The pioneer

Mary Penfold Penfolds co-founder 1816-1895

At a time when women’s roles were curtailed by convention, Mary Penfold’s horizons remained as broad as the South Australian sky. While history credits her husband, Christopher, as the founder of the Penfolds winery in 1844, Mary was the true vigneron powerhouse. Guided by her exacting palate and bold experimentation for four decades, Penfolds would become the New World’s most storied producer. Mary was Australia’s first lady of wine, significantly contributing to the industry during her lifetime. Let’s celebrate this visionary and raise a glass in her honour.