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Making remarkable wines since 1844.

Making remarkable wines
since 1844.

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The Penfolds Winemaking Team at Magill Estate

Our Winemakers

Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 175 years.

Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 200 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.

All winemakers should possess a good fertile imagination if they are to be successful in their craft.

MAX SCHUBERT

PENFOLDS FIRST CHIEF WINEMAKER

Peter Gago

Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Peter launched his career as a chemistry and mathematics teacher before succumbing to a long-held interest in wine. After graduating as dux from a Bachelor of Applied Science (Oenology) at Roseworthy College, Peter joined the winemaking team in 1989, initially in the craftsmanship of sparkling wines, before moving on to reds as Penfolds Red Wine Oenologist. In 2002 Peter became the fourth ever Chief Winemaker for Penfolds. Peter’s careful custodianship has ensured that Grange and the other ‘older’ members of the Penfolds family, have continued to set the benchmark for their style and quality, while new additions to the range push the boundaries ever wider.

In 2017, Peter was recognised for his work in the Australian wine industry, becoming South Australia’s Great Wine Capitals Global Ambassador, and received the significant honour, his appointment as a Companion of The Order of Australia (AC). In 2018 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia. In 2021, Peter joined Decanter’s prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’.

Steph Dutton

Penfolds Senior Winemaker

Born and raised in a city renowned for its love of food and wine, Steph discovered her passion for fine wine, whilst working in some of Melbourne’s signature restaurants. In 2010, Stephanie joined the Penfolds red winemaking team, based at the Nuriootpa Winery in the Barossa Valley and has been a champion of Penfolds ‘House Style’ for Penfolds most revered wines. In 2017 Steph took on the role of Penfolds Senior Winemaker. Her winemaking responsibilities now span two hemispheres and for the past four years she has split her time between South Australia and California. Steph played an active role in bringing the Penfolds California portfolio to life through trial work and shaping the inaugural 2018 vintage, alongside Andrew Baldwin.

Kym Schroeter

Penfolds White Winemaker

Kym’s father, uncle and brother were all Penfolds winemakers, so it was almost inevitable he would join the Penfolds family. Kym joined in 1987 as a laboratory assistant before moving on to red winemaking in 1995 and white winemaking in 2003. Kym has been instrumental in crafting a series of expressions which are renowned for their quality and style.

His Reserve Bin A Chardonnay 2009 was awarded ‘Best White Wine in the World’ at the 2011 International Wine Challenge. Kym himself was also honoured at the same event, being named as one of the top three white winemakers in the world. At the 2015 awards Penfolds went on to be named ‘International White Winemaker of the Year’.

Andrew Baldwin

Penfolds Red Winemaker

Andrew Baldwin’s passion for winemaking is unquestionable. Born and raised in wine country, South Australia, Andrew spent his formative years immersed in the vineyards of Eden Valley, earning pocket money by working amongst the vines on neighbouring properties.

After training as a distiller, Andrew joined Penfolds as a cellar supervisor in 1988, before joining the red winemaking in 1991 and has become integral to the continued evolution of some of Penfolds most sought-after expressions. In his current role, Andrew is tasked with honouring Penfolds winemaking traditions of the past whilst also forging ahead and challenging industry convention to ensure Penfolds red wines continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Since 2017, Andrew has been travelling to Napa Valley to develop and craft Penfolds Californian range, alongside Steph Dutton and Peter Gago. In 2023 Andrew celebrated his 35th vintage at Penfolds.

Andrew Baldwin, Penfolds Red Winemaker, stands in front of large wine barrels

James Godfrey

Penfolds Global Fortified and Spirit Winemaker

Born in Adelaide, James Godfrey always had an agricultural and scientific passion. Raised amongst a culture where wine was part of life, James’ passion for winemaking bourgeoned as a cellar hand in 1974, a job which solidified his career path and propelled him to hone his newly found passion in study.

In 1990, James joined the Penfolds wider team as a fortified winemaker, looking after the style, integrity and quality for all of Penfolds fortifieds. Now, with over 45 years as a fortified winemaker, James shares his knowledge and unwavering passion with the next generation as an ongoing guest lecturer at the Adelaide University and ensures Penfolds living history connects both the future and the past. James was also recognised as The Winestate Winemaker of the Year in 1999 and is held with high esteem as a wine show judge in Australia.

Andrew Hales

Penfolds Winemaker

Andrew joined the Penfolds Winemaking team in 2017 with over 28 years of winemaking experience.

Andrew is responsible for crafting Bin 169, Bin 707, Bin 407, Bin 128, wines within Max’s range and more. He is also responsible for managing Penfolds Nuriootpa premium vineyards and all Limestone Coast regions including Coonawarra and Robe.

Andrew is passionate about crafting classic wines that display elegance and finesse, with a balanced structure, sublime texture,and longevity.

Andrew Hales, Penfolds Winemaker, in front of Penfolds barrel.

Matt Woo

Penfolds Fortified and Spirit Winemaker

Raised in country New South Wales, Matt Woo grew up in a family passionate about food, wine and celebration.

In 2010, Matt became a proud member of the Penfolds winemaking team and is now in the unique position of taking responsibility for both the red table wines and the daily craftsmanship of Penfolds fortified collection – a series of beautifully concentrated and complex tawnies that celebrate the origins of Penfolds winemaking history. With a passion for furthering his craft, Matt has been on the ground in China’s premium wine growing regions, exploring how Penfolds House Style can be expressed through a Chinese lens. The opportunity to overlay time-honoured Penfolds winemaking philosophy in a completely new part of the wine world he described as “both rare and exciting."

Shavaughn Wells

Penfolds Winemaker

Shavaughn grew up on a vineyard in Victoria’s Merbein; her grandfather was a Winemaker and Managing Director of Mildara Wines who introduced Shavaughn to a world of winemaking - both catalysts for her early affinity for wine. Completing an Oenology degree at the University of Adelaide, Shavaughn followed in her grandfather’s footsteps.

Two decades after her first vintage experience, Shavaughn joined the Penfolds team in 2017, working across the red wine portfolio.

Entrenched in the Australian winemaking community, Shavaughn has been on the Barossa Wine Show Committee for the past decade and is currently its co-Chairman. Her contribution to the Australian wine industry and winemaking talent continue to be recognised. In 2017 she was inducted as a Baron of Barossa for her outstanding contribution to the Barossa wine region. In 2016 she was awarded the title of Australian Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine.

Shavaughn Wells, Penfolds Winemaker, in front of Penfolds barrel.

Shauna Bastow

Penfolds Winemaker

Born and raised in Adelaide South Australia, Shauna always had a keen interest in wine and an appetite to learn more about the industry. Her winemaking journey formally began in 2013 when she enrolled in a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Adelaide University. Whilst completing her studies, Shauna pursued her passion for the industry by working in hospitality and local cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills.

Shauna completed her first Penfolds vintage in 2018 and officially joined the Penfolds winemaking family in 2019 as Winemaker. Shauna is responsible for crafting Koonunga Hills wines – Shiraz, Cabernet and Shiraz Cabernet blend. Her winemaking responsibilities now span two hemispheres and for the past two years she has split her time between South Australia and Bordeaux, bringing the Penfolds French portfolio to life, alongside Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago.

Tom Shanahan

Penfolds Winemaker

Growing up in sunny Queensland, Tom Shanahan developed a strong connection and early interest in wine during his formative years of working in various Brisbane restaurants where he would host esteemed winemakers from around the country.

Armed with a wealth of experience, Tom officially joined the Penfolds winemaking team in 2022. He is currently responsible for crafting Penfolds pinot noirs, in addition to wines from the Penfolds Koonunga Hill range. A career highlight was the opportunity to broaden his horizons and complete a vintage with Penfolds in the Napa Valley in 2021, working closely with the team to produce wines for the esteemed Californian Release.

Tom Shanahan, Penfolds Winemaker, in underground tunnels at Magill Estate.

Henry Slattery

Penfolds Winemaker

Born and raised in South Australia, Henry had an affection for nature and agriculture early, enrolling in an undergraduate degree of Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He completed his first year of university before being drafted into the AFL, where he pursued his competing ambitions of professional football with Essendon Football Club. Over the following 8 years, Henry committed to the completion of his studies, attaining his degree of Agricultural Science at the University of Melbourne.

During his time in the AFL, Henry developed an appreciation for wine through his contacts in the industry and was particularly drawn to viticulture through his studies. Upon finishing his football career, he moved back to Adelaide to complete his Masters of Oenology at the University of Adelaide. Henry joined the Penfolds winemaking team in 2022 with over ten years’ experience in winemaking. He works with new and different wine styles and regions, and cool climate varieties such as riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir.

Past Winemakers

Max Schubert

Penfolds Chief Winemaker (1948-1975)

Penfolds first ever Chief Winemaker, the creator of Grange and one of the most prolific Australian winemaking figures of the twentieth century.

Close up photo of Dot Ditter, Penfolds former Chief Winemaker

Don Ditter

Penfolds Chief Winemaker (1975-1986)

After taking over from Max Schubert, Don led the winemaking team down new paths by introducing Magill Estate and Koonunga Hill and re-releasing Bin 707

John Duval

Penfolds Chief WInemaker (1986-2002)

The creator of RWT Shiraz (Red Winemaking Trial) and Bin 407. John was instrumental in driving Penfolds white wine portfolio, releasing the acclaimed Yattarna.

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