Langhorne Creek's Project 5255 breaks borders

In 2022 Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine’s innovative Project 5255 will cross South Australian borders by sending fruit to the Yarra Valley. A collaboration between growers and winemakers, Project 5255 invites three winemakers from outside the region to create a 100% Langhorne Creek wine under their own label. 

In only its second year, the project has received national attention with winemakers from every region in South Australia applying, as well as several from interstate. Sam Watkins, Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine Winemaker Committee Chair, says: “Despite COVID challenges, we have committed to extend our project beyond SA borders to elevate this project to new levels.” 

The winemakers selected to take part in this year are: Natillie Johnston from Tillie J Wines in Victoria's Yarra Valley, and South Australian winemakers Riley Harrison from Harrison Wines and Greg Clack and Kate Horstmann from XO Wine Co. Each will receive two tonnes of their choice of premium fruit, along with mentoring and support from harvest through to bottling. 

Natillie Johnston, Riley Harrison and Greg Clack.

The first vintage included Charlotte Hardy of Charlotte Dalton Wines who produced a sell-out fiano, Turon White of Turon Wines who produced a grenache, and Rob Mack of Aphelion Wines who produced a malbec. For vintage 2022 Natillie Johnston will bottle a one-off grenache, Riley Harrison will produce a malbec and duo Greg Clack and Kate Horstmann will focus their attention on a prosecco. 

You can follow Project 5255 here.