TWO descendants of former Seppelt employees returned to the Great Western winery on Saturday almost 100 years after their fathers worked there.
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The two men, Reg Mowatt and Glen Hurley visited Seppelt to tour the underground drives and original homestead Vine Lodge.
Both their fathers lived at the homestead.
They are the sons of former Seppelt employees Reginald Mowatt and Leo Hurley.
Mr Mowatt visited from Sydney to retrace his father’s history.
He met with Great Western resident Glen Hurley, whose father was a colleague and friend of his father.
Reginald Mowatt was appointed Seppelt manager in 1918.
He took up residence at Vine Lodge.
The elder Mowatt then offered Leo Hurley work in the wine laboratory with a room at neighbouring Bests Cottage.
Mr Hurley’s wife worked as housekeeper and cook at Vine Lodge for the Mowatts.
Mr Mowatt resigned to work with Leo Buring in Sydney and was succeeded by Colin Preece in 1932 while Mr Hurley continued on to work for Seppelt for 50 years.
Their time was noted for outstanding Champagne and sparkling Burgundy shiraz wines.
Seppelt announced in early March that its Great Western Cellar Door, tours of the drives underground cellars, accommodation and function facilities will remain open in a partnership with Great Western Enterprises.
There are also plans for cash raised from tours of the drives underground cellars to contribute to the development and growth of the Great Western township through the Great Western Future Plan.
It is a fundraising initiative of the Northern Grampians Shire Council and Great Western community.