Winemaking

Just a few words that come to mind when we get ready to introduce our winemaker, Kate Goodman.

Kate is one of Australia's best contemporary winemakers. Wineries such as Wirra Wirra (McLaren Vale), Tim Knappstein (Clare Valley), Seppelt (Great Western), Punt Road (Yarra Valley) have all benefitted from Kate's brilliance. Since joining Penley in 2016, Kate has brought her own distinctive approach to the winery, helping shape a new generation of wines that are contemporary, expressive and unmistakably Penley.

Her investment in us is what has fed our evolution into creating some spectacular contemporary varietals. It's as though we took an almighty breath of fresh Coonawarra air and we are totally inspired.

"It's not about being afraid of failure, that's the only way that you're actually going to make better wine- trying new techniques or working with a variety that's foreign to you. If it doesn't quite work, you can fine tune for next time.

As for the brand, the ideals that we have about becoming really contemporary and progressive... I think we're moving in the right direction. With our Mythology range (home to Phoenix), I want the wines to be both contemporary, but recognisable as Penley. It's always in the back of your mind when winemaking - where is this grape destined to show up?

We need to always remember that the wines we make are the subject of the environment they're grown in, and that we really have to nourish these places. Always remember that wine is a living and breathing beverage. It's not a soft drink produced in a factory. These are really unique and special drinks."