The history of Ivanhoe Wines is a testament to resilience, dedication, and passion, spanning over 172 years. This remarkable journey began with Joseph Drayton, a pioneering spirit from Lincolnshire, England, whose vision and determination laid the foundation for what is now the Hunter Valley’s oldest continuous winemaking family. Today, the Drayton family legacy continues into its sixth generation, with Lewis and Parker Drayton stepping up and learning to carry the tradition forward.
The Early Days: A Dream Takes Root
Joseph Drayton was born in 1825 and set sail for Sydney in 1852 with his wife Anna and their two young sons, Frederick and a newborn daughter. The voyage was arduous and heart-wrenching, as Joseph lost his wife and daughter during the journey. Despite these devastating losses, Joseph and Frederick arrived in Sydney and soon made their way to Lochinvar before settling in Pokolbin, where they established one of the Hunter Valley’s first family-owned vineyards.
Through decades of hard work and perseverance, the Drayton family became one of the most influential names in Hunter Valley winemaking, passing their knowledge and expertise down through each generation.
Building a Legacy: Six Generations of Winemaking
The Drayton family’s deep-rooted connection to the Hunter Valley wine industry spans six generations, making them the region’s longest continuous winemaking family.
Old Ivanhoe Hill
Although Ivanhoe Estate has been owned and managed by the Drayton family since the 1960s, the family had long been sourcing fruit from its rich volcanic soils, using its prized Shiraz to craft some of the most highly regarded wines of the time.
Reginald Drayton
In the mid-1900s, Reginald Drayton (Stephen Drayton’s father) replanted the Ivanhoe Hillside with vines that remain to this day. Reg was an industry legend, known for his generosity and his commitment to the Drayton family motto: “Non nobis solum”, meaning “Not for ourselves alone.”
Reginald with logpress
By the late 1970s, Stephen Drayton began working alongside his father in the vineyards, with a particular focus on Ivanhoe. Today, his passion for winemaking continues as he leads the estate alongside his wife, Tracy.
Now, the sixth generation of Draytons, Lewis and Parker, are stepping up, working across all areas of the family business—from the cellar door to the vineyards. Their involvement ensures that the Drayton winemaking tradition remains alive and well, securing the future of Ivanhoe Wines.
A Modern Era: Growth and Innovation
In 1994, the Drayton family faced an unimaginable tragedy when Reg and his wife Pam lost their lives in a plane crash. In the wake of this devastating loss, Stephen and Tracy took over ownership of Ivanhoe Estate, dedicating themselves to preserving the vineyard’s rich history while innovating for the future.
Under their leadership, the Ivanhoe Wines portfolio expanded, introducing new vineyard plantings, including Semillon, Chambourcin, Traminer, and Chardonnay. While the rich volcanic hillside remains planted with the original Shiraz vines, these new plantings—now over 25 years old—continue to produce exceptional fruit.
Ivanhoe Wines Today: A Tribute to Passion and Perseverance
Since 1996, Ivanhoe Estate has been proudly owned and operated by Stephen and Tracy Drayton, whose dedication to premium Hunter wines has kept the vineyard thriving. Known for its gutsy reds and crisp whites, Ivanhoe Wines remains a cornerstone of the Hunter Valley wine industry.
Stephen, Tracy, Lewis & Parker Drayton
Stephen and Tracy’s passion for winemaking, their love for the land, and their deep commitment to quality are evident in every bottle. Their hands-on approach and unwavering dedication ensure that Ivanhoe Wines continues to be a leader in the region.
The Future of Ivanhoe Wines
As Lewis and Parker Drayton step into their roles as sixth-generation family members, the future of Ivanhoe Wines looks bright. The family’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and deep respect for tradition, ensuring that Ivanhoe Wines remains an integral part of the Hunter Valley landscape for generations to come.
Taste the history in every bottle. Explore the Ivanhoe Wines collection today!