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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

A hit list of Coonawarra wineries and cellar doors to visit