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Nestled in the shadow of the Brokenback Ranges lies a small slab cottage. This icon embodies the spirit of Oakvale in the Hunter Valley as one of Australia's oldest working wineries.
Established in 1893 by William Elliott, a Scottish coal miner, who worked hard and converted it from a dairy and general farm named 'Oakvale' to a vineyard and made his wines creating a label of the same name.
However as with many family concerns in the valley it was the second generation under the stewardship of William's son Bob, who consolidated and expanded the business.
In the 1930's Bob Elliott bought the famous 'Belford' and 'Fordwich' properties and later during the Second World War he purchased the 'Tallawanta' vineyard on Broke Road.
In 1959, Bob's son Doug, took over and continued the business until he sold it in 1974. For the next five years Oakvale was out of family control, the Elliott family was then able to repurchase it in 1979.
Barry and Jan Shields purchased Oakvale in 1985, and sold Oakvale to Richard Owens in 1999.
In the meantime, Richard Owens 40 hectare vineyard, 'Milbrovale' at Broke-Fordwich, about 15 minutes from Oakvale, was already producing fine quality fruit from the carefully cultivated Shiraz, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Semillon vines he planted there in 1995. Over the following years the quality of grape growing and wine making has guaranteed Oakvale a place amongst the finest wineries in the Hunter Valley and a continuing reputation as the producer of one of Australia's best Verdelhos.
Since purchasing Oakvale, Richard has upgraded the winery, re-developed the cellar door, added a coffee shop, an old shop Museum, located in the original 1893 slab cottage and a children's playground.
Two houses on the winery property have been completely renovated to offer luxury country style accommodation.
The Homestead is a beautiful meandering building of five double bedrooms and three bathrooms, large Tuscan style lounge dining room and kitchen with outdoor verandahs. The Winemaker's Cottage is a three bedroom Australian Country style house for a family set amongst the orchard and the vines.
A tranquil and welcoming place, Oakvale is a lovingly preserved piece of pioneering history brought into the 21st century.
Oakvale Wines