The Coonawarra Wineries & Cellar Doors You Need To Visit

It’s hard to go past a destination devoted to cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and other bold reds, but the very best Coonawarra wineries also sweeten the deal with fireside feasts and produce platters aplenty.

If you know wine, you know the numbers: take a 20-kilometre-long, two-kilometre-wide Limestone Coast stretch teeming with wineries, and make it home to over 25 cellar doors – many of them devoted to showcasing the region’s celebrated reds, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz in particular.

Prefer a dry white, or perhaps even a sparkling? It’s worth noting that Coonawarra isn’t only about reds, a new generation of winemakers working tirelessly to reenergise the region with new and innovative winemaking styles and alternative grape varieties.

Of course, Coonawarra wineries offer a wealth of experiences far beyond a quick quaff; you could enjoy a gourmet picnic nestled within a vineyard, feast fireside on a gourmet platter, and/or glamp under a blanket of stars.

Be sure to add the following to your Coonawarra experience.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Founded by Scottish pioneer John Riddoch who planted vineyards in 1891 – making this one of the region’s longest established vineyard sites, every visit to Coonawarra should begin here at Wynns Coonawarra Estate where each drop is produced under the wizardry of winemaker Sue Hodder.

Many keep their eyes peeled for the label’s two flagship reds – John Riddock Cabernet Sauvignon and Michael Shiraz, but a visit to Wynns cannot be a quick dash in and out. Leave time to walk around the onsite interpretive centre detailing the history of the vineyard and winemaking within the region, and say yes to a tasting of up to six wines from the Wynns Premium Collection, which includes the iconic Wynns Black Label and modern Wynns V&A wines. Priced at $30, redeemable on purchase.

A ‘Make Your Own Blend’ tour experience is also available.

people dining in the al fresco area of Wynns Coonawarra Estate — Leave time to enjoy the grounds. (Image: Ewen Bell)

Address: 77 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra; (08) 8736 2225

Patrick of Coonawarra

Behold the ultimate family operation, a second-generation winery that’s a celebration of everything founder Patrick Tocaciu stood for. Opened in 2004 with the release of their 1998 Home Block Cabernet, 2001 Shiraz and 2003 Riesling, the cellar door for Patrick of Coonawarra now welcomes groups to enjoy not only their wines, but produce platters (best enjoyed on the lawn), as well as tastings as wide-ranging as ‘Crickets and Cabernet’ – essentially a platter which has all manner of insects including ant candy and crunchy crickets – as well as a more classic chocolate and wine pairing ($25 each). Indoor seating where the opportunity to buy much of the produce available on the platters ($50 including two glasses of wine) is always recommended, but it’s hard to beat taking time out in their Eco Gardens, planted with indigenous species native to the area.

The five-star rated winery (James Halliday), is noted for its premium Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.

Address: 15598 Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra; (08) 8737 3687

Zema Estate

The first few minutes at Zema Estate can feel strangely discombobulating; you’re walking on that rich Coonawarra terra rossa, yet you’re also somehow in Italy at the same time. There’s good reason for this of course; this generations-old family winery which has a solid reputation for delivering premium quality Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, harks back to the traditions – and passions – of its Italian heritage.

It’s possible to visit the Cellar Door overlooking the hand-pruned vines only to enjoy a complimentary tasting of Zema Estate’s current release wines, but it would be foolish to miss checking out the family photos, or shopping the large selection of gourmet food and gifts, including Mrs Zema’s homemade chilli paste and olive oil.

wine and cheese platter at Zema Estate — Build a take-home produce platter featuring Mrs Zema’s homemade chilli paste and olive oil. (Image: Zema Estate)

Address: 14944 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra; (08) 8736 3219

Penley Estate

Look, no man is an island and while you wouldn’t necessarily visit Penley Estate – one of the region’s leading wineries – for a single person, we can’t help but point out that the winery’s Kate Goodman has recently nabbed Wine Companion’s Winemaker of the Year 2024 award.

It might be a recent award, but Penley Estate has been making premium wine since 1988 and specialising in producing classic Coonawarra reds, be it cabernet, shiraz or red blends. Best of all, Penley Estate wines are truly estate-grown and registered by The Vegan Society.

grapes grown at Penley Estate — The award-winning wines are all estate-grown and registered by The Vegan Society. (Image: Stephen Carter)

Top tip? Come in for a taste but stay for a picnic on the lawn.

Address: McLeans Road, Coonawarra; (08) 7078 1853

Rymill

Wine critics have long described Rymill as one of the ‘must visit’ stops at Coonawarra with good reason. While the iconic Stallions Rampant statue embodies the strength of the wines, this high-tech winery – born in the 1970s and launched by Peter Rymill, the great-grandson of John Riddock (essentially the founder of Coonawarra) – is all about providing the perfect experience as much as serving up the perfect wine.

Rymill winery and cellar door sit nestled within their vineyards, with the latter offering an inside look at viticulture and winemaking from their multi-level observation decks.

wine bottles on display inside Rymill, Glenroy — The cellar door doubles as an art gallery. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Enjoy a Classic Cellar Door Tasting ($10 but redeemable upon purchase) featuring their classics – some of which are exclusive to the cellar door. Why not match it with a custom platter of South Australian produce? Your feast can be enjoyed either while browsing the art gallery inside, or while you sit outside on the picturesque lawns.

a couple wine tasting inside Rymill, Glenroy — Sample wines that are only available onsite. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 110 Clayfield Road, Glenroy; (08) 8736 5001

Brand’s Laira

Sometimes you need more than a holiday, you need an experience that takes you back in time some 130 years. Turning up to iconic winery, Brand’s Laira, provides that sensation, opening the door to generations of Coonawarra history which begins in 1893 when Captain Henry Stentiford bought a block of land and named the estate ‘Laira’ after his ship.

Brand’s Laira has a rich history that stretches back over 130 years. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

What happened next? You’ll have every opportunity to find out once you drop by Brand’s Laira’s newly renovated Cellar Door to try their award-winning wines and Cellar Door exclusives.

Pick from an array of award-winning wines at the newly renovated Cellar Door. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Featuring a modern indoor dining area, a beautiful al fresco area and yes, a lounge with fireplace for those wintry days, there’s no better place to take part in a guided wine tasting ($5 but redeemable on purchase).

Partake in a guided wine tasting at Brand’s Laira. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Address: 14860 Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra; (08) 8736 3260

DiGiorgio Family Wines

Want more from your winery visit than a lazy afternoon of (quality) quaffing? DiGiorgio Family Wines , a small family-owned and operated winery, which also happens to be the second oldest in the region, has got you covered.

Visiting the cellar door not only gives you the opportunity to taste premium wines from their extensive portfolio (the DiGiorgio family produces premium wines from Coonawarra and Lucindale, but also sources specific varietal fruit from different areas of the Limestone Coast) but you can book in for a tour and private tasting, enjoy a glass of wine alongside a ‘Pick your own produce’ platter or lock in a pasta making (and eating) session.

Aerial view of di Giorgio winery in Coonawarra — The cellar door opens onto an expansive grassed area.

Address: Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra; (08) 8736 3222

Cuvée-Co Wines

Will it be a prosecco or a sparkling shiraz? Peta Baverstock, the name behind Cuvée-Co Wines , has spent decades focusing on the appreciation, making and branding of sparkling wine.

Located in Penola’s old Post Office, a wonderland teeming with all manner of quirky gift ideas, there’s every chance you’ll pop in for a tasting – or to pick up a bottle of Ivy Elliot Non Vintage Rose – but you’ll end up walking away with a suitcase full of goodies.

Address:46 Riddoch Street, Penola; 0412 561 931

Do the Coonawarra Wine Trail

Remember that the cellar door experiences are only a short walk from each other, so download the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail app to follow the trail between six of the region’s wineries by foot.

The five-kilometre walk will take in: Brand’s Laira, DiGorgio Family Wines, Ottelia, Redman Wines, Wynns and Zema Estate.

Call in the experts at Coonawarra Experiences

Of course, if you’d prefer a curated experience featuring behind-the-scenes access to Coonawarra’s top wineries, exclusive wine tastings, gourmet lunches with local produce, and air-conditioned transport between each stop, let Coonawarra Experiences be your go-to for the ultimate hosted journey.

Whether you’re after a half-day tour including lunch, a full-day tour or a multi-day adventure, the team can create a bespoke itinerary based on your interests.

Explore more of the Limestone Coast from Mount Gambier’s sinkholes and lakes to Robe’s coastal delights.

The charm of Mildura is hidden in plain sight along the Sturt Highway. The capital of Tropical North Victoria is in a league of its own.

From the moment you arrive in Mildura , the warm air and palm trees invite you to slow down. While most Australians might drive right past it, Mildura is full of surprises. Here you’ll spend one day witnessing over 50,000 years of First Nations history in a UNESCO-listed National Park, and the next dining in a hatted restaurant after wandering through 12,500 fireflies as the outback sunset bursts to life above. From roadside fruit stalls and family-run wineries to houseboats and galleries, it’s time to explore Mildura.

Feast Street, at the heart of Langtree Avenue in Mildura. — Taste, wander and be surprised in Mildura.

Taste Mildura’s produce

It makes sense to start your trip by addressing the most important question: where to eat. In the beating heart of Australia’s food bowl, sample the local produce directly from the source. And then, of course, experience it through the menu of a hatted chef. Or sandwiched between pillowy slices of Nonna’s ciabatta.

Rows of orchards and olive groves invite you to spend the day traipsing from farm to farm. Taste olives propagated from Calabrian trees brought over in the 40s, oranges picked right from the tree and squeezed into juice and spoons full of honey . Bring the holiday back to your kitchen by stocking your pantry at roadside produce stalls, or calling into the ‘silver shed ’ (Sunraysia’s gourmand Mecca).

Thanks to the warm, balmy air and fertile soils, the wineries dotted along these hills produce award-winning local wines. Like Chalmers , a family-run, innovative winery dedicated to making their wines as sustainable as possible. And picturesque Trentham Estate offers views of the snaking Murray River as you sample their vintages.

Venture beyond the gnarled shadows of olive groves and fragrant rows of blossoming fruit trees and you’ll find an otherworldly side to Mildura. With Discover Mildura as your guide, visit Murray River Salt’s Mars-like stacks. The naturally pink salt is formed from an ancient inland sea and evaporated entirely by the sun to create one of the region’s most iconic exports.

Start your day with just-squeezed sunshine.

Hatted dining & Italian history

Mildura is home to a proud community of Calabrians and Sicilians. This, paired with the exceptional local produce, means that you can find paninos on par with those in Italy. The Italian is a Paninoteca serving up made-to-order, hefty, authentic Sicilian paninos. Nonna Rosa’s pork meatballs, slowly cooked in tomato ragu and served in a crusty, fluffy roll topped with gratings of Grana Padano cheese and salsa verde, will call you back to Mildura for the rest of your days.

To find hatted dining in Mildura, simply follow the staircase down into the basement of the historic Mildura Grand Hotel to find Stefano’s . Following the muscle memory and instinct of his Italian roots, he delivers on the principle of ‘cucina povera’. That is, the Italian cooking ideology that turns simple, local ingredients into magic.

Things to do in Mildura include dining at the acclaimed Stefano’s, where simple local ingredients are transformed into Italian culinary magic beneath the historic Grand Hotel. — Bite into Mildura’s Italian heritage.

Discover a thriving culture scene

The city is alive with culture. Whether it’s painted on the town’s walls, told in ancient yarns, or waiting for you in a gallery.

The Mildura Arts Centre was Australia’s first regional art gallery. Behind the walls of Rio Vista Historic House, you’ll find a lineup of ever-changing exhibitions. The gallery’s wall space pays tribute to the art and songlines of local First Nations People, the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and more. Outside, on the gallery’s lawn, find 12 contemporary sculptures in the Sculpture Park.

Mildura’s streetscapes are a punch of colour. Swirling strokes of paint blend the winding artery of the Murray River, red dirt and local characters into a story you can see with your own eyes, thanks to the Mildura City Heart’s Mural Art Project . Pick up a copy of the Murals of Mildura guide from the Visitor Information Centre.

Follow the border of NSW and Victoria on a map and you’ll see it hugs the curves of a tiny island on the Murray. That’s Lock Island, where, as the sun and moon trade places, the island comes alive as darkness falls. The island is dotted with 12,500 firefly lights that lead you on a meandering path through the outback sunset. The installation is known as Trail of Lights and was created by the same visionary who dreamt up Field of Light at Uluṟu, Bruce Munro.

Things to do in Mildura include exploring its rich cultural scene. From vibrant street art and ancient stories to exhibitions at the Mildura Arts Centre, Australia’s first regional gallery. — Find culture around every corner.

Wonder at ancient landscapes

The landscapes of Mildura feel almost transcendental. The skyline bursts to life with reds, pinks, and deep, sparkly night skies.

The nature will leave you in awe. See hues of pink water changing with the weather at Pink Lakes inside Victoria’s largest national park, Murray Sunset National Oark. Cast a line into Ouyen Lake. Watch the sunset against 70-metre tall red cliffs that reflect the setting sun. Or get the heart racing and sandboard down the Perry Sandhills dunes, formed 40,000 years ago at the end of an ice age.

Just don’t leave without following the twists and turns of the Murray. Stroll or ride along the Shared River Front Path, or jump onboard a boat for a scenic ride.

Your itinerary will be incomplete without a visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park . Head out with an Indigenous ranger to witness ancient campsites and footprints, before standing in awe of ancient civilisation near the discovery site of Mungo Man—Australia’s oldest human skeleton at 42,000 years old.

Mungo National Park at night is a vast, silent landscape where ancient dunes glow under moonlight and stars blanket the sky in breathtaking clarity. — Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisation.

Meet your home away from home

On equal par with planning your meals and adventures, is finding the perfect place to relax at the end of each day.

Sleep inside a Palm Springs postcard at Kar-Rama . A sleek boutique hotel complete with a butterfly shaped, sun-soaked pool. Here you’re staying right in the heart of Mildura but you’ll feel worlds away. Or if you really wish to connect with nature, a night glamping under the stars at Outback Almonds will have you spellbound.

When in Mildura it’s only right to stay on one of the Murray River’s iconic houseboats . Wake up each day to the calm waters of the Murray lapping outside your window. Enjoy days full of river swims, fishing and exploring. All boats are solar-powered and can be self-skippered or moored along the river.

A solar-powered houseboat on the Murray River in Mildura. — Stay and play on the Murray in a solar houseboat.

Start planning the perfect getaway at mildura.com .

A hit list of Coonawarra wineries and cellar doors to visit