Penfolds Winemaking

Our Winemaking Philosophy

Penfolds wines are immediately recognisable thanks to an uncompromising commitment to quality and a winemaking philosophy that has endured since 1844. Though each wine released holds its own discernible character, the stamp of our distinctive House Style is always present – and this shared DNA guarantees the timeless quality admired across the world. 

The Penfolds House Style emerged from a 19th-century fortified wine producing culture led by co-founder Mary Penfold, and further evolved during Max Schubert’s ground-breaking Grange trials. It is discernible by a recognisable mid-palate richness, fruit generosity and ageability, with a consistency assured through a tradition of apprenticeship and long tenures. 

Paramount to our winemaking philosophy is a focus on meticulous fruit-sourcing and stylistic classification. It’s what drives us to select and blend quality grapes irrespective of block, vineyard, region, state or country – we always go where the fruit grows best and where it best suits style.

In recent years, this pursuit of excellence has pushed us to venture beyond the boundaries of Australia. In these new territories, wine is crafted with a sensitivity to reveal regional nuance, while maintaining our exacting standards and recognisable House Style.

The sourcing changes but our philosophy never does – everything to do with winemaking between the sun above and the soil below is Penfolds.