OUR TEAM

PATRICK AULD - WINEMAKER
Patrick is one of the Hunter Valleys most respected and well known winemakers with experience that spans over 36 years.

Starting his career as a cellar hand, Patrick's in-depth knowledge of the industry from production to management to refurbishment and re-branding of several major wineries in the area is testament to both his passion and expertise.

During his 36 years Patrick has seen the Hunter Valley wine region 'come of age' and has travelled extensively, both in Australia and overseas promoting Hunter Valley wine. He has also served for two terms as President of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association and generously given his time over a 14 year period to sit on numerous Wine Industry Committees.

Of all the highlights Patrick is very proud to have mentored many of the young people with whom he worked and who today are well known and respected winemakers in their own right.

Today, as a 5th generation winemaker Patrick has built an enviable track record for producing high quality wines and has never lost his passion or willingness to share his wine industry knowledge and experience with wine lovers new and old.

THE BECKER FAMILY - VIGNERONS
In 1995 the Becker Family purchased Ablington Vineyard, once the historic O’Connor dairy farm. Situated on “Summerhill” in Pokolbin, this 130 acre property was a perfect site to realise a dream first conceived when Susan and Richard visited a number of French vineyards in the 80s.

The first vines were planted in the much sought after great red volcanic loam soils on the property in 1996. In 2008 Ablington was expanded to include the old Stevens Vineyard where the dry farmed white varietels planted on the nearby MacDonald Flats had long benefited from the alluvial grey soils.

Today Ablington has expanded to around 300 acres and manages nearly 90 acres of vines.

In 2009 eldest son, James Becker joined the family wine business to start a legacy in the tradition of many family vignerons in the Hunter Valley.

To ensure Ablington’s extraordinary fruit would have the opportunity to blossom fully, in 2010 the family purchased Oakvale, one of the oldest working wineries in the Hunter Valley.

JAMES BECKER - WINEMAKER
In 2009 eldest son, James Becker abandoned both Sydney and a career in finance to pursue his passion for viticulture and the land. Joining the family wine business James undertook a post-graduate degree in winemaking at Charles Sturt University and began the traditional journey followed by many family vignerons in the Hunter Valley.

Despite long hours in the vineyards and the winery a determination to produce iconic hunter wines fuels James’ passion to combine state of the art technology with traditional winemaking practices and innovative winemaking techniques.

GERALD WILLIAMS - VITICULTURIST/VINEYARD MANAGER
Gerald joined the Becker Family in 1997 as a casual vineyard hand. Hardwork, further education, dedication and a commitment to rigorous viticultural practices quickly led to promotion to Vineyard Manager. Today Gerald leads the vineyard team that manage 80 acres of vines and who work tirelessly throughout the year and at vintage to deliver premium fruit to the winery.