The Region

The Limestone Coast of South Australia encompasses the wine areas of the Coonawarra, Padthaway, Mount Benson, Robe, Wrattonbully (formerly Koppamurra), Penola, Lucindale and Mt Gambier. It follows the east/west border of South Australia and Victoria for approximately 150 kilometres and stretches all the way to the coast.

The land mass that makes up the Limestone Coast region consists of a number of different soil types. The soils of the district are derived from seabed formations and ancient sand dunes that are friable and free draining and offer excellent physical properties for those interested in intensive farming techniques.

The most famous soil type is the 'terra rossa'; small strips of deep red soil over limestone beds, which is ideal for producing top class red and white wines. A predictable cool climate combined with these soils allows for the fruit yield to be of a consistent outstanding quality.

The first vineyards in the area were planted in the late 1890's, with major expansion beginning in the 1960's, and then again in the 1990's. Opening in 1998, with cellar door sales opening in February 2000, the ‘Heathfield Ridge' winery was the first processing facility in the Wrattonbully district. It is located on Caves Road, close to the famous; world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves where Pleistocene fossil bones were discovered in 1859.

In close proximity to the ‘Heathfield' vineyards lies Bool Lagoon which is located 24 kilometres south of Naracoorte. A wetland of international significance, it is one of the state's largest, being home to thousands of species of birds and other wildlife.