Prue Henschke, Viticulturist

CAREER BACKGROUND

Prue began her career by studying botany and zoology at Adelaide University. Only on completing her degree, when she and Stephen spent two years in Germany, did she become involved in viticulture and plant physiology. During this time she did a lot of work in the vineyards, as well as becoming very involved in grafting and breeding. And since it was hard to get a job at the time, she worked without pay in the Botanic Institute at Geisenheim on a project to isolate root inhibitors in rootstocks.


On her return to Australia Prue worked for Roseworthy Agricultural College in the area of top-grafting, before taking up the role of research consultant at Henschke at a time the winery was just starting to look at canopy management.

EDUCATION (abridged)

  • 1975-77 Two years at Geisenheim Wine Institute, West Germany. Studied viticulture, breeding, propagation and grafting. Worked in vineyards and laboratory of Botany Institute and Vinegrafting and Breeding Institute.
  • 1977-79 One of the original students from the Wine Science Course, Riverina College, Wagga Wagga (now Charles Sturt University).
  • 1978-80 Two years Technical Research Assistant in top-grafting at Roseworthy Agricultural College (now Roseworthy Campus of University of Adelaide).
  • 1980-82 Viticultural Consultant
  • 1987-present Viticulturist, C. A. Henschke & Co

AWARDS & MEMBERSHIPS

The highlights of Prue's career include the following awards and nominations:

  • Joint International Red Winemaker of the Year 1994/95 (with Stephen)
  • Regional finalist in SA Rural Women of the Year 1995
  • Advance Australia Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Wine Industry in 1995 (with Stephen)
  • Barons of the Barossa Viticulturist of the Year Award in 1997
  • 1998 Volvo/WINE Magazine Winemaker of the Year nominee (with Stephen)
  • Selection for the Australian Rural Leadership Program Course 7, conducted in 2002
  • Induction into the 2005 USA Wine & Spirits Magazine Hall of Fame
  • 2006 Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine Winemaker of the Year (with Stephen)

Prue's memberships are many, and include:

  • American Society of Viticulture and Enology
  • Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology
  • Adelaide Hills Vine Improvement Committee - Convenor
  • Spring Valley Landcare Group
  • Bacchus Club of Barossa Valley
  • Member Adelaide Hills Wine Region Executive Committee
  • Member North Rhine Landcare Group
  • Secretary Barossa Catchment Group
  • Past Member Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia
  • Deputy Member Native Vegetation Council
  • Member Native Grass Resources Group