A TOAST TO TOP POOLEY VINTAGE
AFTER pouring his heart and soul into the family business for the last four decades, Pooley Wines managing director John Pooley couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate his 80th birthday than surrounded by family on their beautiful vineyard.
Mr Pooley and his wife, Elizabeth, took over Pooley Wines from his parents Denis and Margaret in 2010, to continue the hard work of his predecessors.
The late Margaret Pooley was once the oldest vintner in Australia, running the small cellar door until the age of 94.
“My mother, Margaret, was simply a trailblazer in the 80s, having started a winery with Dad at a time which should have been the prelude to their retirement years,” Mr Pooley said.
The winery isn’t the first family business handed down to Mr Pooley, who took over a number of car franchises from his father from 1990 to 2009.
The highly successful and decorated three-generation family winery also includes Mr Pooley’s children.
His daughter, Anna, is the chief winemaker, while son, Matthew, joined as the viticulturist in 1994.
The mantra Mr Pooley attributes to his success is to be passionate, be persistent and to strive for perfection.
“I am extremely proud of the work we have accomplished at Pooley Wines,” he said.
“It is a true family affair and am thrilled that our winery stands tall in the Australian wine landscape.”
Today, Pooley Wines yields 130 tonnes of grapes across 24 hectares of lowyielding, quality vines and, according to Mr Pooley, there are no plans to slow down production.
“We must continue to be aspirational, produce high-quality wines and strive to achieve the best,” he said.
It is a true family affair JOHN POOLEY