Wine regions Australia - Henty

Henty   Victoria

The Henty region is a large region with a range of climatic conditions. Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz are making waves.

Vineyards at the base of Mount Pierrepoint

With town names like Merino and Macarthur you would rightly guess that this country was settled with sheep in mind. The first settlers to arrive, the Henty brothers did in fact bring vines as well as sheep. It was fitting that the region was named after the pioneer Henty family. They settled in Portland in 1834 after arriving on the "Thistle" that sailed from Launceston to Portland Bay. Recorded on the ship's log was one cask of grape vine. This is the first record of vines into Victoria.

The modern viticultural period began in the early 1960s when Seppelt planted their Drumborg vineyard. The fruit is sent to Seppelt's Great Western winery 160 km to the north. Other vineyards and wineries followed, Crawford River in 1975 up till the most recent winery Mt Napier.

The region is large extending from the Hopkins River in the east to the South Australian border. The Glenelg River cuts through the region and forms its northern most boundary at Harrow. Warrnambool on the coast is the region's largest city.

The stretch along the Henty Highway between Hamilton and Portland is the main vineyard area within the region. The soils are fertile producing excellent Chardonnay, Riesling, Meunier, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

Given the size of the region the number of wineries is small, numbering twelve with only six cellar doors. However, the region punches way beyond their mass, with Henty Estate, Crawford River and Tarrington scoring an enthusiastic 5 stars in James Halliday's 2008 Guide. Further critical acclaim has come to Mount Pierrepoint and Bochara.

It is really down to the climate, topographical positioning of the vineyards and the skills of the vignerons and winemakers in utilising the top quality fruit. The fruit is long ripening producing a natural acidity. The winemakers draw down on this and other qualities in the fruit to produce the most elegant of wines.

The region is developing a reputation for cool climate Shiraz The style is lightly oaked and fruit driven with soft tanins.

The region's Riesling is crisp when young, maturing with strong honey essence.

Pinot Noir is also a local hero signified by berry aromas and subtle notes of spices and herbs.

The region also has vineyards that are focued on biodynamic and organic principles. Hochkirch and Tarrington Vineyards have achieved certification for transitioning their vineyard practices. Tarrington is also focused on minimising sulphur to produce their low allergen wines.

The region's superb coastline dubbed the Shipwreck Coast, as the Southern Ocean pounds this dramatic landscape has long attracted visitors who love the sea and the beautiful hinterland running down to it.

The local restaurants flaunt the local wines (as they should!) so visitors can readily experience the region's wonderful wines in the towns and villages along the coast. There is a wide range of accommodation facilities from self contained to hotels and resorts.

The region hosts a number of big events including the Wunta Food and Wine Festival at Warrnambool and the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March.

Harvest time: early April to late May

Vintage Report 2007

Henty Wine Region experienced a difficult year. Rainfall was well below average with only 430 mm recorded at Hamilton compared to the long term average of 680 mm. A series of very severe frosts occurred in late Spring that devestated many vineyards. The result was that many frost affected vineyards picked little or no fruit. Those that weren't affected picked top quality fruit due in part to little disease pressure and a warm finish to the growing season allowing target baumes to be easily met. Wines from the 2007 vintage are shaping up to be of excellent quality.

2008 is shaping up to be a great vintage with rain falling across the region at the most auspicious times.

Sites with more information: Henty Wine Region The Great Ocean Road

Enjoying the wine of their fruit.