Penfolds have pledged to donate $1 million dollars over a five year period through the rollout of its Evermore Grant. $200,000 will be available in its inaugural 2024 instalment, with the funding to be awarded to projects that demonstrate potential to make strong positive contributions to areas such as community and culture, future winemaking, and sustainability.
In addition to winemaking/viticulture, projects in areas such as food and creative arts (including fashion, art and music) can also apply.
“In life and in business, it’s important to give back,” said Peter Gago, chief winemaker.
“Penfolds has been blessed with 180 years of successfully making and selling wine. Our footprint may be found across many vineyards, across many countries.”
The term Evermore itself has origins in the company’s origins, with the catchphrase ‘1844 to Evermore’ long having been used to cast light on the company’s future.
“Evermore reflects Penfolds ambition to honour our storied past while creating a legacy designed to deliver positive impact for the future,” said Tom King, Managing Director.
Penfolds, owned by Treasury Wine Estates, has risen to become not only a leading icon of Australian wine on the international stage but a coveted wine producer in regions spanning the world over. This includes being named the fastest-growing Wine and Champagne brand last year as part of the Brand Finance Alcoholic Drinks 2023 report, reaching a net worth of US $659 million (over AUD $1 billion). 2023 also saw Penfolds’ Magill Estate Winery being recognised as the second most instagrammable in the world by Luxury British travel brand, CV Villas.
The three ‘strategic priorities’ that form the basis of the Evermore grant include Community and culture, Future winemaking, and Towards sustainability. The aim is to further support connections amongst Penfolds’ now global community, to drive and promote advancements in winemaking and viticultural practices, and to start taking steps towards sustainable production practices, winemaking and viticulture.
Expressions of interest can be submitted online up until the 17th of March. Shortlisted candidates will then be contacted by the 22nd of April. Australian grant guidelines and further information can be found on the grant’s website.
