fremantle, perth
Plantagenet Wines Fremantle Cellar
Beneath the streets of Fremantle lies one of Western Australia’s best-kept secrets – the Plantagenet Wines Fremantle Cellar.
Housed in the heritage-listed cellar beneath the Lionel Samson building, this atmospheric space brings together the legacy of two pioneering WA families under one remarkable roof: Plantagenet Wines, the first winery established in the Great Southern, and Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group, Western Australia’s oldest family-run business.
A Family Legacy
Plantagenet Wines traces its roots to one of Western Australia’s oldest pioneering families. Lionel Samson arrived in Fremantle in 1829, establishing Lionel Samson & Son, the state’s first commercial business and wine and spirit merchant – a legacy that helped shape Western Australia’s early agricultural and trade history. The Samson Group went on to distribute, and later acquire, the Plantagenet Wines business.
Today, Tom Wisdom, as sixth-generation descendant of Lionel Samson, is the owner and managing director of Plantagenet. He carries forward both the Samson family’s entrepreneurial legacy and Plantagenet’s enduring commitment to excellence, championing the Great Southern as one of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wine regions.
The Historical Fremantle Cellar
Built in the 1800s and lovingly preserved, the Lionel Samson cellar’s original limestone walls and vaulted brick ceilings tell a tale of trade, history and tradition – home to WA's first-ever liquor license. Descend into this subterranean space and you’ll find a world away from the bustle above – a quiet, cool retreat that offers an authentic glimpse into WA’s colonial past.
Originally used to store wine, beer and spirits, the cellar now pays homage to its roots by showcasing Plantagenet’s finest wines – from crisp Riesling to age-worthy Shiraz and limited Wyjup and Museum releases.
We host a very limited number of member-only and partner events in this space. Enquire below to register your interest.
The Icon Collection: Lionel Samson Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the story behind our Icon wine, Lionel Samson, a powerful, small-batch blend created in honour of the visionary founder of Lionel Samson & Son.
This wine is produced only in exceptional years and is available exclusively through select tastings and allocations.
Fremantle Cellar Enquiry
