As an RAAF Lancaster bomber rear gunner, an 18-year-old Robertson was introduced to wine by his pilot and friend for more than 30 missions, John Seppelt.

Roberston returned to his family’s Barwang property near Young in New South Wales and became a grape grower. An experienced wheat cropper, he knew to plant vines at an elevation high enough to protect them against the region’s harsh frosts.

In 1970, an unfortunate fruit fly outbreak rendered him unable to transport his grape crop. Ever the resourceful one, Robertson saw this as an opportunity to give winemaking a go.

Good advice must have been given up on the RAAF planes, because Robertson’s first wine was a show winning creation. Today, Barwang maintains a dedication to excellence. The proof? Every vintage since 1990 has produced medal winning wines.