Brett Keeping was inducted as a 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend in recognition of more than 30 years dedicated to vineyard development, grape growing and industry advocacy in the Upper Hunter.

After planning and developing the original Two Rivers vineyard in 1988, Brett played a significant role in the Hunter Valley’s vineyard expansion during the 1990s, overseeing the establishment of more than 160 hectares of vineyards. Over the years, vineyards under his care have supplied numerous Hunter Valley wine companies, while his leadership has helped shape the Upper Hunter wine community through multiple terms as President and Vice President of the Upper Hunter Winemakers Association. Brett has also been a passionate advocate for the industry through his work on climate change studies, critical industry cluster recognition and representation at planning hearings relating to mining impacts on vineyard land.

John Hordern was inducted as a 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend, recognised for his lifelong contribution to the Upper Hunter wine industry as a grape grower, winemaker and business leader.

Raised in the Upper Hunter, John’s connection to wine began when his father planted Semillon and Shiraz on the family property near Denman in 1968. Following studies at Roseworthy Agricultural College, John established Horseshoe Vineyard as a premium Hunter Valley wine label and built extensive experience through contract winemaking and vineyard operations. In 2000, he helped establish Hunter Wine Services in Muswellbrook. John has also held leadership roles including President of the Upper Hunter Winemakers Association and contributed to regional advisory committees supporting the wine industry.

Greg West was inducted as the 2026 Hunter Valley Tourism Industry Living Legend in recognition of more than three decades of contribution to the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries.

Greg has been instrumental in promoting the Hunter Valley both locally and nationally through a career spanning McWilliams Mount Pleasant, Agnew Wines and Boydell’s, alongside numerous industry leadership roles. A descendant of pioneering Hunter winemaker George Wyndham, Greg has been deeply involved in tourism and cellar door development, including establishing the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association Cellar Door Sub Committee and coordinating training initiatives that continue today. Greg also helped create and deliver major destination events including Hunter Semillon & Seafood and Hunter Uncorked activations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, while representing the Hunter Valley internationally at travel trade events in Singapore. Since 2019, Greg has also served as Chair of the Dalwood House Restoration Association, helping preserve an important part of the Hunter Valley’s history.

Hunter Valley in-region Trade Activities

Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association is welcoming expressions of interest for their signature Backstage in the Hunter Valley trade visit - an all inclusive look into vintage in the Hunter Valley.

Get down, and be prepared to get dirty, and experience first-hand how we harvest and process our grapes to produce some of our award-winning wines. This is a unique, “hands-on” experience, assisting with grape sampling and picking, winery grape processing, fermentation rounds, pump overs and tastings. During your trip you will also discover what’s new in the Hunter including the wines and young gen behind them, and hero back vintages. 

What: Backstage in the Hunter Valley   

When: Late Jan - early Feb (it depends when vintage in the Hunter Valley starts!)

Where: Hunter Valley

How: Apply here.

What's Included:

• 2 nights accommodation in the Hunter Valley
• Transport around the Hunter Valley
• A 48 hour all-inclusive itinerary exploring Hunter Valley Wine Country, enjoying the best we offer