Wine Lover Keeps Hand On His Brand After Estate Sale

Sun Herald

Sunday March 30, 2008

By Sally Croxton

MOUNT Vincent Estate winery, the scene of successful concerts, open days and wedding receptions, has sold for $1.7 million.

The sale, through Paul Campbell of LJ Hooker Toronto to a Newcastle family, means the wine label goes with the vendor, Sydney-based computer-leasing businessman Robert Frith.

Mr Frith said the wine business would expand to use varieties bought from other wine districts in Australia.

He said the estate, with its luxurious five-bedroom, three-bathroom homestead built in 1999 would also operate as a hobby farm and be known by its address, 1139 Leggetts Drive, Mount Vincent, near Mulbring.

The property, with valley and mountain views, is on 50 hectares - 4.45 hectares are under vines.

Mr Frith said the original intention was to make the estate into a tourist venue and cellar door, but the cost proved prohibitive with Cessnock City Council and the Roads and Traffic Authority wanting him to spend a further $300,000 on upgraded intersection roadworks outside the property.

"Boutique wineries like Mount Vincent Estate were a thing of passion," he said. "They don't make money, but they make merriment."

© 2008 Sun Herald

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