Celebrating 50 Years of Evans & Tate
One of the pioneering wineries in Margaret River, our story started in 1971 when John Evans and John Tate established Evans & Tate.
With the purchase of a small winery, located in the historic Swan Valley, an icon was created. Many will fondly remember the Gnangara range that introduced an entire generation to drinking quality Western Australian wine. The Gnangara wines featured a purity of fruit expression and flavour that had never been seen before in Western Australian wines, an early indicator of what Evans & Tate is capable of.
Three years later in 1974, our founders selected the perfect site in Wilyabrup, in WA’s South West, and named the vineyard Redbrook. Today the vines are some of the oldest in Margaret River and produce world-class wines. Over the ensuing years Evans & Tate grew into one of Western Australia’s most respected and successful wine companies.
Across all of our ranges, we have set a high standard of excellence, combining originality with a clear regional style. Since its introduction in 1987, the Classic range has earned its place in the hearts of wine lovers and is now the number one selling Margaret River wine. The range embodies the sun, surf and relaxed lifestyle of Margaret River by delivering wines that are progressive, varietally distinctive and made with the greatest care.
We adhere to a philosophy of quality and distinction in everything we do, from the trusted and familiar styles that have been the anchor of Evans & Tate for decades, to fresh and progressive wines that lead the industry and challenge wine lovers. The Redbrook Reserve range represents the pinnacle of Evans & Tate’s winemaking. Encompassing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with fruit sourced from our original 1974 Redbrook site, the Redbook varietals are a bold, thought-provoking expression of the region.
“At Evans & Tate we have a wine for every occasion. The winemaking and vineyard teams led by Matt Byrne continue to produce outstanding wines setting a benchmark for quality and consistency. From the largest selling Margaret River wine, our Classic Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, to the multi-award-winning Redbrook ranges, the passion and attention to detail shines through. It’s E&T’s approachable nature and high level of consistency that has allowed the Evans & Tate brand to grow into one of Margaret River’s favourites, but in our 50th Year it’s the ongoing passion to continually improve in all we do that will see us prosper into the next 50,” said Paul Dargue, Evans & Tate General Manager.
Celebrating 50 years of Evans & Tate coincides with another significant milestone. In 2001 Matt Byrne commenced as Head Winemaker, a 20-year stewardship that has consistently produced top-quality, region-defining wines. The diversity in fruit selection, in a region spanning 100km from north to south, allows Matt Byrne to source grapes from carefully selected sites and focus on the desired characteristics of elegance, structure, natural acidity and length of flavour.
Our history of winemaking excellence is reflected by the national and international acclaim our wines receive. The Fogarty family – custodians of Evans & Tate – are committed to building on its status as Australia’s bestselling Margaret River wine brand.
“I am proud to have two of Margaret River’s finest wine brands in our portfolio. Bringing Deep Woods Estate and the iconic Evans & Tate together is a great outcome for Margaret River, particularly as Evans & Tate celebrates its 50th anniversary year. I see a huge opportunity in focusing on the quality of the Redbrook wines and building on the strength we have achieved at Deep Woods. So that we can have two of the best Cabernets and Chardonnays coming out of Margaret River that we can share with the world," said Peter Fogarty, Fogarty Wine Group Chairman.
Since 1971 Evans & Tate has built on a legacy of producing wine that encapsulates the character of our magnificent vineyards. We are indebted to our loyal customers as we head towards another 50 years of crafting fine wine. The passion of our founders endures.