In the late 1950s the Western Australian Government of the time was concerned that the failing Apple Industry in the Great Southern would create a huge problem for the farming Industry in the Great Southern. They invited Professor Olmo a world class Viticulturist from California and Dr Penfold Hyland from NSW, to visit WA to investigate the Southern Regions to see whether there was a possibility of starting a Grape growing industry.
The results were highly positive, so the State Viticulturist Mr Bill Jamieson was instructed in 1964 to find a suitable site for an experimental Vineyard. After 2 or 3 visits Bill settled on Pardelup as the most suitable as this was owned by the State and the soil types were ideal. However this site was felt not to suit Govt. purposes as it was used as a Prison farm. After further investigation, Bill called on the Pearse family at Forest Hill and after some discussion was able to enter into a 10 year lease arrangment with them for 5 acres of land. This was prepared and planted in 1965, but a very wet spring and early Summer waterlogged the vines and resulted in a very poor take. The site was replanted in 1966 and was a great success.
The varieties planted were Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon(2.5 acres of each). Bills assistant in the project was Dorham Mann, whilst Ian Cameron who worked at the Swan Research Stion, organised the cuttings both for this vineyard and for those that started over the following 10 years.
The first vintage from these vines was harvested in 1972, and the Riesling in particular was startlingly good.The subsequent vintage 1973 is still the States most awarded wine and was still winning Gold Medals and trophies 10 years later. This vineyard reverted to the Pearse family in 1976 and further plantings were made from 1980.
Meanwhile others in the district were watching progress and in 1967 John Roche of the Frankland River grazing Co planted 5 acres on his property on the banks of the Frankland river. These were cared for by the property's overseer at the time Ted Holland. In 1968 Shire Councillor Ernie Mead planted 5 acres at Denbarker and persuaded a near neighbour Tony Smith to also plant 5 acres. Ernie died in 1976 and his vineyard died with him, however Tony's vineyard thrives and has grown. It remains part of the portfolio of vineyards run or owned by Plantagenet Wines.
In 1974 Tony's vineyard Bouverie, produced its first crop. This was the first crop produced privately arround Mount Barker and was processed at Sandal ford Wines in the Swan Valley. In 1965 Plantagenet Wines , a partnership was formed and an Apple packing shed in Mount Barker was purchased and converted into a Winery. That year 10 tonnes were processed, the first Wine ever to be made commercially at Mount Barker. In 1976, 25 tonnes were processed some of which came from 'Alkoomi' at Frankland where Merve Lange had planted his first vines in 1970, and from Mike Goundrey who had planted at St Werburghs also in 1970. Shiraz from that vintage won Plantagenet's first Gold at Perth Royal Show. In 1977 Cabernets from Plantagenet and Alkoomi won 3 Golds each in Perth. The Region was now well on the way to success.
In 1973, it became obvious that the Region would need a lobbying body, so'The Mount Barker Frankland Wine Producers Association' was formed. First Office Bearers were Tony Smith - President and Betty Pearse - Secretary. This Association became the present 'Great Southern Wine Producers Association'. In 1978 Betty Pearse and Tony Smith were also the initiators of the 'WA Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association' - WA's first truly state wine organisation.
Tony went on to serve as a board member of the 'Wine makers Forum of Australia' , the 'Winemakers Federation of Australa' and 'The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation'. He also served on the Geographical Indications Committee of the latter and oversaw the first Geographical Boundaries in WA, that of Great Southern and the 5 sub-regions.
