Australian wine company Penfolds is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected wineries. Founded in 1844, this year marks the 70th anniversary of its flagship wine; the Penfolds Grange. Such a grand engagement calls for celebration, and like every good celebration, there should be music and gifts.
To that end, Penfolds proudly unveils an antique-inspired, one-of-a-kind vinyl record player with a built-in wine cupboard. Retailing for $75,000, only seven will be made available to audiophile consumers.
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From its inception, Penfolds has been driven by the art, the science, and the innovation of wine making, and so too is this limited edition player. It’s “all in one” design pays homage to the style of the 1950s, the same decade wherein the Grange variety was created and introduced by Max Schubert, Penfolds’ first Chief Winemaker.
“Music, like wine, takes us to another place,” Penfolds’ current Chief Winemaker Peter Gago is quoted in a press release. “It so effortlessly conveys life recollections of important times and places. It soothes, it stirs, it soars. It’s primal, it truly does soulfully ‘strike a chord,’ it certainly satisfies the senses. Our own ‘tastes’ transcend the subjective–we’re the owners and arbiters of what we think is special–Music, wine. Side by side? Why not? Styles? Maybe we can help!”
Each record player was handcrafted by Symbol audio, combining the latest digital innovations with classic techniques. It took a total of 100 hours of work, and the classic design allows for the delivery of high-quality sound. It’s a warm sonic experience paired perfectly with the Grange’s red Shiraz blends.
“Symbol Audio has a strong focus on craftsmanship, quality and the interweaving of time-honoured electronics with modern technology—qualities that Penfolds also shares,” Blake Tovin, Founder & Creative Director of Symbol Audio, is quoted in a press release. “Bringing together music and winemaking in this way has allowed us to craft a bespoke console that will enrich the experience of listening to music and sharing great wine with friends and family, much like Max Schubert did.”
When you’re ready to enjoy, the player console includes a hidden wine compartment packed with two rare Penfolds Grange Magnum bottles from 2010 and 2017. The console also features automatic interior lighting, a vinyl record storage cabinet, glass storage compartments that can hold up to eight wine glasses, 6.5” full range speakers, and a custom Penfolds turntable mat. It also comes with a hand-blown Grange decanter, specially-designed by Australian glass artist and designer Nick Mount.
A truly unique piece, the Penfolds Grange 70th anniversary record player capsule is sure to catch the eyes, ears and hearts of any guest who comes through your lounge. Those interested in the player can reach out online. Learn more about the Penfolds Grange legacy at Penfolds.com.
Photography by: Courtesy Penfolds
