The Parched Crow Wine Co.

Driving along De Beyers Rd in the Hunter Valley, if you happen to spot a charming little timber shed, that means you’ve arrived at The Parched Crow Wine Co.

Located in one of the Hunter Valley’s quieter corners, the cellar door is owned by Ross Crump and partner Lisa Hugo who launched the brand in 2017, with the goal being to produce premium, single vineyard wines, with enviable views.

Born and bred in the Hunter Valley, Ross’ farming and mining background have provided him the opportunity to traverse the globe and experience some of the world’s most fascinating cultures many times over. Which means Ross isn’t short of a story or two, let’s just say there’s no such thing as a quick catch up with Ross.

However, it’s through these stories that you begin to appreciate Ross’ passion for the Hunter Valley land and its produce, and at 65 years of age Ross has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. It was during our chat that Ross shared his bigger vision for The Parched Crow Wine Co. and the food and wine precinct he is on track to launch at the end of 2022, stay tuned for more news on that soon...

Let’s take it back a few steps to where the story of The Parched Crow Wine Co. begins and just what that name is all about.

It was in 2017 when the vineyards were in the grip of the worst drought in more than one hundred years and Ross explains,

“The McDonalds Flat part of our farm had been stripped of any pasture and then one of the hottest driest summers on record prevailed. Just like the Exodus when we were on our knees, bereft of rain, a plague of grasshoppers arrived and quickly got about eating what was left.”

Whilst the vineyards were in desperate need for rain, the fruit was ripening and set for picking a little bit of luck came their way with a flock of more than 200 crows arriving mid January who went about balancing their protein diet by devouring the grasshoppers.

To non-vignerons this would appear to be a gift from the gods, however ask anyone in the wine world and they will quickly make it clear that crows are the mortal enemy of vignerons at harvest time.

One would have hoped with such a feast their hunger would have been quelled, however it wasn’t to be, the sweet nectar of nearby ripening grapes was all too tempting and they went about quenching their insatiable thirst on the sweet taste of super ripe shiraz grapes ready.

Despite the drought, grasshoppers and the crows this hasn’t gotten in the way of Ross’ love for producing wine, and with the De Beyers Rd cellar door offering just a taste of what’s to come, we can’t wait to see where The Parched Crow Wine Co. finally lands.