Winery stands test of time

The Tyrer family are proud to celebrate Galafrey Wines’ 40th Anniversary.

Originating in Mt Barker, the winery has long roots in the Great Southern region.

Ian and Linda Tyrer, founders of Galafrey Wines, built their winery in Mt Barker after quitting their high- profile jobs in the computer industry.

Sadly, within their first year in Mt Barker, their wine operation was greatly affected by Cyclone Alby, the most devastating tropical cyclone that ever impacted on the South West.

The Tyrer family had to move their wine operations to Plantagenet and Albany before finally returning to Mt Barker.

But their years of hard work have been rewarded, with multiple awards and national recognition.

In 1987, a Galafrey cabernet sauvignon was named best cabernet in a WA wine show and in 1991 a Galafrey riesling won a trophy at the Sydney International Top 100.

Three years later, a riesling was crowned as the Top WA Riesling at the SGIO Awards.

Now, Galafrey Wines is run by Ian and Linda Tyrer’s daughter Kim Tyrer.

“There have been various gold medals and awards over the years, too many to mention them all” she said. “It’s been a long road with lots of ups and downs — none more so than the last 15 years”

However, the biggest lost the winery experienced was last year, when Ian Tyrer lost his battle with cancer.

“Many rumours began and people began to question the future of Galafrey without Ian” Ms Tyrer said.

“Not only did we have a steep learning curve but it was a difficult time both personally and professional.”

But through persistence and hard work, Linda and Kim managed to carry on.

“It has been an incredible journey — building Galafrey Wines quite literally from the ground up and now looking forward to the next 40 years,” Ms Tyrer said.