Wine icon 176 years in Magill

With French grapevine cuttings in hand Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold journeyed to Australia from England in 1844. The Penfolds purchased land in Makgill (now Magill) and built a small stone cottage known as the Grange. Christopher planted the fruit, initially using the wine to treat his patients. While her husband was on rounds, Mary tended the vineyards.

The business grew in popularity and after Christopher’s death in 1870, Mary assumed total responsibility of the vineyards. Mary passed away in 1896, but her grandsons were determined to continue the company. Penfolds went on to become a leading Australian winery.

The grange vineyard in Magill is smaller today, but the cottage, buildings and some of the vines remain as a reminder of its early history.

Aerial view of Penfolds in 1928