Patina is a small family-owned wine business located near Orange, New South Wales. The wines of Patina capture the cool climate terroir, with the vineyard situated at an elevation of around 900 metres on the eastern reaches of Mount Canobolas.
Patina blends wine science with age-old tradition to create complex flavours forged by the elements of nature. Patina Wines represents the complexity and elegance of cool climate wine defined by nature and its distinctive style.
The beginnings of Patina
Gerald Naef created Patina in the late 1990’s. He had a passion for wine from a young age, having grown up surrounded by the vast vineyard and winery operations of Gallo and Robert Mondavi in Lodi, California. Arriving in Australia in the early-1980s, Gerald’s family settled in Orange in mid-1990’ and purchased the Lucknow site which would become the Patina vineyard. Initial plantings were Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot, followed later by Pinot Noir and Riesling. Gerald completed a program of wine studies through Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, and over twenty-five years set about developing his winemaking craft. In 2024, this was recognised when he as was nominated for winemaker of the year by Haliday Wine Companion. This followed numerous awards for his wines and a five-star Haliday ranking for his winery. Then, at the top of his game, Gerald decided to retire.
The Patina journey continues
Rod Shields had a passion for wine from a young age. As an economics student at Macquarie University in the late 1980s, Rod and his best mate would hop into the Ford Meteor, load the INXS cassette in the tape deck, and head out across the Hay plain towards the Barossa Valley.
Much wine was tasted, and conversations had, including a life defining discussion with wine maker Bob McLean, who had just taken over a little known (at that time) wine business called St Hallets.
“Owning a wine business – I must do this,” Rod thought. The 1990s brought family, a successful corporate business career, executive roles and further business studies in Australia, Asia and the United States.
Finally, in 2016, Rod enrolled in a part-time wine degree at Charles Sturt University. In addition to gaining wine industry experience through the studies, Rod worked in Mudgee during vintage 2024. Shortly after, Rod met Gerald. “I must do this,” said Rod. Gerald’s reply – “let me help you”.
In mid-2025, Rod took over the Patina business from Gerald, with Gerald staying on as consultant winemaker during his transition to retirement. Nadia Wallington will support the Patina business as winemaker.