Peter Gago

A natural educator, Peter Gago was a maths and science teacher prior to attending Roseworthy College, where he graduated as Dux of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Oenology).

Peter has travelled and tasted extensively, literally visiting every continent in an effort to introduce people to Australian wine. Peter regularly hosts master classes, tastings and various wine events.

Peter joined the then Penfolds Wines Pty Ltd in 1989. He started his tenure making sparkling wine, then reds, and served as Penfolds Red Wine Oenologist before being appointed Penfolds Chief Winemaker. In July 2002, Peter took over the mantle from his long-time friend and colleague, John Duval, making him the fourth winemaker to be responsible for Penfolds' icon wine, Grange.

Peter strives to simultaneously maintain the Penfolds wine style and explore new territories. "Penfolds wines - both red and white - are made to be true to a particular style each year," says Peter. "I also play a role in the development of new wine styles - an exciting part of the job."

Like most winemakers, Peter's tastes are wide-ranging. "It's important not to fall into the trap of drinking only your own wines," he says. "You have to keep up with what your competitors are doing and with what's happening in other wine-producing countries. You must have benchmarks against which to measure your own achievements - besides, I love trying new (and old!) wines!"

Peter has also co-authored three books with Dr Patrick Iland: "Discovering Australian Wine - A Taster's Guide" 1995, "Australian Wine - From the Vine to the Glass" 1997 and "Australian Wines - Tastes and Styles" 2003.

View biographies:

Max Schubert

Don Ditter

John Duval

Steve Lienert

Oliver Crawford

Peter Gago