Red grape varieties are predominant in the region, representing around 75% of the total area planted, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz equally by far the largest varieties, each with around 130 hectares. This is followed by Merlot with 60 hectares, with smaller plantings of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Petit Verdot.

Around 130 hectares of white varieties has been planted, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc each with around 40 hectares. Smaller plantings include Pinot Gris, Riesling, Marsanne, Semillon, Verdelho and Viognier. In addition, 2001 saw the exclusive commercial planting of an initial 3 hectares of Cygne Blanc (white swan), a newly registered white variety resulting from a sport of Cabernet Sauvignon discovered in the Swan Valley wine region, and subsequently developed over the last 11 years by Dohram Mann in Western Australia.

While the Mt Benson Wine Region is relatively new, many vineyards are now reaching maturity and it is becoming evident that a number of varieties are standing out as potentially the ‘signature’ varieties for the region. Sauvignon Blanc, with a lot of trials under way on best pruning methods (cane pruning versus spur pruning, or a bit of each?) to produce superior fruit at sustainable yields is showing great promise. Shiraz is also a variety that has emerged as a winner, certainly if Wine Show Results and Wine Press Reviews are any indication, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay continue to received acclaim and Viognier, with only small scale plantings, is giving stunning results.