The 2025 Vintage

The 2025 Vintage: A Truly Exceptional Year for Hunter Valley Wine

As we reflect on the 2025 vintage, it’s clear that the Hunter Valley is set to deliver some extraordinary wines. Early reports have been overwhelmingly positive, with the weather conditions playing a key role in shaping this exceptional harvest. Although a few extremely hot days impacted growers who didn’t use sunscreen on their fruit, the overall conditions were ideal, and the quality of the grapes is outstanding. After a 50% yield decrease in our own vineyards, crops have returned to normal, and the wines are proving to be well worth the wait.

Favourable Weather and a Strong Growing Season

The growing season leading up to the 2025 harvest was marked by timely rainfall, moderate temperatures, and minimal significant weather events. The Mount View region, where our Hunter holdings are located, was fortunate enough to avoid the damaging hailstorms that affected neighbouring areas like Pokolbin and Lovedale. Despite challenging weather elsewhere, our vineyards benefited from well-timed, limited rainfall, which created the perfect conditions for healthy vine growth.

Our Vineyard Manager, Jeremy O’Brien, has been instrumental in ensuring that our vineyards were in prime condition, implementing an intensive nutrition program and careful management practices that kept the vine canopies healthy and the crop robust. The result is a harvest that is set to produce wines of exceptional quality, especially the reds.

A Harvest to Remember

The harvest began in early January, with our first picks being the Dam Verdelho and Briar Hill Chardonnay, followed closely by Semillon and the alternates of Fiano and Albariño. With excellent fruit sets, great crops, and ideal ripeness, it became clear early on that this would be a standout vintage for the Hunter Valley.

And now, as the red harvest has been completed, we’re excited about the quality of the reds this year. The combination of favourable weather conditions and meticulous vineyard management has resulted in a crop that is both abundant and full of character. The reds from 2025 are expected to have lower alcohols—true to the traditional Hunter style—while offering rich, balanced flavours that will age beautifully in the cellar.

Looking Beyond the Hunter: Orange and Wrattonbully Delivering Exceptional Reds

While the Hunter Valley is the focal point of the 2025 vintage, we also see great promise in other regions such as Orange and Wrattonbully. Orange’s lower crop levels and higher sugar degrees are translating into excellent colour and intensity, with Pinot and young Shiraz expected to be particularly impressive. In Wrattonbully, lower crop yields are resulting in wines with exceptional depth and structure, especially for fans of Big Bully and Bordeaux-style reds.

A Vintage for the Cellar

The 2025 vintage is shaping up to be a classic year, with balanced weather, careful vineyard practices, and exceptional fruit quality. The reds are looking to be truly remarkable, with lower alcohols, rich flavours, and excellent structure. If you’re a collector or wine lover, this is a vintage to watch, and one you’ll want to cellar in abundance for years to come.

As the final stages of harvest wrap up and we process the fruit, we're increasingly confident that the 2025 vintage will be one for the ages. So, stay tuned, this is a vintage you won’t want to miss!

 

Visit our vineyard to experience the story firsthand.

Preserving Hunter Valley’s Riesling Heritage

In the vibrant history of Australian winemaking, few stories are as legendary as Murray Tyrrell’s “Heist.” In the 1960s, Tyrrell famously “borrowed” cuttings of a Chardonnay clone from the Penfolds-owned HVD vineyard under the cover of night. Those vines went on to create the iconic Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay, symbolizing the audacious spirit of Australian winemaking—bold, rule-breaking, and passionate about crafting something extraordinary.

Fast forward to today, the Hunter Valley faces a new challenge that threatens its winemaking heritage: “Zombie DAs.” These are dormant development applications that can suddenly resurface, bypassing modern planning regulations. One such application put Pokolbin’s only Riesling vineyard at risk of destruction.When we heard about this, we couldn’t stand by. Channeling the daring spirit of Murray Tyrrell, we launched our own heist—but this time, the stakes were about saving heritage, not creating it. Just before bulldozers arrived, we salvaged cuttings from the Riesling vines, ensuring their legacy would live on.

These precious cuttings were carefully nurtured through the winter and grafted into our vineyard, marking a historic moment for Briar Ridge. By preserving these vines, we’re not only safeguarding a unique piece of Hunter Valley history but also honoring the rich culture and traditions that define this wine region.

As our winemaker says, “Saving these vines was about more than just wine—it was about ensuring the Hunter Valley’s story continues for generations to come.”

Stay tuned as this rescued Riesling begins its new chapter at Briar Ridge, offering a taste of history, heritage, and our commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

Visit our vineyard to experience the story firsthand.

Chardonnay Trophy | 2024 James Halliday Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge

Our 2023 Single Vineyard 'Block 7' Chardonnay is the first ever Single Vineyard Chardonnay we have produced from our family vineyard in Orange. 

"I have been blown away so far with the quality of fruit we have access to as part of the Davis Family Vineyards.", says Andrew Duff, Winemaker. Andrew started his tenure in late 2023, with the 2023 Chardonnay wines some of the first that he carefully delivered a finishing touch to before bottling.

The James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge celebrates Australia's outstanding regional diversity of the world's most famous two grape varieties, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay 2023 from the Orange Wine Region and the Forest Hill Vineyard Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from the Great Southern were crowned the highest-pointed Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia at the 2024 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay and Cabernet Challenge.

Both Trophy winning wines rated 97 points from 622 entries across 37 Australian wine regions.

“One of the best features of the show is that it shines a light on all the places in Australia where these varieties are foundations of their regions. When the vintage clicks with that region the great wines really shine through”, said Chair of Judges, Adam Wadewitz,

Describing the final Chardonnay taste off, Wadewitz shared that it “was extremely close which highlighted the strength of the last few cool vintages.” He continued to say the Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay from the Orange Wine Region in New South Wales had “distinct character and managed the trifecta of flavour, acidity and complexity all packed into an energetic, charming framework.”

The 2023 Single Vineyard 'Block 7' Chardonnay is due to be released this October.
Wine Club members and those on our mailing list will receive priority access to the release of this wine.

2024 Single Vineyard Red Release

2024 Red Wine Portfolio

With the cooler months really beginning to set in here in the Hunter Valley, there couldn't be a better time for us to announce the release of our 2024 red wine portfolio. Our largest ever, this release contains some of the best red wines we have ever produced from our estate vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Orange and Wrattonbully.

These wines are now available to taste in our cellar door after being received with delight from our ever dedicated members at our annual Red Release at the Tilbury in Sydney.

Shiraz. Syrah. But not Sirah!

In 2023, the Dairy Hill vineyard succumb to what was a particularly difficult vintage in the Hunter Valley. Due to this and growing demand for our Single Vineyard wines, we decided to purchase some additional Shiraz fruit from both Hunter and Hilltops regions to create the 'Hillrose' Shiraz and 'The Gatherer' Shiraz. We also were able to mature some of the available Hunter Valley Syrah (Shiraz) in our amphora once again to create the second vintage of our 'Argilla' Syrah.

Dairy Hill Shiraz Hillrose Shiraz The Gatherer Shiraz Argilla Syrah

Cool Climate Classics.

As you may know, we have been producing our iconic ‘Big Bully’ Cabernet Sauvignon since the incredible vintage that was 2008. The last few vintages in Wrattonbully have been of stellar quality which have impressed us more than ever and allowed us to classify this wine into our Single Vineyard range. In this exciting time, we have been able to source Pinot Noir from the family vineyards in Orange to create our first Single Vineyard, cool climate Pinot Noir.

Block 6 Pinot Noir Big Bully Cabernet

 

These Single Vineyard wines are produced in limited quantities so ensure you give yourself the opportunity to taste them over the coming months.

Taste these wines. Shop Now.

Travel the Mount View Wine & Dine Trail Today

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Since 1972, Briar Ridge Vineyard has been bustling in the hills of Mount View. A 5-star James Halliday-rated winery with award-winning, classic and new-age Australian-made wines, this is a cellar door not to miss.

The team tailors every standard tasting (and a complimentary nibble of local produce) to you! There is even a Pooch Platter to spoil your fur babies with.

Briar Ridge Vineyard is a must-visit destination that will prove to be the highlight of your Hunter Valley journey!

Possibly one of the best kept secrets in the Hunter Valley, Mount View can be found at the southern border of Pokolbin between Nulkaba and Wollombi, nestled amongst the lush green surrounds of the Brokenback Range. With its winding country roads and panoramic views, Mount View offers some of the most outstanding scenery in the Hunter Valley.

Travel along Wine Country Drive through Nulkaba, then weave your way around the terraced vineyards, and picturesque fine dining restaurants and breathtaking views of Mount View to discover hilltop cellar doors and restaurants with panoramic views (such as those from Mount Views Bistro Molines on our cover).

A favourite spot for photographers, Mount View's stunning surrounds have provided the perfect backdrop for many couples. The peaceful ambience will have you feeling like you are a million miles away!

Briar Ridge: Wine and dine in Australia’s oldest wine region

Originally published in:

It may have just turned 50, but forward-thinking Briar Ridge is continuing to impress with its award-winning approach to winemaking.

As the oldest wine region in Australia, the Hunter Valley has been producing wine since the early 19th century. While it’s renowned for its quality grapes with winemaking traditions steeped in old-world heritage, it’s the forward-thinking approach to new-world blends that sets Briar Ridge apart. The winery calls it “classically radical”.

Heart of Hunter Valley

Located on an idyllic mountainside in this stunning part of New South Wales, the foundations of this family-led winemaking estate are firmly embedded in tradition. Owner Jaclyn Davis’ father purchased the property at Mount View 50 years ago; today, she manages the estate and its wine club that offers exclusive access to unique bottles in limited numbers.

Award-winning wines

Overseeing wine production is award-winning winemaker Alex Beckett, who combines traditional and experimental techniques with emerging varieties for tastes that are set to become iconic. Beckett has a passion for pushing new winery technology, which has elevated Briar Ridge to world-leading status and saw him take out ‘Other White (and Blends) of the Year’ at the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, with a gold medal score of 95 points for the Briar Ridge 2021 Limited Release Albariño.

Beckett was also awarded the Riedel 2022 Hunter Valley Young Achiever of the Year award, recognising the exceptional talent of young winemakers.

Grown at a great height

Regardless of its blends, the techniques have largely remained the same. Providing low-yield, high-quality fruit enhanced by Mount View’s unique micro-climate, cooler temperatures due to an altitude of between 130 and 180 metres, and rich, red limestone-based soil. The steep slopes surrounding the cellar door are home to the prized single vineyards of Dairy Hill, Briar Hill and Red Hill. Here they grow traditional Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay grapes to be bottled for the premium Single Vineyard and Stockhausen range. More modern styles found in the popular Varietal range include Fumé Sauvignon Blanc, The Dam Verdelho, Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon and Old Vines Shiraz.

50 years in the making

This year, Briar Ridge is celebrating its Jubilee anniversary. It’s been 50 years since it planted its first vines in November 1972.

From humble beginnings to the forward-thinking, award-winning wines of today, Briar Ridge has much to celebrate. Showcasing classic techniques with truly radical innovation in winemaking to deliver Australian wines that deserve a place on your table.

Visit the estate to enjoy a ‘Wine Gusto’ wine tasting. Then spend a leisurely afternoon at the Osteria, a new eatery with an al fresco terrace. Here you’ll find Italian-inspired dishes and artisan antipasti boards using the best local produce. Come on Sunday and you’ll also be serenaded with live music.

© 2022 Signature Publishing Pty Ltd, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au/briar-ridge

 

Shannon Wins at the Cessnock Business Chamber Awards

The Awards.

The Customer Service Awards are run each year to recognise, showcase and reward exceptional customer service within the Cessnock Local Government Area. It provides an opportunity for community focus over a period culminating in a function to celebrate customer service excellence.

This project also helps to develop networking opportunities with local businesses, the Chamber, and the community in general.

The Gala Dinner was held on the 3rd December 2022 at Cessnock Leagues Club. A night to celebrate the achievements of all locals offering exceptional customer service. Monthly Chamber Awards are awarded each month with the winners becoming finalists in the Chamber Choice Award at the yearly event.

 

Cellar Door Festive Fun

It’s summer and the festive season is upon us. Briar Ridge Vineyard is located just outside Cessnock in the rolling green hills of Mount View. If you’re looking for award-winning wine, some Christmas gift shopping, fun for all the family, some delicious Italian inspired food and Sunday live music sessions in the sunshine on the verandah, then look no further. Briar Ridge cellar door is the ideal place to head if you want to combine fun times with Christmas shopping and wines to tempt the most dedicated connoisseur.

Sunshine & Santa at Briar Ridge

Santa is visiting Briar Ridge on Sunday 11th & 18th December, 10.30 to 12.30pm. Bring the kids, bring your pooch, and take the perfect festive pics in our photo booth set on our beautiful vineyard (better than Santa pics in a mall - plus you can do it with your pooch!) Treat your furry baby to a $15 Pooch Platter.

There are games scattered throughout the gardens for the kids and young at heart to play as well as local musicians performing every Sunday. Book a wine tasting while the kids are enjoying themselves, shop the wide range of local produce & merchandise on offer for your Christmas gifting and then settle back for a delicious lunch in our Osteria. The Italian set menu starting at just $45 pp is an authentic share-style lunch featuring antipasti, pizza & pasta. Prawns and oysters will also be on offer at weekends during the festive season. If you prefer a more relaxed option, enjoy a picnic in the wine garden with antipasti, wine and pizza available.

Seafood Weekends

As a first for Briar Ridge, indulge in locally sourced (Newcastle) oysters and prawns in the Osteria.
Available until sold out every Saturday and Sunday. 

|   WEEKENDS ONLY in December 2022. Book now.

Popsicles & Picasso

If you’re looking for something fun and different to do in the January school holidays, why not bring your little ones out to Briar Ridge for an enjoyable Thursday! On January the 12th, 19th and 26th from 10am, Michaela, art teacher & Briar Ridge cellar door host, will be presenting art classes for kids. These aptly named ‘Popsicle & Picasso’ events must be booked via our website and will include a free wine tasting or coffee for you whilst the children paint. Follow it up with 10% off at our Osteria for lunch!

The wine garden is perfect for the kids to run around, play in the sunshine and enjoy some of the games that are available, while you and your friends relax on the verandah. It’s the perfect holiday activity for the whole family.

Book for this event here.

2022 Single Vineyard White Release

The Briar Ridge Single Vineyard wines regularly take out some of the most prestigious awards in Australia. The 2021 Single Vineyard 'Briar Hill' Chardonnay recently won the Gold Medal and Trophy for 'Best Hunter Valley Chardonnay' in the 2022 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay Challenge.

The last few years have seen some of the coldest growing seasons with record levels of rainfall which leads to vigorous vineyard growth. According to winemaker Alex Beckett, this often leads to wines of purity and elegance with long cellaring potential.

“The cool seasons always herald my favourite wines,” said Alex. “This year we’ve got some exceptional Semillons and Chardonnays which I am very proud of. I think they are some of the best quality and most interesting wines I have made to date, and which will provide both immediate enjoyment as well as excellent cellaring potential.”

 

Our winemaker is currently in Germany!