Mount Benson Wineries
Just 20 minutes north of Robe, the Mount Benson wine region is home to some of the Limestone Coast's most welcoming cellar doors. Expect a slower pace, country hospitality and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer than planned. Families and four-legged friends are welcome at these cellar doors, making it an easy outing for the whole crew. You may set out for a quick tasting and find yourself staying for the afternoon. If you'd rather leave the car behind, Robe Runner is available on 0493 180 234. Our local favourites are below.
CAPE JAFFA WINES
Cape Jaffa Wines sits humble as a paddock stone cottage overlooking their treasured Block 15 vines, but this third-generation winery is anything but ordinary. Among the early adopters of biodynamic winemaking in South Australia, the entire operation runs off-grid. In 2017, Cape Jaffa launched Loophole Brewing Co, adding a diverse range of craft beers to the mix, while LC36˚ Sparkling Mineral Water is sourced from local limestone aquifers.
At the cellar door, you can sample wines, craft beers and sparkling mineral water all produced on site, accompanied by a grazing board and vineyard views. During summer, food trucks and live music add to the relaxed atmosphere. If you're keen to dig a little deeper, Loophole Brewing Co brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, finishing with a beer alongside your brewer.
Open seven days a week from 12pm–4pm, the cellar door invites you to settle in on the lawn, in the paddock stone courtyard or on the deck overlooking the vines. Work your way through the wines, craft beers and grazing boards, with the atmosphere tending peaceful midweek and a little more lively on weekends. If you're keen to dig a little deeper, Loophole Brewing Co brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, finishing with a beer alongside your brewer.
Make sure to check their Instagram to see What’s On when you are visiting next.
NORFOLK RISE
Just across the road from Cape Jaffa Wines, Norfolk Rise is named after the Norfolk Pines that line the boulevard running through the vineyard. Sheep graze among the vines, produce from the kitchen garden often finds its way onto seasonal platters, and fruit from the property's mulberry orchard is transformed into the mulberry ice cream that has developed something of a cult following.
Families are well catered for with a sandpit, toy tractors and lawn games, while dogs are equally welcome. Open seven days a week from 11am–4pm, it's the sort of place where a quick tasting can easily turn into a lazy afternoon, grazing board in hand and kids or dogs happily occupied on the lawn.
WANGOLINA
Alternative varieties, mpotato chip pairings and a relaxed cellar door tell you most of what you need to know about owner and winemaker Anita Goode's approach to wine. From Grüner Veltliner and Fiano to Malvasia Istriana and beyond, Wangolina Wines has become known for doing things a little differently. Scenic pastoral views, lush lawns and plenty of wide open space make this an easy place to while away an afternoon.
For the food and wine curious, don't miss the popular 'Chip n Sip' experience — a winemaker-approved pairing of wines and potato chips that proves great matches don't always need to be complicated. Open seven days a week from 11am–4pm. Wangolina's socials are a good place to check for cellar door happenings during your stay.
For more information about the wine region of Mount Benson please read HERE