The smallest part of Limestone Coast zone, Mount Benson wine region has earned great success in the industry over a short period of time. Offering picturesque landscapes, the coastal region is also known for amazing seafood and of course, excellent wines!
Away from the urban chaos, witnessing live music while enjoying your favourite wine & food – Sounds like a perfect vacay? Then go nowhere else! A few minutes away from the Mount Benson region, lies the Cape Jaffa locality that holds the famous Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine Festival every year in the months of November. This rather small region is full of amazing surprises. Read on to know more.
The History
A relatively young wine region, the history of viticulture in Mount Benson dates back to 1989. In this year, Peter and Leah Wehl planted the region’s first vines, thus marking the beginning of winemaking here. As it flourished, the vineyard was extended to 24 hectares with the planting of Cab Sav, Shiraz and later Merlot and Sauv Blanc as well. Formerly a grazing land for sheep eventually has gained great popularity with its small yet popular winemaking industry.
The Terroir
Located in proximity to the Southern Ocean, Mount Benson wine region witnesses a maritime and cool climate. It enjoys a temperature slightly cooler than the Coonawarra region during summers. Despite this, the budburst takes place two weeks earlier, while the grapes are harvested at almost the same time or a little later.
Covered by the rich Terra Rossa soil, the vineyards are well drained by the excellent quality groundwater.
Must-Try Wines
One of the premium red wine producer, Mount Benson wine region is especially known for the Rhône style wines. It has been a quite popular traditional practice in the northern Rhône Valley, to add a portion of Viognier in order to enhance the wine style. The practice has been commonly adopted in this SA’s wine region, especially for red wines. Shiraz is the most preferred variety in the region, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varieties together account for 75% of the total produce. The region is also known for producing high-quality Chardonnay.
