Langhorne Creek

The Langhorne Creek wine region in South Australia sits on the floodplains of the Bremer and Angas Rivers, southeast of Adelaide near Lake Alexandrina. It is one of Australia’s oldest and most underrated wine regions, with vineyards first planted in the 1850s. The area is characterised by its flat, fertile soils, cooling breezes from the Southern Ocean, and unique practice of flood irrigation from the Murray River (historically used to sustain vines during summer). Today, it’s a source of both premium and value wines, and is especially known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

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Key grape varieties grown

• Cabernet Sauvignon

  • The region’s flagship variety.

  • Produces wines with blackcurrant, mulberry, and mint notes, supported by fine tannins and freshness.

  • Consistently regarded as some of Australia’s best value Cabernets.

• Shiraz

  • Another cornerstone of Langhorne Creek viticulture.

  • Typically plush, ripe, and full-flavoured, with dark fruit, spice, and chocolate notes.

  • Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or bottled as varietal wines.

• Malbec

  • Has found a strong home in Langhorne Creek.

  • Known for deeply coloured, rich wines with dark berry fruit and savoury spice.

  • Frequently blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add depth.

• Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

  • Widely grown to meet broader commercial demand.

  • Produces approachable, fruit-driven styles.

• Emerging / alternative varieties

  • Small plantings of Montepulciano, Fiano, and Vermentino reflect the region’s growing interest in Mediterranean varieties suited to warm summers.

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Major wineries

Langhorne Creek has a mix of heritage family wineries and large-scale producers sourcing grapes for some of Australia’s biggest labels:

• Bleasdale Vineyards

  • Founded in 1850, the oldest continuing winery in the region.

  • Known for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Malbec.

  • Its Frank Potts blend is highly regarded, and its Malbec has won national acclaim.

• Lake Breeze Wines

  • Family-owned, with 130+ years of grape growing.

  • Acclaimed for Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Malbec.

  • Consistently wins trophies and medals for value and quality.

• Bremerton Wines

  • Run by sisters Rebecca and Lucy Willson.

  • Produces premium Shiraz, Cabernet, and Malbec, along with alternative varietals.

  • Known for a stylish cellar door and food experiences.

• Brothers in Arms

  • Fifth-generation family estate.

  • Famous for No. 6 Shiraz, a powerful expression of the region.

• Metala Vineyards

  • Historic property dating back to the 1890s.

  • Credited with some of the earliest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in Australia.