Coonawarra

Welcome to Coonawarra, Australia's most famous terra rossa strip of volcanic soil that produces some of the country's finest Cabernet Sauvignon. Nestled in the far south of South Australia, this tiny wine region punches far above its weight, offering a serene, unpretentious wine-tasting experience amid vineyards that stretch to the horizon. The local food scene is equally impressive, with cellar doors often doubling as casual eateries serving farm-to-plate fare. Whether you're a dedicated oenophile or a curious traveller, Coonawarra rewards slow exploration on a self-drive itinerary between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Highlights & What to See

• Wine Tastings on the Terra Rossa Strip – Visit iconic cellar doors like Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Penley Estate, and Majella for benchmark Cabernets and guided vineyard walks.
• Rymill Coonawarra – A family-run winery known for its Coonawarra Cabernet and a welcoming tasting room with local cheese platters.
• Pipers of Penola – A quirky stop for handcrafted vodkas, gins, and liqueurs made from local grapes – a refreshing break from wine.
• Penola Historic Walk – Explore the charming heritage town of Penola, with its 19th-century stone cottages, the Yallum Park mansion, and the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre.
• Coonawarra Cheese & Produce – Sample artisan cheeses from local makers, often paired with regional wines at cellar doors.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devote a full day to the region: start with a leisurely morning tasting at three or four cellar doors along the Riddoch Highway, break for lunch at a vineyard café (try the Coonawarra General Store or the Hollick Wines restaurant), then spend the afternoon exploring Penola's history and the Coonawarra Conservation Park for a short bushwalk. If you're a serious wine enthusiast, a second day allows deeper immersion, including a guided tour of the iconic Wynns winery or a visit to the lesser-known southern end of the strip. Pace yourself – the region is compact, so you can cover the highlights without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Gambier – 45 minutes south, with the stunning Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, and volcanic crater walks.
• Robe – A historic fishing town on the Limestone Coast, perfect for seafood, long beach walks, and the Robe Obelisk.
• Naracoorte Caves National Park – A World Heritage-listed fossil site with guided cave tours, about an hour north.
• Limestone Coast Wine Region – Extend your wine tour to Padthaway, Wrattonbully, and Mount Benson for more cool-climate varietals.
• Great Ocean Road – While a longer drive, Coonawarra can be a detour on a Melbourne–Adelaide road trip, linking to the iconic coastal route via Mount Gambier.

Please check official sources for current details.