AVONDALE, TOODYAY

‘In 1859, there were 30 acres of vines in the Toodyay district. On 12 January 1861, sub-Lot 9 was allotted to Thomas Goggins, an Enrolled Pensioner Guard. He and his family left for Adelaide in 1862. By 1864, W Bull in partnership with A Stevens had established Avondale on Sub Lot 9. Viticulture became a prosperous industry in the Toodyay Valley, with the most successful vignerons being Bull and Stevens.
In 1885, more land was acquired, and 40 acres of vines was planted in 1891. In that year, they produced 5000 gallons of wine, a ton of dessert raisins and 4-5 tons of pudding raisins, although demand still exceeded supply. Stimulated by the gold rushes, they planted another 15 acres of vines in 1892 and built a 60 x 22 ft storeroom. They also grew peaches, apples, oranges and lemons. The place was the showplace of the district where distinguished visitors were escorted, and school concerts and children’s parties took place.
In 1893, the first Vine and Fruit growers Association in the colony was formed in Toodyay. Talk of a co-operative winery was opposed by Bull & Stevens who left the Association and formed the Deepdale Farmers and Fruit growers Association. In 1899, Bull & Stevens purchased all the local grapes to make 10,000 gallons of wine and produced 3000 oranges. When a state-wide association was formed in 1900, W Bull was one of the committee members.
(ref: inHerit - State Heritage Office)