Story: Ashley Porter

Langhorne Creek may be considered one of Australia's smallest grape and wine regions, because it consists of only seven wineries, but its reputation overseas as one of the most innovative has grown beyond its size.

It has already been applauded for being the only entire region to adopt a national program to enhance soil health and increase functional biodiversity in its vineyards. Now, the Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine Region's (LCG&WR) world-first grape sharing program – Project 5255 – is being replicated overseas.

The biennial scheme, introduced in 2020, offers three winemakers from other Australian wine regions the chance to discover a new grape-growing region and create a limited edition 100 per cent Langhorne Creek wine under their own label.

It involves the gifting of two tonnes of premium fruit of their choice to each winemaker, with mentoring support from seasoned Langhorne Creek grape growers and producers throughout the year, from a successful harvest through to bottling.

This year's recipients from 30 entries, including some from interstate, are about to be named as part of the launch of the new vintage.

Sam Watkins, winemaker at Watkins Wines, and committee chair of Project 5255, says the scheme was so successful first time around that it attracted national attention for the second vintage in 2022, and he expects the same to happen for 2024.

“To now have interest from overseas is obviously encouraging and a positive reflection of the Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Region,” Sam says.

“We were overwhelmed with the level of interest for the project in its second outing. Not only did we receive winemakers applying from across South Australia, but also from interstate.

“The calibre of the applicants for each round was outstanding and the finished wines created a real buzz in the industry.

“Showcasing the terroir of the Creek and its premium fruit was always our number one objective and we think the project is doing just that, which we’re really proud of.”

The first two rounds of Project 5255 delivered six outstanding Langhorne Creek wines, each receiving high praise from wine writers around Australia. One of these wines saw Port Elliot-based winemaker Charlotte Hardy, of Charlotte Dalton Wines, named 'Young Gun of Wine'.   

Project 5255's 2020 trailblazers - Rob Mack, Turon White and Charlotte Hardy. Photo supplied.

Hanne Nørvåg Thomas, Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Inc marketing and promotions manager, says as a wine region Langhorne Creek may seem small, but in terms of production it is one of the biggest in Australia based on grape volume per winery.

“The experience it offers is so varied and there are so many things to see and do,” she says.

“You can do the whole region in one day, but every single place is different, whether it's the history, gin options, or food and restaurants. You can see the whole region in one day and embrace everything.”

Adding to the LCG&WR's reputation for innovation, its Grapes for Good program is also believed to be a world-first. Under the scheme, part proceeds from a signature wine linked with each of the seven wineries supports Monarto Safari Park.

Each wine is distinguished by a brilliant sleeve over the bottle, highlighting the animal the winery chose to sponsor.

Project 5255's 2022 participants - Natillie Johnston, Riley Harrison and Greg Clack. Photo supplied.