Images: Looka Design
World renowned winery Penny’s Hill could look vastly different in the next 12 months after submitting plans to Plan SA in hopes to create a “family friendly tourism village”.
Situated in the rolling foothills of McLaren Vale, the cellar door temporarily closed earlier this year, announcing they would be undertaking “an exciting and significant” redevelopment of the entire Penny’s Hill site.
The application proposes a $4,000,000 renovation to the existing winery complex building including a
new entry and covered walkway, internal alterations to create an improved cellar door, tasting and restaurant area, addition of an amenities block and new northern deck and pergola.
Four existing agricultural buildings will be adapted for tourism purposes including casual dining and function use, cafe, pizza and beer garden, ice-cream and chocolate manufacturing facility with viewing windows and a gallery and exhibition space.
The proposed development will retain 59 acres of vines on the 80-acre property.
The upgrades will be similar to their sister winery in the Barossa, Seppeltsfield, got in 2014.
In February 2023 planning approval was granted for alterations and additions to the local heritage listed former stable building for use as a gin bar.
The Randall Wine Group – owners of the iconic Seppeltsfield Estate in the Barossa – bought Penny’s Hill in April last year with ambitious plans to develop the picturesque site.
Randall strengthened his hold on McLaren Vale when he purchased the Penny’s Hill brand from former owners Tony and Susie Parkinson.
The sale included the Penny’s Hill cellar door between McLaren Vale and Willunga, 42 hectares of vineyards and the Penny’s Hill, Black Chook and Thomas Goss brands, which produce about 50,000 cases a year.
Penny’s Hill actually dates back to 1988 with 80 acres of grazing property, a prized piedmont position with commanding views over the waters of Gulf St. Vincent. Named Penny’s Hill Vineyard after the hill at the base of which it is sited, the property was planted to vines in 1991 to a unique narrow-row configuration to maximise vineyard productivity and grape and wine quality.
Further vineyard acquisition followed. In 1993, the newly-planted Malpas Road property was purchased, followed in 1996 by an adjacent highly prized hay-producing paddock that was planted to vines and named Goss Corner.
In 1998, the original Goss family homestead, ‘Ingleburne’ was added to the Malpas and Goss properties to reconnect what had originally been one entire holding.
The plans are currently in the public consultation period where people can comment or provide feedback on the project until December 11.
Penny’s Hill
Where: 281 Main Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
More info: Click here.
More News
