Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) has announced Peter Gago AC, Chief Winemaker at Penfolds, as the 2025 South Australian Legend of the Vine.
The WCA said the award recognises Gago’s outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry and his exceptional communication of wine to audiences worldwide.
The award was presented at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Wine & Spirits Show Award Lunch, honouring Gago for his enduring impact on Australian wine and his ability to inspire, educate, and connect people through storytelling and craftsmanship.
Accepting the honour, Gago said: “Wherever I travel in the world, there’s nothing better than the feeling of arriving home. 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 Legend of the Vine Award recognises an individual of integrity and influence who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Australian wine community, reflecting WCA’s values of excellence in wine communication.
WCA National Chair Lynda Schenk: “We are thrilled to acknowledge Peter Gago with the 2025 South Australian Legend of the Vine award. This is a story of a local hero who has long been recognised the world over for his incredible achievements.
“With this award, WCA acknowledges his incredible skill as a wine communicator. His generosity, humility and warmth have inspired countless people and contributed as much to Penfolds’ success as his winemaking itself.”
Over a career spanning more than three decades with Penfolds, Gago has carried the message of Australian wine across the globe, elevating the reputation of both Penfolds Grange and the broader South Australian wine sector. His leadership has seen Penfolds maintain its place among the world’s most respected fine wine brands, while his creative ventures – including Ampoule, g3, and the Grange X La Chapelle Syrah/Shiraz collaboration – demonstrate his willingness to innovate within tradition.
In recognition of his achievements, Gago was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2017 – the first Australian winemaker to receive the honour – and awarded an Honorary Doctorate (DUniv) from the University of South Australia the following year.
Gago is the eleventh South Australian to receive the honour, joining a distinguished group including 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 Gago has co-authored four books on wine.
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