Two of Margaret River Wine Region’s founding fathers, John Evans and John Tate, are the recipients of Margaret River Wine Association’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their contribution to the region with a friendship that began over 70 years ago..The duo, who planted some of the first roots of a now blossoming wine industry, began their foray into winemaking in the 60s, before purchasing and establishing a Margaret River vineyard in 1974. From there, Evans & Tate was born.
Over the next few years the two Johns would go on to plant Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon vines on their property, producing their very first wine in 1978.
In 1983, Tate purchased Evan’s share of the winery and went on to produce the Evans & Tate Margaret River Classic – one of the region’s most successful wines.
Both would go on to play pivotal roles in the West Australian wine industry, and while their priorities may have changed over the years, their friendship has remained the same.
For more read Margaret River Wine Association Chair Greg Wall’s presentation speech.