AUSTRALIA-ORGANIC VINEYARDS.
Two renowned boutique grape growers in NSW’s northern grape growing region, Thistle Hill and Erudgere, have joined forces.
Pioneering organic vineyard and award-winning winery Thistle Hill has merged with neighbouring vineyard and one of Mudgee’s oldest and finest grape growers, Erudgere.
The two vineyards say the move will expand the production of premium organic wines and increase global export opportunities.
Erudgere’s recently refurbished cellar door will serve as an outlet for both labels, which will eventually unite under the Thistle Hill brand.
Wine will continue to be made in Thistle Hill’s custom-built winery.
Winemaking identity Michael Slater, who currently creates Erudgere’s wines, will also become the wine maker for Thistle Hill from the 2009 vintage.
Prominent viticulturalist Paul Baguley will continue looking after grape production for both vineyards.
Thistle Hill founder Lesley Robertson will remain working for the vineyards as a consultant in a marketing capacity.
Thistle Hill Vineyard was founded in 1976 by sustainable viticulture pioneer Dave Robertson.
It fast became one of Australia’s leading organic wine producers, achieving organic certification from the National Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Australia in 1993.
After Mr Robertson’s death in 2001 his wife Lesley took over management of all operations.
Under her reign, Thistle Hill’s cabernet has been rated Mudgee’s only five-star wine. It has also consistently won awards in local and international shows.
Most recently, Thistle Hill’s 2008 Riesling and 2006 Chardonnay won silver medals in the Australia and New Zealand international wine show.
Erudgere Vineyard, owned by Rob and Mary Loughan, was established by the Roth family, who first introduced wine to the Mudgee region in the 1890s.
Today, Erudgere’s is one of just three vineyards in the region with Grade-A plantations of shiraz and cabernet.
It is also currently under conversion to organic certification, meaning Thistle Hill’s long history of sustainable viticulture will be upheld.
