Thursday, March 27, 2025

Tyrrell's Wines, one of Australia's iconic family-owned vineyards, is Hunter Valley wine magic at its best

New South Wales Tyrrell's Wines, one of Australia's iconic family-owned vineyards, has a history dating back to 1858. Tyrrell's Wines in the Hunter Valley was a must when we returned to Australia to explore its east coast wine regions. Our east coast adventures focused on New South Wales (NSW), home to 14 wine regions, which vary from warm to coastal, and cool alpine regions. Today's Hunter Valley it is known for its distinct Semillon and Shiraz. Tyrrell's is Semillon and Shiraz wine magic at its best. 
Verontal Tasting of Tyrrell's Wines, 2019 © Spaswinefood

Tyrrell's Old Hut Vineyard, Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood

Indeed winemaking in the Hunter Valley, with a viticultural history dating back to the early 1800's, is considered to be the birthplace of Australian wines. First, I must confess that Tyrrell's Wines tops my list of favorite Hunter Valley wines. Fortunately, while in the Hunter Valley I attended a Tyrrell's Semillon and Shiraz wines event at their Pokolbin site. This site is home of the historic hut and the Old Hut Vineyard, both of which we visited, just before an outstanding wine tasting. This was followed by dinner hosted by Tyrrell's at the Muse Restaurant. Yes, it was an evening to remember. 

Tyrrell's Story
Once I discovered Tyrrell's was on the list of possible wine country excursions I did not waste any time selecting this option. Our evening visit began at the historic old hut where Chris Tyrrell shared some of his family's winemaking history, dating back five generations. I loved visiting Tyrrell's, not only because the setting was so inviting, but also there was a personal story for me to discover.

Tyrrell's Wines, Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood

That evening we gathered near the old hut built by English immigrant Edward Tyrrell who established Tyrrell's Wines. From such humble beginnings Tyrrell's became one of Australia's pre-eminent family owned wine companies.

Tyrrell's Wines Old Hut © Spaswinefood

This family winery is now led by Bruce Tyrrell (4th generation) and his children Chris, Jane and John (5th generation).

Sharing the Old Hut Story, Tyrrell's © Spaswinefood
Discovering Vineyard and Winemaking History
From the hut it was off to the vineyard. Here we viewed of some of the oldest and most historic vines in the Hunter Valley, dating back over 100 years.  
Old Hut Vineyard, Tyrrell's Wines © Spaswinefood
Old Hut Vineyard,Tyrrell's Wines © Spaswinefood

Tyrrell's vineyards have expanded beyond its initial 60 acres to 900 acres. It now includes vineyards at:
1. Hunter Valley Pokolbin,
2. Hunter Valley Sacred Sites, and
3. Central Victoria Heathcote Vineyards.

Vineyard Views, Tyrrell's Wines © Spaswinefood

After viewing the Old Hut Vineyard we headed back to the cellar door.

Tyrrell's Wines Cellar Door © Spaswinefood
Cellar Door, Tyrrell's Wines © Spaswinefood

Over the years Tyrrell's winemaking alumni list includes many well known winemakers. Today's team includes Andrew Spinaze, Mark Richardson, and Chris Tyrrell.

Tyrrell's Wines Historic Cellar Door © Spaswinefood

Verontal Tasting of Tyrrell's Wines
Tyrrell's wine portfolio includes a wide range of wine types, styles and varietals. We did a four-part “Verontal” tasting, which included the following:

1. A vertical of Winemaker's Selection Vat 1 Semillon from 2019, 2009, and 1998; 
2. A horizontal of 2014 Stevens Semillon,  HVD Semillon, & Belford Semillon
3. A vertical of Vat 9 Shiraz from 2017, 2014,  & 2009; and 
4. A horizontal of 2017 Stevens Shiraz, Old Hut Shiraz, and Mother’s Shiraz.
Verontal Tasting of Tyrrell's Wines © Spaswinefood
For sure it was a very special evening with Tyrrell's Semillon wines. We began our tasting of Tyrrell's Semillon with a vertical of Winemaker's Selection Vat 1 Semillon from 2019, 2009, and 1998.
Winemaker's Selection Vat 1 Semillon 2019, 2009, 1998 © Spaswinefood
Next, there was a horizontal of Single Vineyard 2014 Semillon wines from Stevens Vineyard, HVD Vineyard, and Belford Vineyard.
2014 Stevens Semillon,  HVD Semillon, & Belford Semillon © Spaswinefood
 I was certainly very special for me to taste such a range of Semillon wines.

The second vertical was Vat 9 Shiraz from 2017, 2014, and 2009 vintages.

Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2017 © Spaswinefood
Back label for Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2017 © Spaswinefood
Tyrrell's Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2014
Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2014 © Spaswinefood
Back label for Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2014 © Spaswinefood
Tyrrell's Wines, Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2009
Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz 2009 © Spaswinefood
Back label for Vat 9 Hunter Valley Shiraz 2009 © Spaswinefood
We concluded the tasting with a horizontal of Single Vineyard 2017 Mother’s Shiraz, Old Hut Shiraz, and Stevens Shiraz.

Tyrrell's Wines, Single Vineyard Mother’s Hunter Shiraz 2017
Single Vineyard Mother’s Hunter Shiraz 2017 © Spaswinefood
Tyrrell's Wines, Single Vineyard Old Hut Hunter Shiraz 2017
Single Vineyard Old Hut Hunter Shiraz 2017 © Spaswinefood
Tyrrell's Wines, Single Vineyard Stevens Hunter Shiraz 2017
Single Vineyard Stevens Hunter Shiraz 2017 © Spaswinefood
I loved the expression of terroir displayed by each the vineyards for these 2017 Shiraz wines.

What a fascinating lineup of Tyrrell's Semillon and Shiraz wines we tasted that evening!
Tyrrell's Wines Verontal Tasting © Spaswinefood

Beyond experiencing some of Tyrrell's best wines, for me it was also an outstanding overview of Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz wines.

Dinner with Tyrrell's Wines

Dinner was held at the Muse restaurant, one of the most awarded restaurants in the Hunter Valley. We experienced an exquisite menu curated by chef/proprietor Troy Rhoades-Brown. Each dish was matched perfectly with Tyrrell’s finest Museum wines. May I say we were spoiled.
Wine Media Dinner, Muse Restaurant © Spaswinefood

During dinner I not only enjoyed this amazing gastronomic experience but also the company.

Muse Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Dinner Menu, Muse Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Here is a peek at a few of the dishes on the menu.

Snacks, Muse Restaurant © Spaswinefood
First Course, Muse Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Second Course, Muse Restaurant © Spaswinefood

When I left that evening I could not resist taking a look at the open kitchen.

Muse Restaurant, Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood

I had so looked forward to learning about Tyrrell's Wines and I was not disappointed. They lived up to their Motto "Nothing is great unless it is good". Special recognition should go to Chris Tyrrell, the Tyrrell's staff, and the Muse Restaurant staff for an evening to remember. I invite you to join me in my travels in Australia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook 


Sharon
Remembering September 2019
Australia
© Spaswinefood
Tyrrell's Coat of Arms © Spaswinefood

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During that earlier 2019 wine conference in addition to the sessions, excursion to Tyrell's, there were also pre-conference and post-conference tours to wine regions in New South Wales, and Queensland. We did our own Pre-conference excursion to the Granite Belt Region, Queensland. Among the post conference options (Orange, Riverina, and Mudgee) I elected to do the Mudgee excursion. 

Mudgee, New South Wales © Spaswinefood


For sure, I was excited to return to Australian wine country for the third time last March 2024.  Wine enthusiasts know that there is a lot of Australian wine country to explore. Those who travel to Australian wine country will not be disappointed. I look forward to continuing my Spaswinefood adventure down under. I invite you to join me in future vine-filled explorations in Australia and elsewhere at  Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook



CHEERS!


Sharon
Remembering April 2024
Sydney, Australia
© Spaswinefood
Orange, New South Wales, Australia, 2019 © Spaswinefood
Buck, Hunter Valley 2023 © Spaswinefood

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Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Twas an evening to remember: Welcome to the Hunter Valley

When we first visited Australia's Hunter Valley it was part of our east coast wine regions explorations. Our east coast wine adventures were primarily in New South Wales (NSW), home to 14 wine regions. NSW wine growing regions vary from warm to coastal, and cool alpine regions. The Hunter Valley in particular, is known for its distinct Semillon and Shiraz. Before beginning our Hunter Valley wine adventures we got an introduction at the opening of the Wine Media Conference 2019 (#wmc19). We were welcomed by Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association at Brokenwood Wines. That evening while we sipped Hunter Valley premium wines and enjoyed fine food, we met some Living Legends of the Hunter Valley’s Wine Industry. Guess what, we also met some of the future wine legends as well. For sure it was an evening to remember!

 Welcome to Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood
What an opportunity it was to meet both the local producers, and those men and women who were inducted into the Living Legends  ‘hall of fame’. All inductees have served the Hunter Valley wine region with distinction, and significantly contributed to its evolution. During the evening there was an opportunity to meet them, and hear their wine stories about the Hunter Valley, both its struggles and triumphs. There is so much to discover in the Hunter Valley, which is now home to over 150 cellar doors and around 80 wineries.

It was a Hunter Valley Gastronomic Affair
We arrived at Brokenwood, the 2019 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year, just before dusk on that springtime evening. This ultra-modern cellar door (winery) is an amazing place to host a welcome event.
Arriving at Brokenwood © Spaswinefood
Cellar Doors & Sponsors of Welcome Event at Brokenwood © Spaswinefood

Let me share a few vignettes from that evening in 2019. 

Hunter Valley Wines

New South Wales is home to 14 wine regions, vary from warm to coastal, and cool alpine regions. The Hunter Valley in particular, is known for its distinct Semillon and Shiraz. During our time in the Hunter Valley we would develop an in-depth appreciation for Semillon. One of the first Hunter Valley Semillons that we first introduced to at #wbc18, was in fact a 2015 Brokenwood Semillon. Now here we were at their cellar door.

Brokenwood, Semillon Hunter Valley 2015 © Spaswinefood
Fifteen local producers poured their premium wines, with Hunter Valley’s world acclaimed Semillon wines taking centre stage. Amongst the wine critics recognizing this is Jancis Robinson:

Hunter Valley Semillon is one of Australia’s great gifts to the world of wine.  Jancis Robinson, Wine Writer.

Besides exploring more of those awesome Brokenwood Wines, other wines that we tasted included:

1. Degen Wines
Degen Wines © Spaswinefood
Tasting Degen Wines © Spaswinefood

Hunter Valley's women winemakers were out in full force that evening. McLeish Estate, another female led family winery was also there.

2. McLeish Estate

McLeish Estate Wines © Spaswinefood
McLeish Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

When we returned March 2024 I got to visit McLeish Estate.

McLeish Estate, Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood

After pulling into the parking lot at McLeish Estate off we went to taste their wines.

Welcome to McLeish Estate © Spaswinefood

Our host introduced us to an overview of their wines.

Welcome McLeish Estate © Spaswinefood

Amongst their wines that I tasted were a Semillon, and a Shiraz.

McLeish Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Hunter Valley 2023
McLeish Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Hunter Valley 2023 © Spaswinefood

McLeish Estate Shiraz, Hunter Valley 2022

McLeish Estate Shiraz, Hunter Valley 2022 © Spaswinefood

I so enjoyed a relaxing wine tasting at McLeish Estate.


Before leaving I managed to take a peek of their post-harvest vineyards.

Vineyard, McLeish Estate © Spaswinefood

It sure was exciting to visit a winery after I was first introduced to their wines one springtime evening in 2019.

3. Two Rivers

Two Rivers wines were another special find.

Tasting Two Rivers Wines © Spaswinefood
Two Rivers, Stone's Throw Semillon 2014 © Spaswinefood

4. Tulloch Wines

That evening was our first introduction to Tulloch Wines.

Tulloch Wines © Spaswinefood

We would later taste more Tulloch wines at two of Live Wine Social events.

Obviously, it impossible to show all the wines that were available for tasting. Here are a few more:

5. Tinklers

Tinklers, Small Block Semillon 2019 © Spaswinefood

6. Pepper Tree Wines

Pepper Tree Wines © Spaswinefood

It was the perfect introduction to Hunter Valley wines. The Hunter Valley has also experienced a resurgence in chardonnays as a much more approachable, fruit driven variety, and their Shiraz will surprise many with its medium bodied, savory characteristics. Indeed, beyond Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay the Hunter Valley is beginning to develop a reputation for those wines ending with the letter O. One example is Tempranillo.

7. Audrey Wilkinson Winemaker's Selection Tempranillo 2018

Audrey Wilkinson, Winemaker's Selection Tempranillo 2018 © Spaswinefood
Tasting Audrey Wilkinson Wines © Spaswinefood

Now let us take a peek at the foodie side of our evening.

The Foodie Side of The Event

While we sipped Hunter Valley's premium wines, we grazed on fine food. The menu was prepared by Hunter Valley's Culinary stalwart Andy Wright, The Wood RestaurantOf course you probably know that oysters pairs well with Semillon. Indeed those freshly shucked oysters and Hunter Valley Semillon highlights the marriage of food and wine.
For Oyster Lovers © Spaswinefood

There were plenty of oysters for those oyster lovers. There was also suckling pig.

Suckling pig © Spaswinefood

 Suckling pig ‘pork sliders’  were a big hit too.

Freshly Made Pork Sliders © Spaswinefood
Pork Sliders © Spaswinefood

In addition to pig ‘pork sliders’ there was paella. The paella was prepared at the cellar door for all to see. I was told that it was prepared in Andy’s signature giant paella pan. 

 Paella, Giant Paella Pan © Spaswinefood

There were other foodie delights throughout the evening.

Heirloom Tomatoes © Spaswinefood
Small Bites © Spaswinefood

The local cheeses were a big hit.

Hunter Valley Cheeses © Spaswinefood

One awesome person went the extra kilometer to make sure that vegetarians and other food preferences folks were accommodated.

Thanks © Spaswinefood

Without a doubt Brokenwood Wines, not only was the perfect setting for hosting this event, but also they lived up to their motto Make Great Wine and Have Fun.

Brokenwood's Motto @ Spaswinefood

It will be hard to forget our special memories of Hunter Valley.

 Living Legends of the Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood

What an awesome location for this welcoming event. Before leaving we just had to explore a little.

Brokenwood Cellar © Spaswinefood
Display of Older Vintages of Brokenwood Wine © Spaswinefood
Later at the Live Wine Event Spaswinefood shared this Social Media Post on Brokenwood wines:

 @brokenwoodwines winemaker sharing their flagship wine / 2013 Semillon in #spaswinefood glass @zephyr_wine #WMC19 perfection 🥂🇦🇺#Oz19 💕💗🇦🇺 great vintage - just get it 💕💗 
Brokenwood, Reserve Semillon 2013 © Spaswinefood
Bokenwood Wines © Spaswinefood
Brokenwood, Reserve Semillon 2013 © Spaswinefood
Hats off to the Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association, and Brokenwood Wines for this outstanding event. This experience, not only further enhanced our understanding of Hunter Valley wines, by discovering more to its wines, but also was a great introduction to the faces behind the wines. We left that evening with some new insights into the Hunter Valley’s history and its wines. For sure, I was excited to return to the Hunter Valley last March, 2024 (see article). I look forward to Spaswinefood adventures down under, with future returns to Australia. I invite you to join me in my travels in Australia and elsewhere at  Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook



CHEERS!


Sharon
Remembering Hunter Valley, Australia
© Spaswinefood

March 2024: As we left Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, I took in the views of nearby Brokenwood, where we first introduced to Hunter Valley wines in 2019. 

Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, March 2024 © Spaswinefood
I still remember when we arrived at Brokenwood, just before dusk on that 2019 springtime evening in September. 

Orange, New South Wales, Australia, 2019 © Spaswinefood

#WBC19, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia © Spaswinefood
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2019 Wine Media Welcome Event, Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood
Wine Bloggers off to Brokenwood, 2019 © Spaswinefood

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Tyrrell's Wines, one of Australia's iconic family-owned vineyards, is Hunter Valley wine magic at its best

New South Wales  Tyrrell's Wines,  one of Australia's iconic family-owned vineyards, has a history dating back to 1858. Tyrrell'...