OUR WINEMAKING
At Penny’s Hill, our winemaking is driven by a deep connection to our region, an understanding of the history of wine styles from McLaren Vale, and a clear focus on crafting wines that lead it into the future, showcasing what this renowned area is truly capable of.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
mclaren Vale
We place strong emphasis on vineyard site, crafting expressive styles that reflect the unique character of each vineyard. Select parcels of fruit, including those destined for our Single Vineyard and Yeenunga collections, are handled in a dedicated small-batch area within our McLaren Vale winery.
Traditional winemaking techniques such as open fermenters, pump overs and hand plunging are paired with whole bunch inclusion, wild fermentation, and extended time on skins and lees.
Both whites and reds are matured in concrete, stainless steel and a carefully curated oak program, built around seasoned French puncheons and barriques. This supports our philosophy of structure, fruit purity and true vineyard expression.
Each wine is assessed regularly and bottled at its peak to capture the vibrancy and freshness we seek, ensuring tannins are in harmony with the fruit profile of every wine.
Alexia Roberts
Chief Winemaker & Chief Operating Officer - Brands, Randall wine group
Alexia Roberts is a dynamic industry leader and accomplished winemaker with more than 20 years of experience across Australia, France and Italy. A 2004 graduate of the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Oenology, she has built a respected and celebrated career in the wine industry.
Since 2013, Alexia has held the role of Chief Winemaker for Penny’s Hill, The Black Chook and Thomas Goss, producing award-winning wines recognised on the global stage. In 2024, Alexia was crowned the ‘Bushing Queen’ at the McLaren Vale Wine Show, making her the ninth woman in its 51-year history to be awarded with producing the ‘Best Wine of Show’.
Under her leadership, Penny’s Hill has thrived, most recently with the brand’s debut Grenache releases achieving top international honours. The 2023 Penny’s Hill ‘Yeenunga’ Grenache was awarded 'Best in Show' at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, while the 2023 ‘Single Vineyard’ Grenache was named 'Best Wine of Show' at both the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show and the 2024 James Halliday Grenache Challenge — firmly establishing Penny’s Hill as one of Australia’s leading Grenache producers.
In 2024, Alexia was appointed Chief Operating Officer – Brands for the Randall Wine Group, overseeing Penny’s Hill, Gemtree and Seppeltsfield, while continuing her role as Chief Winemaker for Penny’s Hill. This expanded leadership role sees her directing site development and guiding the strategic vision for domestic and international brand growth.
A passionate advocate for women in wine, Alexia has served six terms on the Australian Women in Wine advisory board and is an alumna of Wine Australia’s Future Leaders program. In 2024, she completed the AICD Company Directors Course, and in 2025 was appointed to the Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism Board.
