First Family of Wines in Australia - Tyrrells Wines

Introduction

Starting small, now a mid-sized family business exporting wine to 50 countries. Tyrrell’s winery is the part of Australia’s First Families of Wine. The winery has close to 19 ranges, some of which are – Echo Beach, Lost Block, Old Winery, Ra Nui, Rufus Stone, Single Vineyard, Stomping Ground, Trout Valley, Winemakers Selection.

History

Some of the highlights into the history of Tyrrell’s wines and its progress over the years as follows -Tyrrell’s family lineage is long and can be traced back to few hundred years whereas Tyrrell’s wines itself is 150 years old. In 1854, Edward Tyrrell travelled to Sydney. Few years later Edward Tyrrell purchased 320 acres of land in the prime area of Hunter Valley land, also known as ‘Uncle Dan’. He began winemaking at the age of 18 and made many reputed wines in Hunter Valley. The winery was built in 1863.Tyrrell’s first vintage was released in 1864.

In 1870, 30 more acres of land was established which included shiraz, semillon and aucerot. Murray Tyrrell took over the business after the death of Dan Tyrrell. In 1961, “Vat” system is released with red 5,7 and 9. After two years, Vat 1 Hunter Semillon was released considered by many as the best Semillon to be produced. In 1966, another wine from Tyrrell’s – Long Flat Red enjoyed immense success. Tyrrell’s winery released Vat 47 chardonnay which was also highly successful with the sales of winery skyrocketed. In 1972, 1,000 cases of Tyrrell’s wines were exported to USA for the first time. Bruce Tyrrell took over the family business.

In 1979, Tyrrell’s wines reached new heights after winning the Gault-Millau Olympics of Wine for 1976 Vat 6 Pinot Noir, a highly reputed wine award, in France. Murray Tyrrell for his contribution to Australian wine industry was appointed the Member of Order of Australia. In 1988, Tyrrell’s wines underwent two important acquisitions of Glenbawn Estate winery and the Brokenback vineyard. In 1995, Tyrrell’s was voted the Best Australian winery by Australian Financial Review(AFW). After the death of Murray Tyrrell in 2000, fifth generation of Tyrrell’s family become part of the business. In 2005, Tyrrell’s exported to 30 countries across the globe and was producing 500,000 cases per year.

Awards

Winemaker Andrew Spinaze has also been facitilated with ‘Winemaker of the Year’ award by Gourmet Traveller WINE and Winestate Magazine in 2004.

Some of the wines which have won awards over the past decade are –

Vat 1 – Best Wine of Sydney Show 2005.

Vat 1 Semillon 1998 – Best Semillon at International Decanter Wine Awards 2009

The winery received 14 trophies at Hunter Valley Wine Show out of total 19. It took large number of medals at 2016 Adelaide Wine Show and 3 trophies at 2017 NSW Wine Awards.

The winery was also awarded ‘Winery of the Year’ in James Halliday Wine Companion 2010.