Hardys’ matriarch Eileen Hardy’s contribution to the company at a time of great challenge, following the death of her husband Tom in a tragic plane crash in 1938, features in a poignant write up in The Australian newspaper’s Wish section today (February 6, 2015).
As Angus Hughson reports, Tom Hardy’s death left a grieving wife with four young children, however Eileen followed in the footsteps of famous winemakers’ widows before her, such as Lily Bollinger and Veuve Clicquot, and took over the running of the business with the assistance of Tom’s cousin Kenneth Hardy.
For many years Eileen remained at the heart of Thomas Hardy and Sons, travelling internationally to build the company’s reputation. The article captures both Eileen’s tenancity, for which she was recognised with an Order of the British Empire for services to the Australian wine industry, and also her cheeky sense of humor.
View the attached file for the full story and the reviews of the 2010 Eileen Hardy Shiraz and 2013 Eileen Hardy Chardonnay named eponymously.