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Our Story at First Creek Wines

The Hunter Valley's best-kept secret (until now)

First Creek Wines, founded by Greg and Jenny Silkman in 1998, has built a strong reputation for elegant, expressive wines sourced from the best sites across regional New South Wales with a particular focus on the Hunter Valley which is home.

With Liz and Shaun Silkman now at the helm as chief winemaker and CEO respectively, their range includes the highly acclaimed suite of 96+ point Halliday rated Single Vineyard and Winemaker Reserve wines as well as the smart and stylish Botanica label, crafted with a focus on sustainable practices and regional expression.

Liz Silkman is regarded as one of Australia's leading winemakers - is the only Hunter Valley Winemaker to ever be named Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year and is the only winemaker to be named Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year title four times. 

Founder

Greg Silkman

Greg Silkman is a pioneer of the modern Hunter Valley wine industry and together with his wife Jenny, a visionary founder of First Creek Wines.

Greg has played a vital role in shaping the Hunter Valley's wine industry while building a reputation for producing premium, regional wines of finesse, purity, and consistency. In recognition of his contribution to the local industry, Greg was inducted as a 'Living Legend' at the Hunter Valley Legends awards in 2019.

It was Karl Stockhausen whose wines can be credited for Greg's early interest in Hunter Semillon and Shiraz that he discovered during his formative years working in his family hotels business while studying science at Newcastle University.

Greg moved to the Hunter Valley in 1985 when he purchased Tamburlaine Wines with a group of friends, shares which he held in that thriving business until 1996.

He and wife Jenny established First Creek Wines in 1998 with a clear mission: to craft outstanding regional wines using premium fruit from across New South Wales, while fostering a legacy of winemaking excellence in the Hunter Valley for future generations.

Under Greg’s leadership, First Creek has grown into one of the most awarded and respected wine producers in the country, with multiple Red 5-Star ratings from James Halliday as well as recognition from domestic and international wine critics. 

Together, the Silkman family has built First Creek into a beacon of regional pride in the Hunter Valley and a leader in Australian winemaking.

CEO

Shaun Silkman

Shaun began his journey in the wine industry in 1999, working as a cellar hand in his family’s business while studying for a Bachelor of Business & Commerce at the University of Newcastle. Although a career in wine wasn’t his original plan, he soon recognized an opportunity to apply his business skills to the rapidly growing company. His strategic vision and leadership have since helped shape it into one of Australia’s most successful contract winemaking and bottling operations.

In 2004, Shaun met Liz, whose passion for wine was contagious. Inspired by her enthusiasm and deep knowledge, Shaun pursued further studies, completing a Bachelor of Wine Science through Charles Sturt University.

Shaun took over the reigns of the First Creek family business in 2024 from his founder father Greg Silkman.

Chief Winemaker

Liz Silkman

Liz Silkman (née Jackson) is one of Australia’s most respected winemakers, with a career that blends scientific intrigue, a creative instinct, a love of Chardonnay and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her winemaking journey began in 1999 as a Lab Technician at Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley, following a Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from the University of Adelaide. What followed was a decade of experience across renowned wineries in Australia, the United States, and New Zealand—building a deep foundation in both technique and terroir. Returning to the Hunter, Liz took up the role of Winemaker at Tempus Two, working closely with industry icons Lisa McGuigan and Sarah-Kate Dineen. After six years, she stepped into her current position as Chief Winemaker at First Creek Wines, where her leadership and vision have shaped the brand into one of the Hunter Valley’s most awarded and respected. 

In 2006, Liz was selected as a Scholar for the highly exclusive Len Evans Tutorial—often described as the “Harvard of wine education”—and was named Dux of her year, a testament to her sharp palate and technical brilliance. From there, the accolades kept coming. In 2025, Liz made history as the first Hunter Valley winemaker to be named Halliday Winemaker of the Year—a national recognition of outstanding craftsmanship. She was also the first person ever to be awarded Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year three times, taking the title in 2011, 2016, 2022. 

Her name is now synonymous with benchmark winemaking in Australia—quietly redefining what the Hunter Valley is capable of, one exceptional vintage at a time.

Senior Winemaker

Annabel Holland

Annabel, who describes herself as ‘one who happily flies under the radar’, has been one of the most significant players in First Creek’s winemaking history. Annabel has worked alongside Chief Winemaker Liz Silkman for more than fifteen years at First Creek, at first as cellar hand and over the years earning the title Senior Winemaker, sharing a mutual love of Chardonnay.

Born and bred in Scone, NSW, Annabel studied winemaking at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga and started her winemaking career at Tyrrells in the Upper Hunter. Having spent time roving wine regions of the world and doing vintages in Canada, Western Australia as well as working for Eden Road in Canberra, she then followed somewhat in Liz’s footsteps working at Tempus Two before joining First Creek. Annabel has judged at many of the key wine shows including the Hunter Valley Wine Show, Hunter Boutique Wine Show, NSW Wine Awards, National Cool Climate Wine Show, Canberra Regional Wine Show and NSW Small Winemakers Show.

About First Creek Wines

First Creek Wines is a family owned winery based in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.

We make wines that reflect the unique character of our region. Our focus is on quality, consistency, and value across every bottle.

The winery was founded by the Silkman family with a simple goal. Make excellent Hunter Valley wines that people genuinely enjoy drinking.

From the beginning, First Creek has combined traditional winemaking techniques with modern precision and care. That approach has helped us become one of the most awarded wine producers in Australia.

Where We Are

First Creek Wines is located in Pokolbin, at the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region.

Cellar Door
600 McDonalds Road
Pokolbin NSW 2320
Australia

Our cellar door in Pokolbin welcomes visitors year round. You can:

  • Taste our current release wines
  • Learn about Hunter Valley wine styles
  • Discover limited edition and museum wines
  • Purchase wine directly from the winery

We offer relaxed, informative tasting experiences for both new wine drinkers and experienced collectors.

What We Make

First Creek Wines produce a wide selection of premium Australian wines, including:

Chardonnay, Semillon, Fiano, Vermentino, Verdelho, Rosé, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, as well as Sparkling wines.

Each wine is crafted to showcase varietal character and regional expression. Our portfolio ranges from everyday drinking styles through to limited release, single vineyard wines.

Award Winning Wines

First Creek Wines has earned hundreds of medals and trophies at major Australian and international wine shows.

Our wines are regularly recognised by leading judges, critics, and publications, including:

  • James Halliday Wine Companion
  • Sydney Royal Wine Show
  • Royal Adelaide Wine Show
  • Royal Melbourne Wine Awards
  • NSW Wine Awards

These awards reflect a long term commitment to excellence rather than a focus on short term trends.

What We Believe

We believe great wine should be approachable and enjoyable.

Our philosophy is built on:

  • Respect for the Hunter Valley region
  • Careful vineyard management
  • Minimal intervention winemaking
  • Attention to detail
  • Consistent quality across every vintage

This approach allows the fruit and the region to speak clearly in the finished wine.

Where to Buy First Creek Wines

First Creek Wines are available:

  • Direct from our cellar door
  • Online at firstcreekwines.com.au
  • Through selected retailers and restaurants across Australia

We ship wine Australia wide and offer secure online ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • First Creek Wines is located in Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Our cellar door address is 600 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320.

  • We produce a range of premium Australian wines including Chardonnay, Semillon, Fiano, Vermentino, Verdelho, Sangiovese, Rosé Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling wines. Our focus is on varieties that suit the Hunter Valley climate and style.

  • First Creek Wines is best known for award winning Hunter Valley Chardonnay and Semillon. These two varieties consistently receive top awards and critical recognition across Australia.

  • Yes. Our Pokolbin cellar door is open to visitors for wine tastings throughout the year. You can taste current release wines and learn about our winemaking and the Hunter Valley region.

  • Walk in tastings are welcome, but bookings are recommended during weekends, public holidays, and busy periods. Booking ensures you have a reserved space and a dedicated tasting experience.

  • Yes. All current release wines are available to purchase through our website at firstcreekwines.com.au. We offer secure online ordering and delivery across Australia.

  • Yes. We ship wine to most locations across Australia using reliable courier services. Shipping costs and delivery times are displayed during checkout.

  • Yes. First Creek Wines has received hundreds of medals and trophies at major Australian and international wine shows. Our wines are regularly recognised by respected judges and critics.

  • Our wines have been awarded at shows including the Sydney Royal Wine Show, Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, NSW Wine Awards, and the James Halliday Wine Companion.

  • Yes. First Creek Wines is proudly family owned and operated. The Silkman family has been involved in the Hunter Valley wine industry for decades.

  • The Hunter Valley is particularly known for Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. These varieties thrive in our climate and form the foundation of the First Creek Wines range.

  • Yes. We release special small batch and limited edition wines in selected vintages. Some older museum wines are also available through our cellar door.

  • Yes. We offer wine club options that provide access to new releases, special offers, and exclusive wines. Signup today online or in cellar door.

  • Yes. We welcome group bookings at our cellar door. Advance bookings are essential for larger groups so we can provide the best possible experience.

  • You can contact us by phone, email, or through our website. Full contact details are listed on our contact page.
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