Our job now is to respect that history, keep what makes Mortimers special and put our own mark on where it goes next.
The second generation of the Mortimer family has taken ownership of Mortimers Wines in Orange, New South Wales, completing a succession more than three decades in the making. Daniel Mortimer and his wife Tasley now lead the family business founded by Daniel's parents, Peter and Julie Mortimer, who planted the vineyard in 1995.
The family marked the transition in July with an "End of an Era" members' dinner, a chance to celebrate what the founders built and to welcome the new owners into the next chapter.
For Daniel, ownership closes a loop that began in childhood, working in the vineyard on the family property alongside his parents and four brothers. He returned to Orange in 2019 after a 10-year professional rugby league career that included a Grand Final appearance with the Parramatta Eels in 2009 and a premiership with the Sydney Roosters in 2013.
"Long before rugby league, I was growing up amongst the vines on our family property just north of Orange," Daniel said. "It's always been a big part of who I am, and I'm incredibly excited to carry the family legacy forward. Tasley and I will continue to focus on producing premium cool-climate wines in what we believe is one of the most exciting wine regions in Australia."
Daniel spent the past six years as general manager, working alongside his father to learn the business inside and out. During that time he was selected for Wine Australia's Future Leaders program in 2025 and now serves as vice president of the Orange Region Vignerons Association. Tasley brings her own strengths to the partnership, with experience in marketing and events.
"We want to focus our energy on two things: making quality wines that reflect the best of the Orange Wine Region and providing a wonderful space for guests to enjoy them," Tasley said. "Orange is such a beautiful town and its popularity continues to grow, particularly among Sydneysiders looking for a weekend away."
For the founders, the handover brings the property's original hopes full circle. "There are so many wonderful memories of raising our five sons on the property," Peter said. "It has given us more than we could have asked for. To see Dan and Taz take ownership and keep Mortimers in the family is a very proud moment."
"Dad won three premierships with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the '80s, but there's no doubt Mortimers Wines is his greatest accomplishment," Daniel said. "We're incredibly proud of what Mum and Dad built. Our job now is to respect that history, keep what makes Mortimers special and put our own mark on where it goes next."
The Mortimers cellar door operates from the restored former March Public School, established in 1866, five kilometres north of Orange.