HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS

Ian Tinkler - After graduating with a Diploma of Applied Science (Agriculture) from Hawkesbury Agriculture College in 1974, Ian was employed by the NSW Department of Agriculture as a Horticulturalist Advisor at various locations. He also completed a degree in Applied Science (Wine Science) from Charles Stuart University by distance this time.

Ian returned to the family farm in 1982 and expanded the vineyard from 15 ha to 40 ha and developed a successful vineyard contract business. He formed the Pokolbin Rural Landholders Group to protect agriculture in the rapidly commercialising vineyard area in 1982 in 1984 he was elected to the Board of the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association (now Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association) where he served for 17 years as the Chairman of the Viticulture Sub-Committee.

In 1996 he created the new Tinkler Family wine label and opened the new cellar door.

Ian’s knowledge to the Hunter Valley and NSW wine industries is invaluable. He was instrumental in initiating research and development projects, and facilitating a number of research projects for the betterment of the Hunter Valley and NSW wine industries. Ian also conducted extensive research on the Fig Longicorn beetle, as well as botrytis management and control.

Ian received the 1999 NSW Department of Agriculture – Viticulturist of the Year, as well as the 2009 Hunter Valley Vineyard Association – Viticulturist of the Year. 

Ian Tinkler was inducted as a Legend in 2017.