Celebrations for Hunter's wine industry

Celebrations to mark Tyrrell’s 150th birthday this week is a great opportunity to remember the achievements of the Hunter winemakers but also the NSW wine industry as a whole, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald paid tribute to the achievements of the Tyrrell family and staff during official birthday celebrations in the Hunter, presenting Bruce Tyrrell with a Certificate of Appreciation.

"This anniversary marks 150 years of achievement in the industry for the Tyrrell family and a chance to acknowledge their contribution to production, local employment and development of this valuable industry for NSW," Mr Macdonald said.

"Tyrrell’s is one of Australia’s oldest wine companies operating as a family business, it provides around 165 jobs and is now in its fifth generation.

"The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has had a long history of collaboration and partnership with Tyrrell’s in research and extension for the NSW wine industry.

"Their vision and hard work in helping build the Hunter region’s wine industry into a leading economic and tourism driving force has inspired many of people in NSW to get involved in this booming industry.

"Bruce Tyrrell has been a founding member of the NSW Wine Industry R&D Advisory Council and his expertise in wine marketing and promotion has been a great asset."

The Hunter is now the most visited of all Australian wine regions, with more than 120 cellar door operations. It accounts for about 12% of NSW wine production.

Globally, Australia is the fourth largest exporter of wine, exporting about 46% of production.

In export sales, Tyrrell’s exports about 30% to more than 30 overseas markets.

Minister Macdonald also paid special tribute to the late Trevor Drayton, announcing the annual NSW Wine of the Year award would be renamed after Trevor, in recognition of his contribution to both the industry and the Hunter community.