29/06/2026
We are delighted to note that in the recently announced King’s Birthday Honours, the late Antony (Tony) Smith - one of the founders of Plantagenet Wines in 1968 - was posthumously awarded the Order of Australia for service to oenology.
Tony was a fierce advocate for Western Australian wine in the establishment years and served in many capacities to assist the development of the Industry.
Some of his roles were:
- Co Founder and President, WA Grape Growers and Wine Producers Association
- Co founder of the Wine Show of WA
- Vice Chair of the Small Winemakers Forum
- Co founder and member of the Australian Geographical Indications Committee
- President of WA wine
- Co founder of the Wine Producers Association
Within the community Tony was tireless contributer to Rotary Club, APEX, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Mount Barker Community College, Mount Barker hospital and the creator of the Tony Smith Rotary young winemaker scholarship.
He was awarded the Jack Mann award in 1995, Patron of Australian Grape and Wine in 2001, a life membership of the Mount Barker Wine Producers in 2001 and a life membership of Wines of WA.
A thoroughly deserving recipient of this recognition and Plantagenet Wines to this day is proud to reflect and continue the values that Tony established and lived by.