Hunter Valley Legends - Heritage Cairns

The Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Awards isn’t just about the people of our community – the Hunter Valley Heritage Award acknowledges landmarks of historical importance that has influenced or significantly contributed to the Hunter Valley Wine Industry.

Some of these have been physical landmarks others have been a nod to the importance of printed works such as labels.

Over the past years the following landmarks and heritage works have been awarded the Hunter Valley Heritage Award:

2009 Uncle Dan's Hut at Tyrrell's Wines: Uncle Dan's Hut is a slab hut built in what is now the entrance to the Tyrrell's winery carpark, but was originally built back around 1858 when the property was first settled. If these walls could talk I'm sure they would speak of the amazing determintation, passion and hard work of Edward Tyrrell all those years ago.

Edward Tyrrell's Slab Hut. A reminder of 5 generations of hard work http://www.tyrrells.com.au/

2010 Drayton's Old Winery + Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards 'Old Vats':

The sixth generation Drayton family has proudly been making wine in Pokolbin for over 150 years. The original winery has been preserved within the new winery.

The Wilkinson family were pioneers of the Australian Winemaking Industry first acquiring their property in Pokolbin in 1866. Audrey was known to use leading edge technology for the time which included these original vats. You can see these vats at the Audrey Wilkinson Museum today.

The 'Old Vats'at Audrey Wilkinson Museum, now proudly own by the Agnew Family. https://www.audreywilkinson.com.au/

2011 The Ben Ean Winery 'Old Still House’ and Mount Pleasant Winery Maurice O’Shea labels:

The Original origin of the 'Old Stillhouse' is not known exactly but was thought to be built by the McDonalds family from whom Lindeman's bought their vineyard and winery.

The Stillhouse still found today at Lindeman's in the Hunter Valley

The Maurice O'Shea Mount Pleasant labels have a place in our heart  here in the Hunter Valley as Maurice O'Shea is synonymous with the great Hunter Valley wines of character and distinction and of course Maurice was a pioneer in the region. The labels were very unique for their time always personally named after a friend, a grower or a specific vineyard - a traditional which still continues to this day.

2012 Tulloch Wines Pokolbin Dry Red Label: The Pokolbin Dry Red label was first used by Hector Tulloch  in 1952 and enjoyed a reputation in the 1950's and 60's as a premium red wine of Australia and helped cement the Pokolbin area as producing reputable red table wines. The label was relaunched to much acclaim by Jay and Christina Tulloch in the late 1990's.

A few bottles of the Pokolbin Dry Red which is once again enjoying renewed interest from long term devotees and newcomers http://www.tullochwines.com/

These Heritage cairns all help to make up the wonderfully diverse and historical Hunter Valley wine growing region. Why don't you give them a visit when you are next in the Hunter Valley - they make a great and interesting break in between wine tasting and will give you a little more insight into the Hunter Valley and our rich history.

The Cairn erected at Tyrrells. You will find these at all the heritage sites.