Hans Irvine

Hans William Henry Irvine (2 August 1856 – 11 July 1922) was an Australian politician and vigneron. Irvine was born in Melbourne on 2 August 1856 to flour-miller John William Henry Irvine and Mary, née Gray. His father had a business at Learmonth, near Ballarat. Apprenticed to a printing firm in order to learn lithography, Hans was soon foreman and acquired a share in the business. He also worked for the Australian Natives Association. He married Mary Jane Robinson (died 1915) on 7 October 1885 at Ballarat East; the couple had no children. Irvine's wealth grew as he invested in various enterprises, including land, mining, and viticulture. In 1888, having sold his interest in the printing trade, he bought the Great Western vineyard and...