On the gentle slopes of a dormant volcano in South Australia, the landscape of the Mount Gambier wine region creates a dramatic backdrop for its elegant wines.
The coastal region’s lush countryside is punctuated by sinkholes and lake-filled craters, including the famous Blue Lake. Lava caves and aquifers lie below the surface.
When you’re not exploring geological marvels, sample standout produce, from Wagyu beef and lobsters to dairy, fruits and vegetables. Mount Gambier is Australia’s newest wine region and thanks to its premium cooler-climate wines, its future is bright. This wine region is home to many family run businesses and is quickly building itself a reputation for premium wine.
A Rich History
Most of Mount Gambier's vineyards were previously cheese or butter factories that were part of the dairy industry up until the late 1970s.While a lot of Mount Gambier’s grapes are purchased by vineyards in the Coonawarra and Padthaway, the region is also home to a range of boutique wineries that use the grapes in their own varieties.
Top Varieties Grown
CHARDONNAY - Chardonnay wines are elegant yet complex, with bright citrus and stone fruit flavors.
SAUVIGNON BLANC - These vibrant white wines are bursting with tropical fruit aromas and flavors.
PINOT NOIR - Pinot Noir thrives in the cooler conditions of the Mount Gambier wine region, producing elegant, silky red wines fragrant with cherry and spice.
Tasting the Good Intentions Wine Co Volcanic Lakes Chardonnay 2022
Andrew and Louise Burchell moved to Mount Gambier with a view to start a family, grow grapes and craft wines that showcase the unique terroir of their home.Mount Gambier is Australia's youngest volcano, having last erupted only 6000 years ago. The Burchell farm and their additional leased vineyards are all set on the slopes of Mount Gambier, the mix of rich volcanic soils and mineral-charged water making for unique grape growing conditions in their little patch of earth. An interesting producer doing things just a little bit different in their patch of the country.
Volcanic Lakes Chardonnay 2022, is the first single site release from Andrew at Good Intentions, along with a gorgeous new Pinot Noir. After a five-year organic reclamation project the fruit from this vineyard at the base of Mount Gambier volcano is now worthy of its own label, and it is a beauty. The nose is all honeycomb and peach, with a slight oxidative note, and the mouthfeel is driven, citrus, vivid.
95 Points by Mike Bennie “ Feels a bit Jura-meets-Chablis in a way, but then again, wholly distinct and wonderful. Great energy, is another message.
