Wine Hunter: The Man Who Changed Australian Wine

by Campbell Mattinson

Australia's first great winemaker was a Frenchman. As a 24 year old, in 1921, he walked onto a hillside vineyard in the Hunter Valley north-west of Sydney and in a hard, hot climate set about growing and crafting wines that, when finally opened as fifty- and sixty-year-olds, became renowned as Australia's first great wines. He made these wines without electricity, with bare bones equipment - his winery, Mount Pleasant never once turned a profit during his 30 year struggle - and with a broken heart. What he achieved out there on that hillside is one of the miracles of wine. This is Maurice O'Shea's remarkable story.

277 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Campbell Mattinson has won multiple writing awards across various genres over the past 25 years but his first novel, We Were Not Men is the heart and soul of him. If you're interested in the journey of this book then see the video here but otherwise, read the book and judge the soul of him there, good or ill.
Video heree: https://vimeo.com/435984133

Reviews

[Jeremy Osu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I'd say this of a wine book, but I couldn't put this down. Moving story. Felt quite inspired when I'd finished it.

[Tracey Seath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story of Maurice O’Shea, a pioneer of Australian winemaking. While I loved the yarn, the author’s staccato style in the early part of the book was distracting and a little annoying. Similarly the incorrect use of “slither” for “sliver”, which occurred more than once. However, the writing became less disjointed as the story progressed and I enjoyed reading about the life and achievements of this extraordinary winemaker.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the history interesting but skimmed a bit over the wine making

[Tflinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to the Hunter valley many times and this book really brought the genius of Maurice O’Shea and the development of Australia’s wonderful wine industry. Loved it!

[Patrick Gilhooly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling Australian Wine History

Rich colourful storytelling around the life of an Australian wine legend. Recommended for all lovers of Australian wine and its history.