John Duval

John Duval Wines is the embodiment of Barossa Valley craftsmanship, where a deep family legacy and world-class expertise converge. John Duval, once Penfolds Chief Winemaker (1986-2002) and a key figure behind the legendary wines like RWT Shiraz, Yattarna Chardonnay and Special Bin Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet, Duval left that corporate world to follow a more intimate winemaking journey, establishing his own label in 2003. This shift allowed John to return to the roots of Barossa, working with old vine Shiraz and other Rhone varietals to produce wines with structure, elegance, and a sense of place.

However, the next chapter of this story is marked by the arrival of his son, Tim Duval, in 2016. Tim brought fresh energy and ideas to the business after seven years as a practising lawyer. His immersion in both the vineyard and winery, coupled with his legal background and wine retail experience, has given John Duval Wines a multi-generational strength.

"John Duval wines though is not a huge step away from what Duval knows best. It is a Barossa Valley specialist, sourcing largely old vine fruit to create traditionally powerful and weighty wine styles with great generosity of fruit."
- Angus Hughson

Together, John and Tim focus on Barossa’s heritage varietals, with standout wines like the Entity Shiraz, Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre and the small-batch Annexus Grenache. Tim’s influence can be felt in the increasing emphasis on sustainability and in his pursuit of crafting wines that strike a balance between the traditional boldness of Barossa and modern finesse​.

As the Duvals continue to evolve the label, it remains clear that this is a family legacy being built for future generations, with both father and son working side by side to keep Barossa’s winemaking tradition alive, while pushing the boundaries of what Barossa wine can be.