Australia

Henschke- Riesling


As one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, Henschke has been making wine for over 150 years in the Barossa’s Eden Valley. Established in 1868, Henschke is resolute in its desire for complete integration of vineyard and winery, through six generations of family grapegrowing and winemaking tradition in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills.

Johann Christian Henschke
The Henschke family has been making wine since Johann Christian Henschke planted a small vineyard in the Barossa’s Eden Valley in the early 1860s, with the first recorded sale of Henschke wine in 1868. Having immigrated from Kutschlau, Silesia to South Australia in 1841, Johann Christian first settled in the Adelaide Hills before purchasing 70 acres in the Barossa Valley village of Krondorf. Fifteen years later he purchased a further 80 acres in the North Rhine district (later renamed Keyneton), which became the home of Henschke. Initially, the first-generation winemaker, a stonemason and wheelwright by trade, made wines for his family and friends, however as demand inevitably grew, wines were made for sale. The early vintages from the property’s small vineyard produced 300 gallons per year.

Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke showed an interest in science from an early age. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide in 1973, where he met his wife Prue, who was studying botany and zoology. After completing their degrees, they travelled to Geisenheim, Germany to undertake two years of study and work experience and upon return to Australia, they continued their studies in wine science to catch up on changes in the Australian wine industry. During this time, Stephen worked with his father, while Prue embarked on a career as a technical research assistant at nearby Roseworthy College.

Stephen introduced many winemaking techniques acquired in Germany and upgraded the winery’s refrigeration systems to improve white wine quality. He also began incorporating barrel fermentation, as well as favouring the use of French oak. In the early 1980s, Stephen and Prue purchased an apple orchard at Lenswood in the cool-climate Adelaide Hills to put their techniques from Germany into practice.

Today, Stephen and Prue are recognized around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovation and sustainability in the vineyard.

 

2024 Peggy’s Hill
Eden Valley
Riesling

Pale straw with green hues. Fragrant floral aromas of lemon and almond blossom, jasmine and chamomile over lime. The palate is vibrant and fruit-forward with fresh lemon, lime leaf, white musk and crisp acidity driving the flavour along the long finish.