Henschke

Johann Christian Henschke left Germany in 1841 looking for a new life with his family. After an ill-fated 98-day voyage, he arrived in South Australia. During the voyage his wife, as well as several of his children died, but he was determined to succeed. He remarried two years later and in 1862 purchased land in the North Rhine district of the Barossa Range. This is when the Henschke Estate was born. It passed down a series of successors and today, it is still owned and run by the Henschke family. Both the 5th (Stephen) and 6th (Johann) generations are working together. Johann has had the opportunity to travel extensively in areas like Margaret River, Central Otago, Tuscany and Napa Valley. He also completed a Masters in Viticulture and Oenology at Geisenheim, Germany which led to further experiences in Montpellier, France, and Madrid, Spain. The family owns four vineyards - Eden Valley - mostly Riesling and Shiraz (purchased by Cyril Henschke in 1966), Mount Edelstone- all Shiraz (planted in 1912), Hill of Grace - the original family vineyard (planted in the 1860s) and Lenswood - planted to Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They produce 29 different wines but Hill of Grace, their top wine, remains not only their greatest but one of the greatest within the entire country of Australia. It is also one of the country's most elegant wines.