Who owns Penfold wines?

Answered by Robert Golston

Penfolds, the renowned Australian producer, is currently owned by Treasury Wine Estates. Treasury Wine Estates is a global wine company that is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. It was established in 2011 when it was demerged from Foster's Group Limited.

Treasury Wine Estates is a leading international wine business with a portfolio of well-known wine brands from around the world. In addition to Penfolds, some of the other notable brands owned by Treasury Wine Estates include Wolf Blass, Lindeman's, Beringer, and Matua.

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and exploring wines from various regions and producers. Penfolds, in particular, has always stood out for its exceptional quality and rich history. The fact that it is now owned by Treasury Wine Estates adds another layer of credibility and expertise to the brand.

It is interesting to note that Penfolds has a long and storied history that dates back to its founding in 1844. Christopher Rawson Penfold, an English physician, and his wife Mary first established the winery in Adelaide, South Australia. They planted their first vine cuttings in the Magill Estate vineyard and began producing fortified wines, which were highly sought after at the time.

Over the years, Penfolds continued to innovate and expand its offerings. One of its most significant contributions to the wine industry was the development of the Penfolds Grange, also known as Grange Hermitage. This iconic wine, first released in 1951, is often considered Australia's first cult wine and has achieved international acclaim.

In 1962, Penfolds was acquired by the Adelaide Steamship Company, a major Australian shipping and transport company. The ownership of Penfolds changed hands several times over the years, with various companies recognizing the value and prestige associated with the brand.

In 1990, Penfolds became part of Southcorp Limited, a leading Australian wine company. Southcorp was later acquired by Foster's Group Limited, a global alcoholic company, in 2005. Foster's Group subsequently demerged its wine business, which became Treasury Wine Estates, and Penfolds became one of its flagship brands.

Today, Treasury Wine Estates is a significant player in the global wine industry, with operations in Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company is committed to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of each region and brand in its portfolio.

Penfolds wines are currently owned by Treasury Wine Estates, a global wine company that values the rich history and exceptional quality associated with the brand. The ownership of Penfolds has changed hands over the years, but its commitment to producing outstanding wines has remained steadfast. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into each bottle of Penfolds wine, and I look forward to experiencing the continued success of this iconic Australian brand.