The story of

Mayfield

The history of Mayfield dates back to 1815 when explorer, William Charles Wentworth, was granted Mayfield as a thank you for his earlier crossing of the blue mountains. Explore our timeline below to learn more.

First to cross...

Explorer William C Wentworth (along with six other men, four horses and five dogs) was the first to cross the blue mountains in 1813. Two years later, as a thank you, he received “Mayfield” as a Crown Grant from the Governor of NSW.

1813-1815

Mayfield transfers to Thomas Icely

Thomas Icely was famous for cattle, sheep and horse breeding and was commemorated with the naming of ‘Icely Road’.

1840

The Gold Rush begins

William 'Parson' Tom, discovered the first payable gold in Australia at nearby Ophir. This discovery started the Gold Rush. Tom subsequently purchased Mayfield; we could claim that the first gold found in Australia was used to acquire this property

1851

The Settlers cottage

The Settlers cottage was built. Today it is one of our most popular accommodation choices. Explore the cottage here.

1886

The Homestead was built

The Homestead was built, with the original design by famed architect Hardy Wilson. It has been recognised by the National Trust and today is one of the accommodation choices on Mayfield. Explore the Homestead and other accommodation here.

1906

School house built

The Mayfield School house was built to educate the Scottish farm workers' children. Visit the School House Cellar Door here.

1915

Mayfield transfers between brothers

Thomas Crawford sells Mayfield to his brother James. Letters between the brothers show Thomas was finding it financially difficult to operate Mayfield.

1921

Mayfield bequeath to James

James dies and gives Mayfield to Thomas’ son, James S.R. Crawford. Mayfield was listed in his will as an asset worth £ 15,245.
He also bequeath the sheep, cows, pigs, horses, a tractor and a plough, showing the type of property Mayfield had become.

1927

Passing of James

James S.R. Crawford died and his widow, Margaret remained at Mayfield. Margaret spent 65 years here and her everlasting gift to Mayfield was the arboretum with over 50 species of trees, many over 100 years old.

1980

Acquisition

Mayfield was acquired by the Thomas family, and their dog, Aussie.

1998

Vines planted

After careful planning, a number of cool climate grape varieties are planted and the property evolves into Mayfield Vineyard.

1999

Subdivision

The property is subdivided into 3 lots and the southern and western lots are sold. This reduces the Mayfield from 113 to 47 hectares.

2004

Eastham Family Acquisition

The Eastham Family acquires Mayfield and a few months later also purchase the previously sold western lot and reunite it to Mayfield, increasing the property to 91 hectares.

2021

Charles Simons Becomes GM

Charles Simons welcomed as General Manager
and partner in Mayfield wines

2021

New Plantings

New plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, extending the vineyard. Further plantings of new and emerging varieties planned.

2022
Trophy for the Best NSW/ACT Chardonnay
Melbourne Royal Wine Awards

The 2022 Mayfield ‘Block 14’ Chardonnay awarded the Trophy for the Best NSW/ACT Chardonnay at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

2023
Mayfield awarded 5 Stars

Mayfield awarded 5 Stars by renowned wine critic James Halliday Wine Companion

2024