Seeing the potential, Albury’s first mayor, James Fallon, became a leader in this new Australian product.

Fallon purchased East Lavington’s Murray Valley Vineyard in 1867, as well as various cellars in Albury and Melbourne.

He promoted his wine to a global market and supported skilled winemakers to move to the area, including viticulturist John Delappe Lankester.

Born 1837 in Litchfield, England, Lankester arrived in Sydney in 1849 as a child with his family.

Before arriving in Albury, Lankester spent some time in the Paterson River district in the Hunter Valley before returning to Sydney, where his father opened offices for Dr Lindeman’s wine business.

Henry Lindeman established one of the Hunter Valley’s earliest vineyards in 1853.

Lankester arrived in Albury to manage Murray Valley Vineyards in 1868.

The vineyard was the largest in Albury.

Lankester managed the property for five years before moving to the Ettamogah Vineyard, owned by Harbottle, Alsop & Co.

At its peak, Albury and district wines won awards in London, Paris, Bordeaux, Philadelphia, Chicago, St Louis and Calcutta.

When Lankester arrived in Albury, Lankester was married – he and his wife had five boys and three girls.

Lankester purchased a property in the 1870s alongside Ettamogah called Emu Park, where he built a homestead.

This land of 160 acres (64.7497 hectares) was granted by the Crown in recognition of his work with the volunteer forces during his youth.

Here, Lankester produced wine for his own use while continuing to manage the Ettamogah Vineyard.

As a nationally recognised wine expert, Lankester’s experience was sought far and wide.

He was a fine wine judge, respected in New South Wales and Victoria.

At the top of his field, Lankester was appointed as the sole judge at the South Australian wine exhibition in Adelaide.

Lankester remained in personal charge of the two properties for 46 years.

He eventually retired in 1919 at 82 years of age.

He continued as a member of the Albury and Border Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society where he also served as vice-president for 25 years.

In 1937, Lankester celebrated his 100th birthday, and was the oldest resident of Albury. He died months later.

The wine industry faded in the 20th century, however the evidence of Albury’s vineyards remains throughout the region.  

Next Thursday, March 7, celebrate these stories at the Albury Library Museum’s launch of Cheers! Celebrating the Hidden History of Albury’s Vineyards.

Albury & District Historical Society meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

The historical society's next meeting is at the Commercial Club Albury from 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 13. 

Norm Halburd will be speaking about his appointment in 1978 as Commonwealth quarantine officer at the new Port of Albury-Wodonga, and also of his earlier roles as a fruit fly block inspector and a horticultural certification officer.  All welcome. 

‘Like’ the group's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Albury.DHS/