Tyrrell’s is deeply intertwined with the Hunter Valley, where our founder, English immigrant Edward Tyrrell, planted the first Semillon and Shiraz vines in the mid-19th century. For over 160 years, we have nurtured these vineyards and gained unparalleled expertise in the art of winemaking, making us an integral part of Australia’s and the world’s finest wine-growing regions.
Throughout our 160-plus-year journey, Tyrrell’s has played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian wine industry. We were instrumental in introducing two beloved wine varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to Australia. Moreover, our commitment to excellence has established Hunter Valley Semillon as an iconic wine style recognized globally. Notably, our Vat 1 Semillon holds the distinction of being Australia’s most-awarded white wine, amassing nearly 5,500 medals and over 330 trophies.
Our extensive history in the Hunter Valley has allowed us to identify the region's finest vineyards, including 11 vineyards that have thrived for more than a century. We meticulously select the best blocks within these vineyards and skillfully craft wines that authentically reflect their unique origins. As custodians of eight out of the 11 oldest vineyards in New South Wales, we proudly use fruit from these ancient vines to create our revered Tyrrell’s Sacred Sites collection. Notably, our Old Patch Shiraz has garnered unparalleled acclaim, earning a perfect 100-point score for four consecutive releases – 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 – as recognized by esteemed US wine journalist James Suckling.
While the Tyrrell family deeply respects the foundations laid by their predecessors, they remain forward-thinking. Fifth-generation winemaker Chris Tyrrell humbly reflects on the legacy of his family's vineyards, stating, "Working with vineyards planted by my grandfather, great grandfather, and great, great grandfather is a humbling experience." The Hunter Valley, as Australia's inaugural grape-growing region, continues to evolve and embrace progress. At Tyrrell’s, we embody this spirit by constantly seeking innovation and staying ahead of the curve. As Chris and his father, Bruce, affirm, we maintain a balance between honouring the past and embracing the future.
Tyrrell’s proudly stands among the founding members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of premium Australian wines and their heritage. With the fifth generation actively involved in the business, Tyrrell’s remains a family-run enterprise, each generation striving to pass the baton in an improved state. Guided by Edward Tyrrell’s motto, "Nothing is great unless it is good," we are committed to maintaining the utmost quality and preserving our legacy for generations to come.
Experience the legacy of Tyrrell’s wines at The Reserve Cellar.
Explore our exquisite collection and savour the essence of the Hunter Valley's finest craftsmanship.