Mount Benson

Strongly influenced by the Southern Ocean, the climate in Mount Benson is unequivocally cool and maritime.  Summer temperatures can be three degrees cooler than the nearby Coonawarra region, and though budburst occurs two weeks earlier, harvest is about the same time or slightly later. Irrigation is provided by high quality ground water, which exists in abundance in the underlying limestone.

The district now has six active cellar-door operations and three wineries (see list below). These businesses support the already very significant tourism industry in Robe and Kingston. The Cape Jaffa and Ralph Fowler brands are both widely distributed in Australia and have developed major export markets.  Chapoutier and Cellarmaster wines (Black Wattle Vineyards) have significant investments in the region, and both have increased their plantings. The Ling family has the Baudin Rock brand that is being distributed in Australia and throughout export markets. They are also developing a tourist complex.

In vintage 2003, the region crushed about 2800 tonnes (2755 tons) at local wineries. Many more were crushed in wineries in nearby regions. A significant development in the region has been the establishment of the Kreglinger Australia Mount Benson winery of 5000 tonne (4921 ton) capacity together with a 162 hectare (400-acre) vineyard planted to Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.