WA Wine History

The WA wine region history began in the Swan Valley in 1824, when settler Thomas Waters planted the first vines at Olive Farm. For almost 150 years it was the only significant wine producing region in the state.

By 1955, there were concerns about the decline of vine health in the Swan Valley, with nematodes, virus disease and waterlogged soils all causing significant problems for growers.

Well-known viticulturist Professor Harold Olmo was brought in from California to advise and after surveying country from Kendenup to Manjimup, recommended planting in Rocky Gully and Mt Barker in the cooler far South West of the state. He spent 8 months in WA, advising on appropriate rootstocks and virus free vines to ensure the future of the industry.

During his stay, he had a profound influence on Bill Jamieson, Chief Viticulturist with the Department of Agriculture, who eventually planned and planted an experimental vineyard for the Government at Forest Hill near Mt Barker. Despite initial failure, Bill persisted and replanted the vines to produce outstanding Riesling and cabernet made by renowned Swan Valley winemakers Jack and Dorham Mann.

In 1965, government agronomist Dr John Gladstones, published his seminal paper providing convincing scientific arguments that Margaret River was the ideal region for the production of quality table wines, with climate and rainfall parallels to Bordeaux.

As a result, plantings were undertaken in the region by Dr Tom Cullity (Vasse Felix), Dr Kevin Cullen (Cullen Wines) and Dr Bill Pannell (Moss Wood). These three wineries, along with Leeuwin Estate and Cape Mentelle, which were planted several years afterwards, are regarded as the foundation of Margaret River’s thriving wine industry.

The 11 wineries comprising the Great Wine Estates of Western Australia represent the finest of both the Margaret River and Great Southern regions – cabernets, chardonnays and shiraz of great regional and varietal integrity, as well as unique and individual house styles.