Broke Fordwich

Distinguished and Famous people from Broke Fordwich

Broke Fordwich's modern wine story includes people who made their working lives there, developing vineyards alongside food and hospitality. Their connection is a long-running local enterprise, with distinct contributions from its two founders.

🍇 Andrew Margan

Andrew Margan planted a small vineyard with Lisa Margan at Ceres Hill, Broke, in 1989 before they established Margan Wines in 1996. He brought experience from twenty years at Tyrrell's and work in Europe to the new enterprise. Their vineyards and winemaking operation developed within the Broke Fordwich subregion. His awards include Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year in 2015 and Winemaker of the Year in 2021. The local connection is the practical business of growing grapes and making wine over decades, rather than a claim based on the surname of a bottle alone.

🍽️ Lisa Margan

Lisa Margan co-founded the Broke business with Andrew in 1996 after moving from Sydney to the Hunter in the late 1980s. Her background included teaching, nutrition and commercial cookery, and she worked as a chef in Bordeaux. Those experiences helped shape the estate's combination of vineyards, cellar door and restaurant, with a kitchen garden established in 2007. Her wider work has included industry boards and mentoring. Her local story centres on food, hospitality and a business built in Broke Fordwich, contributing skills that complemented the winemaking side.