Regarded as one of the best-kept secrets in Australian Viticulture, Langhorne Creek is one of Australia’s oldest and most significant wine regions. The area was founded on the broad flood plain influenced by the local Bremer and Angas Rivers and dominated by magnificent River Red Gums.
The name ‘Langhorne Creek’ acknowledges Alfred Langhorne, a cattle drover, who brought animals overland to a property known as ‘Langhorne’s Station’ during the 1840′s. The place where Alfred Langhorne traversed the Bremer River was referred to as ‘Langhorne’s Crossing’, and from this the current name Langhorne Creek evolved.
Frank Potts, travelling through the region, recognised the potential of the area and settled in 1850 on the ancient flood plain. He planted the first grapes in the district in the 1860′s at the now heritage listed ‘Bleasdale Winery’.
The wine region has a proud history of family owned and run vineyards and wineries with the oldest existing vine plantings being 113 year old Shiraz on the historic Metala property. These vines still produce premium wine grapes for Metala Black Label wines.
The region originally supported quite a small yet prosperous wine industry alongside other agricultural ventures such as dairy, cereals, lucerne, fruit (including currants and sultanas), almonds, beef and wool. The total area planted to vines stabilised at approximately 440 hectares in the early 1990′s until the ‘secret’ was discovered. The region has since experienced vast growth in viticulture and now boasts almost 6000 hectares of vineyards supplying the Australian wine industry with consistent premium quality fruit and Langhorne Creek branded wines.
The township of Langhorne Creek is compact and features several well-preserved historical buildings such as the following.
Langhorne Creek Old School Building: Built in 1876 this building was used until the end of the 1950′s as a house of learning. Many locals remember attending the school and playing under the huge ‘pepper’ trees in the grounds. The original ‘school master’s house’ adjoins the Old School building grounds and is now a private residence. The Old School building is still used as a venue for occasional meetings.
Langhorne Creek Oddfellows Hall: Built in 1870 this building was used for religious services, political meetings, concerts and other gatherings as well as doctors’ rooms. A highlight of each year was the annual Oddfellows picnic, started in 1866 and continuing until 1940. Each picnic event culminated with a dance at the Oddfellows Hall. In the 1890′s cinematographs were shown in this building, as were silent movies from 1929-1934. The Oddfellows Hall is now privately owned and has given its namesake to the excellent local wines “Oddfellows Wines”.
The Bridge Hotel: opened in 1850 this hotel business would have been most lucrative during the gold rush days of Australia’s early history, taking advantage of the thousands of people passing through on their way to the gold fields. The Bridge Hotel has been open ever since with very little alteration and today sports a lovely beer garden, excellent meals and fantastic atmosphere.
The Langhorne Creek General Store: established in 1859 this building served as the General Store and telegraph office until 1925. The telegraph services have long since gone, but the General Store remains intact and still provides refreshments daily.
Langhorne Creek Soldier’s Memorial Hall: built in 1934 as a monument to returned soldiers from World War I. This magnificent building hosted many dances and regular movies were shown until 1957. The building is well preserved and still hosts local meetings, events and the local table tennis club as well as housing the office of the Langhorne Creek Wine Industry Council.
Church of England: Founded in 1929 amongst lovely gum-studded grounds and well maintained for regular services.
Methodist Church: The first church in the region built in 1857 and still in use.
Residences: Langhorne Creek features many beautiful original stone homes, which remain private residences.
