Stockman's Ridge Wines captures the poetic essence of the Australian bush

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Stockman's Ridge Wines, one of the newest winemakers in the central highlands, has recently released its Stockman's Ridge 'Rider' range of cool climate wines.

This new range comprises the 2008 Stockman’s Ridge Rider Shiraz, 2008 Rider Merlot, 2009 Rider Pinot Gris and 2009 Rider Sauvignon Blanc. The new wines are crafted from grapes grown in the burgeoning Orange wine region.

In 2002 Jonathan Hambrook purchased the Stockman’s Ridge property, located 20km north of Bathurst and in 2004 and 2005 planted Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Jonathan’s vision is to create premium cool climate wines identifiable with Australia’s iconic bush poetry and the men and women such as Clancy and Ned Kelly who are so much a part of our rich and celebrated history.

“At an altitude of 900m, we are aiming to create a range of elegant, intensely flavoured cool climate wines,” Hambrook said. “We have also developed a close relationship with a number of Orange region viticulturists.”

“We believe that the grapes from our property, along with small parcels from our Orange region growers, will combine beautifully, enhancing the complexity and character of the finished wine.”

Stockman’s Ridge Wines has developed a unique opportunity for its customers to contribute to the culture of the brand. The five line stanzas, or quintains, that are found on the back labels of the wines are distinctive to the vintage and the variety. Customers are invited to submit their own bush verse. The verse which best typifies our land, people and culture will be selected to grace the label.

“Budding poets can submit their poems online, where the finished back label will appear on the screen. We believe this is a first and we hope to uncover some inspiring verses,” Hambrook said. “The winning poet will win five cases of wine and bragging rights when enjoying ‘their’ wine with their mates.”

For further information, samples or photos, please visit www.stockmansridge.com.au or contact:

David Cumming at Define Wine: 0414 736 342 or

Jonathan Hambrook at Stockman’s Ridge 0419 255 275 or