Penfolds – A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence in Australian Winemaking

More Than 180 Years of Craftsmanship

Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected wineries, recognized worldwide for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the pursuit of exceptional wine. What began as a small vineyard in Magill Estate, South Australia, has evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine house whose labels are enjoyed by collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals across the globe.

Today, Penfolds represents more than a winery—it is a symbol of Australian winemaking excellence, blending nearly two centuries of heritage with a forward-looking vision that continues to shape the global wine industry.

A Story That Began in 1844

Penfolds was established by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary Penfold, who emigrated from England to South Australia with vine cuttings from Europe. Initially, the wines were produced for medicinal purposes, reflecting the common practices of the mid-19th century.

Following Christopher’s passing in 1870, Mary Penfold assumed leadership of the estate. Her remarkable dedication and business acumen transformed Penfolds from a modest family vineyard into one of South Australia’s leading wine producers. At a time when female leadership was rare in the wine industry, Mary laid the foundation for the company’s enduring success.

A Tradition Built on Innovation

Throughout its history, Penfolds has embraced innovation while remaining deeply respectful of tradition.

One of the defining moments came in 1948, when Max Schubert was appointed Chief Winemaker. Inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux, Schubert pursued an ambitious vision: to create a premium Australian red wine capable of aging gracefully for decades.

This vision led to the creation of Penfolds Grange, now regarded as one of the world’s most iconic wines and widely recognized as Australia’s flagship fine wine.

Penfolds has continued this innovative spirit through generations of winemakers, refining techniques while preserving the distinctive style that defines the brand today.

The Penfolds House Style

Unlike many wineries that focus exclusively on a single vineyard or appellation, Penfolds has built its reputation on a unique philosophy known as the House Style.

Rather than emphasizing terroir alone, Penfolds carefully selects premium fruit from multiple renowned wine regions across Australia. This approach enables the winemaking team to craft wines with remarkable consistency, complexity, and balance regardless of seasonal variation.

The House Style reflects a commitment to:

• Exceptional fruit quality
• Masterful blending techniques
• Long-term cellaring potential
• Consistency across vintages
• Continuous innovation without compromising heritage

This philosophy has become one of the defining characteristics that distinguish Penfolds from wineries around the world.

Australia’s Finest Wine Regions

Penfolds sources grapes from many of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions, including:

• Barossa Valley
• McLaren Vale
• Coonawarra
• Adelaide Hills
• Clare Valley
• Eden Valley
• Tasmania

In recent years, the winery has also expanded its international winemaking projects into regions such as California, Bordeaux, and Champagne, reflecting its ambition to explore new expressions while maintaining the Penfolds identity.

Iconic Wine Collections

Over nearly two centuries, Penfolds has developed an impressive portfolio ranging from everyday premium wines to highly collectible icons.

Its best-known collections include:

Icon Collection

Featuring legendary wines such as Grange, Yattarna, St Henri, and RWT, this collection represents the pinnacle of Penfolds’ winemaking expertise.

Bin Series

The famous Bin Series showcases Penfolds’ blending philosophy through wines such as Bin 28 Shiraz, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon. Each “Bin” number originally referred to the storage bin where the wines matured before release.

Max’s Collection

Created to honor former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert, this range reflects Penfolds’ heritage while offering approachable expressions for modern wine lovers.

Koonunga Hill

An accessible collection that introduces consumers to the Penfolds style while maintaining the winery’s commitment to quality.

A Global Reputation

Today, Penfolds wines are distributed in more than 100 markets worldwide and are regularly featured in prestigious restaurants, luxury hotels, private collections, and international wine auctions.

Many Penfolds wines have received top ratings from leading wine critics and continue to demonstrate outstanding aging potential, reinforcing the winery’s reputation among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

As part of Treasury Wine Estates, Penfolds continues to expand its global presence while preserving the craftsmanship and philosophy established more than 180 years ago.

Looking Toward the Future

Innovation has always been central to the Penfolds identity.

While honoring its rich heritage, the winery continues to explore new vineyards, new regions, and new winemaking possibilities through collaborative international projects and ongoing research.

This balance between tradition and innovation ensures that Penfolds remains one of the world’s most influential and respected wine producers.

Partnering with Excellence

At Wineup, we value partnerships with wineries that represent authenticity, craftsmanship, and enduring quality. Penfolds embodies these values through nearly two centuries of dedication to fine winemaking, making it one of the most respected names in the global wine community.

Whether appreciated by collectors, hospitality professionals, or wine enthusiasts, Penfolds continues to set the benchmark for Australian fine wine and remains an inspiring example of how heritage and innovation can coexist to create wines of lasting significance.