Winemaker Robert Oatley has sadly passed away, aged 87. The owner of Robert Oatley Vineyards and founder of Rosemount Estate had been ill for a number of months and died on Sunday morning.

Mr. Oatley enjoyed a long and diverse career. Alongside wine, he was also well-known as the proud owner of Hamilton island and successful Sydney to Hobart yacht Wild Oats XI.

Mr. Oatley produced his first commercial vintages in the early 1970s and went on to make wines that featured on some of the world’s best wine lists and won many of the highest accolades.

His family wine business, Robert Oatley Vineyards, was set up in 2006 when Mr. Oatley was 80 years old. The winery is today located in Mudgee, sourcing grapes from family-owned vineyards in the region, as well as from the Margaret River and Pemberton.

In 2014, Mr. Oatley was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to the Australian wine and tourism industries, to the sport of yacht racing and to the community as a supporter of medical research and visual arts organisations.

The Oatley family said in a personal statement this week: “Known affectionately to all as Bob, he was a proud and passionate Australian recognised for his outstanding contributions to the Australian wine, tourism, coffee, sailing and thoroughbred horse industries. Bob was also well-recognised as a philanthropist who supported Australian Olympic activities, medical research and the arts.

“Bob is survived by his wife Valerie, his three children, Sandy, Ian and Ros Oatley, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

“The Oatley family has been touched by the many kind words and tributes that have already been received from friends, colleagues and the wider Australian community. They thank everyone for their love and condolences.”

Robert Oatley will be missed by many in the industry, his family, friends and colleagues.