Wine aficionados know that the Coonawarra is the ultimate Australian destination for lovers of bold red wines.
World-famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and an emerging destination for bright Shiraz, the Coonawarra is home to household names including Penley Estate, Brand’s Laira, Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Katnook Estate.
With 21 cellar doors packed into a compact wine region (only 20 kilometres in length and two kilometres in diameter) it’s the perfect sized wine-tour destination.
Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail.
With Cellar Door experiences only a stones-throw from each other, you can easily cruise between each winery, or if you feel like stretching your legs, take a stroll or ride through the vines on the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail.
Along the trail, you’ll experience working vineyards, which can be a hive of activity year-round, seven days a week, as well as direct access to 6 cellar doors including Redman Wines, Brand’s Laira Coonawarra, Ottelia, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, DiGiorgio Family Wines and Zema Estate.
Whilst wine is the obvious drawcard in these parts, there are so many other interesting stories to be told and experiences to be had in and around Coonawarra, it's worth sitting still for a couple of days just to take it all in!
Pick away at a produce platter or settle in for a long lunch at Ottelia in the Coonawarra Township, or Upstairs at Hollick and take in the views over the vines. Settle in for the night at one of the many idyllic B&Bs or glamp in a luxurious Bell Tent surrounded by 500+ year old red gums.
Wine Events Galore.
With a bursting year-round events calendar, there's always reason to visit the Coonawarra... from regular winery events nearly every weekend, through to major annual celebrations.
Coonawarra Railway Siding.
Arguably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the wine world, the Coonawarra Railway Siding has become one of the most photographed sites in South Australia!
Located on the outskirts of the Coonawarra township, no trip to Coonawarra is complete without a happy snap at the iconic landmark.
The railway platform, or Siding as it is known, played a significant role during Coonawarra's early settlement.
The railway track was built by John Riddoch in 1898, allowing Coonawarra's premium fruits and wines to be transported around the nation and across the seas to Europe and beyond.
The rusty old tracks are no longer in use, but there is hope that this currently unused rail line could be converted to a bicycle track along the winery route taking in the stunning viticultural scenery along the way - watch this space! In the meantime, come and visit this historical landmark that was the catalyst for the Coonawarra region to flourish as a great farming and wine district.
Speak to a Coonawarra Local.
We know visitors have the best time when they have all the information. So, if you still have a question left unanswered, then the team at Penola Coonawarra Visitor Centre would love to hear from you!
Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre
Opening Times
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Weekends 10am-4pm