Spring Mountain Wines

The 28ha of semillon, chardonnay (10ha each) and verdelho and sauvignon blanc (4ha each) were planted in the early 1980s. It was strictly a grape producer, but went through various changes of ownership until acquired by AGL Energy as part of its exploration for natural gas and coal seams in the Hunter Valley. Obviously very conscious of the negatives of its business, AGL launched its Wine Excellence Scholarship, open to Hunter Valley winemakers using Hunter Valley white grapes, the winner electing whether to take a trip to a recognised international wine growing region, or defray the employment of a trainee in their winery. The well-known and highly credentialled winemaker Daniel Binet was awarded the first scholarship, in 2012. -JAMES HALLIDAY