History
Heartland is that place between the vines with the best view of the gum trees. When we first got together to start Heartland all those years ago, the idea was to embrace the best Australian fruit could offer and create wines of balance and texture with a uniquely Australian identity. We found a pure expression of this identity in Langhorne Creek. This has remained the chief source of our fruit ever since.
Grant Tilbrook, Scott Collett and Ben Glaetzer form the backbone and foundation of Heartland Wines. Grant had been an important part of Scott’s continued success with Woodstock Wine Estate in McLaren Vale. A partnership seemed an obvious progression. By working together they were able to create their shared dreams faster and better. Grant was one of the first to recognise Ben’s true potential and it wasn't long before they had formed a plan to make a range of unique and impressive wines.
Langhorne Creek was an obvious destination for the grapes they needed. Ben had grown up immersed in the potential of Langhorne Creek through the work of his uncle John Glaetzer. Now they knew where the right fruit was and they had John to help them access it. Scott Collett explains the ethos, "We want to express the best from those grapes and vineyards that we can without messing it up too much, winemaking and viticulture is all about not messing it up, letting the vine grow."
Langhorne Creek today is a region that young, dynamic winemakers have discovered and are transforming from a “quiet” appellation of quality wines to one of the upcoming regional stars of Australia. The unique climate and the quality old vines first attracted Ben, and in addition to the Heartland vineyards, Ben works with about two dozen growers that have vineyards ranging from 30 to 140 years of age. The vineyards are on a largely flat plain, sheltered beyond the Mt Lofty ranges. The “Lake Doctor” phenomenon is a cool ocean breeze that comes across Lake Alexandrina every afternoon and moderates temperatures. The Heartland name refers to the region’s history as the oldest winegrowing region in Australia. Some of Heartland’s growers are also located in neighboring Limestone Coast, which by virtue of its cooler climate and differing, limestone soils, produces wines of finesse and elegance.