Milawa

Distinguished and Famous people from Milawa

🍇 John Francis Brown

John Francis Brown planted ten acres of vines at Milawa in 1885, beginning the vineyard behind the Brown Brothers business. The first vintage followed in 1889, made in an old barn that remained part of the property’s story. Later generations continued the work, developing new varieties and approaches while retaining Milawa as a base. The early planting included Riesling, Muscat and Shiraz, a practical beginning for a business later known for experimentation. His contribution links a particular family and vineyard with the town’s development as a place associated with food and wine.

🧀 David and Annie Brown

David and Annie Brown’s Milawa enterprise began with a memorable blue cheese tasted in northern Italy. Unable to find a comparable cheese at home, they bought the old local butter factory and set about making one. David worked with cheesemaker Richard Thomas as the business developed from 1988. The story has a pleasingly ambitious answer to a disappointed shopping trip: acquire a factory and learn the craft yourself. Their work gave a former dairy building a new purpose and added another distinct strand to Milawa’s food culture, alongside the vineyards and other local producers.