It’s been a busy decade for Winmark owner, Karin Adcock, since she bought the former Poole’s Rock vineyard in 2016. Initially planned as a retreat for family and friends, Karin decided fairly early on that Winmark was just too good not to share. Today, on the tenth birthday of the property’s purchase, we reflect on the highs and lows, the vision and the reality.
The purchase itself was a whirlwind. Karin really only went for a stickybeak one Monday, as the story of the property had piqued her interest, but there was no real intent to buy. When she stood, taking in the overgrown vines and ageing shed, yet stunning natural vistas and vibrant wildlife, she fell in love. She saw so much potential everywhere she looked. She recalls feeling such a strong connection to the landscape immediately. A few short days after visiting, “I got very excited and put in a crazy offer not expecting to hear anything back.” To her surprise though, she got a call an hour later “Congratulations, you’ve bought yourself a vineyard”. It was a moment of mixed feelings of overwhelm and sheer excitement.
While the wine industry might have been completely new to Karin, managing large building projects and even working on farms was surprisingly not outside of her extensive and varied wheelhouse, so getting in and cleaning up the dilapidated property was a challenge faced with excitement.
Within the first year, Karin had already brought Liz Riley and David Grosser onboard to give the historic vines the attention they relished bringing them back to their former selves. In 2017 International Winemaker Consultant John Belsham was appointed and later in the year, block 5 was being replanted with Burgundy clones from France, much more deserving of this prized piece of the earth than the Verdelho predecessors
2018 was a year of firsts. Winmark’s first Chardonnay was bottled and David Ball’s majestic sculpture ‘Biosis’ was installed where it still sits proudly reaching from earth to sky today. After seeing how magnificent the sculpture looked against the landscape, the dream of a Sculpture Park was borne and the very next year, further installations were installed, and the beginnings of the Sculpture Walk we love today came to life.
In 2019 after spending more time at the property, and seeing the initial improvements, Karin made the decision that the property should be shared with others, so she started opening up the guest houses for visitors to share the beauty and connection of the property that she loves.
A few short years later, in 2020 the Winmark Cellar Door opened giving day visitors a place to stop, taste and enjoy, and in 2021 Karin’s passion for sharing Art was realized with the opening of the Winmark Art Gallery. Winmark Boutique and Rosie’s alfresco also followed, in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
As for the Chardonnay vines, every year seems to have brought a new trophy or Halliday rating, so it’s surprising that when we ask Karin what she is most proud of, all the accolades don’t even stand a mention. “Creating a destination where people come to connect” is what has brought her the most pride and joy. We must agree – she certainly has created an amazing space for all those who love art, wine and nature. One cannot miss the subtle details and personal touches like the unique and artfully decorated rooms. Every guesthouse’s walls are adorned with pieces that tell a story that Karin is sharing with her guests.
When it comes to ‘what has surprised Karin the most’ along this journey, funnily enough it is the wine industry. Coming from big business backgrounds, there have been some big changes, but Karin has been most impressed with the wonderful camaraderie rather than competition between the vineyards and small businesses in Broke Fordwich and the great Hunter Valley. There’s an attitude of helpfulness and support and that is one of the things she loves most about calling Winmark and the Hunter Valley home.
Over the ten years there have been plenty of lessons, surprises, and happiness as well. For Karin and partner Lars, some of the highlights have been launching the new Biosis Blanc de Blancs just last year. Opening Rosie’s Alfresco Area in 2024 was very special as it serves to bring people together for delicious food, Chardonnay, Art and performances. Not only do they love sharing their passions, but exploring and discovering the beautiful artworks and talented artists are some of their favorite Winmark memories.
Another favourite? “I love it when meeting guests who are coming back for the 3rd and 4th time and seeing how happy they are at the property.”
Karin’s plans for Winmark’s future are simple, and some might even say pure – to continue sharing this space that brings happiness with people and continuing to work towards creating a must visit destination for art and wine to anyone visiting the Hunter Valley.
By Rachel Fraser
