HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS

John’s career started in 1989 when he joined his father Max and brother Greg and late brother, Trevor, in the family business, Drayton’s Family Wines. The family legacy of winemaking now stands at over 170 years. John’s contribution to the Hunter Valley tourism industry has been significant. As a Board representative and Chairman of Cessnock City Tourism and Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism for 19 years, John’s leadership laid the foundations for the success of the region as a wine tourism destination. John was also recognised for his exceptional commitment to community service through his involvement with the Pokolbin Rural Fire Service, the Pokolbin Irrigation District and in strengthening connections between the wine industry and the local community with the establishment of a vineyard at Mount View High School; believed at the time to be the first school in NSW to be granted a Vigneron’s Licence.

John Drayton was inducted as A  Living Legend in  2024.