For lovers of find wine, experience the spirit of the winemakers and their families in the Mount Benson Wine Region. Known for its rich loam-based terra rossa soil over limestone, the region produces award winning wines of exceptional quality, interest and character. Indulge in the classics or be adventurous with the alternative varieties each cellar door has to offer.
WANGOLINA
Wangolina 'Where the Wattlebird nests' is situated between the coastal towns of Kingston SE & Robe in the Mt Benson region, which is a part of the broader Limestone Coast wine region, South Australia. Renowned for limestone and terra rossa soils that combine with a maritime, cool climate our little region produces wines of exceptional quality, interest and character. Established in 1999 Wangolina has become the home and the heart of Mt Benson. Wine tastings available daily. Large group bookings appreciated.
For cellar door opening hours and more information please visit the Wangolina website or phone 8768 6187.
CAPE JAFFA WINES
Cape Jaffa winery and vineyard sits atop cave pocketed limestone on the very edge of the South Australian coastline - formed from the remains of coral and long forgotten ocean creatures as the sea made it’s retreat as recently as two million years ago. A unique and isolated post, approximately 30kms North of Robe, Cape Jaffa wines are made with heart, earth and salt air. Collaborating with erratic weather conditions and taking the path less travelled forced the hands of the Hooper family to cut traditional ties and be free with their craft. This craft is their passion, a passion which ebbs and flows, between the seasons culminating in wines of balance and harmony but, more importantly, that are very, very drinkable.
Far removed from famous wine regions and manipulative viticulture this biodynamic winery is unique and led by an unpretentious team. A heralding of all that is right with the modern breed of winemaker…conservation, sustainability and a love of place .So, if you're lucky enough to be passing through the Limestone Coast enjoying the pristine coastline, ancient megafauna or delectable local produce, take a moment and drop into Cape Jaffa Wines - there's wine trapped in bottles that you can set free!
For cellar door opening hours and more information please visit the Cape Jaffa Wines website or phone 8768 5053.
NORFOLK RISE
The Southern Ocean has a dramatic influence on our family vineyard and allows us to make elegant, true, cool climate wines. Hugging the shoreline between the coastal towns of Kingston SE and Robe on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Mount Benson is a truly unique place.
It experiences cold, wet winters followed by extended growing seasons and year-round southerly winds whistling in from the coast. Add to that undulating slopes of sandy loam over sedimentary limestone soils, and you have the perfect conditions for healthy and happy vines capable of producing world-class, crisp, bright, and elegant cool climate wines.
Our Mount Benson Estate comprises over 182 hectares, with 140 planted to vineyard. The site gets its name from the imposing Norfolk Pines that line the boulevard running through the centre of the vineyard and were specifically chosen to withstand the Southern Ocean winds that roll in off the coast.
The state-of-the-art on-site winery was built in 1999-2000 under the estate’s previous ownership and was initially designed to process and hold large volumes of wines efficiently. These days we’re opting to process smaller premium parcels carefully. However, we still enjoy the flexibility afforded by such a well-functioning and generous space with its great tank and barrel storage.
Since purchasing the site in 2021, we have consciously made decisions and implemented measures to support our environmental goals and vision for a sustainable future. Most recently, we installed a 99.84KW solar system of 256 solar panels, which now powers around 75% of our day-to-day energy needs. We’ve also introduced sheep into our vineyard to reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides, whilst also providing additional organic nutrients back into our soils.
For cellar door opening hours and more information please visit https://norfolkrise.com.au/ or phone 08 8768 5081.
RALPH FOWLER
Ralph Fowler Wines is an Australian company owned and operated by the Fowler Family. Ralph & Deborah Fowler manage the Mount Benson 7 ha vineyard, winery and cellar door, and Richelle Fowler looks after our Wine Club customers. The terrior of terra rossa soil and cool maritime climate is unique to the coastal Mount Benson wine region, providing perfect conditions for crafting premium wines. The Lyre Trellis with environmentally sustainable PRD (Partial Root-zone Drying) irrigation was chosen to grow superior grapes.
Knowledge and experience gained over more than 49 years, passion and dedication by Ralph along with hand picking, small batch and basket pressing create our unique style.
For cellar door opening hours and more information please visit the Ralph Fowler website or phone 8768 5000.