The Hungerford Hill Story
The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine producing area, with wine made continuously in the region since the 1830's. However the region languished during the early to mid 20th century until a new generation of wineries was established in the 1960's and 70's. One of the most prominent of these was Hungerford Hill, established in 1969, deriving its name from the former grazing property on which the vineyard was planted.
Hungerford Hill's first wines were released in 1971, and Australia's first wine tourism complex incorporating a modern winery, underground cellar, motel and restaurant were constructed in 1972. The brand gained a fine reputation for the two varieties the Hunter region does best: Semillon and Shiraz.
Over the ensuing years Hungerford Hill extended its influence to South Australia's Coonawarra region, and more recently to other New South Wales regions like Orange, Cowra, Young (Hilltops) and Tumbarumba. Varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Pinot Noir emerged from the brand.
During the 1990s the Australian wine industry gained international recognition, but changes in ownership and the sale of the winery complex as well as the Coonawarra and Hunter vineyards left Hungerford Hill struggling for recognition.
In March 2002 Hungerford Hill was acquired by the James Kirby family, well known for their involvement in the refrigeration and engineering industries.
The Kirby's appointed as Winemaker Phillip John, previously Chief Winemaker for Lindemans and Group White Winemaker for Southcorp. Phillip brings enormous international experience and credibility to Hungerford Hill.
In March 2003 the Kirby family purchased a new home for Hungerford Hill - a stunning new complex at the gateway to the Hunter Valley, incorporating an underground winery, a tasting room, 'Terroir Restaurant and Wine Bar' and 11 acres of Shiraz and Cabernet vineyard. With its new home as a graphic symbol of its new direction, Hungerford Hill has now been reinvented as a Hunter Valley Icon.
A wine for today's lifestyle
A Hunter Valley icon for several generations of Australian wine drinkers since its founding in the 70s, the Hungerford Hill brand has been re-invented under the watchful eye of the James Kirby Family.
With internationally respected Phillip John as chief winemaker, Hungerford Hill embraces state-of-the-art winemaking blended with history, talent and experience. Phillip has developed an outstanding range of wines from traditional favourites as well as varieties to suit the more adventurous wine enthusiast.
These exceptional wines are produced from grapes grown in some of Australia's most exciting wine regions, including Tumbarumba, Orange, Hilltops and Clare Valley as well as the world famous Hunter Valley.
The new home of Hungerford Hill is the Hunter Valley's most spectacular new winery, incorporating a state-of the-art underground cellar and the fabulous Terroir Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Expect the unexpected when it comes to quality premium wines from the new Hungerford Hill, a wine for all who 'hunger for life'.
Tasting Notes and Stockists
