Limestone Coast

Located in the south eastern corner of South Australia, the Limestone Coast is a Geographical Indication zone recognized by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation.

It includes Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Mount Benson, Robe and Mount Gambier. Stonehaven wines are blended from fruit sourced from all three of the major areas; namely Padthaway, Coonawarra and Wrattonbully, which make up the Limestone Coast. They are fine varietal wines that highlight the quality and richness of the region.

Over a million years ago, the ocean extended much further inland than our current geography appears today. A series of inland coastlines is what has been left after the sea retreated. The foundation is limestone, formed from the residue of the rich marine life, with various layers of soil left behind during the "ebb and flow" stages of the sea. This combination--the well draining limestone and rich, nutritious soil--along with positive climactic influences, has contributed to this region's popularity for winemaking.

The Limestone Coast lacks significant mountain ranges, which leaves it open to a cooler maritime climate. Areas more northerly and inland (such as Padthaway) experience less rainfall and more sunlight hours than their coastal neighbors, although generous cloud cover and mild temperatures are common. These factors permit grapes to ripen more slowly, developing full fruit flavors without losing acidity.

The region offers a variety of rural pleasures, from the Cabernet Celebration in Coonawarra to the underground caves and fossils at Naracoorte to the lobster fishing in Robe.

For more information on the Limestone Coast region, we encourage you to browse these sites:
South Australian Tourism Commission
Lonely Planet on South Australia
South Australian Accommodation Guide
Adelaide Convention & Tourism Authority
Naracoorte Tourism