A tribute to a pioneer of viticultural development of Hermitage Road.
Ferdinand Mikisch Jr. was born on December 9, 1944, in Austria, during World War II. Driven by the post-war poverty, his family fled Austria, for a better life in Australia, where they joined other displaced Europeans at a reception camp for newcomers, and soon moved to Greta Camp.
After leaving school at Pokolbin, Ferdi embarked on his career by working on a property in the Pokolbin/Mt View area. Ferdi’s career took a turn as he made the transition into the wine industry. He joined Lindeman’s, starting out in the vineyard, before moving into the winery, where he became well-versed in the winemaking process.
From there he worked on a property in the Congewai Valley, where he set up a vineyard and raised beef cattle. In addition to this, he and his brother started a side business cutting fence posts, telegraph poles, and pit props for mines.
In 1971, Ferdi accepted an offer to run a vineyard in North Richmond, NSW. Ferdi and the vineyard’s owner, produced award-winning Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, with many accolades from James Halliday between 1979 and 1984.
In 1986, Ferdi and his family moved to a small property at Lot 5 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, afterwards known as ‘Rose and Vine’. As well as planting the vineyard, Ferdi, already known for his exceptional knowledge of land and its care, launched a business focusing on dam building, and fencing.
As the wine industry flourished alongside the growth of the Hunter Valley, so did the need for skilled viticulturists to establish and manage vineyards. One name that became synonymous with the success of the region’s vineyards was Ferdi Mikisch, who planted, maintained, and managed several vineyards across the area, with a particular focus on Hermitage Road. In fact, the majority of the vineyards along Hermitage Road bear Ferdi’s touch in one form or another.
In 1992, Ferdi and his family moved to ‘Hermitage Heights’ Vineyard on Hermitage Road Pokolbin, which became the family’s long-term residence. Ferdi and his family established a vineyard and worked this property producing and supplying grapes to some of the most renowned wineries in the Hunter Valley.
In 2020, due to the onset of Parkinson’s, Ferdi and his wife, Bev, made the difficult decision to retire and move from Hermitage Road to a small hobby-farm property close to Singleton.
Ferdi’s life was a remarkable journey of resilience, loyalty, and love for those around him. From humble beginnings, he lived a life full of purpose, and commitment to hard work, family, and community.
Requiescat in Pace, Ferdi.
…Dennis Eldridge, Around Hermitage Assn.