Penley Estate was established when the owners bought a plot of land in Coonawarra and planted Cabernet grapes. In 1989, Pheonix Cabernet was awarded a Gold Medal at Adelaide Wine Show. The company's winery was built in 1995, leading to a plantation of more vineyards including Shiraz and Cabernet grapevines. Subsequently, the company expanded producing classic and full-bodied Coonawarra red wines, created to be stored and savoured.