History of Australian Wines

1788

Governor Captain Arthur Phillips brought in the first vines into Australia from places such as Madeira and Cape of Good Hope. They were planted at Farm Cove. These grapes were important as Australia do not grow grapes.

1791

The vines in the Governor's garden were reported to be growing healthily. This prompted the people to establish the wine industry in Australia.

1792

Philip Schaeffer who was a British lieutenant was appointed as superintendents of convicts to be stationed at Sydney, Australia. He is say to be used to farming and was the first wine grower in Australia.

1800

Two French prisoners of war were stationed in Australia to help develop the skills for winemaking and vine growing. The wine industry is hence established.

1803

An article in a newspaper was promoting the benefits of drinking wine, influencing Australians with the habits of wine drinking.

1817

The Macarthur families which were wool producers returned to Australia after Captain John Macarthur was being exile at 1809. He used his exile time to study about the wine industry of other countries. They experimented vine growing in Australia and built many vineyards.

1822

Gregory Blaxland , a wine maker who own Brush Farm estate won a silver medal by bring his wine sample to England as it has found a grape species that is resistance to blight. He was also the first to export wines.

1824

James Busby, who studied viniculture in France arrived in New South Wales with a collection of grape varieties which he planted across the Botanic Gardens. He taught many locals his skills in viniculture and was doubted the ‘father of Australian wine’ as the educated locals being to improve on the viniculture.

1830s

Due to James Busby Books about viniculture, many Australians were influenced by him. The vine growing activities in Australia begin to grow quickly and many successful vintage were produced in the following years. New immigrants also came in during that time and were also influenced by the practice of vine growing.

1847

William Jacob planted vines at ‘Jacob Creek’ resulting in the first commercial wines yard and produced its first vintage at 1850. Non-British emigration were first allowed  to the colony which bring in more skilled workers to work in vine yards and wine houses.

1850s – 1870s

There were shortages of workers in vine yards and wineries due to the Gold Rush Fever.

1889

Planting Bonus Bill was introduced which encourages growing of vines. It was a failure as most locals are not skill in viniculture.

1930

South Australia produced 75 percent of Australian wine.

1939-1945

Exports drop due to the Second World War.

1950s – 1960s

Technologies such as the perfection of cold fermentation techniques for white wines were introduced and in the 1960s the wine cask is being made.

1990

Winemakers’ Federation of Australia was formed.

1994

Australia introduced an appellation system due to trade agreement with the EU. This results in more emphasize on the land and climate which vines are being grown.