The Australian wine community is mourning the death of Karl Stockhausen who made an enormous contribution to the industry.
The former manager/winemaker of Ben Ean was inducted as a Hunter Legend in 2007.
Karl, a post-war German immigrant, first worked for Lindeman’s as a labourer in Pokolbin and learnt winemaking from his mentor, Ray Kidd.
He went on to make some of Australia’s greatest wines including Hunter reds and Semillon.
“Always a modest and sincere man, Karl won the admiration of his community and his peers with his friendly and wonderful personality,” says Amy Cooper, CEO of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.
“One of the Hunter Valley’s finest gentleman, a friend to so many who will be sadly missed.”
When he was inducted as a Hunter Legend, Karl said, “Something I have recognised, rather than learnt, is the camaraderie that has always existed in the wine industry; the willingness to help others in spite of a healthy rivalry and competitiveness within the industry.
“I remember Max Lake calling me just before one vintage – he had bought a new press but didn’t know how to use it because the instructions were in German – could I help? Of course I could.”
Karl’s funeral will be private. A larger memorial celebration is planned for late April.
The family requests that, rather than flowers or sadness, a donation be made to the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in memory of Karl.
Lindeman’s is now part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio.
Photograph: Elfes Images.
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