First Vintage

Overview

Exploring the forgotten history of the early Australian wine industry, this book reveals the challenges of choosing vine stock, the battles to protect against pests and diseases, and the innovation of new technologies that assisted small-scale growers, many of whom worked in wine regions that have since vanished from the landscape and memory for much of the 20th century. Few people know that vine cuttings were brought to Australia on the First Fleet and planted in Governor Arthur Phillip’s garden at Circular Quay. Or that botanist and champion of colonial development Joseph Banks encouraged plans to create a wine industry from the earliest years of the colony. In addition, before the assisted migration of German vinedressers in the 1830s, any convict or free settler with a hint of vine-growing or wine-making expertise was quickly drafted to the cause. This colorful history is the first to trace wine growing, making, and drinking in colonial New South Wales.

Reviews

"Deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf."  —James Halliday, writer and critic, Australian Wine Companion

"Sheds exciting new light on the vine’s colonization of a new land and the experiences of Australia’s pioneer winemakers. A book that wine and history enthusiasts will enjoy and find rewarding."  —Dr. David Dunstan, professor, Monash University

Author Biography

Julie McIntyre is a historian, blogger, and broadcaster who specializes in wine studies. Her radio documentary series "Vintage Stories" aired on ABC in 2009. She teaches Australian and European history at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales.