About us

The Tulloch family have been producing outstanding wines from the Hunter Valley since 1895. Now in its 120th year the Tulloch name lives on as a founding producer of the Hunter Valley, continuing to strive for excellence in the production of premium wine styles for all generations. 

Under the guidance of Managing Director, J.Y. Tulloch and his youngest daughter and CEO, Christina Tulloch, Tulloch Wines is widely recognised as an iconic Australian wine brand with an enviable reputation for premium quality, history, heritage and tradition. 

With each generation that passes through the company ranks the vision and vigour of the brand has remained relevant and contemporary while maintaining the sense of pride and tradition that has been the cornerstone of its success.

In 2003 JYT’s youngest daughter Christina joined the company and is tasked with leading it into a new era. With a focus on sales and marketing and ensuring Tulloch continues to thrive for generations that follow, Tulloch is a labour of love and a lifelong career for her. Proudly pragmatic about wine styles and creating a future proof business, she is most at home at the cellar door talking to customers and living the brand. Christina was recognised as the Rising Star of the Year at the 2007 Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards.

The stunning Cellar Door in the heart of Pokolbin proper is set amongst rolling hills and picturesque vineyards and is a multi-award winning establishment with a truly unique take on the cellar door experience. Recognised as the inaugural Cellar Door of the Year in 2007 and a winner once again of this coveted award in 2014, the ground breaking ‘edutainment’ approach to wine tasting makes it one of the most popular and successful destinations in the Valley.

“The Tulloch brand continues to build success on success.” 

James Halliday 2016 Australian Wine Companion. www.tullochwines.com

History

From unlikely beginnings almost 120 years ago, the Tulloch story continues today as one of the most truly authentic and generational wine dynasties of modern times.

In 1895, John Younie Tulloch owned the Branxton General Store and accepted an unusual settlement of a debt – a 43 acre property in nearby Pokolbin. Tulloch took an immediate liking to the property and the five acres of neglected Shiraz vines it contained and so began the accidental winemaking tradition that continues today.

Now under the guidance of the 3rd generation, Jay Tulloch and 4th generation Christina Tulloch, who is CEO of the company, it is a contemporary Australian brand loved and revered for its philosophy of crafting premium wines for all generations of wine drinkers.

Jay Tulloch, known affectionately as JYT by the Hunter locals, was bestowed the honour of Living Legend in 2009, a status which recognises vision and commitment to the long term benefit of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. He became involved in all facets of Tulloch Wines and the Australian wine industry from an early age when he first joined J.Y. Tulloch & Sons in 1962 at just 18 years old. 

Vineyard & Terroir

The Tulloch range of wines spans a broad varietal base and completes a portfolio produced from premium quality grapes, while maintaining a modest price base and approachable style.

The majority of the fruit is sourced from the fertile soils of the Upper Hunter Valley at Inglewood Vineyards, combined with small parcels of fruit from other selected Hunter and NSW vineyards. The vineyard situated on the banks of the Hunter River is a winner of the NSW Agriculture Hunter Vigneron of the Year Award and comprises of 400 acres of vines.

Enjoying a landmark viticultural site, the north-easterly aspect of the gently sloping red loam hillsides are ideally suited for growing the three principle white varieties in the Tulloch range, of Semillon, Chardonnay and the well recognised Verdelho. The soil ranges from alluvial river loam on the flats to well drained red sandy clay loams on the hills.

All the vines are of their own roots and enjoy an average rainfall of 620mm a year, with an average summer temperature of 28 degrees and 16 degrees in winter. The vines are predominately vertical shoot positioned on a single trellis wire and spur pruned. Harvest takes place from mid to late January through to mid March.

Tulloch also utilises fruit from the JYT vineyard established by Jay Tulloch in the mid 80’s and enjoying pristine viticultural conditions at the foot of the Brokenback mountain range in the heart of Pokolbin. Here the two principle grape varieties of Semillon and Verdelho thrive, along with smaller more recent plantings of Shiraz from old vine cuttings. Where necessary, Tulloch also has the ability to source fruit through established relationships with growers in the local Pokolbin district and further a-field, allowing us access to some of the Hunter’s most historical mature plantings of Shiraz.

The Tulloch range combines commercial sense with premium quality and innovation. Our range consists of over 20 wines, including a range of ‘Limited Release’ wines made only in exceptional vintages from a select parcel of fruit and a ‘Cellar Door Only’ range of wines made in very small quantities and only available direct from the cellar door, with a focus on emerging varietals and regions. 

At The Winery

All wines under the Tulloch label are made in a state-of-the-art facility, under the guidance of Jay and Christina Tulloch. Combining the principles of good winemaking with superior fruit and commercial expertise, the focus is firmly on vineyard and fruit selection. 

Press & Awards

James Halliday 5 Red Stars, 2016 - 2013 & Five Black Stars 2007 - 2013.