The Tradition In 1988 when Kym Tolley established Penley Estate, he took the first step to continuing the winemaking heritage of his families, Penfolds and Tolley. The traditional elements of Penley Estate have been a driving force in Penley's creation - The existence of an unbroken line of winemakers highlighting the family's solid and sustainable commitment to the Australian wine industry. Kym Tolley's Genetic background was set, on his mothers side he is a direct descendant of Penfolds founder Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold (Kym's great- great- great Grandfather) and on his fathers side he is a Tolley, another one of Australia's pioneering wine families.

Kym grew up with red wine in his blood. Prior to establishing Penley Estate, Kym gained invaluable experience working for Penfolds under the tutorage of Grange creator Max Schubert.

The Vineyard Penley Estate's 166 Ha estate is situated in Australia's famous Cabernet Sauvignon district, Coonawarra. When Kym purchased the land it was a green site and now there is currently there is 111 hectares under vine including cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, shiraz, merlot, pinot noir, pinot munier and chardonnay. The vineyard is established on limestone covered by the famous 'terra rossa' soil of the Coonawarra. This, combined with ideal cool climatic conditions and an abundance of sunshine make a perfect location for vine growing.

The Winery In 1989 Penley made its first vintage, 10 years later in 1999, Penley made its first vintage in it's new state of the art winery, where Kym Tolley uses a blend of modern and traditional winemaking techniques to produce Penley's range of wines. The Cellar Door - Penley's shop window was opened in 2001 allowing wine lovers to taste and visit the home of Penley Estate.

The Wines The key to Penley Estate's wine is balance. Kym Tolley has the ability to integrate wood, fruit and flavour to ensure that all of our wines have great elegance, integration and finesse. Part of this style comes from the intensely rich and sweet characteristics of the Coonawarra district, but it is also reinforced by Penley Estates edict only to produce the best.

The Awards In the 19 years since Penley Estate was established, they have set new standards in red wine productions and won a collection of 47 trophies and over 150 gold medals and are now sought by a worldwide market.

Visit Penley Estate for more information.