Best’s – Sugarloaf Creek Vineyard, Great Western
In the spice-driven heart of Great Western, the Sugarloaf Creek Vineyard is a 124-hectare estate under the steady hand of Ben Thomson. Planted in 1998, with recent additions in 2022 and 2023, its 26-year-old vines – grown across four soil types – yield a vibrant lineup: shiraz, cabernet, merlot, riesling, dolcetto, and chardonnay. Thomson’s approach blends tradition with high-tech agriculture, while 6,000 trees enhance waterways and biodiversity. Fruit quality drives it all – handpicked rows for premium bottlings and surplus sold to other wineries reflect the site’s pedigree. Sugarloaf Creek Vineyard balances innovation with the region’s classic character.