Mornington Peninsula wine pioneer mourned

Baillieu Myer

Baillieu Myer, the only surviving son of the founder of the Myer retailing dynasty Sidney Myer and a Mornington Peninsula wine pioneer, died over the weekend in the family home at Merricks, south-east of Melbourne. He was 96.

Myer and his wife Sarah established Elgee Park in 1955 and planted the vineyard 1972, leading the way for viticulture and winemaking on the Peninsula.

He was one of the founding members of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association in 1982, which brought the region together with a collective vision and focus on building a successful wine industry.In 2021 the Myers launched the Dr Allan Antcliff Viticulturist of the Year Award to celebrate the work of winegrowers across the region.

"We are going to miss Bails and his love for the Mornington Peninsula, his thoughtfulness and his humour, as well the contribution to the growth and success of Mornington Peninsula Wine," the MPVA said in a statement.

Myer was the owner and vigneron at Elgee Park.

He is survived by his wife Sarah and three children.