The distinctive and whimsical symbol of Brookland Valley, found on all our wines, is taken from a bronze statue whose home is at our cellar door. He is Daphnis, a flute-playing figure from Greek mythology, whose story is entwined with passion and intrigue.

Daphnis was the son of god Hermes, who tricked a Sicilian nymph into making love. She conceived a son and when he was born, she abandoned him in a grove of laurel trees (also known as daphnes). The goddess Hera took pity on the beautiful baby and made certain he was found by shepherds, who raised him as their own.

Pan, the half-man, half-goat god, was very fond of Daphnis and taught him the art of music. The young man became renowned for both his beauty and his songs and poems about the idyllic shepherding lifestyle.

Daphnis fell in love with a beautiful nymph called Nomia, and she with him. However Nomia's rival Chimaera plied Daphnis with wine and seduced him. Nomia flew into a jealous rage and blinded Daphnis.

The legend tells how heartbroken Daphnis took to flute playing with new passion, the beauty of his music driven to new heights by his sorrow.

Our own bronze Daphnis was 'adopted' at auction in Sydney. He originally resided in the garden of a stately home that was purchased by the National Trust. Unable to maintain all the gardens, they had to relinquish Daphnis, and we are proud to give him a suitably idyllic home by the delightful Wilyabrup Brook.