The rise of a scenic region
Australia has a rich wine history and some of the world’s oldest grapevines – but it’s also home to emerging wine regions and exciting untapped potential. On South Australia’s rugged Limestone Coast, you’ll find some of the newest vineyards in Australia and a small but dynamic community of growers and winemakers. This is the Mount Benson wine region, a peaceful coastal getaway tucked into south-east Australia, where a scattering of vineyards and a handful of wineries are quietly making their mark in Australian wine.
The Mount Benson wine region hugs the shoreline, offering sweeping vistas and bringing cool winds from the Southern Ocean. Part of the Limestone Coast wine zone, it’s about an hour and a half west of the famous Coonawarra, and just over three and half hours south of Adelaide.
Vineyards account for a fraction of the landscape that otherwise comprises gently rolling hills, farmland and sun-bleached coastal grasses. Visitors can explore welcoming cellar doors, where the winemaker is often on hand, enjoy summer picnics with ocean views and discover unspoilt beaches. The popular seaside town of Robe, famous for its crayfish, is a short drive south.
Mount Benson wine: vibrant and diverse
Mount Benson’s first commercial vineyard was planted in the late 1980s, and the region has grown as more vignerons discover the maritime climate. Wines are vibrant and full of flavour, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are also highlighting – and perfect with the local seafood. There’s also smaller amounts of other varieties and you’ll find everything from sparkling styles to dessert wines.
For a small wine region, Mount Benson’s wineries are surprisingly diverse. At one end of the spectrum, Ralph Fowler Wines and Mount Benson Estate produce premium wines with a focus on classics like Cabernet, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. Then there’s latecomer Norfolk Rise, whose first vineyards were planted in 2000. It’s now the region’s largest producer, making elegant, estate-grown wines including Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
At the other end of the spectrum, Cape Jaffa Wines is a beacon for innovation and home to the Limestone Coast’s first certified biodynamic vineyard. Founder Derek Hooper helped pioneer the Mount Benson wine region in the early 90s. His wines include petillant-naturel – a hazy, bright pink sparkling wine made using ancient methods, and a Georgian-inspired Chardonnay fermented in a ceramic egg.
“This is one of the most untouched, pristine coastlines in South Australia, if not Australia,” says Derek. “As a wine region, we're not restrained by history at all. We can basically do what we want. We’re a bit more free-spirited and have a crack at pushing boundaries on wine styles.”
Derek’s wife Anna is an award-winning winemaker who now works at industry level to grow Australia’s world-class wine scene. But she always loves coming home to the Mount Benson wine region.
“I think this region’s really exciting in terms of the wines that are produced here,” says Anna. “It’s a bit off the beaten track but there’s a lot to discover.”
