Penfolds
Founded in Adelaide by Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary in 1844, Penfolds stands as one of Australia's oldest and most revered wineries. Migrating from England, Dr. Penfold, a qualified physician, firmly believed in the medicinal properties of wine. He planted vine cuttings from France on their newly acquired "Mackgill (Magill) Estate," laying the foundation for a rich winemaking heritage. Their estate, featuring a cottage named "The Grange" after Mrs. Penfold's English home, would soon become a cornerstone of Australian wine history.
Following Dr. Penfold's passing in 1870, Mary Penfold continued their vision, growing the vineyards and winery into Adelaide's largest. The 1940s marked a pivotal shift under Max Schubert's guidance, who focused more on producing quality dry table wines over fortified ones.
A transformative moment occurred in 1951 when Schubert, inspired by his European tour, created the first experimental vintage of "Grange Hermitage" (later renamed "Grange"). This Shiraz-dominant wine, influenced by France's Rhône region, rose to become Australia's most celebrated wine.
Penfolds' portfolio extends beyond "Grange," featuring exceptional wines like "Bin 707" (Cabernet Sauvignon), "Bin 389" (Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz), "RWT - Bin 789" (Shiraz), and the flagship white wine "Yattarna" (oak-aged Chardonnay, first released in 1998). With vineyards primarily in South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Eden Valley, and the Adelaide Hills, Penfolds embodies the pinnacle of Australian winemaking, continuing to innovate and inspire wine enthusiasts worldwide.
