Tyrrell's

Edward Tyrrell, an English immigrant, established the estate in 1858, constructing an ironbark slab hut by hand that remains standing at the winery today. Commercial wine production began with the 1864 vintage, and the property has remained in continuous family ownership ever since. Tyrrell's holds the distinction of being equal second-oldest continuously owned and operated family winery in Australia, and is a member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Chris Tyrrell, the fifth generation of the family, currently leads winemaking operations.

• Founded 1858; commercial winemaking commenced with the 1864 vintage
• Original ironbark slab hut from 1858 still stands on the property
• Equal second-oldest continuously owned and operated family winery in Australia
• Fifth-generation family ownership under Chris Tyrrell as of 2023

Tyrrell's manages 111 hectares across the Hunter Valley and an additional 26 hectares in Heathcote, Victoria, with total holdings exceeding 900 acres. Elevations across vineyard blocks range from 50 to 160 metres. Soils vary considerably across the estate, encompassing deep-red podzolic clay over limestone, alluvial sandy clay loam, and purple ochre clay loam. The Hunter Valley operates under a temperate climate. Tyrrell's owns 8 of the 11 oldest vineyards in New South Wales, and 11 blocks feature vines over 100 years old that contribute fruit to the prestigious Sacred Sites range.

• 111 hectares in Hunter Valley; 26 hectares in Heathcote, Victoria
• Soils include red podzolic clay over limestone, alluvial sandy clay loam, and purple ochre clay loam
• Elevations range from 50 to 160 metres across vineyard blocks
• Owns 8 of the 11 oldest vineyards in New South Wales

Tyrrell's has a record of firsts in Australian wine. The winery was the first commercial Chardonnay producer in Australia, and its HVD vineyard, planted in 1908, is believed to be the world's oldest Chardonnay plot. Tyrrell's pioneered Pinot Noir production in Australia, and the Vat 6 Pinot Noir took best in show at the 1979 Wine Olympiad in Paris. The Private Bin system and vat-numbered labels were introduced in 1961. Tyrrell's also pioneered the use of stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 1960s. The flagship Vat 47 Chardonnay was an early Australian example of Burgundian-style winemaking with new oak.

• First commercial Chardonnay producer in Australia; HVD vineyard (planted 1908) believed to be world's oldest Chardonnay plot
• Vat 6 Pinot Noir won best in show at the 1979 Wine Olympiad in Paris
• Private Bin system with vat-numbered labels introduced in 1961
• Pioneer of stainless steel fermentation tanks in Australia during the 1960s

The Winemaker's Selection tier anchors the portfolio, built around three iconic vat-numbered wines: Vat 1 Hunter Semillon, Vat 9 Shiraz, and Vat 47 Chardonnay. Vat 1 Hunter Semillon stands as Australia's most awarded white wine, accumulating nearly 5,500 medals and over 330 trophies. The Sacred Sites range draws exclusively from 11 vineyard blocks with vines exceeding 100 years of age. The broader portfolio extends to single-vineyard wines, blended wines, fortified wines, and sparkling wines, with exports reaching all major international markets.

• Vat 1 Hunter Semillon: Australia's most awarded white wine with nearly 5,500 medals and 330+ trophies
• Sacred Sites range sourced from 11 blocks of 100-year-old-plus vines
• Core Winemaker's Selection includes Vat 1 Semillon, Vat 9 Shiraz, and Vat 47 Chardonnay
• Portfolio spans table wines, fortified wines, and sparkling wines; exports to all major markets

Tyrrell's operates an environmental management system that has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. This commitment to sustainable practice runs alongside the winery's broader ethos of preserving old vines and historic vineyard sites for future generations.

• Environmental management system in place reducing greenhouse emissions by 70%
• Preservation of old-vine blocks central to long-term estate strategy