The Mudgee Region holds a special place in the nation’s winemaking history. It was here, in the early 1970s, that Australia’s first Chardonnay cuttings were planted, laying the foundation for the country’s love affair with this elegant grape variety.
The story starts in the mid-19th century. James Busby, a forward-thinking farmer, brought Chardonnay grape plants from France. He shared these plants between the Sydney Botanical Gardens and his estate in the Hunter Valley.
The first plantings had some challenges, but the Chardonnay grape thrived. It made its way to Mudgee through a series of lucky events.
In 1858 Adam Roth established Craigmoor Winery on a grant of land in Mudgee. Over the years the Roth family kept growing the vineyard. They passed down their knowledge and winemaking traditions to each generation, and In the 1960s a significant discovery occurred.
A visiting professor from Montpellier, France, found a nameless grape variety at Craigmoor. He identified it as Chardonnay; it was one of the best disease-free clones he had ever seen.
This revelation marked a turning point for Mudgee. Pieter van Gent, a skilled winemaker, joined Craigmoor Winery in 1970. He quickly saw the potential of the Chardonnay grapes. Despite initial skepticism from industry peers van Gent persevered, crafting the first Australian Chardonnay wines in 1971 and 1972.
Pieter van Gent: “I was advised to stop making white wine in Mudgee and to focus on the reds. I made Chardonnay in 1971, but there was only one hogshead which was not enough to bottle. Dr. Ray Healey and I knew this was the first time Australia used the Chardonnay grape to make wine.”
Craigmoor promoted pure Chardonnay using the Chardonnay label. Pieter van Gent: “I have said before that Tyrell’s might have had Chardonnay in 1972, just like Craigmoor. However, it was labelled as Pinot Blanc not Chardonnay.”
The release of Mudgee Chardonnay in 1972 was a landmark moment for Australian wine and grape varietals. It highlighted the great quality and character of Chardonnay grown in Mudgee. This helped strengthen the region’s reputation as a top producer of this popular grape variety.
Today, the Mudgee Region continues to thrive as a Chardonnay-focused wine region. The legacy of early pioneers like the Roth family and Pieter van Gent continues in the vineyards and wineries. These places create exceptional Chardonnay wines.
Mudgee has a rich history of wineries and we now have many modern producers. Their Chardonnay story reflects the passion and hard work that built Australia’s wine industry.
Today, our Region is a leader in Australian winemaking. We offer a fresh take on classic grape varieties and explore new ideas. Inspired by the old world, Mudgee has created a unique Australian style.
We produce great wines from grapes like Riesling, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Vermentino and Pinot Grigio. The region still makes fine wine including full-bodied reds and elegant Chardonnays, however, our focus on experimentation and innovation has created a lively and exciting wine scene.
We have some exciting styles of Mudgee chardonnay available to purchase on our online hamper store. Try some of our lighter and elegant styles with either the Rosby, Slowfox or the Skimstone Chardonnay. Delve into classic complexity with the Elephant Mountain or the Gooree Park Crowned Glory Chardonnay. If Chardonnay bubbles are more your thing, pick up a bottle of the Burnbrae Twinkle Toes Cuvée, Lazy Oak Sparkling Chardonnay or Walter Wines Blanc de Blanc.
