In 1844, Christopher Rawson Penfold planted vines on the slopes of Magill to produce fortified wines.  Now the historic bluestone cellars are home to a tradition of fortified winemaking dating back over 160 years.

In 1915, an oak cask containing a blend of the finest tawnies the company possessed was set aside for the exclusive use of the Penfold family. This became known as 'the Grandfather' due to the great age of the oldest tawnies in the blend.

To honour this great tradition, Penfolds Grandfather Tawny Port, first released in 1960, is a blend of the finest and oldest tawnies laid down for extended maturation in the Penfolds Tawny Cellar.