A history of Martin's Hill Wines

How it all began. Janette Kenworthy and Michael Sweeney purchased a small plot of land at Apple Tree Flat along the Castlereagh Highway (Sydney Road) renaming it Martins Hill to start a small organic vineyard together, planting the first vines of Martinshillwines in 1985.

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Whilst building their new home of sandstone and locally source river rock on the hill, Janette and Michael renovated and lived in the small workers cottage at the front of the property, at the same time continuing to develop their organic vineyard.

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Author and pioneer of wine in the Mudgee district, Gilbert Wahlquist wrote in his book "Some of my best friends are winemakers" about Martins Hill Wines. Gilbert (Gil) gives writes about Janette and Michael's development of the Martins Hill vineyard and their involvement in the community. More reading can be found on the History page or click here.

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About Janette Kenworthy

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After almost 30 years of working the Martins Hill Wines vineyard Janette Kenworthy succumbed to her illness and died on the 21 December 2012.

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Janette Kenworthy is buried in the Tannabutta Cemetery not far from her home of 3o years.

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In line with her organic principles she was buried in a cardboard coffin in a simple service at the cemetery.