Cape Jaffa Wines :: The Mount Benson Wine Region
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Region A geographical indication in its own right, the Mount Benson wine region is located approximately 300km south of Adelaide between the two prominent crayfishing ports of Kingston SE in the north and the historic township of Robe in the south. Settled in the 1840s, the land at Mount Benson formed part of a cattle and sheep route between Adelaide and Portland and was used for many years to grow wool, wheat and wattle bark. Today the fairly unobtrusive peak of Mount Benson overlooks a landscape dominated by forestry, grazing and viticulture.
Mount Benson forms part of the Limestone Coast wine zone alongside Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Padthaday. The area attracts the interest of viticulturalists due to its terra rossa soil that sits atop free-draining limestone. This limestone 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.
The terra rossa soil 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. It’s arguably the most famous vineyard soil in Australia.
Mount Benson’s cool maritime climate which moderates frosts and its reliable access to high quality underground water are also major viticultural drawcards for the region.
The Mount Benson wine region is within minutes from the coastal South Australian towns of Robe and Kingston SE, as well as a short drive from Adelaide, Mount Gambier, the Limestone Coast, the Great Ocean Road and much more. Click here for a list of recommended local accommodation. |
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