As lovers of wine, the Rathbone family had contemplated the idea of becoming wine producers for many years. Their dream didn't become a reality until the family purchased a vegetable farm in the Yarra Valley in 1995 which was to become the Laura Barnes Vineyard. With the family’s background in agriculture and manufacturing, and their passion for the wine industry, it wasn’t long before the Rathbones expanded their interests and purchased Yering Station in 1996. This natural progression, coupled with a combination of family talents, allowed them to develop a successful business around quality wine. From here they were able to expand their vineyards, construct a state-of-the-art winery and create a tourist destination.

In 2002 the Rathbone family decided to expand the family business, hunting for wineries that would complement Yering Station in exceptional quality yet differ in style. Later that year they purchased Mount Langi Ghiran in the Grampians wine region in Victoria. Mount Langi Ghiran is renowned for its exceptional and distinctive cool climate Shiraz, and produces excellent Cabernet, Riesling and Pinot Gris. In 2004, the family purchased Parker Estate, in Coonawarra South Australia; a winery with a reputation for excellent Cabernets.

Having established themselves in the Yarra Valley, Western Victoria and Coonawarra in South Australa, Margaret River was the next region to capture their attention. In 2005 they saw the potential in Xanadu Wines and transformed it into the award winning winery it is today.

Today the Rathbone family is committed to producing wines of quality and distinction and providing an environment that allows its passionate young teams to thrive.