The vineyards of Henty lie amidst the prime merino and cattle country of remote Western Victoria. An expansive hinterland unfolds towards the Great Ocean Road to meet the Southern Ocean at Shipwreck Coast. The region enjoys a fine reputation for aromatic whites and sparkling varieties. Henty riesling is revered for exceptional quality and longevity. It is a delicate, perfumed style with steely backbone and hallmark elegance. Crawford River Winery is regarded as producing some of the most long lived and distinctive riesling in the country. Lively chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are widely grown. Seductive Pinot noir is the region’s leading red, followed by attractive cool climate shiraz. Cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot blends are born from warmer sites.
Henty stretches along the Southern Ocean coastline from Victoria’s south west slope to the South Australian border. With only 180 ha under vine, wine production is relatively small given the region’s size. Modern viticulture was established at Seppelt’s Drumborg vineyard in 1964 and continued to emerge through 70s, 80s and 90s. Henty is a definitively cool climate region, swept with winds from the Southern Ocean. Long, dry Summers and Autumns provide abundant sunshine. Soils are predominantly fertile black volcanics and well drained red-brown clays are also found.
