WINE

The world-wide reputation of the Hunter Valley as a producer of premium quality wines owes much to George Wyndham and especially his son John.

Despite the loss of most vines in 1830 and his initial pressing in 1835 which "promised to make good vinegar" George persevered and later pressings in his first vintage were successful. He subsequently planted a further 38 acres of vines at Dalwood, 12 acres at Fernhill and about 25 acres at Bukkulla, Inverell.

John Wyndham expanded the vineyard to 78 acres by 1886, making it the second largest vineyard in the world. His wines won numerous international awards including the Bordeaux International Exhibition Gold Medal for the Best Australian Wine in 1882.

The vineyard at Dalwood is now the oldest producing vineyard in Eastern Australia.

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GRAPE VARIETIES

Some of the grape varieties tried by George included Muscat of Alexandria, Red Portugal, Green Portugal, Black Hamburg, Alexandria Frontignac, Black Sweetwater, White Frontignac, White Syrian, Green Malaga, White Muscatel, Black Damascus, Red Muscatel, Black Spanish, Large Purple, Corinth, Wantage, Madeira, Tinto, Black Frontignac, Oporto, Shepherd´s Riesling (Semillon) and Hermitage (Shiraz).

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