On paper, this might be the worst possible time to launch a new wine brand. Economic pressures, shifting drinking habits and a wine glut all should ring alarm bells. Yet at the inaugural “Valley Rising” festival, thirteen emerging Hunter Valley producers gathered to show that invention, belief and ambition are alive and well in Australia’s most historic wine region.
The “Valley Rising” festival, set at Pokolbin Hall and framed by the Brokenback Ranges, felt earthy, authentic and refreshingly personal. Trestle tables, chilled music, wine dogs and a food truck gave it a throwback festival vibe, while winemakers poured their wines with generosity, curiosity and shared enthusiasm.
Festival organiser Alisdair Tulloch, fifth generation of the Tulloch wine family and founder of Aeon Wines said, “the Hunter Valley has an extraordinary legacy, but legacy alone won’t sustain our relevance and we need to constantly evolve”. Drawing from a family history that spans world wars, depressions and financial crises, Tulloch added, “if not us then who? And if not now then when?”.
Most of these producers balance full-time roles at established wineries while building their own labels as a creative outlet. Without cellar doors or large marketing budgets, these wineries banded together as a collective, with wines reflecting a striking diversity of styles. Think natural and lo-fi wines like Wabi Sabi and Bad Neighbours alongside classic and site-driven wines of Aeon, Sabine, Pokolbin Vintners and Glover Wines. Then the easy drinkability of Thea and Gunpowder Wines sitting comfortably with alternate varieties of Noman and Majama Wines. Others like Woodward, Zilotto and Lambs Valley Wines are crafting wines from their own estate vineyards.
Across the board, there is a focus on sustainability, authenticity and wines that speak clearly of intent or place.
What “Valley Rising” ultimately captured is a sense of renewal - respectful of history, but unafraid to reshape it. A new generation of young winemakers are reminding us that the Hunter Valley’s story is still being written. Stay tuned for plans to take “Valley Rising” on the road.
https://www.badneighbourswine.com.au/
https://www.gloverwines.com.au/
https://www.gunpowderwines.com.au/
https://lambsvalleywines.com.au/
https://www.majamawines.com.au/
https://www.noman.com.au/
https://pokolbinvintners.com/
https://www.sabiwabi.com.au/
https://www.sabinewines.com.au/
https://www.vvvineyard.com.au/new/
https://www.ziliotto.com.au/