Introduction. On
the outskirts of the village of East Gresford nestled alongside the beautiful
Allyn River is the property Camyr Allyn North. John and Judy Evers have
realised their dream with the development of their vineyard on the property
and the release of their estate grown Camyr Allyn Wines.
Facilities at the vineyard include a cellar door open every day except
Tuesday from 10am to 5pm, picnic area by the river, gardens, entertainment
days and special functions. Camyr Allyn wines are sold
by Cellar Door Sales, the Camyr Allyn Club mail order, selected Restaurants
and David Jones Stores in NSW.
The History.
In 1826 a Welshman, named Charles Boydell took up a government
grant for land on the picturesque Allyn River at East Gresford in the
Hunter Valley. He named the property Camyr Allyn after his home in Wales.
Difficult conditions confronted him over the years, clearing land establishing
successful crops of wheat, corn, tobacco, raising sheep, cattle, dairying,
building dwellings and mills.
In 1833 Boydell established what was to become one of the earliest of
many celebrated vineyards on the Allyn and Patterson Rivers. Many varieties
were planted but the most prized were the Black Hermitage and Verdelho.
In 1849 he became a member of the Hunter River Vineyard Association
along with his neighbour Dr Henry Linderman of Cawarra. In May 1851
he was elected President.
Camyr Allyn, Cawarra, Caergwrle, Colstoun, Trevallyn, Clevedon, Lewinsbrook,
Orindinna, Torryburn all had vineyards many winning prizes overseas
for their wines. Charles Boydell died at Camyr Allyn in 1869 aged 61.
He was highly respected and esteemed by all. A magistrate and a member
of the District Council he took an active part in public matters. The
Boydell involvement in Camyr Allyn ended in 1911 and around this time
the vineyards had faded away.