Windback Wednesday - Mary Penfold

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we are shining a spotlight on remarkable women from Burnside throughout the month of March. Today, we honour Mary Penfold (1818 - 1895), a trailblazer in South Australia's winemaking history.

Penfolds, one of the state's most renowned winemaking companies, owes much of its early success to Mary Penfold. In 1844, alongside her husband Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold (1811 - 1870), she helped establish the vineyard in Magill, South Australia, where she not only oversaw winemaking but also managed the property. After her husband's death, Mary continued to build the business, demonstrating remarkable business acumen and resilience. By 1900, Penfolds had grown to become the third-largest winemaking company in South Australia. This growth was evident in the expanding vineyards, larger cellars and the company’s esteemed reputation.

While much of Mary Penfold's life remains a mystery, her contributions to Penfolds and her role as a pioneering businesswoman are undeniable. Her legacy as an early vigneron and visionary is deserving of recognition, and her story continues to inspire.

Image: Mary Penfold, circa 1869. State Library of South Australia B 22970.