With his small inheritance, Tony Smith bought a farm called Bouverie in the Plantagenet Shire (named after his mother's maiden name) and literally planted the seeds of the Plantagenet future in 1968 – Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes bore the fruit of what would become some of the most highly awarded and sought after wines, both nationally and internationally. The fruit was picked in 1974 and the wines showed exciting potential, enough for Smith to convert a local apple packing shed into a winery and get to work making tight and lean Shiraz with typical regional spiciness and full-bodied cabernet. Embracing the conditions of the Great Southern’s cool climate, Smith went on to plant further varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
After selling his remaining third share of Plantagenet to Lionel Samson & Son in 2000 he remained chairman until 2004. Tony is now retired and lives in Mount Barker with his wife Alison. He has four children and nine grandchildren. The Bouverie property is still held by his family, with its fruit sold to Plantagenet.
After selling his remaining third share of Plantagenet to Lionel Samson & Son in 2000 he remained chairman until 2004. Tony is now retired and lives in Mount Barker with his wife Alison. He has four children and nine grandchildren. The Bouverie property is still held by his family, with its fruit sold to Plantagenet.