Our story
Established in 1968
A pioneer of the Great Southern wine region.
Established in 1968, Plantagenet Wines was the first commercial winery in the Great Southern – one of Australia’s most exciting and remote cool-climate wine regions. Over five decades later, Plantagenet remains a trusted name in Australian wine.
Located in the heart of Mount Barker, our story is steeped in history and driven by a deep connection to place.
The name Plantagenet carries a rich dual heritage. The royal House of Plantagenet ruled England from 1154 to 1485, and centuries later, early English settlers brought the name to the Great Southern, christening the rural shire surrounding Mount Barker after the royal line they admired. Fittingly, Plantagenet Wines’ founder, Tony Smith, can trace his own lineage to the Plantagenet royal house through his mother’s side – a connection that weaves together heritage and history in every bottle.
A Family Legacy
Six generations of West Australian history.
Today, the Plantagenet story continues under the custodianship of Tom and Jo Wisdom.
As sixth-generation descendants of the Lionel Samson family – Western Australia’s oldest family business – Tom and Jo bring a legacy of stewardship, care and innovation to the land.
With Jo’s expertise as a plant physiologist and Tom’s deep family connection to WA’s agricultural heritage, they are committed to crafting wines that honour the past while looking to the future.
A Sense of Place
Our estate-owned vineyards span 156 acres and are uniquely positioned in the temperate Mount Barker sub-region.
Here, the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean, ancient granite soils and dramatic landforms create ideal conditions for crafting elegant, expressive wines. Cool nights and long, slow ripening seasons preserve natural acidity and varietal purity – the hallmarks of world-class Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Malbec.
Our flagship Wyjup Vineyard is one of the oldest in the Great Southern, with 50+ year old vines producing wines of exceptional depth and character. With low-yielding vines, diverse microclimates and sustainable farming practices, Wyjup remains the beating heart of the Plantagenet estate – and a true expression of Mount Barker terroir.
As pioneers of the Great Southern, we continue to honour our legacy while looking forward – crafting refined, regionally expressive wines that showcase the best of Western Australia.
1968
Tony Smith planted trial vineyards of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on his Bouverie property in Denbarker.
1971
Further plantings, including Riesling, carried out in the Wyjup vineyard.
1974
Plantagenet Wines produced it’s first vintage and the iconic Three Lions brand was registered.
1975
An apple packing shed in Mount Barker was purchased and converted into the region’s first winery and cellar door.
1976
Plantagenet Shiraz and Cabernet win first Gold Medals at Australian wine shows.
1979
Further plantings, including Riesling, carried out in the Wyjup vineyard.
1992
Lionel Samson & Son purchased a one-third share in Plantagenet Wines.
1999
Our fourth vineyard Rocky Horror was established.
2000
Plantagenet Wines was fully purchased by Lionel Samson and Son, the oldest family business in WA and second oldest in Australia having been established in 1829.
2019
The iconic Wyjup Collection was first released with the 2017 vintages of Shiraz and Blanc de Blancs sparkling, and 2018 vintages of Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
2021
Tom and Jo Wisdom Become the new owners of Plantagenet Wines. Mike Garland becomes the 9th Plantagenet Winemaker.