Penny’s Hill is a premium McLaren Vale estate best known for powerful, estate-grown Shiraz and Grenache, housed on a historic farm just off the main road between Willunga and McLaren Vale. The winery combines close-planted vineyards, a strong accolades record, and a character-filled cellar door and dining experience at the original Ingleburne farm buildings.​

Penny’s Hill McLaren Vale Winery Story and Heritage

Penny’s Hill was established in 1988 by Tony and Susie Parkinson, who restored the 19th-century Ingleburne Farm into a working vineyard, cellar door and restaurant. The Georgian farmhouse, stone stables and barns remain at the heart of the estate, creating a blend of rural authenticity and modern wine tourism.​

In mid‑2022, Penny’s Hill was acquired by the Randall Wine Group, led by Warren Randall, ushering in a new chapter while retaining the distinctive red‑dot branding and focus on McLaren Vale terroir. The estate has since emphasised single-vineyard expressions and refreshed packaging while continuing to grow and make wine on its McLaren Vale sites.​

McLaren Vale Vineyards that Shape Penny’s Hill Wines

Penny’s Hill sits in the heart of McLaren Vale on undulating, coastal-influenced terrain ideal for full‑bodied Shiraz and Grenache. Estate blocks include the original Penny’s Hill close-planted vineyard, Edwards Road, Malpas Road and Goss Corner, each contributing distinct components to the range.​

Shiraz and Grenache dominate plantings, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and newer Mediterranean varieties like Fiano, which suit the warm, dry climate. The estate holds Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification, underscoring a commitment to environmentally responsible viticulture and long-term soil and vine health.​

Penny’s Hill Winemaking Team, Philosophy and Style

Chief Winemaker and General Manager Alexia Roberts has guided Penny’s Hill wines since 2013, with a reputation for crafting concentrated yet balanced McLaren Vale reds. Viticulturist Stephen Stafford‑Brookes oversees the vineyards, aligning canopy and yield management with the bold house style.​

The winemaking approach focuses on estate and single-vineyard fruit, French oak maturation and structure-driven, age-worthy styles, especially for Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet. Emphasis on site expression and careful barrel selection underpins flagship releases like Footprint Shiraz, The Skeleton Key Shiraz and single‑vineyard bottlings.​

Penny’s Hill Wine Range, Shiraz and Award-Winning Grenache

Penny’s Hill is renowned for dense, fruit-driven reds from McLaren Vale, complemented by selected whites from cooler Adelaide Hills sites. Key labels include Footprint Shiraz and The Skeleton Key Shiraz as icon McLaren Vale Shiraz, supported by Cracking Black Shiraz and Malpas Road Merlot from additional estate vineyards.​

The portfolio also features The Experiment Grenache and single-vineyard reds such as Edwards Road Cabernet Sauvignon, expressing specific McLaren Vale sites. Whites like The Agreement Sauvignon Blanc and The Minimalist Chardonnay are sourced from partner Adelaide Hills vineyards, broadening the Penny’s Hill offering beyond red wine.​

The 2023 Penny’s Hill ‘Yeenunga’ Single Vineyard Grenache has been a standout, winning “Best in Show” at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards from more than 18,000 entries worldwide. It has also collected trophies at the McLaren Vale Wine Show and topped the James Halliday Grenache Challenge 2024, alongside multiple 94–97 point scores from major Australian and international critics.​

Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has likewise earned strong recognition, including silver at the IWSC and numerous 95‑point reviews in 2025 assessments. High-scoring releases like Footprint Shiraz 2021, with 96 points from Wine Orbit and strong Halliday praise, reinforce the brand’s reputation for concentrated, cellar-worthy reds.​

Penny’s Hill Cellar Door and Kitchen Door Restaurant Experience

Penny’s Hill cellar door is located at the historic Ingleburne estate on Main Road, surrounded by lawns, stone walls, paddocks and vineyard views in the McLaren Vale wine region. Guests taste in a large, welcoming barn-style space featuring rustic beams, modern fittings and relaxed seating, with flights that often include Penny’s Hill, Mr. Riggs and related labels.​

The property has long been home to The Kitchen Door restaurant, one of McLaren Vale’s best-known dining venues, offering seasonal, produce-driven menus that highlight local Fleurieu ingredients. Reviews praise the setting for long lunches, pizzas from the large outdoor oven, and functions in spaces overlooking the vines, supported by friendly, knowledgeable staff.​

Tasting experiences are generally seated, with options for standard and premium flights, and the site caters for events, functions and accessible tourism, including wheelchair access and family-friendly lawns. While the estate has undergone renovations and updates under the Randall Wine Group, the focus remains on delivering an immersive McLaren Vale food and wine experience framed by Penny’s Hill’s historic farm setting.​