Fuzz Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Still waiting on confirmation. The chief winemaker and owner of Drayton's winery in the Hunter Valley, Trevor Drayton, is feared dead after an explosion at the winery today. Wine industry sources told The Daily Telegraph that it was feared Mr Drayton died in the blast which occurred about 8.30am (AEDT). The explosion was so loud that it was heard 5km away. Two people died and another man suffered serious burns. If Mr Drayton is confirmed dead, this is the third time tragedy has struck the Drayton family. Trevor Drayton's cousins, Reg and Pam Drayton, also respected Hunter Valley winemakers, were killed in a 1994 plane crash and another family member Barry drowned in the 1970s in a another winery tragedy. Trevor was a highly respected winemaker and successful operator of the wine business who was well-liked in the Hunter Valley. His biography on the Drayton's website said: "Trevor never had any doubt he would carry on the family tradition of winemaking. "He always wanted to be a winemaker, and all his energies were aimed accordingly. Judging by the success of Drayton's wines, he has certainly found his niche. "In 1973 Trevor left home to attend Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia to start a five year course in Oenology. In his time at Roseworthy, Trevor topped the second year and won a silver medal, topped the third year and won a gold medal, topped his final year and was awarded Dux of the course. "On his return he took up the position of winemaker for the family business. Since his return he has produced many classic wines, including names such as "William" Shiraz, "Caroline" Sparkling Burgundy, "Maxwell" Shiraz and "Susanne" Semillon. "But the most notable is the 1985 "Joseph" Shiraz, which was awarded The Douglas Seabrook Memorial Trophy for the Best Red Wine in Show at the 1995 Royal Melbourne Wine Show. "Trevor is the current president of the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association. " Keith Tulloch, the proprietor of Hunter Valley winemaker Keith Tulloch Wines, said he had been told Mr Drayton had been killed. He said Mr Drayton had been one of the icons of the industry in the Hunter Valley. Mr Tulloch said he was a few years younger than Mr Drayton, who would have been "about 50". "Trevor was a lifelong friend and we've been in the industry all our lives," he said. Mr Tulloch said he understood the plant exploded when ethanol had ignited during a welding operation. Witnesses said the roof had been blown off the plant and that the walls collapsed in the explosion. Local cafe worker Damien Griffiths said a badly burnt witness told him he had been standing next to one of the victims when the explosion occurred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrink Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 ...another family member Barry drowned in the 1970s in a another winery tragedy. An explosion is one thing, but this is unimaginable... how does one drown in a winery? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Warren Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 » ...another family member Barry drowned in the 1970s in a another winery » tragedy. » » An explosion is one thing, but this is unimaginable... » » how does one drown in a winery? Please forgive me I know this is no time for a joke but I would suggest with a smile on your face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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