The Hidden Sea vineyard, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, proudly shares its history with the ocean that used to cover the area. When the seas departed, they left behind rich alluvial soil thick with marine-fossil deposits that have provided a natural filtration system and unique terroir that has proved perfect for grape-growing.
Repaying this debt to the ocean is the mission of the vineyard’s founders, former Hawthorn captain Richie Vandenberg and entrepreneur Justin Moran, who promise to remove and recycle 10 plastic bottles from the ocean for every bottle of wine sold, aiming to remove a billion single-use plastic bottles from the ocean by 2030.
The appeal to socially conscious wine lovers is irresistible, particularly when doing good tastes so good. The wines have won more than two dozen awards. The vineyard has best-in-class credentials for sustainable agriculture, and the full range is vegan-friendly. The winemakers, Leisha Munro and Stephen Tierney are among the best in the country, and, both born and bred on the coast, have their roots planted firmly alongside the grapes.
Drinking wine to save the planet? It sounds like a very attractive solution – it’s a win-win situation for me and I’m more than willing to do my part. However, I’ll give Justin the last word on the subject: “Maybe it’s not my plastic, but it is my planet.”
Darren’s pick
The Hidden Sea Pinot Grigio 2021, $20
The Hidden Sea wines are relaxed, easy-drinking, and delicious. They’re wines you wouldn’t hesitate to crack open and enjoy over a picnic or a Friday night pizza with friends. The Hidden Sea Pinot Grigio, with its super crisp palate, is a perfect warm-weather wine. With its notes of nectarine, citrus, apple, and pear, and just a hint of fresh acidity it’s sure to become a summer staple. The 2021 vintage is especially good, the combination of a wet winter and cool, dry summer providing ideal growing conditions and producing a pristine, refreshing white.
This article originally appeared on Escape and do not necessarily represent the views of australiaexploring.com
