Murdup Wines: At Mount Benson, in the South East/Limestone Coast region of South Australia

(text & photos supplied by Sightseeing South Australia)

Eight years ago Andrew and Melinda Murdock bought some farmland at Mount Benson, a small wine-making area situated between the towns of Kingston and Robe on the Limestone Coast.

They planted vines on the property in 1997 and today are the proud suppliers of award-winning wines under the "Murdup" brand.

Their 2002 Shiraz has done extraordinarily well, picking up a Silver Medal in the 2003 Adelaide Wine Show - being third overall. It also rated 4 1/2 stars in Wine State Magazine from the Limestone Coast Tastings in 2003 and then made it into the Wine State Annual 2004, best of South Australia.

The region's gently undulating Terra Rossa soil, ample supply of water and a mild maritime climate make for ideal growing conditions yielding an excellent standard of fruit.

Andrew and Melinda say they bud count when pruning to ensure low yields for more intense flavours, and water and fertilize vines for the soil conditions.

Together with a very switched on wine maker, compiling 30 years experience in the wine industry, they are making some fantastic wines that will age gracefully.

You can taste their wines at the cellar door, which opened in July 2002.

Situated within their 25 acre vineyard, the limestone-fronted building with gabled verandah sets the scene for a wonderful wine-tasting experience. The charming tasting room features corrigated iron walls and bar front, open timber trusses and sponged feature walls.

The bar is a major feature of the tasting room and has a solid timber bench top over corrigated iron. The bar top is Californian Redwood which originated from a 150-year-old tree at Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills.

The cellar door also displays a unique arrangement of fun and quirky nik naks, great for gift ideas or holiday memorabilia.

Murdup Wines
RSD 12, Mount Benson 5275
Phone: +61 (0)8 8768 6190
Fax: +61 (0)8 8768 6190
Email: murdup@seol.net.au
Website: www.murdupwines.com.au