Industry legend inducted into hall of fame

ROBIN Brockett, chief winemaker at Scotchmans Hill winery located in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, has been inducted into the Geelong Wine Show’s Hall of Fame.

He joins a small number of other industry titans who have helped to put the Geelong region on the winemaking map.

Brockett’s winemaking journey, which began unexpectedly in New Zealand, brought him to Australia, and subsequently Scotchmans Hill, in 1987.

“I thought I’d be two or three years at Scotchmans and I’ve been here for 35 years now,” he said.

In that time, both the business and the wine industry have undergone significant changes.

“When I first started there were only two employed winemakers in the whole of Geelong, whereas now there’s probably 25-30,” Brockett said.

“Down on the Bellarine, we were the second vineyard planted in the area. The industry was quite tiny.

“Most people under 50 think there’s always been a wine industry but in general it’s probably only 25-30 years old.”

Brockett’s Hall of Fame recognition is only the latest accolade for Scotchmans Hill, which has managed to continuously win awards and maintain its status as one of Australia’s leading wineries.

The winery has remained on the James Halliday list of Top 100 Wineries and been rated as a Halliday 5-star winery for more than 20 years.

“You get a sense of pride from it,” Brockett said.

“I get a real kick out of people buying the wines and how much enjoyment they get out of it, or even people just saying, ‘I had a special occasion, and I really want the wine you make for that’.

“When you’re making wine, you don’t think about those things, but it does touch a lot of people and bring enjoyment, even if it’s small.”

For Brockett, his work remains about creating the best quality wines possible.

“I work very hard with the guys out there [on the vineyard],” he said.

“You’ve got to keep innovating and keep moving.

“Everybody’s a competitor but we also work together. For us, the better everybody does, the better it is for the region. The more recognition, the more people it brings.”

Brockett’s name will be added to the hand-carved Hall of Fame honour board on display at Geelong Cellar Door on Little Malop Street.

Scotchmans Hill is at 190 Scotchmans Hill Road, Drysdale.