Peter Gago AC – one of the most highly decorated winemakers of all time – today received yet another award. He was named Legend of the Vine by Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Wine & Spirits Awards Lunch.
“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 and I thank Wine Communicators for considering me among the many worthy individuals that work in our industry.”
The SA Legend of the Vine Award is presented by Wine Communicators of Australia to recognise a South Australian who is of excellent character, who is held in high regard by their peers in the world of wine, and who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry.
The recipient must also demonstrably share WCA’s values on the importance of developing and inspiring excellence in how they communicate about wine.
“Peter Gago is an outstanding Legend of the Vine, having carried the message on the quality of Australian wine to the world,” WCA national chair Lynda Schenk said.
“For decades he has upheld and grown esteem for Penfolds Grange with critics and connoisseurs and by association provided a halo effect on Australian, and in particular, South Australian wine.”
In 2017 Peter became the first Australian wine figure to be appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his service and contribution to the Australian wine Industry.
The following year he symbolically was appointed a Doctor of the University (DUniv) of The University of South Australia.
His biography shows his deep commitment and loyalty to the Penfolds brand, a 36-year veteran and chief winemaker since 2002.
While steadfast and dedicated to upholding the style of Penfold’s highly sought-after wines, he reveals flashes of an avant-garde nature with bold initiatives such as the Ampoule, g3, and most recently the Grange X La Chapelle Syrah/Shiraz blend.
His winemaking credentials are impeccable, and he has received recognition nationally and internationally with almost every ‘Winemaker of the Year’ award that exists on the planet.
“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,” Lynda said.
“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.
“He is generous with his knowledge which he delivers with humility and warmth.
“His ability to engage people with compelling authenticity has undoubtedly contributed equally to Penfolds’ success as his skill as a winemaker, which is also considerable.”
Peter Gago AC is the eleventh South Australian to receive the SA Legend of the Vine Award.
Previous winners include Prue Henschke, Jane Ferrari, Peter Hayes, Brian Croser AO, Pam Dunsford, Tony Love, Brian Walsh, d’Arry Osborne, Bill Hardy OAM and Dr Patrick Iland OAM (with whom Peter has co-written four books on wine).
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