Stonehaven
Stonehaven Winery has had an interesting journey. Originally built by Hardys in 1998 for a cool $33 million, it was all about showcasing the potential of South Australia's Limestone Coast. This is a region with some pretty diverse sub-regions, including Coonawarra, Padthaway, and Wrattonbully. While Coonawarra’s fame is well-established, the other subregions were still coming into their own when Stonehaven was launched.
However, after some big corporate shake-ups, the brand was sold, and Stonehaven was left dormant for years. That was until early 2021 when CW Wines, a South Australian family business, snapped it up and breathed new life into it. They didn’t just relaunch the brand—they overhauled it with a fresh look and started producing wines that are seriously good value. Under the guidance of winemaker Ben Wurst, they’ve created everything from easy-drinking varietals to more serious, limited-release bottles, with a focus on quality and showcasing the region's cool-climate styles.
Stonehaven’s focus remains on the Limestone Coast’s unique terroirs, with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay being the stars, along with some emerging varieties like Merlot and Riesling. It’s a real comeback story for a winery that’s proving it still has plenty to offer.