Henschke

In the New World, for a winery to be able to boast, “Over 150 years of family winemaking,” already says something about that family’s commitment to sustainability. When the same family are stewards to vineyards that were planted in the middle of the 19th century—and have been continuously farmed since then—it means even more. Although not certified organic or biodynamic, Prue Henschke, the viticulturist, has been committed to those practices since her appointment in 1987. She’s conducted numerous trials and studies on the efficacy of various composts, mulches and the use of native grasses. As part of the fifth generation to grow grapes on these lands, she sees herself as a custodian of the land. This commitment to sustainability doesn’t begin and end in the vineyard. Winemaker Stephen Henschke (Prue’s husband) was among the first to implement a quality management system, achieving ISO 9002 certification in 1998. Written policies cover such diverse areas as recyclability of packaging, restoration of original vegetation in areas not under vine (30% of the total acreage) and contributing to the local communities’ quality of life. The family’s stated goal is to have a truly sustainable business, minimizing negative impacts on the environment in the short-term and eliminating negative impacts in the long run. But beyond that, the family has become a standard-bearer for the sustainability movement. This award recognizes their achievements.

Johann Christian Henschke, the patriarch of the Henschke family, arrived in Australia in 1841 and by 1847 had purchased land in Krondorf (Barossa Valley). His son, August, subsequently purchased land in the Eden Valley, donating a portion of the property for the Gnadenberg (Hill of Grace) Lutheran church. Christian would later add to the family’s holdings in the Eden Valley and transfer that acreage to another son, Paul Gotthard. This land is still the family’s home base. The first recorded sales of Henschke wine date back to 1868, with a ledger that continues to the present day. Fifth-generation member Stephen Henschke is the winemaker and his wife Prue is the viticulturist, while the next generation — Johann (winemaker), Justine (marketing and public relations) and Andreas (brand ambassador) — are gradually taking on more responsibilities. Flagship bottlings include the single-vineyard Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone Shiraz and the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, but there are a number of less-expensive offerings that illustrate the family’s commitment to quality, including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Merlot from the Lenswood Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills.