About Us
Nestled at the very entrance of the Hunter Valley’s iconic Pokolbin District, Ernest Hill Wines is a family-owned boutique winery with a passion for the land. Just a scenic two-hour drive north of Sydney, our estate offers a tranquil escape where heritage vines meet modern winemaking.
As a family-run business, we take pride in every bottle, welcoming guests to step off the beaten path and discover the unique character of our hilltop vineyard.
Our Story
Our Story: A New Chapter for an Old Classic
The slopes of Ernest Hill carry a legacy that stretches back over half a century. Originally planted in the early '70s by the legendary Harry Tulloch for Seppelts Wines, the land was purchased by a local producer in the mid 80’s and became known as the Pokolbin Creek Vineyard.
In 1999, a new era began when the Wilson family fell in love with this unique hilltop site. After purchasing the upper portion of the vineyard, we rechristened it Ernest Hill—a name that has since become synonymous with premium, estate-grown Hunter Valley wines. For over two decades, Ross and Jason Wilson have poured their passion into these soils, creating dedicated vignerons into a boutique winery known for its personal touch and award-winning drops.
Current Varieties.
Our main 16-acre estate is a vibrant tapestry of varieties that thrive in the Hunter’s distinct climate. We carefully tend to:
The White Classics: Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Traminer (Gewürztraminer).
The Red Pillars: Shiraz and Tempranillo.
By keeping yields low and hand-picking the majority of our fruit, we ensure that only the finest bunches make it from our vines to your glass.
Over the years as demand increased, we have expanded our range of wines. In certain vintages, we purchase grapes from our friends and colleagues in the Lower Hunter Region, keeping to our commitment to produce only Hunter Valley Wines.
The Evolution of Our Wines
Our journey as winemakers started in 2002 with the release of our first two labels: the Cyril Semillon and the Alexander Chardonnay. These flagship wines set the standard for the elegance and regional authenticity we strive for every year.
Since those first pours, our range has grown into a diverse collection of award-winning styles:
Flagship Reds: The robust William Henry Shiraz and the smooth Rodney Merlot.
Unique Specialties: Refreshing Moscato-style dessert wines, sparkling Blanc de Blancs, and our luscious 11 O’Clocker Liqueur Muscat.
Rare Finds: Exclusive access to our Museum releases and late-picked varietals.
Today, our wines are exclusively available through our Cellar Door and to our loyal club members and selected restaurants, ensuring that every bottle you open is a true piece of Ernest Hill history.
Our Philosophy
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Ernest Hill, our philosophy is simple: exceptional wine begins in the vineyard. We focus on producing premium, estate-grown Hunter Valley wines by prioritizing quality over quantity at every turn. To ensure only the finest fruit makes it to our cellar, we deliberately crop our blocks low, focusing the vine's energy into fewer, more flavourful bunches.
We take quality control seriously—if a vintage doesn't meet our exacting standards, we won't bottle it under our label. Instead, we only harvest blocks in years where the fruit is of truly superior quality. This dedication extends to our cellar, where we procure the finest new oak for our Alexander Chardonnays and William Henry Shiraz, and use only premium free-run pressings for our family-named wines. It is these meticulous "little steps" that define the unique varietal character and rich flavour of every Ernest Hill bottle.
Restaurants
Ernest Hill Wines are available at the following restaurants.
Available Wines: Cyril Semillon, Alexander Chardonnay, Cracklin’ Rose,
Shareholders Shiraz, CEO Cabernet Sauvignon, Andrew Watson Tempranillo, Dam Merlot
Available Wines: Shareholders Shiraz
Available Wines: Andrew Watson Tempranillo
Available Wines: Blanc De Blancs, Cyril Semillon, Rosalie Joan Verdelho, Cracklin’ Rose, Shareholders Shiraz, Dam Merlot
Available Wines: Chicken Shed Chardonnay, Andrew Watson Tempranillo
Available Wines: Maisie Evelyn Gewurztraminer, Shareholders Shiraz, CEO Shiraz Cabernet, Dam Merlot