WA wine industry pioneer Tony Smith left a legacy and lasting impression

“Plantagenet was my life. I got a huge amount of enjoyment out of it.” Those were the words of Plantagenet Wines founder Tony Smith in 2006 as he reflected on his journey from English migrant to one of the key figures of the WA wine industry. And it is fair to say that many people got enjoyment out of his life’s work. Tributes have flowed for the passionate winemaker since he died on November 4 — just weeks after being made a life member of Wines of WA. But his legacy and love for fine wine will continue to leave a lasting impression across the region and Australia. On October 16, Mr Smith was awarded Wines of WA life membership which celebrates an individual’s significant contribution to the development of the WA wine industry. Many would go beyond that, with The West Australian wine writer Ray Jordan describing him as “one of the most significant figures in the history of the modern era of WA wine”. Mr Smith planted his first vineyard in the Shire of Plantagenet in 1968 and established the region’s first winery in 1975, the highly regarded Plantagenet Wines. He was instrumental in the development of the Great Southern brand, which under his leadership became one of WA’s best known and respected wine producers. His Plantagenet Wines family paid tribute to their founder as a leader with “boundless” passion for the industry. “Tony was a man who looked to all the opportunities he could find to share his passion for the wine industry, the region and its potential,” the Plantagenet Wines team said in a joint statement. “He was an old school gentleman, kind, generous, humble, enthusiastic about life and enjoying it, able to share his passion for wine and food, the region and a man who enveloped not only his own, much-loved family but a family of people who worked for and with him at Plantagenet Wines and within the local industry,” the statement said. Arriving in Australia as an English jackaroo in 1960, he went on to marry his wife Alison two years later. Leaving NSW in 1965, the couple bought a war service land settlement property in Denbarker and called it Bouverie — his mother’s maiden name. In 1974, the first crop of Bouverie grapes were picked and made into wine at Sandalford Wines in the Swan Valley. According to Mr Smith in 2004 as Plantagenet Wines celebrated its 30th anniversary, the first vines were planted “out of desperation... I was in the depths of despair”. The next year, in 1975, an apple packing shed was converted into the winery that has since become known across the country. Plantagenet Wines described Mr Smith’s legacy as “immeasurable”. The statement noted his decades-long list of accolades said it all. “His tireless work in the early years in the development and championing of the region, the State wine industry and his work at a national level have been foundational to the industry and its development.” However the proud Mt Barker man left a legacy that goes beyond the wine cellar. He had a big impact on local community groups and support services, including his church, with his quiet support and charity. The West Australian wine writer Ray Jordan met Mr Smith in the 1980s and had plenty to do with him over the next 40 years. “Tony Smith made an enormous contribution not only to Mt Barker and Great Southern wine industries but also to WA and Australian wine industries though his membership of many committees,” Jordan said. “He was a pioneering winemaker who did much to elevate the standard and recognition of wines locally.” Jordan described his fellow wine lover as a great person with an “incredible work ethic”. Wines of WA chief executive Larry Jorgensen said Mr Smith’s influence on wine in the region was “unparalleled”. Prior to working at a state level, Tony helped to form the Mount Barker Frankland Wine Producers Association working Betty Pearce in particular and other local colleagues. One of the most important legacies of this is the Wine Show of Western Australia, which was created in 1978. Today, the show is considered the premier review of WA wines across all regions and attracts the best wine judges and commentators from across Australia and internationally, Mr Jorgensen said. “Tony and Betty’s vision have inspired those who followed to dream big. The result speaks volumes to his legacy,” he said. “His generosity has ensured that our industry has grown with regard to our scale and contribution to local economies and the richness and diversity of the people who work in it.”