Huntington Estate founder, Robert (Bob) Roberts (1934-2026) died peacefully, with his beloved wife Wendy by his side in February of this year.

He was a force of nature. A pioneer, a visionary and a charismatic and inspiring man who touched the lives of so many. His grit and character evident to the end. 

Bob was a lawyer and member of the Bulletin Pace Crowd with fellow future titans of the Australian Wine Industry (James Halliday, Len Evans). He traded the city for the bush in 1969 - choosing Mudgee for its Bordeauxlike terroir, while the rest fl ocked to the Hunter. He planted a vineyard, built a winery and a home with the goal of producing worldclass, age-worthy red wines that were great value for money. Mission accomplished Bob.

At a time when the region was finding its feet, Bob and Wendy embraced all it had to offer, becoming fi erce and passionate advocates for the place and its wines. 

Huntington Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz quickly became legendary, trouncing established labels and regions in national shows. 

Bob (with Susie) won NSW Wine of the Year, and Best NSW Dry Red twice. He lifted several trophies at the Sydney Royal and was awarded the most prestigious Graham Gregory award in recognition of services to the NSW Wine Industry as a "Pioneer of the Industry". He was be-mused by the honour. The rest of us understood.

Bob was more than a winemaker. The Huntington Estate Music Festival put Mudgee on the map as a tourist destination; broadcast nationally on the ABC, bringing thousands of visitors to Mudgee annually. It blended his passions for fi ne wine, good food, great company and chamber music, creating an iconic cultural event that was the fi rst of its kind in Australia.

He is remembered as a generous man of intellect, razor sharp wit and wicked humor.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the cellars of collectors across Australia, the thriving viticultural community he was instrumental in building, and our team's daily work. He leaves behind a valley forever changed by his presence, a family who loved him dearly and legions of friends and fans. 

We raised a glass of his and Susie's finest Cabernet to a life well lived. I encourage you to root around in your cellar and do the same. 

Rest in peace, Bob. Cheers for the rain the other day, keep sending it down. We've got it from here.