Growing up in California amid the Robert Mondavi vineyards, Gerald Naef moved to Australia with his wife Anji in 1981. After making wine from leftover grapes in his brother-in-law's vineyard he was hooked. Patina was born.

Patina is located 930 metres above sea level on the rich volcanic soils of Mount Canobolas outside Orange. The altitude creates the cool climate, but air draining down the valley cools the vineyard further, making it an especially cool site in an already cool region. The very cool climate spells very slow ripening grapes. Releasing their wines only at optimum maturity finishes the patina.

Patina wines have an aged lustre, the signature of time and environment. Highlights are the Reserve Chardonnay and Jezza Cabernet Merlot, made only when the season produces quality grapes.