Almost four-and-a-half decades after he helped his parents plant the first vines in the soil of their Walmsley farm, Rob Wignall has called time on one of the Great Southern’s most beloved wineries.

The lifelong vino aficionado said that Saturday — the last trading day at Wignalls winery and cellar door — was a bittersweet moment for him and his wife, co-owner Claire.

“We made the announcement on Thursday and then on Saturday, the first two hours was insane,” he said.

“We got here 10 o’clock for an 11 o’clock opening, and cars were waiting with about half of Albany here.

“Saturday was easy and tough in that we sold pretty much everything, all the wine, but also I think overall, people were a bit shocked, saying they can’t believe it and they’re so sad.

“The internal wine industry has

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