Man behind famous SA wine named ‘Legend of the Vine’
A South Australian wine industry veteran, famous for making some of the state’s most collectible and expensive wines, has been named the 2025 ‘Legend of the Vine’.
Overseer of the state’s famous Grange wine – Penfolds chief winemaker, Peter Gago, was named the 2025 South Australian ‘Legend of the Vine’ at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Wine and Spirits Show awards lunch on Friday, cementing his legacy in the state’s wine industry.
Gago, who has been chief winemaker at the iconic South Australian wine label since 2002, was selected as he has “carried the message on the quality of Australian wine to the world”, according to Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA).
The 36-year industry veteran was the first Australian wine figure in 2017 to be appointed as Companion of the Order of Australia for his service and contribution to the industry.
For decades, he has upheld and grown esteem for the one of the world’s most collectible wines Penfolds Grange, which WCA said provided a halo effect on Australian and South Australian wine.
He’s also taken an avant-garde approach to winemaking, introducing the Ampuole, g3, to Penfolds’ range and more recently the Grange x La Chapelle Syrah/Shiraz blend, a bottle of which retails for $3500.
You might like
Gago’s award recognises a South Australian who is held in high regard by their peers in the world of wine, who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry, and who shares WCA’s values on the importance of developing and inspiring excellence in how they communicate about wine.
“We are thrilled to acknowledge Peter Gago with the 2025 South Australian Legend of the Vine award,” WCA national chair Lynda Schenk said.
| Sponsored |
Stay informed, daily
“This is a story of a local hero who has long been recognised the world over for his incredible achievements and this occasion may well mark the first formal honour in his home city of Adelaide.
“Over the years, Peter has received numerous awards for his winemaking expertise. With this award, WCA acknowledges his incredible skill as a wine communicator. He is a wonderful storyteller, and highly charismatic in conversation, regardless of the topic.”
Gago said he was “moved” to be named Legend of the Vine for 2025.
“Wherever I travel in the world, there’s nothing better than the feeling of arriving home,” he said.
“Driving up to my office at Magill Estate and greeted by a vineyard established in 1844 just feels right.
“I feel similarly moved about being named the 2025 South Australian Legend of the Vine.”
Gago is the 11th South Australian to receive the award, joining the likes of Prue Henschke, Jane Ferrari, Peter Hayes, Brian Croser, Pam Dunsford, Tony Love, Brian Walsh, d’Arry Osborne, Bill Hardy and Dr Patrick Iland.
