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Published: 8 July 2026.

Mary Penfold Drive in Rosslyn Park honours the legacy of Mary Penfold (née Holt), a pioneering winemaker and co-founder of Penfolds Winery.

After arriving from England, Mary and her husband, Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold, purchased land in Magill (then spelled Makgill) in 1844. They initially built a timber shack, which was replaced a year later with a stone cottage named The Grange, after Mary’s family home in England.The couple brought grapevine cuttings with them, establishing what would become one of Australia’s most significant vineyards. Mary played a central role, supervising vineyard work and making wine with the assistance of her companion and employee, Ellen Timbrell. Their early wines were used as medicinal tonics for Dr Penfold’s patients.

Mary went on to lead the winery, which grew into one of the largest wine producers in Australia. She also managed the business accounts until retiring at the age of 68.

Mary Penfold died in 1892 and is buried at St George’s Cemetery in Magill.

Photo: Penfold’s vineyards at Magill, c. 1894. State Library of South Australia [PRG 631/2/328].