Christmas in Wareham

In 1894, after nine months of travelling across the Americas, Fred Caley Smith boarded the SS Britannic from Manhattan for the trans-Atlantic crossing to England where he was to spend Christmas with his family in Wareham, Dorset.

Fred was greeted by his Wareham cousins and welcomed with an elaborate Christmas supper as the family came together and talked until the wee hours of the morning.

The following days were filled with festive cheer;

“We played games, sang and recited Christmas Carols both nights till 1.30 a.m. so we had a thoroughly good time and did not rise until 9.30 the next morn!

It was clear Fred felt at home, and after the many months of travel revelled in the comfort of being with family over Christmas.

“One’s own folks could not possibly be kinder than our Wareham cousins. We played 31’s, a card game till one o’clock & could hardly get away. It’s all right the youngest is only 40, so it’s quite safe!” The cousins remember the wonderful personality of dear old Grandfather, whose memory they cherish and revere as that of their own father.”

As we prepare to launch the fifth vintage of The Caley, we continue to cherish our past as we build for the future. This moment in time puts a spotlight on family and our roots. It was a special occasion for Fred to have this time together with his family after such a long time away from his home in Angaston. His fond memories penned in his letters home.

Time allows us to redefine moments in history and recognise the people who have had enormous impact. Reading these letters, we continue to recognise the importance of our family, the heritage, values and beliefs they held.

Surrounded by his family in Wareham, Fred could feel the strong influence of family and felt at home in their company. Imbued with wit, personality, commercial sense and fine humanitarian spirit he felt the tug of those who shared his sensibilities.

The continuity of family is what defines the provenance of The Caley Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz today. It drives our commitment to making fine wine and a consistent narrative, built around heritage, adventure and generosity.