It is difficult to express the significance of Reg and Tina Egan, along with their Wantirna Estate, in the revitalisation of the Yarra Valley. The region may not be what it is today without their influence, and the modern history of the valley is deeply intertwined with their legacy.
The first vineyards in the Yarra Valley were planted in 1838 at Yering Station by the Ryrie brothers; however, modern viticulture in the area did not begin until 1963. At the beginning of the 1900s, approximately 400 hectares were under vine, cultivated by names that are still well-known today, such as Yeringberg, Yering Station, and St. Huberts. However, when Yeringberg recorded its final vintage in 1921, wine production in the Yarra Valley essentially came to a stop. By 1937, there were virtually no documented vineyards left in the valley.
Several factors contributed to the decline of the Yarra Valley wine industry, including changing consumer preferences towards fortified wines, the higher returns farmers could obtain from other crops and livestock, and the emergence of phylloxera. When Reg and Tina planted Wantirna Estate in 1963, it marked the beginning of a new wave of wine producers in the valley, with names like Mount Mary, Yarra Yering, and Seville Estate following suit soon after. This movement signified a return to the industry by those who had been there before, with Yeringberg and Yering Station resuming production. Today, the Yarra Valley is home to over 100 different wineries and plays a vital role in Australia's diverse winegrowing landscape.
At Wantirna Estate, the focus is on simplicity and crafting authentic wines that embody the pioneering spirit of the Egans. Maryann, Reg and Tina's daughter, now oversees winemaking, but as with all small vineyards, this is a family affair, and Reg still participates actively.