A Unique Community of Vines and Wines | Kelman Vineyard
With a boutique vineyard, award-winning wines and an exclusive residential community, Kelman Vineyard is the perfect place to visit for a day, linger for a weekend or stay for a lifetime.
Established in 1996 by Stewart Ewen, Kelman Vineyard is named in honour of William Kelman, who travelled to Australia with John Busby (father of James Busby) in 1824, marrying John’s daughter Katherine in 1827 in Sydney. A fitting tribute to one of the founding fathers of Australian wine and one of the earliest vignerons in the Hunter Valley, Kelman Vineyard consists of approximately 100 acres nestled in a quiet corner of Pokolbin near Mount View.
At the heart of the estate is the flourishing vineyard, which was planted in the rich, fertile soil of the property in 1997 and now covers 23 acres.
After celebrating its first vintage in 1999, Kelman Estate’s premium range of wines quickly won favourable attention from wine show judges, with the triple medal-winning 2000 Semillon setting the standard for a long line of award-winning wines.
Since then, Kelman has won many awards and medals and is highly regarded by wine reviewers and judges alike with a range of exceptional wines that include Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Semillon blends, Chardonnay Semillon, Tempranillo blends, Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Chardonnay, Rosé, Moscato and Liqueur Muscat. Their wines are made in limited quantities, depending on the availability of good quality fruit from that vintage.
What is unique about Kelman’s vineyard and the wines it produces is the way it has been integrated into the broader community that also calls the estate home. The vines are purposely planted to meander between the estate’s privately owned properties, creating a unique landscape that is no longer possible to replicate anywhere else in Australia. This integration not only adds to the beauty of the community but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and pride among the residents.
While residents own their land and their houses, the community owns the vines and their fruit. Although residents are invited to enjoy living within the tranquil surroundings simply, many also choose to become more involved in the community and the operation of the vineyard.
As you’d expect from any quality winery, the estate boasts a beautiful cellar door set in a converted homestead. It is open Fridays through Sundays and offers tastings and sales of all its premium wines. The cellar door also houses an extensive collection of historical artefacts and documents that chronicle the journey of wine pioneers William Kelman (1800 -1863) and James Busby (1800 – 1871). These include original vineyard maps, letters, and tools used in the early days of winemaking. They are on show in the Barrel Room, providing a fascinating insight into the history and influence both men had on the development of the wider Hunter wine region.
To learn more about Kelman or purchase its wines via the estate’s online store, visit www.kelmanvineyard.com.au.
Pick of the {Kelman} Crop
BLANC DE BLANCS 2018
Made using the traditional method, this sparkling wine has spent four years on lees with a low dosage to produce a wine of distinction. Time has added further complexity and character to this early hand-picked Chardonnay. This 2018 Blanc de Blancs has a beautiful fine bead with a light honey gold colour. From the first bubble burst, there is a creamy texture with faint toast characteristics. Pairs well with savoury or sweet foods, it is equally at home with seafood, delicate white fish, chicken, spicy light pasta, salmon and dill roulades as it is with pavlova, berries, panna cotta or Danish pastries.
SEMILLON 2023
This classic Hunter variety of hand-picked Semillon presents a pale straw colouring with a green hue typical of the variety. The wine showcases lemon and lime citrus flavours with hints of lemongrass and other exotic notes. Cool fermented to ensure the retention of the aromatics and flavours. With a finely balanced palate, this wine will drink well young and with age.
