Mount Langi Ghiran, nestled within the dramatic embrace of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria’s Grampians region, is a beacon of Australian winemaking excellence. Meaning "home of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo" in the Aboriginal language, this extraordinary estate has cultivated a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship since its formal establishment in 1969. Although vines were first planted here in the late 1800s, it was the Fratin brothers – Italian immigrants inspired by their Venetian heritage – who redefined the estate with the creation of the Old Block Shiraz. Their pioneering efforts laid the foundation for a vision that combined meticulous viticulture, a love of the land, and an Italian flair for community and celebration. From their hillside cellar adorned with hanging salami and barrels of wine to their diverse plantings of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling, the Fratins created a piece of Veneto in Australia.

The estate’s transformation gained momentum under the stewardship of Trevor Mast, a visionary who championed cool-climate Shiraz long before it became fashionable. Trevor’s dedication to showcasing the nuances of Shiraz from this unique terroir propelled Mount Langi Ghiran to international acclaim and secured its place as one of Australia’s most respected producers. His passion for the site was rooted in its natural attributes: granite-based soils, cooling breezes from the Southern Ocean, and the long, slow ripening periods that define its vineyard’s character. These elements contribute to wines with natural acidity, vibrant fruit intensity, and the hallmark peppery spice that distinguishes cool-climate Shiraz.

At an elevation of 350 meters, the Mount Langi Ghiran vineyard is uniquely situated between its namesake mountain and Mount Cole, where erosion has created a rare profile of granite sands over sedimentary red clay loam. The site is home to some of the world’s oldest Shiraz clonal material, originally brought to Australia from the Rhône Valley, which continues to thrive and define the estate’s wines. Today, new vines are propagated from the Old Block, ensuring that this historic lineage continues to shape the estate’s future.

Sustainability is deeply embedded in Mount Langi Ghiran’s ethos. As a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, the estate employs innovative practices such as integrated pest management, soil health monitoring, and water conservation. These efforts extend from the vineyard to the winery and beyond, with sustainable packaging initiatives and biodiversity programs that preserve native forests and support local ecosystems. The estate’s commitment to environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with its focus on crafting elegant, age-worthy wines that reflect the distinct personality of its site.

Under the leadership of Chief Winemaker Adam Louder, who began his career at Mount Langi Ghiran in 1998, the estate blends tradition with modernity. Adam, mentored by Trevor Mast, returned to Langi after a global winemaking career and now leads a team dedicated to producing wines of depth and grace. Each vintage is carefully crafted to express the nuances of the vineyard, with the Langi Shiraz standing as a hallmark of excellence, consistently earning a place in Langton’s “Excellent” classification.

Mount Langi Ghiran’s story is one of vision, passion, and perseverance. From its historic beginnings to its current status as one of Australia’s finest cool-climate producers, the estate embodies a commitment to excellence that honors its storied past while embracing the future. With 70 hectares under vine and a steadfast dedication to sustainability, Mount Langi Ghiran continues to set the benchmark for cool-climate Shiraz, crafting wines that capture the essence of their remarkable landscape.