Nestled in the quiet charm of Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Heartland Wines is more than just a winery—it’s a love letter to the land, the vines, and the people who coax magic from the soil. Founded in the late 1990s by winemaker Ben Glaetzer and a band of industry veterans including Scott Collett and Grant Tilbrook, Heartland was never a corporate venture. It was a hands-on, boots-in-the-dirt kind of dream. And it shows.
Langhorne Creek isn’t your average wine region. It’s one of Australia’s oldest, with grape growing heritage dating back to the 1850s. The region’s secret weapon? The “Lake Doctor” a cooling breeze from Lake Alexandrina that sweeps through the vineyards each afternoon, tempering the heat and giving the grapes a slow, graceful ripening. Heartland saw the potential early on and made a bold move: they source all their fruit exclusively from Langhorne Creek, embracing its unique terroir with open arms.
The Wines: Bold, Balanced, and Unapologetically Australian
Heartland’s portfolio is a celebration of red wine in all its glory. From the plush, fruit forward Stickleback Red to the refined elegance of Directors’ Cut Shiraz, each bottle tells a story. And then there’s Heartland One, a powerhouse blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz that’s as intense as it is graceful.
Accolades
Heartland isn’t just beloved by its creators, it’s earned its stripes on the global stage. Their wines consistently score in the 90s, with Directors’ Cut Shiraz and Heartland One often stealing the spotlight. The Vermentino recently snagged 95 points from critic Matt Dunne, and their Cabernet Sauvignons are regular contenders in Australia’s top wine rankings.
But perhaps the most telling accolade is this: Heartland was built by people who live and breathe wine. They didn’t chase awards they chased excellence. And the awards followed. Heartland’s vineyards are a mosaic of old vines, cool breezes, and meticulous care. They don’t just grow grapes they nurture them. Every bottle is a reflection of the gum trees that frame the horizon, the soil that cradles the roots, and the people who believe that wine should be more than a drink it should be an experience.
Ben Glaetzer, the winemaker and co-owner, brings a touch of philosophy to his craft. He doesn’t “make” wine he guides it. Fermentations, he says, are either like lost tourists or freight trains.
So next time you uncork a bottle of Heartland, take a moment. You’re not just tasting wine. You’re tasting a story.
