The success of Penfolds has been driven by the generations of visionaries and innovators. From the beginning in 1844 to today, the merging of science, art and innovation has driven Penfolds to become one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers.
We are borne from pioneers who had curiosity and just ‘had a go’. In 1844 Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in the new world onboard the Taglioni with a vine cutting and a bold vision.
The family purchased 500 acres of ‘the choicest land’ in early colonial South Australia and set about inventing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine.
From unknown soils in a faraway land, a world class winery grew.
For over 170 years, three distinct styles have underpinned our winemaking philosophy: single vineyard or single block, single region or sub-region, multi-region, and multi-varietal blending.
Our single vineyard and single block wines are celebrated for their unique terroir and sense of place. These include Magill Estate Shiraz, Kalimna Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar Reserve Kalimna Block 25 Mataro, and Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz.
Similarly, our wines sourced from a single region or sub-region represent the best of what that region or sub-region can offer. These wines are regarded for their optimised regional character and microclimate variants such as soil, drainage and aspect. Examples include RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz, Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz, Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz and Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir.
Finally, both multi-region and multi-varietal blending exemplify what Penfolds is best known for from a winemaking perspective – crafting wines to a house style. Penfolds Grange is the original and most powerful expression of this blending philosophy, which results in a consistency of style and quality across vintages. Other examples of this style include St Henri Shiraz, Yattarna, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz and Grandfather Rare Tawny.