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.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.