Preserving Hunter Valley’s Riesling Heritage

In the vibrant history of Australian winemaking, few stories are as legendary as Murray Tyrrell’s “Heist.” In the 1960s, Tyrrell famously “borrowed” cuttings of a Chardonnay clone from the Penfolds-owned HVD vineyard under the cover of night. Those vines went on to create the iconic Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay, symbolizing the audacious spirit of Australian winemaking—bold, rule-breaking, and passionate about crafting something extraordinary.

Fast forward to today, the Hunter Valley faces a new challenge that threatens its winemaking heritage: “Zombie DAs.” These are dormant development applications that can suddenly resurface, bypassing modern planning regulations. One such application put Pokolbin’s only Riesling vineyard at risk of destruction.When we heard about this, we couldn’t stand by. Channeling the daring spirit of Murray Tyrrell, we launched our own heist—but this time, the stakes were about saving heritage, not creating it. Just before bulldozers arrived, we salvaged cuttings from the Riesling vines, ensuring their legacy would live on.

These precious cuttings were carefully nurtured through the winter and grafted into our vineyard, marking a historic moment for Briar Ridge. By preserving these vines, we’re not only safeguarding a unique piece of Hunter Valley history but also honoring the rich culture and traditions that define this wine region.

As our winemaker says, “Saving these vines was about more than just wine—it was about ensuring the Hunter Valley’s story continues for generations to come.”

Stay tuned as this rescued Riesling begins its new chapter at Briar Ridge, offering a taste of history, heritage, and our commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

Visit our vineyard to experience the story firsthand.