Langhorne Creek
Postcode: 5255
The Langhorne Creek is a town and wine region in South Australia. It is less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide on Fleurieu Peninsula and has a wine history dating back to 1850. Traditionally a red wine growing district well known for production of outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. These two red wine grape varieties constitute approximately 70% of the total vineyard plantings in the region. Over recent years considerable experimentation has occurred and a wide range of grape varieteis are now grown.
The town is on the banks of the Bremer River which flows into Lake Alexandrina. In winter, the river frequently floods across the vineyards, contributing to the terroir of the region.
This was one of the first wine growing districts in Australia, now it’s one of the fastest growing. Vineyards sprawl in all directions on the river’s floodplains. As the area is low lying, the roads are sometimes under water when the Bremer River is in winter flood. Flood level indicators along the roadside are marked to show the depth of water flowing across the road. An interesting feature of the district’s many vineyards is their utilisation of this natural flooding as a means of vineyard irrigation.
Robust red wines are a feature at several winery cellar doors. Langhorne Creek also hosts an annual jazz festival. A restaurant and bed and breakfast accommodation is available. Frank Potts in 1850, and the amazing giant red gum press, established the oldest winery in the district – Bleasdale’s – which is still in working condition.