Third generation takes the reins in Mudgee

Jacob and Gina Stein this week officially took ownership of their family's Mudgee winery, continuing 49 years of family ownership and a wine industry history dating back to 1838. 

Robert Stein Wines - known for its high-quality rieslings - has seen the official transfer of ownership to the third-generation custodians. 

The couple, who have been instrumental in the business for over 17 years, now take full ownership of the winery, vineyard, and farm. 

Established in 1976 by Robert ‘Bob’ Stein, the winery is one of New South Wales’ few multi-generational, family-owned wine businesses. 

Upon Bob’s retirement, his son Andrew assumed the role of general manager. Andrew is now stepping down. 

Located nine kilometres north of Mudgee, the property spans 202 hectares and includes a 20-hectare vineyard featuring nine grape varieties, a working farm with livestock and crops, a modern winery, cellar door, restaurant, and the original family homestead.

“Generational succession in a family winery is never without complexity," says Jacob Stein. 

"It's a challenging time for the industry, and our family, including my siblings, wanted to ensure the legacy of our father and grandparents is protected. We are proud of our achievements and are looking forward to a bright future. 

“We’ve found a path forward that strengthens our connection to the Stein heritage and honours the traditions established by previous generations over our 187 years in Australia.”

Jacob, who took on the winemaking and winery operations in 2009 at just 25 years old, has experience in leading wine regions in Australia and Europe, including Rheinhessen and Rheingau in Germany. 

Robert Stein Wines can trace their winemaking history back to 1838, when the Macarthur family brought Johann Stein to Australia with the country’s first cuttings of rhine riesling. 

These vines flourished at Camden Park and, 138 years later, in 1976, Robert ‘Bob’ Stein purchased 75 acres in Mudgee and renewed the Stein passion for viticulture. 

Mudgee winery shines with new-release rieslings

 

Mudgee is not a region that Australian wine lovers would automatically associate with fine rieslings. 

The Clare and Eden valleys in South Australia, for sure. The Great Southern region of West Australia, yep, and also Tasmania. 

But Robert Stein Wines in Mudgee has built a formidable reputation for two stellar rieslings made in very different styles. 

The family can can trace their winemaking history back to 1838, when the famous Macarthur family brought Johann Stein to Australia with the country’s first cuttings of Rhine Riesling. 

These vines flourished at Camden Park - in western Sydney - under Johann’s careful watch. 

Then, 138 years later, in 1976, Robert Stein purchased 75 acres in Mudgee and renewed the Stein passion for viticulture. 

Jacob Stein is the third-generation winemaker and he has an unashamed love affair with the grape variety as well as picking up multiple show accolades.

The releases of his latest wines, the 2022 Robert Stein Dry Riesling and 2022 Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling, are both outstanding, managing to be both varietally correct and have palate complexity. 

“We are quite excited about the release of these wines, after another tough season in the vineyard due to high rainfall,” says Jacob. “The challenging conditions, however, created the ideal opportunity for our vineyard to shine, and we grew clean and high-quality riesling in a tough year.

“The cooler season, with slow ripening, produced crisp and higher acidity levels with no sunburn opportunity, meaning we have excellent quality with very age-worthy attributes.”

More riesling vines have recently been planted. 

“The2.5-hectare extension to our riesling vineyard is in response to the growing demand for our Mudgee riesling," Jacob says. "The new plantings are on a south-west facing slope at an elevation of 580 metres in shale and quartz gravelly soil.

"The east-west running rows are closely planted with our favourite riesling clones. It’s an exciting time for our little family winery. While we have struggled with drought and Covid, our vineyard and winemaking team are excited for the future.”

The 2022 Robert Stein Dry Riesling ($40) is an ideal match for seafood dishes, perhaps pan-fried flathead, while the 2022 Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling ($50) is the second from the Angullong vineyard located in Orange at an elevation of just over 600 metres. It would pair brilliantly with Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. 

See robertstein.com.au