Langhorne Creek’s unique grape-sharing Project 5255 is back for a fourth vintage with an exciting new twist: this time it’s all about Cabernet Sauvignon.
For the 2026 edition, the spotlight will shine exclusively on one of Langhorne Creek’s signature varieties, an iconic grape that’s helped define the region’s identity.
Three winemakers from other Australian wine regions will be invited to craft their own one-of-a-kind version of Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon with up to two tonnes of the variety gifted to the successful applicants.
In addition to the chance to make a Langhorne Creek wine, in their own style, for free, the winemakers will also receive mentoring support from local grapegrowers and producers.
These mentors will take the winemakers from harvest through to bottling of a 100 percent Langhorne Creek limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon under their own label.
Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine winemaker committee chair Sam Watkins said he’s excited about the next vintage of Project 5255 and its focus on a single variety.
“Cabernet Sauvignon has long been a standout variety of Langhorne Creek and we’re now inviting others to discover what makes these grapes so special,” Sam said.
“Successful winemakers will have access to a diverse selection of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, handpicked to match their individual winemaking styles – including grapes from a variety of vine ages, clones, soils and viticultural practices.”
“Showcasing the terroir of the Creek and its premium fruit has always been the main objective of this project and this vintage’s focus on Cabernet Sauvignon will help enforce this message.”
Since its launch, Project 5255 has produced nine stunning wines across three vintages – with styles as varied as Prosecco, Fiano, Sangiovese, Grenache, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
Now, with a single-variety focus, the 2026 edition is set to take the project to the next level.
Part of the inaugural 2020 vintage were Charlotte Hardy of Charlotte Dalton Wines, Rob Mack of Aphelion Wines and Turon White of Turon Wines, delivering a Fiano, a Malbec and a Grenache.
In 2022, Natillie Johnston of Tillie J Wines in the Yarra Valley produced a Grenache, Riley Harrison from Harrison Wines delivered a Malbec, and Greg Clack and Kate Horstmann from XO Wines made a Prosecco.
The 2024 vintage saw a Sangiovese from Brendon Keys of BK Wines, a Malbec from Anita Goode of Wangolina Wines and a Cabernet Franc from Lauren Langfield of Lauren Langfield Wines.
Following their involvement with Project 5255, several of the winemakers continue to work with Langhorne Creek fruit, another important aspect of this project.
Anyone with a producer’s licence is eligible to apply for Project 5255.
The opportunity only comes around once every two years.
Applications for Project 5255’s 2026 Cabernet Edition close on 30 November 2025.