Merralea Scarborough 

The mother hen, chief cook, gardener, cellar door manager and so much more. Merralea defines the hard work ethic behind the Scarborough business. Originally from South Australia, she moved to the Hunter Valley in the 70s. with her husband Ian (otherwise known as Scarbie).

In the mid-1980s Merralea worked in the hospitality industry, this experience helped hone her attention to detail and she fastidiously applied this in the Scarborough cellar door. Together, Merralea and Ian laid the groundwork for Scarborough Wine Co., and her continued vision and commitment to building a strong brand has contributed to its success.

Merralea spent several years on the board of the Hunter Valley Vignerons Association, the first woman ever appointed, and a stint as Hunter representative on the NSW Wine Industry Association board.

A pioneer in the Hunter Valley tourism industry, Merralea was awarded the 2021 Hunter Valley Tourism Living Legend for her more than 30 years service to the local industry.

A sports nut as much as a gardening nut, if she’s not watching a test match she’s experimenting in the kitchen or playing canasta with the girls. She has a weakness for fine Champagne.

Merralea talks about the early days of Scarborough Wine Co and meeting Scarbie in this short video

Get to know fellow Hunter Valley Industry Legend, Merralea's husband Ian - READ MORE or see some more photos and stories of Merralea throughout the past few years on our blog.