Located in Mudgee’s rolling hills, just five minutes from the town centre, the family-run Yeates Wines is the perfect place for a taste of the region’s history, character and legendary drops. Here’s why you should add Yeates wines to your cellar door checklist.
Yeates Wines sits on one of the oldest vineyards in Mudgee. The story starts with Mountain Blue and John Roth (a local farmer who planted the first Shiraz vines here in 1968). Over the decades, it grew into a celebrated vineyard, producing award-winning wines under Rosemount’s ‘Mountain Blue' label that garnered a loyal following and somewhat legendary status. But by 2009, the global financial crisis put the vineyard’s future in jeopardy. That’s when Sandy and Victoria Yeates stepped in, driven by a love of wine and a desire to preserve this piece of Mudgee history.
“Dad was already a farmer, and the location and soil were too beautiful to resist,” says Edwina Yeates. “It was a unique opportunity to grow something he loved.”
Since acquiring the vineyard, the family has restored its heritage vines to full health using organic, minimal-intervention practices. While they opted not to pursue certification, the Yeates family’s commitment to sustainability is ever-apparent.
“In 2013 we began managing the vineyard organically. We use only non-harmful, organic fertilisers and sprays. More recently, we’ve begun planting a biodiversity corridor to attract beneficial insects and deter detrimental ones to help mitigate disease and encourage optimal vine health”.
It’s always difficult to drag yourself away from a beautiful vineyard, but at Yeates, you don’t have to. Yeates Wines offers something rare in Mudgee: the chance to stay right on the vineyard, with two accommodation options to choose from.
The Gate House, a stand-alone retreat for two, features a king-size bed in an upstairs mezzanine loft, a cosy living area, a kitchen, a bathroom below, and a fireplace and BBQ. It’s the ultimate escape for the wine-loving couple looking to spread out among nature.
You’ll have just as much privacy at The Vine Loft – a self-contained studio with an ensuite and private deck overlooking the vines. Book both together as The Vinestay, and you’ll have the entire property to yourself once the cellar door closes.
You don’t have to stay the night to feel welcomed into the Yeates family. With a cellar door that feels just as much like a family living room as it does a tasting room, you’ll find yourself settling into its natural and homely environment almost instantly.
“We wanted it to embody the family-run aspect of things so people feel at home”, reflects Edwina. But don’t expect anything less from the interior. The modern, sleek design is fitted with rammed earth and neutral tones to embody the soil of the vineyard, creating arguably one of the most photogenic cellar doors in town at one of the most iconic vineyards.
"We love being able to share our wine and overall experience with others and the connections we’ve made with those in the industry, local community as well as with our visitors has been so special”
In between sampling Yeates’ range of wines, including their celebrated Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as newer additions like Albariño (the only one of its kind in Mudgee) and the delicious and increasingly popular non-alcoholic Shiraz and Cabernet cordials, there’s plenty of opportunity to dive into the region’s premium produce.
Taste High Valley Cheese, salami from Robert Stein, sausage rolls from Bao2mi, olives from Aril Estate, chocolate from Spencer Cocoa - and more. For non-wine drinkers, local Small Batch and Three Tails beers are on the menu, too. Is there anything this vineyard doesn’t have?
As Edwina puts it, “It’s been such an adventure taking on the vineyard and building our cellar door and accommodation. We love being able to share our wine and overall experience with others and the connections we’ve made with those in the industry, local community as well as with our visitors has been so special”.
