History

It was 1926 when the late Jim Talijancich arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia from Croatia to begin his new life.

The few years that followed saw him seek employment as a sleeper cutter in the forests of the South West.

In early 1932, after marrying Ljubica Svetanovich, they purchased their Swan Valley Vineyard and proceeded with their first vintage, making fortified wine from Muscat and Shiraz.

They had two children, Peter in 1932, and Katie a year later. Like many families in the Swan Valley, during these early years, times were extremely difficult and conditions harsh. In many ways, a day to day proposition. This was made even more difficult with the sudden passing of Jim Talijancich in 1945.

Peter was 13 years old and immediately ceased his schooling to work with his mother on the vineyard. Working with horse and plough had suddenly become one of the 13 year olds new tasks.

Talijancich Today

James and Hilda Talijancich purchased the winery and vineyard and moved into the winery homestead with their four children in 1998.

Since that period they have followed the bio-dynamic approach to viticulture, which is the strictest form of organic growing developed by Rudolph Steiner.

Talijancich Wines remains one of the few producers in the region that focuses on wines made solely from Swan Valley fruit, with the majority of their wines being estate grown.

James and Peter Talijancich in the vineyard

2009 saw the completion of the conversion of the winery homestead to the new Cellar Door Sales and Tasting Room. Allowing customers greater opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the wonderful wines on offer in a relaxed setting overlooking the vineyards and grounds.