Hunter Valley trailblazer Oatley dies

Bob Oatley, the pioneering Australian winemaker and businessman, has died at the age of 87.

Bob Oatley died at his Hamilton Island resort at the weekend (Photo: Robert Oatley Vineyards)

Oatley is best known for his work in bringing winemaking to Australia’s Hunter Valley, where he planted the region’s first vineyards at the Rosemount Estate in the late 1960s.

After growing enormously over the decades, Rosemount was sold to Treasury Wine Estates in 2001 for AUS$1.4 billion (£670 million), funding his Robert Oatley Vineyards venture.

Oatley, who received the Order of Australia in 2014, also established the Hamilton Island luxury tourist resort, a favourite of celebrities and world’s super-rich.

It was here that he passed away over the weekend, with confirmation coming from staff at the resort on Sunday evening.

Commenting on Oatley’s passing, trade body Wine Australia gave its condolences to his family.

Wine Australia chair Brian Walsh said: “Bob was a trailblazing pioneer and passionate advocate and ambassador for Australian wine, both in the domestic market and, importantly, in export markets.

“He will be remembered for the sustained contribution he made to the Australian wine community as the founder of both Rosemount Estate and Robert Oatley Vineyards, and his influence extended across many states and regions of our winemaking continent.

“We extend our condolences to his widow Valerie, his children Sandy, Ian and Ros, and the extended Oatley family.”

This article has been amended to clarify that Robert Oatley Vineyards is based in Australia, not the US as previously reported.