Penfolds

Penfolds, established in 1844, is one of Australia's most renowned and historic wineries, celebrated globally for its exceptional wines and pioneering spirit. Founded by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold, the business began with a focus on producing medicinal tonics before evolving into the production of premium wines. The winery’s legacy has been shaped by a lineage of influential winemakers, including the likes of Alf Vesey, Ray Beckwith, and the legendary Max Schubert, who created the iconic Grange in the 1950s. This legacy of innovation continues today under the leadership of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, who has been at the helm since 2002, ensuring Penfolds' tradition of excellence endures.

Penfolds is distinguished by its unique approach to viticulture and winemaking, characterised by a commitment to experimentation, blending, and a multi-regional sourcing strategy. This approach, known as the Penfolds ‘House Style,’ allows for the selection of the finest grapes from different vineyards across South Australia, including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra, to create wines with distinctive depth and complexity. Penfolds was one of the early adopters of controlled fermentation techniques, thanks to Ray Beckwith’s innovations, which greatly improved wine quality. The introduction of ‘bin wines,’ starting with the Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz, showcases Penfolds’ philosophy of naming wines based on their cellar storage locations. This practice, alongside Schubert’s Grange, has solidified Penfolds’ reputation for producing wines that are both consistent and iconic.

Penfolds' commitment to sustainability is embodied in its "Evermore" initiative, which outlines the winery’s dedication to positive environmental impact and community engagement. The strategy focuses on three key areas: Community and Culture, Future Winemaking, and Towards Sustainability. Penfolds actively supports local and global communities, fosters the next generation of winemakers, and advances sustainable practices in viticulture and production. The winery is investing in innovative techniques to minimise its environmental footprint, including water conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable vineyard management. Penfolds’ ongoing dedication to sustainability ensures that it remains a leader not only in winemaking but also in the responsible stewardship of natural resources, securing its legacy for future generations.