Mount Benson Wine Region

Mount Benson

Mount Benson is a small coastal region just off Cape Jaffa. It is poised between Kingston and Robe on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Wines from the district show remarkable consistency, lifted aromatics and soft velvet tannin structure. Red grape varieties make up most of the region’s plantings. Cabernet sauvignon is resplendent in blackcurrant, violet and cedar, while shiraz is medium bodied, plummy and spicy. Sauvignon blanc performs well, showing lemony fresh citrus fruits and oceanic minerality. Smaller plantings of chardonnay, merlot and viognier exist, but pinot gris is the one to watch.

Viticulture commenced in earnest in Mount Benson as recently as 1989. The region benefits from rich terra rossa soil and a cool maritime climate rising from the Great Southern ocean. Small producers own most of the region’s vineyards and a number of cellar doors make the area well worth a visit. The emerging seaside destination now features the new Anchorage marina.

Local estate, Cape Jaffa Wines lays claim to the first fully certified biodynamic vineyard on the Limestone Coast.