Famous for what Australians like to call "top drops," (great wines), the family-owned and operated winery Robert Oatley Vineyards, in Australia's wine-centric Mudgee region, puts the emphasis on the origin of wine: the vine itself. The family has also made their brand known by sponsoring the Sydney to Hobart race-winning super yacht Wild Oats.
The winery
Historic Craigmoor is a 150-year old cellar door (established in 1858) with a pretty rose garden and enormous casks out front surrounded by a cricket pitch, picturesque vines and gum trees on the banks of Eurunderee Creek.
You can taste test the full range of Oatley Wines including Robert Oatley, Wild Oats, Montrose as well as two cellar door exclusives.
Stay for lunch and enjoy a hearty beefy pie or indulge in a little coffee and homemade cake on an afternoon visit.
The region
Mudgee lies 260 kilometers north west of Sydney in the central tablelands of New South Wales and is home to cool climate varietals. It’s a region of sunshine, terrific soils and has a fascinating winemaking history – home of Australian chardonnay, the country’s obsession with the drop and site of the earliest known plantings of the variety. Here immaculately tended vines all in pretty rows spread for miles and the best views of the region are to be enjoyed from the top of hill at Chardonnay Park.
A little history
Robert ‘Bob’ Oatley is a proud and passionate third-generation Australian who has built a diverse family business that ranges from vineyards, wineries and cattle stations, to thoroughbred horses and luxury tourism at Hamilton Island on Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.
The view towards Mudgee — Photo courtesy of Robert Oatley Vineyards
Top Drops
Apart from popular drops like Wild Oats, Robert Oately range and the award-winning Montrose black Shiraz, Robert Oatley Mudgee Chardonnay is a delicious modern chardy from the man who put the variety on the map – a local wine to beat the Kiwi savalanche.
Mark the Calendar
The winery hosts the Burning of the Canes Feast each August/September, which is a not-to-be-missed celebration of the change of season and new vine growth. Look out for their special year round wine dinners too. Each focuses on a particular wine style and features special guests and wines from Mudgee and around the world.