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OUR STORY

The history of the Winmark Wines is richly layered in stories and entwined with personal connections.

The vineyard was established in 1988 by the late founder of Macquarie Bank, David Clarke. David named the vineyard after the iconic large rock on the property, Pooles Rock. Local rogue and former convict Richard Poole was known to sleep in the hollow of the rock he eventually bequeathed his name to.

Pooles Rock vineyard quickly became famous for its award-winning chardonnays until it was sold in 2011. The vines languished, neglected, for the next five years until Karin Adcock rediscovered the property and purchased it in 2016 and re-established the vineyard. The 130acre property has been fully renovated with an artful eye, transforming it into one of the area’s premier destinations that consistently holds top guest rankings across the Hunter Valley. Each of the guesthouses showcases their own unique character and hold furnishings and artworks sourced from around the globe, and all make the most of the breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.

Pooles Rock

The iconic rock, Pooles Rock, is named after destitute former convict Richard Poole who slept in a hollow inside the rock.

BLOCK 4

The first 18 rows of block 4 are planted. They are said to be some of the oldest chardonnay vines in the Broke Fordwich district and are the famous Penfold’s clone.

BLOCK 3

Block is 3 planted.

DAVID CLARKE

Macquarie Bank founder David Clarke buys Pooles Rock and block 5 is planted.

BLOCK 1 AND 2

David Clarke plants Blocks 1 and 2 on Pooles Rock.

BLOCK 4

The original semillion is replaced by chardonnay in Row 19 to 38.

Awards Between 2001 and 2010

Pooles Rock wines are awarded more than 80 medals by the Hunter Valley Wines Show and the National Wine Show of Australia and several wines score 96 points by James Halliday.

Winmark Wines

Karin Adcock purchases the Pooles Rock property and establishes Winmark Wines. The vineyard enters a renewal phase with verdelho (block 5) removed ahead of redevelopment.

Growing the Team

Award-winning Liz Riley is appointed Viticulturist and David Grosser of Vitigro becomes Vineyard Manager.

BLOCK 5

The block is cleared and replanted with premium chardonnay clones ENTAV 548 and 95 Bernard.

WINMARK CHARDONNAY 2018

Winmark Wines 2018 Chardonnay is bottled ready for release in late 2018.

Installations

The grounds are transformed by a perennial and rose garden designed by Paul Bangay alongside a tree park known as Karin’s Koppie.

Sculpture Walk

David Ball’s majestic sculpture ‘Biosis’ is installed as the first of many.

RUSTY’S RUN

Rusty’s Run 2019 Chardonnay is released.

JOHN BELSHAM

John Belsham, International Winemaker & Consultant John Belsham is appointed to consult for Winmark.

ROCK CLUB

Winmark’s wine club is established

SINGLE VINEYARD RESERVE

Winmark Single Vineyard Reserve 2019 is released.

Cellar Door

Cellar door is opening in the old Pooles Rock storage shed.

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery was opened by Danish Ambassador Pernille

WINMARK EXPRESSIONS

Winmark Expressions Chardonnay is released

ICON 7 2

Winmark Icon 7 2 Chardonnay is released

YOUNG GUN OF WINE

Vineyard of the year awards 2022 Top 50

NSW SMALL WINEMAKERS SHOW

2022 Trophy Award Best Young Chardonnay

GIFT SHOP OPENED
HUNTER VALLEY WINE INDUSTRY AND LEGENDS AWARDS

2023 Cellar Door of the Year

HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION

Short listed for Best New Winery

Awarded 5-star Halliday rating

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