Three cheers for vineyards history

In the late 1800s, Albury was one of the biggest producers of wine in Australia.

After the German families of Schubach, Frauenfelder and Rau planted their first vines in 1849, the Albury region became rich with vineyards.

The town’s first Mayor, James Fallon, was a champion of Australian wine overseas, argued against unfair tariffs and brought key winemakers John Lankester and Gustave Frere to Albury.

Long-forgotten vineyards have left a legacy for the modern city but their history remains largely unknown.

Now, Cheers:  the Hidden History of Albury’s Vineyards brings together decades of research to showcase the people and places that once put Albury on the national wine-making map.

Featuring images of the vineyards, wine-making equipment used locally, medals won by Fallon and a map showing the range of vineyards in Albury, Thurgoona and Ettamogah, Cheers will be launched by Ken Helm, a modern-day winemaker and descendant of early Albury winemakers, tonight.

Stephen Altmeier of Splitter’s Creek Vineyard will also be speaking and there will be tastings from Splitter’s Creek and Posh Plonk.

The exhibition is open now, ensuring new light is shed on history that is all around us but rarely seen.