The history of the Winmark Wines is richly layered in stories and entwined with personal connections.
The vineyard was established in 1988 by the late founder of Macquarie Bank, David Clarke. David named the vineyard after the iconic large rock on the property, Pooles Rock. Local rogue and former convict Richard Poole was known to sleep in the hollow of the rock he eventually bequeathed his name to.
Pooles Rock vineyard quickly became famous for its award-winning chardonnays until it was sold in 2011. The vines languished, neglected, for the next five years until...
The history of the Winmark Wines is richly layered in stories and entwined with personal connections.
The vineyard was established in 1988 by the late founder of Macquarie Bank, David Clarke. David named the vineyard after the iconic large rock on the property, Pooles Rock. Local rogue and former convict Richard Poole was known to sleep in the hollow of the rock he eventually bequeathed his name to.
Pooles Rock vineyard quickly became famous for its award-winning chardonnays until it was sold in 2011. The vines languished, neglected, for the next five years until Karin Adcock rediscovered the property and purchased it in 2016 and re-established the vineyard. The 130acre property has been fully renovated with an artful eye, transforming it into one of the area’s premier destinations that consistently holds top guest rankings across the Hunter Valley. Each of the guesthouses showcases their own unique character and hold furnishings and artworks sourced from around the globe, and all make the most of the breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.
“When I purchased the property, the Pooles Rock name was not part of the sale. So I named the property Winmark Wines, which in my native Danish tongue means Fields of Vines. I am so proud to now call this property my home, and I love welcoming guests to our Cellar Door to taste our beautiful Chardonnay”. Karin Adcock
Winmark Wines continues its remarkable revival with a team of highly skilled and passionate wine experts ensuring the road from the vines to the glass is optimised. The wine team is a genuine collaboration of experts which includes vineyard manager Dave Grosser from VitiGro, award-winning viticulturist Liz Riley from Vitibit, and international consultant and winemaker John Belsham.
The conversion of the former Pooles Rock storage sheds into a beautifully designed Cellar Door ensures the history of the property is cherished – nestled into the sandstone surrounds and overlooking the 28 acre vineyard it is a perfect destination to enjoy tasting premium Chardonnay, whilst taking in spectacular views.
“The property gives me an immense sense of peace,” Karin said. “I love being here and creating a beautiful space we can enjoy and share. I feel quite strongly that if you have something that is very beautiful you should share it with friends and family and extend it outwards.”
Karin’s love of trees and interiors gives the property its personality. She commissioned one of Australia’s most outstanding landscape architects, Paul Bangay OAM, to create and link the perennial and rose garden and gazebo, the 12.5m pool and tennis court. She also commissioned relatively unknown sculptor David Ball, just before he won the 2017 Bondi Sculpture by the Sea major prize, to build Biosis, a massive steel structure that is perched above the vines.
The grounds are a wonderland of their own; sculptures, overflowing rose garden, dams and natural landmarks of historical significance dot the landscape. Set against the beauty of Yellow Rock state forest, this is a place to completely unwind and truly connect with nature. Winmark is a place of remarkable beauty and unexpected discovery.
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