winemaking friend based there, we spent a number of weeks visiting wineries across Portugal. “We discovered and fell in love with Touriga Nacional” says Susan. Susan and Adam believed that climatically, it showed real potential in the Hunter Valley, given the similarities with Alentejo in south central Portugal.
After sourcing appropriate Touriga Nacional cuttings in Australia, Susan and Adam grafted a block of Shiraz to Touriga Nacional at Whispering Brook in 2008 – the first planting of Touriga Nacional in the Hunter Valley. Susan and Adam’s first vintage of Touriga Nacional was in 2011. They have won multiple trophies for their Touriga over several vintages. The winemaking team have since planted several other exciting Portuguese varietals. The first release of our new red varietals was in 2020 with a wine called Mosaic typifying the Portuguese approach to blending. The second, a single white varietal called Arinto, was released in early June 2021 and is believed to be the first Arinto in NSW. Both are innovations in the Hunter Valley and largely new to the Australian wine market.
Whispering Brook’s Shiraz and Semillon wines are also highly acclaimed. The 2017 Shiraz was awarded 97 points and the 2017 Semillon awarded 96 points by James Halliday. Whispering Brook is rated a 5-red star winery by James Halliday.
Whispering Brook’s guests are offered unique experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the viticultural and winemaking process. Experiences such as “Beyond the Cellar Door” include a tutored walking tour of the vineyards and olive groves, followed by an introduction to the winery and a tasting at the cellar door. Bookings may be made via the Whispering Brook website at www.whispering-brook.com. “Growing grapes and making wine is a very hands-on experience for an artisan wine brand like ours”, says Adam. “It’s all about consistently striving for high quality wines and having the passion to push new boundaries and winemaking opportunities”, says Susan. “It also means that when people visit our cellar door and guest house, we offer them the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a viticulturist and winemaker”.
It is not just the wines that keeps people talking about and coming back to Whispering Brook. The picturesque Whispering Brook olive groves, planted in 1997 and 1998, produce some of the Hunter’s best olive oils and olives. The grove comprises Correggiola and Frantoio olives which are used to make extra virgin olive oils. Manzanillo and Kalamata olives are also grown and are renowned table olives that complete the perfect antipasto or cheese platter. The annual Whispering Brook Olive Long Table Luncheon held during Wine and Food month (May/June) in the Hunter is a sell-out event for wine club members and their guests. It features a four course Mediterranean luncheon matched with new season olive oils, estate wines, a special guest speaker, live music and tours of the olive groves and vineyards.
Susan and Adam have developed a fully integrated business with a purpose-built artisan winery and Australian colonial style cellar door. The facilities at the winery ensure that Susan and Adam have control over every facet of the wine making process, from vine to bottle. Estate vineyards, olive groves, a large onsite 18 bed guesthouse, food and wine experiences and picturesque mountain views complete the experience.
The cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.30pm and at other times by appointment. The guesthouse is available all year. For more information, please call Susan Frazier.
P: 0412158165 || E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. || W: www.whispering-brook.com ||165 Hill Street, Broke, NSW, Australia