Almost 100 years since JJ McWilliam made the fateful trip from Junee to Hanwood, his legacy will be honoured at special centenary events next month.

The McWilliam Wines Hanwood founder was granted Farm 133 on August 12, 1913, planting his first vineyard the following July.

With the help of son Jack, Mr McWilliam built the region’s foundation winery from the ground up, laying the groundwork for an empire that still thrives today.

By the late 20s, JJ McWilliam and Sons had become the state’s leading producer, establishing a second winery at Yenda in 1922.

In honour of his contribution, a plaque will be unveiled at Pioneer Park next month, while a special family celebration weekend will take place on August 10 and 11.

McWilliam’s chairman Doug McWilliam – JJ’s great-grandson – said it was a magic milestone for the family.

“It’s significant in itself that one family has operated a winery for 100 years in the irrigation area,” Mr McWilliam said.

“We’re still a family company, we’re still in business, and it speaks volumes for the viability of the MIA as a hub for industry and horticulture.”

The winery will also release two special vintage ports – named simply “Jack” and “Glen” – to mark the contribution of JJ’s sons in the development of the Hanwood site.

Mr McWilliam said the local winery landscape had changed irrevocably since 1913.

“The change from fortified to table wines here in the 50s and 60s was enormous, as was the use of stainless steel tanks and other technological breakthroughs like refrigeration and special filtration techniques.”

He said the biggest change, however, had been the emergence of the supermarket duopoly in liquor retailing.