
Me with a few fabulous ladies @fabulousladieswinesociety
About Penny’s Hill
Penny’s Hill is based in McLaren Vale, South Australia.
The winery first began when Tony Parkinson, who was running a successful advertising agency, moved out of the city and down to McLaren Vale, where he bought 80 acres of land. It was on this land where the first vine was planted in 1991. Fast forward to today, and the winery now operates across two vineyards, and also sources grapes from a range of others.
The name Penny’s Hill was decided upon after deliberating over a long list of potential names. The name ended up being, quite simply, the name of the hill where the vines are located.
One of the really striking aspects of Penny’s Hill is the big red dot on the bottle, which is part of the winery’s branding. Ever seen those big red dots stuck on artwork in galleries to tell people it’s sold? That’s where the big red dot came from! It’s the perfect branding for this award-winning wine – each bottle a work of art, and easily recognisable from a mile away in a wine shop.

Credit – www.pennyshill.com.au
Award winning wines
This is a world-class winery, having won three world awards! Go Penny’s Hill!
- 2015 Malpas Road Merlot – Winner, Best Australian Red in Show
Mundus Vini, Germany, 2017
- 2014 Footprint Shiraz – Winner, Best Australian Red in Show
Mundus Vini, Germany, 2016
- 2014 Edwards Road Cabernet – The World’s Best Cabernet
Concours International des Cabernets, France, 2016
The Fabulous Ladies Wine Society night
On the night of the Fabulous Ladies Wine Society event, the Fabulous Lady herself from Penny’s Hill, Alexia Roberts ‘Lexie’ took us through a selection of wines. Lexi’s background in wine is impressive, having worked at Wirra Wirra, Maxwell Wines, and now Penny’s Hill – she’s no stranger to good wine.

Lexi @fabulousladieswinesociety
Served up with a stellar selection of wines from Penny’s Hill, matched with delicious dishes on the night, here are my three favourites.
The favourites:
The grapes that made up this wine came from the original vineyard planted, which are grown on an elevated area hit with a cool sea breeze. The wine contains 35% new French oak, and was an absolute delight to drink. Structural and delicate, with fine tannins, it’s no wonder this wine earned itself the ‘Worlds Best Cabernet’.
The results – a soft well-rounded Merlot, with strong berry notes. It’s one of those wines that pairs well with food, particularly lamb.

Celebrating those award winning wines!
So there you have it winos! If you’re ever in a wine shop, be sure to look out for the big red dot! Or alternatively, go direct to the winery for stocking up on wines that have earned their place on the world wine stage, just like I did.
Until next time winos,
Cheers!