Robert Stein Winery achieves record-breaking Riesling status, cementing itself as one of the best Riesling producers in Australia.
Wind your way through Mudgee’s rolling hills and up the gravel driveway, framed by 100-year-old vines, and you’ll arrive at Robert Stein Winery – a place that’s been part of the landscape for generations.
Since its humble beginnings in the 1970s, the family-run Robert Stein Winery has produced award-winning Australian reds, whites and fortified wines using a sustainable, regenerative farming approach. These days, they bottle some of the most prestigious Rieslings in the country.
For Chief Winemaker, Jacob Stein, 2024 has been one for the history books. The vineyard has scored a record-breaking year, winning three trophies at the Sydney Royal Wine Show, including taking home The Douglas Lamb Perpetual Trophy for Best Riesling for the third time in five years. Even more impressive, Robert Stein Winery is the only producer to ever win this trophy more than once
The Sydney Royal Wine Show was a day to remember for the team at Robert Stein Winery. The 2017 Riesling was recognised with the Douglas Lamb Perpetual Trophy for Best Riesling; their 2024 Dry Riesling was picked for The RAS of NSW Annual Prize for the Best Current Vintage White; while the 2023 ‘Reserve’ Riesling secured The NSW Department of Primary Industries James Busby Perpetual Trophy for the Best NSW Wine. They also won nine trophies at the Mudgee Wine Show, including Champion Wine and Winemaker of the Year.
Winemaker, Jacob Stein, is still pinching himself after the resounding success. “I remember when we won our first Douglas Lamb Perpetual Trophy, I thought, I can't believe we've won this. And now that we've won three, I just really can't bring the words to describe how good it is for us and the Mudgee region. I'm just so proud that we've been able to put Mudgee on the map again.”
“Mudgee is not typically known for Riesling”, he continues, “but we're changing that. We're cementing ourselves as one of the best Riesling producers in Australia”.
When asked about the secret behind their award-winning Rieslings, Jacob credits a combination of factors. “For sure, it's a mixture of things,” he explains. “The regenerative approach we’ve taken in the vineyard is starting to show in the fruit. But we’ve also got an amazing team in the winery.” He’s quick to give credit to Lisa Bray, Senior Winemaker, and the crew, noting their dedication to maintaining the wines in pristine condition before bottling.
The vineyard sits at 600 metres above sea level, a high-altitude location that’s ideal for Riesling. “Our site is perfect,” says Jacob. “It’s sloping and well-drained, with rocky soils of red ironstone, shale, and quartz. The vineyard's age, combined with these unique conditions, really brings out the best in our Rieslings.”
Jacob continues, “We grow excellent fruit that produces Rieslings with a lot of life, quality, and character, which reflects our German heritage. We’re really cementing a style that’s unique to Australia.”
This connection between site and varietal is crucial for Riesling’s success. “It’s hard to get Riesling right,” Jacob admits. “But when you do, it’s worth it.
As Jacob Stein continues to innovate while honouring the vineyard’s heritage, there’s no question that Robert Stein Winery is one to watch, particularly for lovers of Riesling. The best way to appreciate this legacy? Visit the cellar door, sample a selection of award-winning wines, and see for yourself why Robert Stein is a name that’s making waves – not just in Mudgee, but across the Australian wine scene.
