Johann Henschke

Johann Henschke represents the latest chapter in the storied legacy of one of Australia’s most esteemed winemaking families. As a sixth-generation winemaker, Johann’s career blends rich heritage with a progressive approach to viticulture and oenology, ensuring the Henschke name continues to resonate across the global wine industry.

Born to Stephen and Prue Henschke, prominent figures in the Australian wine scene, Johann was raised in an environment steeped in winemaking tradition. He embraced his lineage by pursuing formal education in winemaking, graduating from the University of Adelaide in 2005. His academic journey was just the beginning of a broad and diverse professional path that took him around the world to gain practical experience.

Johann’s international winemaking tenure includes stints at acclaimed wineries such as Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River, Australia, Felton Road in Central Otago, New Zealand, Isole e Olena in Tuscany, Italy, and Arietta in Napa Valley, USA. Each location offered him unique insights into the varied techniques and philosophies that define the world’s wine regions, enriching his own approach to winemaking.

Further enhancing his expertise, Johann completed a Masters in Viticulture and Oenology at the prestigious Geisenheim University in Germany. His studies also took him to Montpellier, France, and Madrid, Spain, broadening his understanding of viticultural and oenological practices globally. It was in Spain that Johann met his future wife, Angela, who comes from a family with a significant winemaking background in Ribera del Duero. Angela, a dentist by profession, supports the Henschke family’s endeavors, serving as an ambassador and drawing on her deep-rooted wine knowledge.

In 2013, Johann and Angela moved to South Australia, where Johann took on significant responsibilities at the family winery. His roles include both winemaker and viticulturist, pivotal positions during a critical period as the fifth and sixth generations of the Henschke family transition and share knowledge, skills, and traditions. This period is crucial not only for maintaining the high standards set by his predecessors but also for integrating new ideas and technologies that can sustain the winery’s future.

Johann is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead for the next generation of winemakers. He believes that innovation and careful strategic planning are essential tools in contemporary winemaking. Yet, he remains committed to the traditional techniques that have been a hallmark of the Henschke brand for over a century. By balancing these time-honored methods with modern advances, Johann aims to ensure the winery not only preserves its legacy but also enhances its reputation and adaptability in a competitive market.

Under Johann’s stewardship, Henschke continues to produce wines that are celebrated for their quality and character, rooted in the deep, fertile soils of their vineyards yet innovative in their execution. His work is a testament to a life dedicated to the art and science of winemaking—a pursuit that is both a personal passion and a familial obligation.

As he looks to the future, Johann is positioned as a custodian of his family’s heritage, guiding Henschke towards new achievements while respecting the past. His story is one of dedication, learning, and love for the craft of winemaking, ensuring that the Henschke name remains synonymous with excellence in the wine world for generations to come.