Johann Christian Henschke purchased land for a farm at Keyneton in 1861 after fleeing religious persecution in Silesia. He planted a small vineyard and an orchard, and after initially making wine for family consumption produced his first commercial vintage in 1868. Each subsequent generation has since built upon the reputation of excellence and distinction. Mostly Shiraz with portions of Grenache, Viognier and Mourvedre, are harvested to varied schedules from good sites in the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Shiraz is co-fermented with Viognier, Grenache and Mourvedre are separately handled. Components are treated to ten months in seasoned French oak hogsheads before assemblage.