Coonawarra Wine Region

Coonawarra is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its unique terra rossa soil and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Located in the far south-east of South Australia, this narrow strip of red earth produces bold, elegant reds that have earned a global reputation. The region’s quiet country roads are lined with cellar doors, many housed in heritage stone buildings, offering a relaxed, unhurried tasting experience. Beyond the vines, Coonawarra is a place of open skies and rural charm, perfect for a self-drive detour between Melbourne and Adelaide or as a side trip from the Limestone Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar door hopping along the Riddoch Highway – Taste iconic Cabernet Sauvignon at legendary wineries like Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Penley Estate, and Katnook Estate, each with its own story and architecture.
• Terra rossa soil trail – Walk or drive the short interpretive trail that explains the region’s famous red soil and why it’s so perfect for viticulture.
• Wynns Coonawarra Estate – A must-stop for its historic gabled cellar door and museum-quality wines; book a tasting flight in the old stone cellars.
• Coonawarra Wine Tasting Trail – A self-guided route that strings together more than a dozen cellar doors, many offering cheese or chocolate pairings.
• Local produce and farm gates – Pick up artisan cheeses, olives, and smoked meats from nearby producers to enjoy with your wine purchases.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to properly explore Coonawarra. A single afternoon will let you hit a handful of cellar doors, but the region rewards a leisurely pace. Plan to start mid-morning, break for a picnic lunch among the vines, and continue tasting until late afternoon. If you can, stay overnight in nearby Penola or Naracoorte to enjoy dinner paired with local wines and wake up to a second day of discovery.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Penola – The charming historic town that serves as Coonawarra’s gateway, with colonial buildings, art galleries, and excellent restaurants.
• Naracoorte Caves National Park – A World Heritage-listed fossil site with guided cave tours and a bat observation centre, about 30 minutes north.
• Mount Gambier – The region’s largest city, featuring the stunning Blue Lake, volcanic crater gardens, and the Umpherston Sinkhole, an hour south.
• Limestone Coast wine region – Explore other nearby wine areas like Padthaway and Wrattonbully for a broader South Australian wine experience.
• Robe – A historic fishing village on the coast, perfect for a seafood lunch and a walk along Long Beach, about an hour west.

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