Chairman and founder of Agnew Wines, Brian Agnew, sadly passed away on Tuesday after battling pancreatic cancer for the last two years. Agnew Wines says Mr. Agnew died peacefully with his wife Valerie Agnew. Mr. Agnew was just 69 years of age.

During his life, Mr. Agnew was responsible for the foundation of Hunter Valley wine brands – Audrey Wilkinson, Poole’s Rock, Cockfighter’s Ghost and Firestick wine brands.

Mr. Agnew was also a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, and outside of the wine business pursued interests in law and horse racing.

In 1968, at the age of 25, Mr. Agnew launched his own legal firm, Moray and Agnew, which grew to become one of the top 15 law firms in Australia. Mr. Agnew was also involved in thorough breeding; he and his family owned the Wakefield Thoroughbred Stud at Scone for over 30 years and bred the 1992 Melbourne Cup winner Sub Zero.

In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sport Medal by the Federal Government in recognition of his outstanding service to the thoroughbred industry.

“Under his Chairmanship, Agnew Wines has enjoyed success in producing numerous trophy and gold medal winning wines, as well as achieving unrivalled growth, laying a strong foundation and clear direction forward for many generations to come”, Agnew Wines General Manager, James Agnew said.

drinks bulletin would like to extend its sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Agnew.