Stuart McWilliam was known as much for his generosity as his wine achievements. Photo: Supplied.
Few people have left a mark on Griffith’s wine industry and community quite like Stuart McWilliam.
Today (19 June), marks what would have been the 100th birthday of the respected winemaker, community leader and philanthropist whose influence can still be seen across the Riverina.
A third-generation member of the pioneering McWilliam wine family, Stuart was the grandson of John James (J.J.) McWilliam, who established vineyards at Hanwood in 1913 and built the Riverina’s first winery in 1917.
The son of Jack McWilliam, Stuart rose to become general manager of the family business and played a key role in expanding and modernising McWilliam’s operations as it grew into one of Australia’s largest and most recognised wine companies.
When Stuart died in November 2015, tributes flowed from across the region. Months later, he was posthumously appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the wine industry and to the Griffith community.
Grandson Greg McWilliam said his grandfather was remembered as much for his kindness as for his business achievements.
“He was well respected and had a caring nature. You couldn’t say a bad word about him, even if you looked for one,” Greg said.
“I loved his zest for life and the way he treated people. Whenever he was doing the rounds in town, he’d always make time for a chat.
“He kept chickens and was always giving away eggs.”
One of the most visible reminders of the McWilliam family’s legacy is Griffith’s iconic Big Wine Barrel at Hanwood.
Andrew Calabria and Scott McWilliam outside the Big Wine Barrell. Scott, a sixth-generation member of the McWilliam wine family, is from the same pioneering family lineage as Stuart. Photo: McWilliam Wine.
The giant, wine barrel-shaped cellar door opened in 1973 and became one of the region’s best-known tourist attractions. While it closed following the collapse of McWilliam’s Wines in 2020, it was revived after Calabria Family Wines acquired the site and reopened the attraction in 2023.
Calabria Wines owner Bill Calabria said preserving the McWilliam legacy was important for the region.
“The McWilliams led the way and helped attract other people to the region. My father started making wine because of them,” he said.
“It’s all because of the leadership that the McWilliam family provided.
“We want to keep the McWilliam name alive and preserve its history.”
Beyond wine, Stuart devoted countless hours to community causes. He was heavily involved in establishing St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital and aged care provider Pioneer Lodge, helping shape services that continue to support local families today.
Greg, the son of Stuart’s son Stephen and daughter-in-law Suzanne, spent plenty of time with his grandfather before moving to Sydney to pursue a career as a baker.
Stuart McWilliam shares a drop with then NSW Premier Bob Askin. Photo: McWilliam Wine.
He remembers Stuart’s love of farming and gardening as much as his success in business.
“He bought his first piece of farming land on Bromley Road and sold it to the Bonetti family in the late 1990s,” Greg said.
“As part of the deal, he and my grandmother Margaret were able to stay there for the rest of their lives.
“He had about 450 varieties of roses. He loved them and looked after them meticulously.
“When maintaining them became too much, he got someone to help, but he still gave the flowers away to people.”
Reflecting on the losses of recent years, Greg said thoughts of his grandfather remained close.
“My mum passed away from breast cancer about 30 years ago and my dad passed away during COVID,” he said.
“I think about Mum, Dad and Grandad every day.”
