Dr Seidel's Soft Red History

In 1862, Dr Ernest Frederick Seidel was the first to grow wine grapes at St George, one year before Samuel Bassett established vines at Roma. Seidels’ cuttings came by packhorse from James Busby’s cutting banks in the Hunter Valley. Unfortunately, from 500 cuttings, only 3 struck. Next year he planted 1,000 cuttings from which 25 struck. He planted another 1,000 in the third year and got 35 to grow. Nonetheless, he persevered until 2 acres were established. By 1876 about 1,400 gallons were ready for bottling. In addition to grapes, Dr Seidel grew fruit trees of every known variety with tropical fruits, shrubs and flowers bearing abundantly.

His vineyard was located where Rowden Park, the main town sportsground was later developed.

Two smaller vineyards also produced good quality wine grapes. These were established by two other Germans Harry Keuchler and Ludiaman.

In 1992, some 130 years after Dr Seidel began planting vines, the first wine grapes of the modern era were planted at Riversands Vineyards.