Penfolds
Grange — Australia's most celebrated red wine and the definitive expression of Australian Shiraz, first made by Max Schubert in 1951
Est. 1844Australia
About
Penfolds is Australia's most iconic wine producer, established in 1844 by Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold at Magill Estate in South Australia. Built on a philosophy of multi-regional blending and an unwavering commitment to house style, Penfolds produces wines across every tier from the accessible Bin range to the legendary Grange — Australia's most celebrated red wine and one of the most collected wines in the world. With six regions linked and a portfolio spanning more than 175 years of continuous production, Penfolds remains the defining benchmark of Australian fine wine.
Regions
CoonawarraBarossa ValleyLanghorne CreekAdelaide HillsClare ValleyMcLaren Vale
History
1844 — Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary emigrate from Sussex to South Australia, planting vine cuttings at Magill Estate. Wine is initially produced for medicinal purposes.
1870 — Following Christopher's death, Mary Penfold takes control of the business and expands the winery, one of the first women to lead a commercial wine enterprise in Australia.
1948 — Max Schubert is appointed Chief Winemaker, beginning one of the most consequential tenures in Australian wine history.
1951 — Max Schubert creates the first vintage of Grange, inspired by his travels to Bordeaux. The wine is initially rejected by Penfolds management but continues in secret production.
1960 — Grange is reinstated officially after early vintages begin winning major awards. It goes on to become Australia's most acclaimed wine.
1986 — Grange is declared a South Australian Heritage Icon — the first wine to receive the designation.
2002 — Peter Gago is appointed Chief Winemaker, becoming the fourth custodian of Grange.
Today — Penfolds produces wines across Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills and beyond, with Grange remaining in continuous annual production and the Bin range among Australia's most recognised wine labels.
1870 — Following Christopher's death, Mary Penfold takes control of the business and expands the winery, one of the first women to lead a commercial wine enterprise in Australia.
1948 — Max Schubert is appointed Chief Winemaker, beginning one of the most consequential tenures in Australian wine history.
1951 — Max Schubert creates the first vintage of Grange, inspired by his travels to Bordeaux. The wine is initially rejected by Penfolds management but continues in secret production.
1960 — Grange is reinstated officially after early vintages begin winning major awards. It goes on to become Australia's most acclaimed wine.
1986 — Grange is declared a South Australian Heritage Icon — the first wine to receive the designation.
2002 — Peter Gago is appointed Chief Winemaker, becoming the fourth custodian of Grange.
Today — Penfolds produces wines across Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills and beyond, with Grange remaining in continuous annual production and the Bin range among Australia's most recognised wine labels.
Philosophy
Penfolds is guided by a philosophy of multi-regional blending and the pursuit of a consistent house style across every tier of the portfolio. Rather than expressing a single vineyard or region, Penfolds sources fruit from Australia's finest sites — Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills and beyond — combining them with precision to achieve wines of depth, balance and longevity. The winery's commitment to continuity is embodied in Grange, which has been produced in an unbroken line since 1951 and remains the benchmark against which Australian red wine is measured.
Winemaking
Winemaker: Peter Gago