Our Team
Bob & Maryanne McLeish
Bob and Maryanne McLeish are the founders of McLeish Estate Wines, one of the Hunter Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries.
The couple married in 1985, the same year they purchased the Pokolbin property that would become McLeish Estate. At the time, Bob was working as a Mechanical Project Engineer, with projects taking him across Indonesia, South Australia and Queensland. Together, they shared a vision of creating a vineyard and family business that would be for their lifestyle.
In its early years, the property operated as a mixed farm, supporting cattle and horse grazing alongside a small original Tulloch planting of Semillon and Chardonnay. Bob and Maryanne embraced the challenge of learning every aspect of viticulture and winemaking. Through an onsite nursery, they propagated their own Semillon and Chardonnay vines before expanding the vineyard to include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Over four decades, Bob has developed a reputation as one of the Hunter Valley’s most accomplished wine producers, particularly for his award-winning Semillon. His wines have achieved success at local, national and international wine shows, while his contribution to agriculture has been recognised through multiple Excellence in Agriculture awards at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Behind the scenes, Maryanne has been the heart of the McLeish experience. Her passion for hospitality and commitment to exceptional customer service helped shape the welcoming culture that defines the winery today. From managing the Cellar Door team to nurturing relationships with Wine Club members and visitors, she has played a vital role in building the strong community that surrounds McLeish Estate.
Today, what makes Bob and Maryanne most proud is not only the wines they have produced, but the community they have created. From humble beginnings and more than forty years on, McLeish Estate has grown into a thriving family winery known for its Wine Club, memorable events, and celebrations of the family’s Scottish heritage.
Jessica McLeish
Jessica was born into the McLeish family winery, developing a strong connection to vineyard and winemaking from an early age.
She holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) and a Master of Wine Business, with focus on oenology and viticulture. International experience gained while working a vintage at Château Carsin in Rions, France, where she was exposed to biodynamic and traditional winemaking practices.
As a key member of McLeish Estate, Jessica contributes to the continued success of the winery, with her influence reflected across the portfolio, including the estate’s award-winning Semillon.
Jessica has been actively involved in the Hunter Valley wine community for over 14 years, contributing to the Hunter Valley Legends Awards Committee, Hunter Valley Wine Show Committee, and Hunter Valley Marketing Sub-Committee. She has also worked with Wine Australia on trade visits and contributed to Wine Sense: The Art of Appreciating Wine (2014).
Jessica is an accomplished wine show judge, having completed the Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) through the Australian Wine Research Institute and holding a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. She has judged at the Hunter Valley Wine Show, Sydney Royal Wine Show, and the International Wine Challenge in London.
