Crawford River Wines

Crawford River Wines is a renowned winery located in far south-west Victoria, Australia, approximately 50 kilometers inland from the Southern Ocean. Established in 1975 by John and Catherine Thomson, this family-run estate has become a leading producer of cool-climate wines, particularly known for its exceptional Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Location and Terroir

The Crawford River vineyard is situated in the Henty wine region, nestled within a larger sheep and cattle station that has been in the Thomson family since 1884. The unique terroir of the area contributes significantly to the quality of the wines:

• Cool southerly latitude

• Maritime influence from the nearby Southern Ocean

• Complex soil structure

• Favorable microclimate

These factors combine to create ideal conditions for producing wines with distinctive character and finesse.

Vineyard and Varieties

The estate vineyard spans 11 hectares and focuses primarily on:

• Riesling

• Cabernet Sauvignon

Smaller plantings of Cabernet Franc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc complement the main varieties. The vineyard has seen gradual expansion since its initial planting, with additional blocks of Riesling and Cabernet added in 2000.

Winemaking Philosophy

Crawford River Wines is committed to producing handcrafted, estate-grown wines that reflect their unique terroir. Key aspects of their approach include:

• Hand-picking and selection of all fruit

• On-site processing and bottling

• Patience and time as essential elements in their winemaking process

• Minimal intervention techniques, allowing for natural fermentation and expression of the grapes

Wines

The winery is particularly celebrated for its:

1. Riesling: Known for its exceptional quality and aging potential

2. Cabernet Sauvignon: Showcasing the cool-climate characteristics of the region

3. Cabernets blend: A combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

4. Semillon: A variety the winery believes strongly in, with dedicated plantings

Cellar Door Experience

Visitors to Crawford River Wines can enjoy a personalized tasting experience at their cellar door:

• Design: The cellar door building, added in 2000, was designed by Graeme Gunn

• Views: Offers panoramic vistas of the vineyard and surrounding farmland

• Tasting hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, with occasional special weekend openings

• Appointment required: Visitors are asked to contact Belinda Thomson at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability

Recognition and Leadership

Under the guidance of founder John Thomson and now his daughter Belinda Thomson, who became chief winemaker in 2012, Crawford River has gained significant recognition:

• Considered a foremost producer of Riesling in Australia

• Praised by renowned wine critic James Halliday

• Exports to international markets, including the UK and Japan

Crawford River Wines offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Australia's pioneering cool-climate wineries, set in a picturesque and relatively undiscovered wine region of Victoria.