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History

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  • 1877
    Samuel McWilliam plants first vines at ‘Sunnyside' in Corowa, NSW
    1870
  • 1880
    Old Hill Vineyard planted, Hunter Valley
    1880
  • 1893
    Laira Vineyard established in Coonawarra
    Laira Vineyard established in Coonawarra
    1890
  • 1907
    JJ McWilliam buys ‘Sunnyside' from sisters
    JJ McWilliam buys ‘Sunnyside' from sisters
    1900
  • 1913
    McWilliam plants first vines in Riverina, establishing region
    1917
    McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Winery established
    1910
  • 1921
    Legendary Maurice O'Shea establishes Mount Pleasant
    Legendary Maurice O'Shea establishes Mount Pleasant
    1920
  • 1930
  • 1946
    Lovedale and Rosehill vineyards established
    1940
  • 1950
  • 1969
    Barwang story begins with first vines planted in Hilltops
    Barwang story begins with first vines planted in Hilltops
    1960
  • 1978
    Phil Ryan appointed Mount Pleasant Chief Winemaker
    1970
  • 1986
    Jim Brayne appointed McWilliam's Wines Chief Winemaker
    Jim Brayne appointed McWilliam's Wines Chief Winemaker
    1989
    McWilliam's Wines purchases the Barwang brand
    1980
  • 1990
    Half share of Brand's Laira purchased; inaugural Maurice O'Shea Industry Award introduced
    1994
    Yarra Valley's Lillydale Estate and remaining share of Brand's Laira purchased
    1996
    Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon ‘Best Wine of Competition' at Sydney International Top 100
    1990
  • 2002
    Celebration of 125th anniversary
    2006
    Catching Thieves launched
    2007
    Evans & Tate and X&Y welcomed to the family
    Evans & Tate and X&Y welcomed to the family
    2009
    McWilliam's Balance becomes the first wine to be endorsed by Weight Watchers.
    McWilliam's Balance becomes the first wine to be endorsed by Weight Watchers.
    2000
  • 2010
    McWilliams named '2010/11 Winery of the Year' in the Big Red Wine Book
    2012
    Most Successful Exhibitor at the Sydney Royal Wine Show for a record 18th consecutive year
    2010
  • 2020
  • 2030