Mount Benson

Mount Benson (37°02′S 139°48′E / 37.033°S 139.8°E / -37.033; 139.8) is the name of a wine region in South Australia's Limestone Coast zone. It is a unique coastal geographical indication situated approximately 300 kilometres from Adelaide and halfway between the historic townships of Kingston SE and Robe in the south east of South Australia. As part of the greater Limestone Coast wine region, Mount Benson is cousin to other well-known winegrowing regions including Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Penola, Mount Gambier and Robe. The region’s first grapes were planted in the 1980s by local farmers well attuned to Mount Benson’s unique and rugged climatic conditions. These grapes would later make way for the region’s own style of delicate, cool-climate, maritime-influenced wines which have already begun to make waves within a very competitive Australian wine industry.

The Mount Benson vineyards are planted on gently undulating terrain ranging from five to 50 metres above sea level and attracted the interest of viticulturalists due to prevalent loam-based terra rossa soils that sit atop free-draining limestone, which formed over millions of years while the region was underwater. Shells and skeletal remains of marine animals deposited on the shallow sands of what is now the Limestone Coast, and under the ocean’s weight these remains fused together to eventually form a layer of soft limestone. Terra rossa soil, arguably the most famous vineyard soil in Australia, is produced as the limestone weathers and the clay contained in the rocks is left behind. Where this clay sits above the water table oxidation occurs, forming rust and giving the soil is characteristic red colour.

Mount Benson is home to five cellar doors, each showcasing a number of wine varieties which express Mount Benson’s coastal regionality and unique terroir.

Viticulture and Climate

A moderate maritime climate provides the biggest drawcard from a viticultural point of view. Cold and wet winters and long, cool and dry growing seasons are typical in the region. Strong winds prevailing from the South in spring and summer keep foliage dry and disease at bay. Winter frosts are also moderated by our coastal location, as are summer temperature extremes. It’s these favourable conditions which provide the foundation to an elegant and delicate style of wines.

Map Coordinates: 36.97°S, 139.72°E

Altitude: 5-150m

Heat Degree Days (Oct-Apr): 1443.7

Average Annual Rainfall: 483.2mm

Growing Season Rainfall: 170.5mm

Mean January Maximum: 24.6°C

Relative Humidity (Oct-Apr, 3pm): 58%

Harvest: Late February – Early May

Red grape varieties represent 75% of all grapes grown in the region, with the majority of Mount Benson planted to cabernet sauvignon, but also includes substantial plantings of shiraz, merlot, pinot noir, cabernet franc and petit verdot. White varieties consist of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, as well as pinot gris, riesling, semillon, verdelho and viognier. The region although settled for its propensity to grow excellent red in its terra rossa soils, is now home to nationally acclaimed sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.