James Wardlaw Disher, born in Tiverton, Scotland, arrived in South Australia on October 29, 1839, aboard the "Palmyra" and passed away on August 6, 1901, in Charleston, Unley, South Australia. William Milne, later Sir William Milne, born on May 17, 1822, in West Common near Glasgow, Scotland, also arrived on the "Palmyra" and died on April 23, 1895, in Mt. Lofty, South Australia.

In approximately 1845, J.W. Disher and his brother-in-law, W. Milne, leased Patrick Auld's wine and spirit business in Hindley Street, Adelaide, eventually purchasing it in 1849. Their operation included a wine vault and store alongside the White Hart Inn. They were known for selling Carrara waters and Cape wines. Disher & Milne were unique in their involvement in both the wine and aerated waters market. After their partnership dissolved in 1853, J.W. Disher partnered with James V. Manford until 1854 when they dissolved the business. Then, Disher partnered with his brother Robert as Disher Bros. until 1855.

Meanwhile, William Milne continued in the industry until his retirement in 1857. In 1867, he built a distillery at his estate, Sunnyside, Glen Osmond. He held political office from 1857 to 1881, representing Onkaparinga in the Assembly and later serving in the Legislative Council. He was knighted in 1876 and became a prominent figure in South Australian politics.

Disher & Milne

Company ID : 5.001.S059

Hindley Street,Adelaide

Established : 1845

Closed : 1853