The South Australian Wine Story

Perhaps South Australia’s most dynamic wine “couple”, however, is winemaker Stephen Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue, who simultaneously enhance the legend that is Hill of Grace while continuing to innovate and push the boundaries in a vineyard that is now fully biodynamic. Importantly, an exciting new generation of leaders is coming through. When the 2019 edition of Young Guns of Wine was released, 19 of the top 50 winemakers and wine labels were from South Australia – more than any other state. The state’s female wine industry leaders also are to the fore. Six of the eight Australian Women in Wine Awards presented in 2018 went to South Australians, among them winemaker of the year Kate Goodman, from Goodman Wines / Penley Estate, viticulturist of the year Nicole Pitman, from Kingston Estate, and owner/operator of the year Sarah Marquis, from Mollydooker Wines. “Outsiders” are still inspired to make their mark in South Australia as well. Jacques Lurton, a leading winemaker from one of the most celebrated winemaking families in Bordeaux, discovered a unique sense of place on Kangaroo Island and has built The Islander into one of the most respected wine labels in Australia. Peter Lehmann (right) in familiar pose. Stephen and Prue Henschke (Courtesy Henschke). Yalumba’s Robert Hill-Smith at Hong Kong VinExpo. Image: Wine Australia Darry and Chester Osborn (Courtesy d’Arenberg). Louisa Rose (Courtesy Yalumba). The South Australian Wine Story 07