Ballast Stone Estate Wines: Currency Creek

It is almost 30 years since Richard and Marie Shaw planted their first grapes on a five acre site near McLaren Vale. Anxious to find more land suitable for future expension, they searched the Fleurieu Peninsula until they found the ideal location at Currency Creek, naming it Ballast Stone Estate, after the stone used by sailors a century before to ballast their ships. Early settlers utilised the convenient heaps of discarded ballast stone to construct their simple cottages and farm buildings, many of which can still be seen throughout the region.

The proximity of Lake Alexandrina, The Coorong and the Lower Murray was considered beneficial for grape growing, and influenced the final selection of land.

Since those early beginnings, the Shaw family have increased their holdings in the Currency Creek and McLaren Vale regions, and by the end of 2001, had more than 1200 acres under vines. In the year 2000, John Loxton joined the team, bringing with him the reputation of an award-winning hands-on winemaker with years of experience. He shared the Shaws’ philosophy that great wines begin in the vineyard, and thus, the ‘Ballast Stone Estate Wines’ label was born.

John Loxton has won numerous Australian and international awards and trophies, and his 2000 Ballast Stone Cabernet Sauvignon has already been recognised on the show circuit. It has won gold at McLaren Vale, silver at the Royal Perth and bronze at both the Sydney Wine Show, and the National Wine Show in Canberra.

Other fine wines produced by John at Ballast Stone Estates include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Grenache and Chardonnay. Premium quality Virgin Olive Oil is also produced on the Estate, and is available for tasting at the Cellar Door, which is open 7 days from 10.30 until 4.30, Christmas Day and Good Friday excepted. An innovative partnership between Coorong Cruises and Ballast Stone Estate Wines, named the ‘Water into Wine Cruise’, offers visitors a cruise like no other on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Cruise the peaceful waters of the Finniss River estuary, and marvel at the prolific birdlife and natural bushland before mooring at Wally’s Landing for winetasting and lunch at the Currency Creek Winery Complex. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along a nature trail before transferring to the neighbouring Ballast Stone Estate Winery for an intimate ‘behind the scenes’ winery tour. Discover how the wines are made before winetasting at the Cellar Door.

Cruise serenely back along the river to Hindmarsh Island Marina, via Goolwa. For further detail regarding the ‘Water into Wine’ cruise, phone (08) 8555 4069. To learn more about the award-winning Ballast Stone Estate Wines, speak with the helpful staff on (08) 8555 4215, or visit the website www.ballaststone.com.au

Take a look at the Currency Creek Winery, which is in the same region.

Text & Photo supplied by Ballast Stone Winery