Major Mitchell - explorer and grape grower

Major Mitchell is well known as an explorer and surveyor. Mitchell was responsible for exploring large areas of Australia’s South East. He led four well documented journeys through NSW and into Central Queensland.

However, Mitchell’s achievements as a vigneron are little known. Between 1829-1837 he owned a vineyard as part of his “Craigend” estate, in Darlinghurst, Sydney and later grew grapes at Parkhall, East Bargo, Camden. Muscat was one of the varieties grown at “Craigend”.

Ironically, our Major Mitchell White is also made from Muscat grapes grown on land traversed by Mitchell during his 4th expedition through St George over 150 years ago!