Henschke Wines, one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, has a rich history spanning over 150 years in the Eden Valley of the Barossa region. Established in 1868 by the visionary Johann Christian Henschke, this family-owned winery has been a beacon of excellence for over 150 years, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.
Johann Christian immigrated from Silesia to South Australia in 1841, settling first in the Adelaide Hills and later acquiring land in the Barossa's Eden Valley, where he started producing wine for family and friends. His son, Paul Gotthard Henschke, took over in 1873 and significantly expanded production. He established the Hill of Grace Vineyard in 1891, which would go on to become one of Australia's most historic and significant vineyards.
Cyril Henschke, the fourth generation of the Henschke family, took charge of the winery in 1950. He shifted the focus from fortified wines to fine dry table wines. During this time, Henschke made a significant impact on the Australian wine landscape with the creation of iconic wines such as Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace. Recognized as a pioneer in the Australian wine industry, Cyril was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, which allowed him to spend time in Germany, South Africa, and California. This experience helped him gain a deeper understanding of winemaking practices and explore new innovations from around the world.
The fifth generation winemaker, Stephen Henschke, along with viticulturist wife, Prue, have furthered the family legacy by emphasizing science and innovation in their winemaking practices. They have received international acclaim for their exceptional wines, commitment to sustainability, and innovative vineyard techniques. Today, Henschke Wines is a testament to the family's dedication to and tradition of winemaking in Australia.