Ralph Fowler Wines

Ralph Fowler Wines is one of the most iconic winemakers in Australia.

Owned and operated by Ralph and Deborah Fowler, the 7-hectare vineyard, cellar door, and winery is the product of over 45 years of experience producing world-class wines.

Ralph began his career in winemaking back in 1971, at Tyrrell’s Wines in the Hunter Valley. He is one of the individuals responsible for helping develop Tyrrell’s famous wines. In 1980, Ralph joined the team at Hungerford Hill Wines; it’s here that he developed the 1983 Hungerford Hill Riesling, which won the Champion White Wine of Show 7 times, in addition to 28 gold medals and 14 trophies in just two years.

A decade later, he joined the Hamilton Wine Group, known for its Hamilton and Leconfield labels. In 1996, one of the highlights of Ralph’s career was earning five trophies; including the Best Wine of Show and Winemaker of the Year for the Leconfield 1995 Shiraz.

After 30 years in the wine business, Ralph and Deborah purchased land in Mount Benson. They grew Viognier and Shiraz grapes, and eventually created their line of elegant wines. Aside from producing Viognier and Shiraz, they also craft small batches of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as barrel-fermented dessert wines. Because of their dedication and expertise in crafting wines, the Fowlers have established a name for themselves in the highly-competitive Australian wine industry. Ralph has since won several more prestigious awards and praises from wine writers and consumers locally and abroad.

What sets Ralph’s wines apart from others in the region is his low-impact approach to winemaking; often using basket pressing, hands-on production, and open ferments. Wine enthusiasts from all over come to sample the fine wines here, as well as enjoy its lovely location.

Ralph Fowler Wines is located along the Limestone Coast Road in Mount Benson, South Australia. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

Mount Benson’s cool maritime climate and terra rossa soil makes the perfect conditions for crafting premium wines. A Lyre Trellis, together with the environmentally sustainable partial root-zone drying system of irrigation, helps in cultivating superior grapes. The family-run operation exports wines to The Netherlands, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and China.