Tyrrell’s is among the founding members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, an organisation that helps to build awareness of premium Australian wines and their heritage.
Tyrrell’s Wines, one of Australia's most iconic and esteemed wineries, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's wine industry. Proudly located in the picturesque Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Tyrrell’s Wines is synonymous with tradition, innovation, and exceptional quality.
Historical Roots
The story of Tyrrell’s Wines began in 1858 when English immigrant Edward Tyrrell planted his first vines in the Hunter Valley. Drawn by the region’s potential for viticulture, Edward Tyrrell established the Ashmans property, laying the foundation for a family-owned winery that would span five generations. Edward's pioneering spirit and dedication to quality quickly earned Tyrrell’s a reputation for producing exceptional wines, with the winery becoming a cornerstone of the burgeoning Australian wine industry.
The Tyrrell family continued to innovate and expand under the stewardship of Edward's descendants. Each generation brought its own unique contributions to the winery's legacy. Dan Tyrrell, Edward’s son, introduced the concept of vineyard management and wine blending, enhancing the complexity and consistency of Tyrrell’s wines. The 1950s saw Murray Tyrrell, a third-generation winemaker, modernise the winery’s operations, embracing new technologies and practices that further elevated the brand's quality.
Winemaker: Chris Tyrrell
Winemaking
One of Tyrrell’s hallmark innovations was the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 1960s, a move that revolutionised white wine production in Australia. This allowed for better temperature control during fermentation, preserving the delicate aromas and flavors of the grapes. The winery’s flagship white wine, the Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Hunter Semillon, is a testament to this innovation. Recognized for its crisp acidity and longevity, the Vat 1 Hunter Semillon has become one of Australia's most celebrated white wines.
Tyrrell’s Wines is also renowned for its single vineyard philosophy, which emphasizes the expression of individual vineyard sites. This approach showcases the diversity and complexity of the Hunter Valley’s terroir, producing wines that are distinct and reflective of their origin. The Old Patch vineyard, planted in 1867, is a prime example of this philosophy. Producing the Old Patch Shiraz, this vineyard yields grapes that create a wine rich in history and flavor, embodying the essence of Tyrrell’s commitment to site-specific winemaking.
Sustainability Practices
In addition to quality and innovation, sustainability is a core tenet of Tyrrell’s winemaking philosophy. The winery is dedicated to preserving the environment and ensuring the long-term health of its vineyards. Sustainable practices include water management, organic farming methods, and the use of solar energy. By minimizing their environmental impact, Tyrrell’s Wines ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the fruits of the Hunter Valley.
Accolades and Recognition
Tyrrell’s Wines has garnered an impressive array of accolades over its long history, reflecting its status as one of Australia's premier wineries. The winery's commitment to excellence has been recognized both domestically and internationally, with numerous awards and high ratings from esteemed wine critics.
One of the most significant accolades for Tyrrell’s Wines is its consistent performance at the annual Royal Sydney Wine Show. Over the years, the winery has secured numerous trophies and medals, including the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for its Vat 9 Shiraz. This recognition underscores Tyrrell’s ability to produce world-class wines that resonate with both judges and consumers alike.
The Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Hunter Semillon has also received widespread acclaim, earning a place in the Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, a benchmark for fine Australian wines. This classification highlights the exceptional quality and aging potential of Vat 1, cementing its status as an iconic Australian wine.
Internationally, Tyrrell’s Wines has been lauded by influential wine publications and critics. The winery’s flagship wines, including the Vat 1 Hunter Semillon and the Vat 9 Shiraz, have received high scores from renowned critics such as James Halliday, Robert Parker, and Decanter Magazine. These accolades have helped elevate Tyrrell’s Wines on the global stage, showcasing the excellence of Australian winemaking.
Legacy
The fifth generation of the Tyrrell family continues to uphold the legacy of their forebears, ensuring that the winery remains at the forefront of the Australian wine industry. Under the leadership of Bruce Tyrrell, the winery has embraced new technologies and techniques, while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. This balance between old and new is evident in the winery’s continued success and the enduring popularity of its wines.
Tyrrell’s Wines is also focused on expanding its presence in international markets, sharing the unique character of Hunter Valley wines with a global audience. By participating in international wine fairs and competitions, Tyrrell’s is able to showcase its exceptional portfolio to wine enthusiasts around the world.