McWilliams Timeline
1788
The first wine grapes are planted at the Governor's residence in Sydney, then transported to Parramatta, west of Sydney.
1800
Two Frenchmen begin the task of more perfectly matching specific grapes to their ideal landscape and weather conditions.
1877
Samuel McWilliam plants his first vineyard on the banks of the Murray River in New South Wales.
1893
An English seaman, Captain Stentiford, founds the now famous Laira Vineyard on South Australia's Limestone Coast.
1917
Second generation family winemaker, John James McWilliam completes construction of the McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Winery in NSW.
1921
The legendary Maurice O'Shea establishes the Mount Pleasant winery at Pokolbin in NSW.
1945
European emigrants, fleeing the devastation in Europe, bring their winemaking expertise to Australia.
1987
Australia exports more than 5,500,000 gallons of wine as the world discovers Australian wines.
2002
McWilliam's celebrates its 125th anniversary.
2008
After two years of significant investment and expansion, the new McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Winery opens.
2009
McWilliam’s wines is the most successful exhibitor at the Sydney Royal Wine Show for the 15th consecutive year.
