The Re-Birth of Burnbrae – The Story

The owners of Burnbrae Tony and Jill Bryant were previously broad acre farmers who followed their love of wines to ultimately live their dream. In the years following the sale of their family farm they were always looking for a vineyard to come on the market that possessed the characteristics they believed would produce the most exceptional wines.

In 2004 they identified these in Burnbrae, one of the oldest vineyards in Mudgee dating back to 1968. Situated alongside McDonalds Creek on the Hill End Road the vineyard and its ‘old vines’ offered the opportunity to “create something special.” While not on the beaten track Tony saw Burnbrae had “the potential to create some special wines with regionality and originality.” Add to this its significance in the regions wine making history and its picturesque and tranquil setting; it was exactly what they had long been waiting for.

This opinion was shared by veteran winemaker Frank Newman, who recognised Burnbrae as a vineyard with the potential to create some exceptional vintages of the future.

Thus a wonderful partnership was born between two men who are the epitomes of the perfect dichotomy; two very contrasting characters coming together to create something synergistic and wonderful. Tony is driven, flamboyant, cheeky and always buzzing with boundless energy, much like a racing car with one speed – flat out. In contrast Frank is reserved, analytical, and precise while sporting an encyclopaedia-like mind on Oenology and a delightfully dry sense of humour. Put together they not only produce Award Winning wines, they entertain the rest of the team with their endless quirky humour.

Their shared philosophy is to always maintain the integrity of each Boutique wine with individual focus on nurturing each vintage to bring out its finest characteristics. Like a piece of art.

Tony Bryant

Born in the nearby town of Gulgong, Tony sold the family farm 14 years ago to pursue his desire to live, eat and breathe the world of wine.  Having completed his studies in viticulture and marketing he went on to manage some wineries in the Mudgee area, before starting his own consultancy for vineyards.

Tony’s big picture for Burnbrae is to create a “must destination” as visitors enjoy “hand crafted boutique wines” that show true varietal style and flavour… “with the wines speaking for themselves”. He is very much hands on and, whether organising a function showcasing all the wineries in the region or zooming around on a ride-on mower, he is always approachable, animated and above all passionate about wine and the Region.

Tony was the President of the Mudgee Wine and Grape Growers Association for the year 2009.

Frank Newman

Born in England Frank arrived in South Australia (then Australia’s undisputed wine capital) as a teenager. Growing up in a family involved in the wine industry meant his passion for wine started young and has never waned since. Frank’s pedigree as a winemaker is first class, with the first half of a career spanning 40 years devoted to Penfolds, before choosing to become Chief Winemaker and Production Manager for Angove’s and a number of other wineries. With the Awards he continues to receive for both the Burnbrae wines (along with the ones Burnbrae produces for other wineries on a contract basis) he is undisputedly one of the most qualified winemakers in the region. His approach to winemaking is much like any artist creating a unique piece; thus he uses smell and taste as well as an intimate knowledge of the chemistry and process.

Frank’s big picture is to “see the fruit that’s grown end up in wines that in the future will be held up as Mudgee icons”.  As most people in the region know how good the Burnbrae fruit is, it is now his desire to have it become better known throughout the State and Nationally.

While Frank may have Rolls Royce qualifications, he prefers to be creating his masterpieces rather than discussing them and he is happiest keeping an eye on things from the background.

George

Our welcoming committee is without a doubt Georgie. Our four legged ambassador and winery icon. She may be a bit grey on her nose and a little on the sleepy side by midday (at 15 we think she’s doing well!) but Georgie is always a hit with visitors. Oh and she’s chuffed at recently being featured in Wine Dogs Australia!

Katrina Gay

The daughter of Tony and Jill Bryant, Trine has a degree in marketing and a vision for the next phase of the family business, whilst keeping with the tradition and rustic charm of Burnbrae. Having worked in Sydney for a major car rental company and now running her own consultancy, she shares her parent’s vision to produce exceptional vintages which are enjoyed by those seeking true personality and regionality in their wine.

Elly Rands

Dutch born Elly came to Australia in 1968 and worked in Sydney doing book keeping and accounts for a large printing company and later a retail store. Her roots in hospitality go back a long way, as her family owned a pub in Holland. Semi retired in 2002, Elly moved to Mudgee, where she worked at the Cellar Door of one of the wineries before becoming part of the Burnbrae team. For her Mudgee is “like a big park – no traffic lights!”

Trent Chapman

Born in Sydney, Trent moved to Mudgee to take over interests in the family farm. With extensive experience in hospitality he worked for 7 years at a local winery before coming to Burnbrae in 2005, not long after it was purchased by Tony and Jill Bryant. Trent works as assistant to the winemaker, as well as oversees the maintenance of the winery. “It was a great opportunity to work with good smart people” and there is no doubt that the family farm being conveniently located adjacent to the vineyard gets the thumbs up as well.