Over the years

From its earliest days until now, Langhorne Creek has shared a vibrant history of success in its farming and winemaking pursuits, in local and international sporting arenas, and survived great climatic challenges to tell is enduring and unique story.

Enjoy our journey through the years.

Pre 1840s

The Langhorne Creek region was part of the wider country occupied by the Ngarrindjeri nations from Kingston in the South-East to Cape Jervis in the west.

Captain Charles Sturt and other Murray River explorers came into the region in the 1820s and ‘30s, recognising the fertile nature of the district as they entered and crossed Lake Alexandrina on their way to finding the mouth of the river system.

1840s

Cattle drover Alfred Langhorne brought animals overland to a nearby property known as Langhorne’s Station. Where he crossed the Bremer River (named later) was referred to as Langhorne’s Crossing, and from this the current name Langhorne Creek evolved.

There is, however, no actual waterway known as Langhorne Creek.

1850s

Pioneer Frank Potts came into the region and also noticed its fertile flood plains, later purchasing the first section of land and planting 100 acres of crops, followed by Shiraz and Verdelho vines, establishing the still operating Bleasdale Winery.

Original Bleasdale Homestead

1880s

Three decades after the Follett family pioneer, William Hill, settled in the area in the 1850s, Arthur Follett planted their first vines for the table grape crop of currants.

1890s

First of the region’s famed floodgate weirs built to divert Bremer River floodwaters through vineyards for natural irrigation.

1891

After William Formby buys the Metala property in 1882, he and son Arthur plant Shiraz and Cabernet, later building a stone and mud winery building to make mostly fortified wines. From 1910, Stonyfell Winery began making wines from the Metala vines.

1900s

1941

A major flood affects the region, isolating the township in a sea of water 4km wide.
Some houses had a metre of water through their rooms. 

The Follett family placed their grandmother and small daughter in a chair on the top of the dining room table while floodwaters swirled around them.

1962

Stonyfell Wines Metala Claret Type 1961 (Cabernet Shiraz) wins the first ever Jimmy Watson Trophy.

1974 - 1976

Wolf Blass Dry Red Clarets, made from Langhorne Creek fruit (Cabernet/Shiraz, vintages 1973, 1974, 1975) win the Jimmy Watson trophy three years in a row. Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 wins Jimmy Watson Trophy again in 1999.

1975 - 1978

Langhorne Creek Football Club – Premierships – the Golden Years – 1975, 76, 77, 78 and went on to win many more  … and back to back 2001 – 02, 2011- 12, and 2018, 2019 and 2020.

1992

A major flood impacts the region. Members of the Willson family from Bremerton Wines rescued and evacuated by helicopter.

1998

Lake Breeze wines Best Red Wine of the Adelaide Wine Show with 1996 Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz. In 2006, the winery repeats the major trophy win with the 2004 Bernoota.

2008

Michael_Roeger_-_London Summer_Paralympics

Langhorne Creek middle distance and marathon T46 athlete Michael Roeger competes in the first of four Summer Paralympic games, following up in 2012, 2016 and 2020. He won a bronze medal in 2016, and also gold and three bronzes at IPC Athletic Worlds Championships

2015

Bleasdale wins both trophies at Sydney Royal Wine Show for Cabernet dominant blend (2013 Frank Potts) and Shiraz dominant blend (2013 The Broad-Side).

The winery wins nine more trophies at major shows in 2016, and continues run of award successes over the next 5 years. Winemaker Paul Hotker was named Halliday Companion Winemaker of the Year in 2017/18,

2015

Bleasdale wins both trophies at Sydney Royal Wine Show for Cabernet dominant blend (2013 Frank Potts) and Shiraz dominant blend (2013 The Broad-Side).

The winery wins nine more trophies at major shows in 2016, and continues run of award successes over the next 5 years. Winemaker Paul Hotker was named Halliday Companion Winemaker of the Year in 2017/18,

2016

lake Breeze Flooding

Extensive flooding in October, with much of the district under water, followed by floods again between Christmas and New Year.

2019

Bleasdale The Wild Fig SGM (Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre) 2018 wins the Jimmy Watson Trophy.

Bleasdale The Wild Fig SGM (Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre) 2018 wins the Jimmy Watson Trophy.

2020

Kimbolton wins Best Architecture and Landscape prize in the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

It then leads the Grapes for Good program featuring 6 Langhorne Creek wineries which was bestowed an international Grapes Wine Capitals Network Best of Wine Tourism Global Award in 2023.

2022

Greg Follett Lake Breeze

Lake Breeze named Best Value Winery of the Year 2022 (Australia)
Halliday 2022 Wine Companion

2023/24

Bleasdale awarded Australian Winery of the Year – Halliday Wine Companion

2023/24

Bleasdale awarded Australian Winery of the Year – Halliday Wine Companion