Winery Overview & History
Penfolds Magill Estate, founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and Mary Penfold on the foothills of Adelaide, is the spiritual home of Penfolds. From these historic cellars emerged a philosophy that would later shape Australia’s most famous wine, Grange. The estate blends heritage with innovation, preserving 19th-century stone buildings alongside a contemporary cellar and kitchen.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Situated in Magill on the eastern edge of Adelaide, the estate’s hillside vineyards overlook the city and Gulf St Vincent. Terra rossa-like loams over clay and shale, cooling evening breezes, and a long, dry growing season produce intensely flavored Shiraz with aromatic lift and fine tannin lines.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Shiraz is the estate’s signature, complemented by small plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties within the broader Penfolds portfolio. The style is layered and dynamic: black cherry, plum, licorice and mocha framed by savory spice, bright acidity and polished tannins—equally compelling young yet built to age.
Signature Wines
- Penfolds Grange — Australia’s benchmark icon wine (multi-regional Shiraz-led blend) with extraordinary longevity.
- Magill Estate Shiraz — A single-vineyard expression from the historic home block in Adelaide, combining power with urban elegance.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in small open vessels or static fermenters with temperature control. Élevage often combines seasoned American oak and French oak to build complexity, texture and Penfolds’ hallmark structure. Meticulous blending across parcels focuses on balance, line and length.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: Cellar Door tastings and the Magill Estate Kitchen/Restaurant operate by reservation.
Address: Magill Estate, 78 Penfold Rd, Magill SA 5072, Australia
Website: www.penfolds.com
Bookings: Please use the official website for current experiences and availability.
* Photo Courtesy of Tripadvisor