Robert Oatley
The winemaking company began in 2006, evolving from seven of the family’s existing vineyard sites in Mudgee – properties that had been retained since the sale of Rosemount Estate.
Bob Oatley’s homestead and home-block vineyard in Mudgee adjoin the historic Montrose property, comprising a superb vineyard and the region’s largest winery, which was purchased in 2006 to serve as the family’s winemaking headquarters. Two brands were immediately introduced: Wild Oats and Robert Oatley, closely followed by the re-launched Montrose range.
The Australian-exclusive Wild Oats brand has proven a great success. Within two years, Australian wine drinkers had voted with their palates, placing the brand among the nation’s top-selling wines. Critics also praised the wines, noting their refreshing, varietally-true taste and admiring the contemporary packaging.
The first pair of Robert Oatley wines were launched in Australia in 2007. Soon after, six wines were introduced to the market in re-designed packaging, a concept that has been embraced for the new Australian range and the new company name – Robert Oatley Vineyards. In 2009, the James Oatley TIC TOK range was introduced.