The Margaret River region of Australia’s south-west is the traditional land of the Wadandi people. It is also internationally renowned for its award-winning wines and is now home to more than 200 wineries, predominantly boutique style, producing more than 20% of Australia’s premium wine market.
The Way It Was tells the story of the early days of the region’s wine industry, from the first plantings by Dr Tom Cullity in 1967 through an informative text and many illustrations. Authors Ray Jordan and Peter Forrestal, peel back the layers of this fascinating story to reveal men and women who, fifty years ago, risked the lot to pursue wine excellence in the special soils of the Margaret River region.
Meet the scientist whose research led him to believe that the South West could produce wine gems; the politician who could see that a successful premium wine industry could put Western Australia on the map; and the clutch of men and women who battled nature and the unknown to establish wineries that are, half a century on, the toast of the country.
The book will be your ideal companion as you tour the region, visit cellar doors, and discover the relatively recent history of one of Australia’s most successful wine producing regions.
Deep dive into the map below to plan your visits to some of the wineries featured in this unique local history of the region and check the book post for details of where to purchase The Way it Was.