The acclaimed Henschke family, foundation members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, was one of the pioneering families of South Australia when Johann Christian Henschke migrated from Silesia (Germany in 1841). Each generation has contributed to the legend with fourth-generation Cyril Henschke pioneering varietal, single-vineyard wines in the 1950s, most famously Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace Shiraz. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen and his viticulturist wife Prue have won many awards for their talent, innovation, and integration of vineyard and winery. They lead the way with environmental, biodynamic, and organic principles. Henschke wines are handcrafted and deeply personal, reflecting the unique terroir of vineyards: the wine names tell either a personal story of the family or the cultural history of their region.

The riesling takes its name from a local landmark, Peggy’s Hill, at the top of the range between Eden Valley and Keyneton. Produced from selected traditional Henschke Eden Valley growers, whose vines are up to 50 years old, growing in low-vigour ancient Cambrian soils at around 500m altitude. The Eden Valley riesling displays exceptional varietal and regional characteristics.

The lead up to the 2024 season in the Eden Valley was characterised by significant rainfall in June, followed by a dry spring. Variable fruit set and frost impacted the yield potential, however rain at the beginning of December assisted canopy and berry development and good soil moisture levels supported vine growth well into January. The mild summer weather eventually warmed up and dried out, with some short bursts of heat, leading into a warm, dry autumn, which delivered optimal maturity and ripeness in the fruit. Our focus on canopy health in the vineyard was vital and this attention to detail resulted in pure and intense primary fruit characters in our white wines, with stunning acidity and freshness.