Brian Croser, whose career and reputation in the Australian wine industry is nothing short of legendary, established Petaluma in 1976. Three wines have underpinned Petalumas success; the first is an estate grown red from Coonawarra simply labeled as Coonawarra, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The second is the Clare Valley Riesling from the estate owned Hanlin Hill Vineyard. The third is the trailblazing Chardonnay coming from the highest altitude of the Adelaide Hills known as Piccadilly. Brian sold Petaluma in the early 1990s however the company and the wines continue from strength to strength.