HUNTER VALLEY LEGEND

Graham Doran has built a significant contribution to the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. 

From 1985 to 2005 Graham was responsible for the production of the iconic Mount Pleasant Vineyards which were awarded hundreds of Trophies/Gold medals and reviews. Still to this day these wines are considered classics with all the hallmarks of outstanding Hunter quality. During this time Graham also undertook numerous viticultural trials particularly unique to the Hunter Valley in collaboration with NSW Ag. Dept., CSIRO, Uni of Western Sydney and numerous International Viticultural Collaborators in conjunction with the HVVA. 

In 2022 he published his own book "Beginners Guide to Viticulture in the NSW Hunter Valley” which explores his life's viticultural experiences in the Hunter Valley from his employment as viticulturist at in the Upper Hunter in 1972 to running his own Viticultural Management company for 11 years. His contribution to the Hunter Valley Wine Industry also included acting as advisor to many Hunter Valley vineyards. 

Graham Doran became a living legend in 2023. 

HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS

John Stevens has been involved in the building, development and tourism industry in the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter regions for over 35 years. 

In 1999 after years of trying to find the right property to develop within the valley John purchased The Vintage landholding. The Vintage landholding has become a major tourism project for the region. 

The project was approved as an integrated tourism and residential estate built around a championship golf course that now produces more than 36,000 golf rounds per year. To deliver the project, John partnered with Macquarie Bank and Greg Norman Golf Course Design to produce an iconic development. The Greg Norman Championship Golf Course and Clubhouse was opened in January 2003. 

Since purchasing the land, John has been involved in delivering significant infrastructure for the Pokolbin area, worked on the Vineyard Vision masterplanning document which allowed the Hunter Valley industry to have a voice for sustainable vineyard and tourism planning in the valley, participated in various strategic planning exercises working with both Cessnock and Singleton Councils on economic and signage strategies. In 2013 John also became a Member on the Board of the Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association, and for seven years contributed to numerous Hunter Valley projects. 

 As part of his ongoing tourism operations, John manages 40 holiday houses within a rental pool at The Vintage which directly support ongoing tourism in the valley. John has recently completed the “Nineteen” tourism facility including restaurant and bar.

John was inducted as a Legend in  2023

HUNTER VALLEY LEGEND

Bill Roche with his wife Imelda established Nutrimetics in Australia in 1968, quickly expanded the company into Asia Pacific, Europe and Mexico, setting up corporate offices in 16 countries. After acquiring the ownership of the worldwide interests of Nutrimetics, which included the United States and Canada, they moved the international headquarters from California to Sydney. An Australian first. The Group was subsequently sold in 1997 to the Sara Lee Corporation. 

Upon retiring, Bill Roche decided the time was right to honour a long-held ambition and build a garden that would be enjoyed by generations to come. The construction of Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin began in 1999, on what was originally horse paddocks and vineyards. Over a period of five years, under the direct personal management and guidance of Bill and a team of up to 50 landscape gardeners, architects and engineers, the Gardens came to life. 

Hunter Valley Gardens now includes 25 hectares of multi award-winning international gardens, with eight kilometres of walking paths winding through gardens consisting of over 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground cover plants - plus waterfalls, statues, murals and much more. The ten individually themed gardens created by Bill and his team showcase the artistry of gardens around the world. 

‘A love of gardens enhances lives and brings with it an appreciation of nature’s beauty. Gardens also provide a counter to the many pressures of day to day living. The spiritual experience of getting back to nature and into gardens is very rewarding.’ Bill Roche 

Hunter Valley Gardens opened in October 2003 and to date has welcomed 4 million guests! Over the years, the Gardens has continued to be enhanced, and to this day a team of 27 horticultural staff work to make sure the displays are beautiful. The introduction of family orientated events such as Christmas Lights Spectacular and Snow Time, plus new attractions including a giant Ferris Wheel, has ensured that the Gardens continues to be enjoyed by multi-generations of visitors, from the very young to the young at heart. 

‘Hunter Valley Gardens aims to provide visitors with a magical experience – a combination of the sounds of water and birds, together with a multitude of fragrances and colours. For many, an exciting and enriching experience, for others one of calm and comfort. I trust we have provided something for everyone.’ Bill Roche. 

Roche Group Pty Ltd, today owns Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin, Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens, Harrigan’s Irish Pub, Hunter Valley Gardens Village and Roche Estate.

Bill & Imelda Roche were inducted as Legends in 2019. 

HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS

Dr Harry Tulloch's early involvement in the Wine Industry came from his Diploma in Viticulture which led him to the position of Manger of the Nuriootpa Viticulture Research Centre within the South Australia Department of Agriculture. After further studies Harry was responsible for refining and concluding various clonal selection trials determining the best clones available for commercial release from the Research Centre. Two of these clones selected by Harry were released and have become premium quality clones across the country. Since the release, the Clone Shiraz 1964 has become the most widely planted Shiraz clone in the Australian Wine Industry. 

In 1969 returned to the Hunter Valley and become more involved in the region, developing the Hollydene Vineyard in 1969 and Mount View Estate in 1971. Harry also devoted his time to championing Verelho as a grape variety in the Hunter with Semillion Blends. Harry's Verdelhos, Muscats and Vintage Ports dominated the Fortified Classes inthe Small Winemaker's Show and for many years through this time.  

In 2002  Harry received an honorary PhD Doctorate in Philosophy (Science) for his work in Viticulture Research. 

Harry was inducted as a Legend in 2023.