SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.henschke.com.au

After fleeing religious persecution in Silesia (Germany) Johann Christian Henschke migrated to South Australia in 1842, moving from Klemzig to Lobethal and then to Kröndorf where the family settled and purchased land for a farm at Keyneton in 1861. His first vintage was in 1868.

Johann’s third son, Paul Gotthard, purchased a small vineyard planted by Nicolaus Stanitzki in 1860 and married his daughter, Selma. The vineyard later became known as the ‘Hill of grace vineyard’.

Third-generation, Paul Alfred, took over the property in 1914. As demand for fortified wines grew, he increased wine production. He also purchased farming land at Moculta, Angaston and Loxton so that his sons could be independent.

Each generation built upon the reputation for quality, but it was fourth-generation Cyril Alfred Henschke who, in 1958, created the first vintage of shiraz and the wine that has most captured the red wine world's imagination – Hill of Grace.

In the hands of the incumbent, fifth-generation Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue, Henschke Wines exemplifies a fundamental principle of successful multi-generational family businesses: adapting to the needs of the present with a view to long term sustainability. Stephen and Prue continually enhance the family name and reputation through an exceptional understanding of their respective fields of winemaker and viticulturist, blended with astute (family) business acumen. The highly revered and much sought-after Hill of Grace is the pinnacle of the red wines – but another shiraz, first made by Cyril, the Mount Edelstone, and the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon introduced by Stephen as a tribute to his father – have forged their own niche with red wine lovers the world over. Prue’s passion for, and commitment to, ecologically sustainable practices earned her the environmental category at the 2011 National Women of Style Awards for restoring the landscape and working towards organic certification for their vineyards.

Henschke is one of the longest-established family wine names in the Barossa, and one of the most recognised winemakers in Australia. They are a member of the select group, ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’, which is restoring the international perception of (wine) ‘brand Australia’ as one of quality, diversity and integrity. Henschke Wines is indeed part of the pride of South Australia.

Henschke Wines was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.