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Thistle Hill History
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Thistle Hill Vineyard is an intimate, family-owned vineyard and winery nestled in the beautiful Erudgere valley just 10 kilometres from Mudgee. It owes its heritage to its original vigneron, David Robertson, a pioneer of organic viticulture and maker of elegant wines.
David's vision of balance between the production of award-winning wines with sustainable agriculture is still upheld by his wife Lesley and two daughters, Lucy and Sally, all energetic enthusiasts and passionate lovers of wine. The Robertsons are strong advocates for sustainable farming and use no insecticides, herbicides, weedicides or synthetic fertilisers in the 27-acre vineyard. As a result, Thistle Hill has been classified as organic by NASAA (National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia) since 1993.
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| Thistle Hill produces an average of 35,000 bottles of wines each year, and exports 15 percent to the UK and Japan. Our organic status and our reputation for producing delicious wines that age gracefully, have provided a loyal following both in Australia and overseas. We have a large customer base, secure export markets and our wine can be purchased in exclusive restaurants, some bottle shops, and in the organic section of David Jones Food Halls nationally. Alternatively you can order our wines online, or you can visit us in Mudgee. |
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Our cellar door is open seven days, 9.30 to 4.30 Monday to Saturday, 9.30 to 4.00 on Sunday. In addition to our renowned wines, we also grow organic Corregiolo olives and produce certified organic olive oil. The oil is fresh and grassy, with delicate fruit flavours and will complement any meal. Thistle Hill olive oil is available through our cellar door. |
Where angels dare to tread
| Thistle Hill is a haven for native plants and animals, with a resident population of insect-eating birds, frill-necked lizards, kangaroos, echidnas, frogs, ducks, bees and the occasional roaming deer. The Robertsons' philosophy supports sustainable agriculture and encourages nature to take care of itself. Their approach to pest control is simple - let natural predators take care of the 'nasties' - therefore removing the need for chemical intervention. To do this, the Robertson family have embarked on a program that attracts bird and animal life by planting over 3000 trees as well as setting up a nature reserve. |
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The Robertsons believe that soil conservation is incredibly important. Instead of using artificial fertilisers, they mulch, compost, plant legumes between the rows to restore nitrogen in the soil, and use a mechanical under-vine harvester to control weeds. Although this method is more labour intensive, it is a labour of love that leaves the environment in a better condition, the soil healthier, and most importantly, the grapes and wine more full-bodied. The Robertsons believe that the organic principles used in the vineyard are the key to their superior wines.
No chemicals, no headaches
Thistle Hill is very excited about the growing interest in all things organic. Be it food, agriculture, wine, clothing, or skin and hair products, more people are becoming convinced that chemical-free living is good for their health.
As well as this, for some time now cardiologists have sung the praises of drinking a glass of red wine every day for the heart, so Thistle Hill invites you to sit back and celebrate your health with a glass of organic red wine.
Thistle Hill wines
| Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were the first to be planted at Thistle Hill in 1977. The first crop was harvested in 1984, and the resulting wine showed intense blackcurrant flavours. The Cabernet exhibits different portions of mint, blackberry and blackcurrant from year to year, as well as a combination of French and American oak. Today, our Cabernet remains our signature wine. It has been given a consistent five star rating by wine critic Robin Bradley, who considers it to be 'one of the continent's best', in his gold book, Australian Wine Vintages.
Chardonnay grapes were planted in 1978 and the first commercial vintage was in 1984. Our Chardonnay wines are elegant with a bouquet of peach, melon and integrated French oak. The weather often determines the style of the Chardonnay produced. In cold, wet years the fruit is delicate with characteristics of white peach and lychee. In warm, dry years the flavour is dominated by ripe peach and fig flavours, with traces of honey and spice.
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Pinot Noir grapes were planted in 1979, and the first Pinot was made in 1985. Similar to the Chardonnay, the style of Pinot Noir is largely determined by the weather. Wild strawberry flavours predominate in drier years, while traces of cherry appear in wetter seasons. Our generous Pinot reflects the warm climate in which it is grown, and has a complex aroma of plum and cherry, blended with smoky French oak and traces of vanilla bean.
Riesling was planted in 1982 and the first wine was lovingly made in 1989. The wines are dry and aromatic and exhibit delicate, tropical fruit flavours. They show complexity and depth and will mature well in the bottle for many years. Thistle Hill occasionally makes a delicious botrytis Riesling that looks and tastes like liquid marmalade.
Depending on the season, Thistle Hill sources grapes from other organic vineyards in Mudgee and surrounding regions. We often make Liqueur Muscat, Semillon and Shiraz.
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LIQUOR ACT 1982
IT IS AN OFFENCE TO SELL OR SUPPLY TO OR TO OBTAIN LIQUOR ON BEHALF OF A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS
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