1856

Pettavel and the wine produced from their vineyards was such a success that plans for further vineyard development were made. The shortage of skilled labour became a major constraint to expansion. Pettavel returned to Switzerland to convince family and friends to join him to assist in the expansion of vineyards and wine production in Geelong. They sailed on the Evening Star in 1856. During the 19th century Geelong became the largest wine grape growing region in Victoria and one of the largest in Australia.