A rich history
Boydell’s is arguably the site of the very first vineyard in the Hunter Valley.
Settled in 1826 by Welshman Charles Boydell, the fertile land was used to grow all sorts of popular commodities but mostly tobacco and wine, all of which were highly sought after for their unrivaled quality. That famously rich soil was replanted with our vines in 1997 and still produces some of the best fruit in the Hunter.
1825
Charles Boydell sailed from his home in Wales to Australia at 18 years of age. He was granted 640 glorious acres of pristine land at East Gresford.
1829 to 1835
In 1831 Charles married Elizabeth Ritchie. Together they raised 7 children and built a stone cottage. The cottage remains can still be found on the farm.
1833
Charles planted arguably one of the first vineyards in Australia & the Hunter Valley. He grew verdelho, muscatelle and other varietals. The verdelho vineyard is planted on this same site today.
1848 – 1851
Highly celebrated & regarded, Charles was declared by the Maitland Mercury to be a “well regarded voice on the subject of viticulture who produced sought after wine”. In 1851 has elected President of the Hunter River Association.
1869
Charles died aged 61. His obituary read “Charles was unostentatious in his intercourse with everyone, charitable in his disposition, ever anxious to conciliate, a friend to the poor and always looked up to by all classes of the community with great respect”.
2015
Jane & Daniel Maroulis purchased the property. Intrigued by the history of the farm they began the Boydell’s label. ‘Its no mistake that our Restaurant and Cellar door is in an historic slab hut in Morpeth. Charles’ diaries talk of his trips from Gresford to Morpeth by horse & paddle steamer. We have no doubt he walked the rooms of the slab hut, which at the time was a blacksmiths’.