Meet Ben Haines - Winemaker and Curator of To-Plate Beverage Range

 Meet Ben Haines - Winemaker and Curator of To-Plate Beverage Range, in his own words

I have always been inspired by creative freedom, exploration, curiosity and sensory-driven experience. Connection with nature, craft and notions of time and transformation are at the heart of my philosophy for winemaking, and for life.

In a system that often siloed viticulture and winemaking as two separate disciplines, I always saw them as one dynamic and interrelated ecosystem. For this reason, I studied and worked as a viticulturist first, from 1998, in the knowledge that it would deepen my understanding of wine, and inform my winemaking craft.

I commenced winemaking study in 2004, before gathering broad experience at home and abroad, including various regions of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as France and the USA.

From 2005, I directed the winemaking for three of Australia’s most important wineries, with a strategic approach:

Mitchelton Wines in Central Victoria (2005-2010), to gain experience in Southern Rhone varieties and styles (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc).

Yering Station in the Yarra Valley region of Victoria (2011-2014), to gain experience in Burgundian varieties and styles (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir).

Mt Langi Ghiran in the Grampians region of Victoria (2015-2018) – a cool climate shiraz pioneer - to gain experience in Northern Rhone-styles and varieties (Syrah, Marsanne and Roussanne). This period also deepened my understanding and interest in precision viticulture, and how an intimate understanding of the vineyard could elevate wine quality and character. 

I began Ben Haines Wine in 2009 as a vehicle to express myself creatively, and to explore fresh perspectives in winemaking and sensory appreciation. This also became a platform to interpret special places through wine, and to express ideas.

From 2010 to 2012, I released two wines from the IGP Vaucluse in France, under my Ben Haines brand (a Grenache Syrah and a Rose), which was a source of great inspiration when returning to Australia to expand the Ben Haines vision.  

During this period (2012 to 2018) I developed Ben Haines Consulting, helping vignerons establish and develop their own wines and brands.

After exploring various regions of Australia, we set up our own winery in the Yarra Valley in 2021; a milestone that allowed full freedom and control over our craft.

In 2023, we purchased a property in Ashton, in the Piccadilly Valley region of the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, where we have plans to plant our vines, and build our winery.

To ensure a global perspective is maintained, and as a means of continually honing my senses and my communication skills, I am undertaking my Master of Wine studies through the Institute of Masters of Wine. I am currently in Stage 2 of the three-stage program in a challenging pursuit to become an MW.