The history that is Australian Winemakers is one that is steeped in tradition, hard work and a passion for the Australian wine industry. Lou Baggio’s (Founder of Australian Winemakers) father, Anthony, had been a cooper by trade since the 1930’s. Growing up in the Northern Italian Province of Treviso, Lou grew up learning the intricacies from his father and then went on to manufacturing basket presses himself. Growing up in the Treviso region that is the home of wine making equipment, iconic brands such as Della Tofolla, Veso, Cadalpe, Padovan, we can see that the passion runs through the veins of this third generation business. During the cultural immigration explosion in the late 1950’s, Lou migrated to Australia and worked as an engineer for General Motors Holden. Identifying the cultural changes that existed in Australia at the time, Lou was driven back to his roots of making basket presses for the immigrants that were demanding this equipment during that time. At the time the demand came from German and Italian winemakers along with a strong demand from home wine makers. Pictured here in the beginning at the 3 Kerr St Preston factory, Lou stands in front of a truck load of basket presses making there way to equipment suppliers. Lou manufactured the basket presses that were then sold to equipment suppliers that supplied the wine industry Australia wide. In the early 1980’s, Lou’s wife, Celeste opened the iconic retail store, ‘Cellar Plus’, that is located opposite Victoria Market in North Melbourne. Starting out in Victoria Street the store relocated to its Peel Street location, where it is still found today. This store remains an institution to winemakers and you are still able to visit Celeste for her helpful advice and warm personality that continues to flourish throughout the store. Today the Peel Street, North Melbourne, store is joined by 4 other stores throughout Australia, in Epping and Clayton, Victoria, Regency Park in South Australia and Griffith in New South Wales. Although we are growing, the passion and genuine service and advice continue to remain a foundation of Australian Winemakers. Coming on to 40 years of service to the Australian wine industry, Australian Winemakers are proud to remain committed to this exciting industry.