Stonehaven Winery: In the Limestone Coast Region of South Eastern South Australia
(Text & photos supplied by Stonehaven Winery)
The Stonehaven winery and vineyards are situated in the Limestone Coast, the area in South Australia that stretches from Padthaway in the north to the Southern Ocean. It is one of Australia's pre-eminent wine regions and is characterised by fertile Terra Rossa soils over a limestone base. These conditions combined with an abundant supply of artesian water form ideal conditions for viticultural production. A fact borne out by continuing vintages of exceptional wines.
The name 'Stonehaven' was bestowed by the Scottish pioneers who settled in the Limestone Coast region. The original parcel of land which was know as 'Stonehaven' is now the site of the current Wrattonbully vineyard. The region's natural advantages provided the basis for productive and prosperous communities that have gone on to establish a long tradition of working the land. This is a heritage that today finds expression in viticulture and the production of fine wines.
The southermost of Stonehaven's vineyards are to be found in the Coonawarra. This long established region is renowned for its rich and fertile 'Terra Rossa' soils and the magnificent full-bodied red wines that are associated with the area.
The Stonehaven holdings in the Padthaway region are extensive. The landscape is typically of vines receding to the horizon, interspersed with stands of huge eucalypts. The complex white and red wines emerging from the Padthaway vineyards are acknowledged as some of Australia's finest.
Wrattonbully, the most recent vineyard development, is situated where the original 'Stonehaven' settlement was founded. The rich red soils and ample water that attracted the early settlers are equally compelling in establishing prime vineyards.
Stonehaven's 12,000 tonne winery is strategically placed south of Padthaway, the gateway to the Limestone Coast region. It is one of the most technologically advanced in Australia, a country acknowledged globally for its technological innovations in the wine industry. The combination of these technological advantages with the winemaking expertise of Sue Bell has resulted in some of the very finest examples of premium Australian wine.
Each year, winemaker Sue Bell selects the finest parcels of regional fruit to create Stonehaven's quality range of wines. Stonehaven's flagship range of wines include the Limited Vineyard Release Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. The Premium Limestone Coast range offers a superb Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Viognier.
The Latest release from Stonehaven is the successful "Stepping Stone" range which includes a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Padthaway Shiraz and Chardonnay.
The Stonehaven cellar door & conference centre, which sits close to Stonehaven winery, is more than a simple tasting outlet. A building of distinctive style and sophistication it is set amongst stands of huge and ancient red gums with vistas of vineyards stretching to the horizon. A fine Australian setting and an expression of the many positive virtues, both ancient and modern, which define Australia's wine culture.
The cellar door & function centre is open everyday from 10am to 4pm, and caters for a wide variety of events. For further information please use any of the following contact details Phone: 61 (0)8 8765 6180 Address: Riddoch Highway, Padthaway, 5271. Email: amanda_moss@brlhardy.com.au
