After many trials and tribulations, including sheep eating the vines on several occasions, the first grapes were picked in 1974. The resultant wines were the first Plantagenet Shiraz and Cabernet. The fruit was picked at 11° Baume. The Shiraz was tight and lean and showed the distinctive spiciness of the region, the Cabernet was robust.
In 1975, a shed in the township of Mount Barker was purchased and the first vintage was produced under the guidance of winemaker David McNamara.
In 2000, Western Australia's oldest family owned company, Lionel Samson & Son, purchased Plantagenet Wines ensuring the tradition of fine winemaking will continue into the next century.
Plantagenet Wines Timeline
1968 | Tony Smith plants 0.5 hectare of Shiraz and 0.5 hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the Bouverie property |
1971 | Wyjup vineyard planted |
1974 | First Vintage of Plantagenet Wines |
1975 | David McNamara appointed winemaker |
1975 | Old apple packing shed converted to winery in Mount Barker township in time for vintage |
1979 | Rob Bowen appointed winemaker |
1988 | John Wade appointed winemaker |
1988 | Rocky Horror Vineyard block 1 planted at Narrikup south of Mount Barker |
1994 | Lionel Samson & Son purchase a share of Plantagenet Wines |
1994 | Gavin Berry appointed winemaker |
1999 | Rocky Horror Vineyard stage 2 planted |
2000 | Lionel Samson & Son purchase Plantagenet Wines |
2001 | Rosetta Vineyard planting commences west of Mount Barker |
2004 | Richard Robson appointed winemaker |
| 2007 | John Durham appointed winemaker |
