Second-generation winemaker and viticulturist Angus Vinden, together with his wife Hannah Vinden, have purchased the iconic Somerset Vineyard in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley.
Angus started working at Somerset in 2014, and was mentored under the late grower, and previous owner of Somerset, Glen Howard. Glen unfortunately passed away in April 2020 after a long illness, and it was his wish for Angus to continue on his legacy and buy Somerset, keeping the prestigious vineyards together. Despite the vineyard previously being in the hands of the Howard family for the past six generations, the family of growers never produced their own commercial wines.
Angus has been producing award-winning wines from Somerset fruit since 2015, which has seen numerous trophies as well as being acknowledged as a Halliday 5 Red Star Winery for the past two years, and most recently Master of Wine and Halliday Companion wine critic, Ned Goodwin, described his Somerset tempranillos as “possibly the finest in the country”.
“As the current custodians of the land, we've converted it to organic farming and will endeavour to leave the vineyard in an even better condition than it is now, for the next generation. We have 50 acres currently under vine, and I can't wait to produce some more incredible wines in honour of Glen, and his family's hard work. Thank you to Rose, Jason & Julie for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity.” - Angus Vinden
Somerset vineyard has both fine, sandy loam soils and boasts a limestone hillside with granular, red volcanic clay. Somerset produces some of the best examples of semillon, chardonnay, shiraz and tempranillo in the Hunter, and most recently Angus has begun planting new clones of pinot noir, tempranillo, chardonnay and mourvèdre - many of these exceptional clones are new to the region, which are adept to hotter climates.
“The region is only going to get hotter due to climate change, and we’re committed to preserving this landmark site as it takes time for new vines to become established.”
Vintage 2021 marks the second year Angus has farmed both vineyards, Vinden Estate and Somerset, organically- with no herbicides or insecticides used at either property, and an increased use of biological sprays.
“We utilise cover cropping in every row with ten plus species, each serving their own purpose for improving the soil, and are dedicated to increasing the biodiversity surrounding both of our vineyards. So far this year alone we’ve planted dozens of trees and Australian natives.”.
Somerset vineyard was originally planted in the 1890’s, however during World War II, the vines were pulled up as demand for war-time food outweighed the need for grapes. Luckily, in 1965 replanting by the Howard family began to re-establish one of the great sites in the original Parish of Pokolbin. Somerset has provided the fruit for some landmark Australian wines, including Maurice O’Shea’s time at Mount Pleasant, Len Evans’ at Rothbury Estate and Lindeman’s Bins between the 1960s and 1980s.
About Vinden Wines and Angus Vinden
Vinden Wines, formerly known as Vinden Estate, was founded in 1990 and is now under the guidance of second-generation winemaker and viticulturist Angus Vinden. All of the wines produced by Vinden Wines are from hand-picked grapes, handcrafted at the winery at Vinden Estate with minimal intervention.
“Making great wine starts in the vineyard, first and foremost. If you invest your energy in treating the soil and the vines with due diligence and the care that it deserves, you’ll be rewarded with great fruit that can be used to make great wine.” - Angus Vinden
Since taking over in 2015, Angus has maintained the original label, Vinden Wines, which possesses a traditional Hunter style of winemaking. He also produces an offshoot label which balances tradition with innovation, The Vinden Headcase, allowing a more experimental approach..
In 2020, Angus’ The Vinden Headcase Experimental Release saw the beginning of a life-long photography project. As an avid photographer, during lockdown Angus decided to capture a self portrait to represent the 2020 vintage. Over the years, you will be able to line up all of the bottles and see how he ages as a man and evolves as a winemaker.
Vinden Wines Accolades
5 Red Stars - James Halliday Wine Companion, 2021
22nd Best Winery in Australia & 4th Best Winery Hunter Valley - The Real Review, 2020
Top 50 Winemakers in Australia - Young Gun of Wine, 2020
Top 50 Vineyards in Australia - Young Gun of Wine, 2020
Top 50 Wine Producer of Australia - Different Drop, 2020
For more information, interviews, or imagery, please contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
0421 489 899