About Carindale Wines

Brian and Judy Walsh moved to the Hunter Valley in the early 1970s and bought a parcel of premier land right in the centre of the Pokolbin Wine District, which is the oldest wine producing area in Australia.

In the early 1980s, they planted Chardonnay vines, which produced a marvellous full bodied wine that local wine makers were soon to find most desirable for their own wineries. Cabernet Franc and Merlot were the next to be planted and now they are preparing to plant other varietals in the near future.

The Carindale Winery enjoys an easterly aspect, with moderate rainfall and it is protected from the predominant westerly winds. This has the effect of the vines growing earlier than usual, but extends the ripening in the hot, dry summers. The soil has a volcanic base and is bountiful in vine nutrients. The fruit of the vines has a great symmetry of sugar, deep fruit flavour and acid. 

The philosophy Carindale Wines is to use ‘earth friendly’ techniques in the wine production with organic growing and minimal chemical usage. Irrigation is also kept to the barest minimum. The result of these careful preparations are that the wines have lavish, fruity bouquets, are deeply complex and are rich in flavours. They also cellar very well.

The wines on offer are: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Muscat and Petits Grains and are a wine lover’s delight.

Brian and Judy opened the Cellar Door on Australia Day, 1996 and it from here that most of their wine is sold. They also have luxury self-contained accommodation and have started the Gold Label Wine Club. It is now open to membership on a limited basis. The requirements for joining are that one must buy a minimum of one case of Carindale Wine per year, either at the cellar door, or through mail order.