History

Max Patton bought the ‘Rothvale’ property on Deasy’s Road, Pokolbin, in January 1997 and although without formal wine training, is winning a tremendous number of show medals and a loyal following for his wines.

    The land that includes and surrounds Rothvale Vineyard was originally owned by the Deasy family, after whom the road is named. The Deasy family farmed sheep since the early 1800s. The land is ancient river flats developed over many thousands of years by the formation of Black Creek and Rothbury Creek and their tributaries. This area is well respected by the long time wine growing families of the Hunter as being one of the best areas for growing Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes. 

    Rothvale saw its first vines planted in 1974 after the property was bought by Master Chef Peter Meier and Sydney businessman, Lang Walker. Peter Meier planted 25 acres of vineyard and built the Rothvale holiday cottages (now known as The Hunter Habit). The Tyrrell family wine company managed the vineyard and bought the grapes which were used in the production of their premium wines. Tyrrell’s made a few small batches of wine under the Rothvale Label. Tyrrell’s then acquired Rothvale in late 1984.

    Thirteen years on, Tyrrell's sold to Max, who saw Rothvale as a new and stimulating challenge. Max has had a lifetime interest in wine, but other rural pursuits were in his sights when he graduated from Hawkesbury Agricultural College in 1959. He then went on to veterinary studies at Sydney University, graduating in 1965. For the next seven years he built up a busy veterinary practice in Forbes and Parkes, which was sold in 1972. Max then set off with his family to the United Kingdom. There, Max became an over-educated clod, gaining a Cambridge Master of Arts, Economics Cantab and a Masters of Business Administration at the London Business School. Max returned to Australia in 1977. 

    Back in Australia, Max returned to veterinary science, building up four practices in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. At their peak Max employed 14 vets and the group ranked among the biggest veterinary businesses in Australia. In 1996 Max sold the veterinary hospitals and began looking for a vineyard where he could put into practice the knowledge he had acquired through reading about wine.
    When Max arrived at Rothvale in January of 1997 a further 25 acres of vines were planted, 10 acres of which are from the clone that produces ‘Grange Hermitage’. The new plantings expanded on the existing varieties of Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

    With mature, low-yielding vines, Max decided he would make the wine himself rather than sell the grapes that were in such demand. That was all very well but Rothvale didn't have a winery. By the time 1998 harvest was in full swing, Max had a big concrete slab on which he placed his newly acquired winemaking equipment. Despite an electrical storm that knocked out the power supply at a critical time one afternoon, the Rothvale 1998 vintage went ahead out in the open air. The winery was constructed after the wines had been made. 
    
    The vineyard cottages were refurbished during this period and The Hunter Habit was created. The Hunter Habit provides a one bedroom, a two bedroom and two three bedroom cottages for tourists traveling to the Hunter Valley. The cottages are comfortable rustic style country cottages located on the vineyard. 

    Max’s Son Luke Patton, a Hawkesbury graduate, Bachelor of Commerce in Land Economy, joined Max in December of 1997. Luke assists Max in making wine and is the General Manager for the business. Together Max and Luke are a formidable team, having created wines that have achieved over 250 show medals and seven trophies in seven years. Max and Luke thoroughly enjoy their current roles and believe that it is reflected in the quality of their wines. In 2005 Max’s Daughter Tilda joined the team and is enjoying the challenge of winemaking.
    
    Ten years later, Rothvale has a fully operational cellar door and winery producing seven thousand cases of wine per year. The Winery is situated in the cellar door so visitors can taste the success of award winning wines and experience first hand the ‘Romance’ of wine making.