Ben Haines Wines

Ben Haines Wines is a boutique winery based in Victoria, Australia, with a focus on sourcing grapes from what winemaker Ben Haines calls "magic dirt." Having previously worked at notable wineries like Yering Station and Mount Langi Ghiran, Haines' philosophy is to produce wines that are a pure expression of their individual vineyard sites, or "sense of place." His wines are known for their textural quality and vibrant, low-alcohol style.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

Ben Haines' approach is guided by a strong background in viticulture and a desire to interfere as little as possible in the cellar. He believes that the vineyard is the most important part of winemaking.

• Vineyard Management: Haines works with a network of like-minded growers across various Victorian regions, including the Yarra Valley, Grampians, and Pyrenees. He chooses vineyards with unique qualities, many of which are farmed organically or biodynamically, to ensure the highest quality fruit.

• Harvest & Fermentation: All fruit is hand-picked. The wines are made with a minimal intervention approach, relying on indigenous (wild) yeasts for fermentation.

• Additives & Filtration: He employs a no-fining, no-filtration policy for most of his wines. Sulfur is used sparingly, if at all, to maintain stability.

• Aging & Maturation: Wines are aged in mostly old, neutral oak barrels, such as 500L puncheons, which allows the vineyard character to be the star without being masked by new oak flavors. He also experiments with unique techniques like whole-bunch fermentation and extended skin contact for added texture and complexity.

Grapes & Wines

Ben Haines produces a range of wines that highlight the diversity of Victoria's cool-climate regions. His portfolio is often split into different tiers, including single-vineyard expressions and creative blends.

• Syrah: A key variety for Haines, particularly from the Grampians and Central Victoria. His Syrah is a cool-climate style, offering peppery and spicy notes with a lighter, more elegant profile than a typical warm-climate Shiraz. He often uses techniques like co-fermenting with other varieties (like Marsanne) to enhance complexity.

• Pinot Noir: Sourced primarily from the Yarra Valley, his Pinot Noir wines are known for their bright red fruit, fine tannins, and a savory, earthy character. He utilizes a combination of whole-bunch and whole-berry fermentation to build complexity.

• Chardonnay: Haines' Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is a classic cool-climate expression, known for its textural quality, complexity, and bright acidity.

• Amber & White Blends: He is known for his creative and textural blends. For example, he produces skin-contact white wines (his "Amber" series) and experimental blends from various white varieties.

• Nebbiolo: Haines has also worked with this variety from the Pyrenees, showcasing a unique expression of the grape with a focus on its savory, floral, and tannic structure.