After a year of installation, the beehive proved a remarkable success, with its first harvest yielding over 10 litres of honey. Honey from this initial harvest will be utilised at Penfolds very own Magill Estate Restaurant, where it will be featured in a signature honey crumpet dish. 

Aside from the production of honey, bees are essential organisms in our vineyards, playing a crucial role in developing a more diverse and resilient ecosystem and allowing our vines to flourish. Although they are not needed in the production of vines and grapes, they are the primary pollinators for many plants and cover crops that may surround vineyards such as beans, wheat, daisies and many more. The presence of bees also invites beneficial insects into the vineyard (like ladybirds, lacewings, predator mites and spiders) which give vines natural protection.

After a successful trial at Vine Vale Vineyard, the team is enthusiastic about expanding the beekeeping program to additional vineyard sites in the near future.