A Guide to Coonawarra’s Best Wineries
Coonawarra is one of Australia’s most recognised wine regions, famous for its distinctive Terra Rossa soil and its medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. It has been the home of the Redman family since 1901, when Bill Redman ventured into the small town by rail and found work in a winery.
Now, the fourth generation guide you to discover some of Coonawarra’s best wineries. Dan Redman is currently President of the Coonawarra Vignerons Association, so there’s some insider knowledge to convey about some of the 30 plus wineries that call Coonawarra home. From the iconic brands you know and love to hidden gems and contemporary labels pushing the boundaries of creativity. It’s all here for you to unearth with many wineries located along the famous highway strip.
Toast to Tradition: The Original Family-Owned Brands
The names Redman, Wynns, and Brands hold significant importance in the establishment and continued narrative of the Coonawarra wine region. For this reason, they take the top spots for our best Coonawarra wineries to visit. Travel and uncover these historically important estates' origins and enduring legacies.
Wynns
Wynns is undoubtedly the most famous wine producer of the region and one of the most recognised Australian wine brands. John Riddoch, a pastoralist, was the first to select 1,147 acres of Terra Rossa soil just north of Penola. This became known as the Penola Fruit Colony, which has become the Coonawarra wine region. This is home to the oldest established vines in the region, planted in 1891.
In 1951, David Wynn put his stamp on the region, purchasing the Riddoch winery and vineyards. The winery then became known as Wynns Coonawarra.
Senior Winemaker Sue Hodder has been crafting wines at Wynns for over two decades; her viticultural background and expert palate make her a discerning winemaker. From the Reframed wines to the famous Black Label wines, there is something for everyone’s palates and hip pockets at Wynn’s.
Drive in the gates and see the famed stone Gables that are so distinctive as a visual on their labels. At their cellar door, you can undertake a range of wine experiences. Look for their back vintage selections and cheese platters to enjoy while you taste, learn, and explore.
Cellar Door: 77 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra.
Redman Wines
The history of Redman traces back to 1901 when founder Bill Redman commenced his early work at the Riddoch winery. In 1908, he acquired 16 hectares of vineyards in Coonawarra, laying the foundation for what would become a proud family-owned legacy.
Pioneering the establishment of an on-site winery, Redman has upheld a steadfast commitment to producing age-worthy wines of exceptional quality. With a history spanning over 50 years in the industry, the Redman name has become synonymous with shiraz and cabernet.
A visit to the Redman cellar door may pleasantly surprise you, as it's often a member of the Redman family who will warmly pour you a glass. The Cellar Door has a long history, turning 50 in 2019. It’s quaint, authentic and you’re guaranteed a laugh.
Enjoy some exclusive releases at Cellar Door, such as shiraz sourced from 85-year-old vines. Book in for one of the VIP premium tutored tastings - a great way to look at some back vintage treasures.
Cellar Door: 14830 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Brands Laira
In 1950, Eric Brand, Owen Redman’s brother-in-law and his wife Nancy Redman started Brands Coonawarra. In 1966, they started making wine under their own brand rather than selling their fruit to other wineries.
With such a close family connection, it may not surprise you to discover that the Brands Laira Cellar Door is just a short five-minute walk from Redman’s, also part of the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail. It’s also worth checking out Brands and Sons in Coonawarra to see what the fourth generation are doing in the region, having gone out on their own.
TheBrands Laira Cellar Door was renovated in 2019 with a fabulous picnic area, with ploughman’s platters, pastry and salads to enjoy along with the wines. There’s a modern dining area, lounge and fireplace which is a popular spot during winter.
Cellar Door: 14860 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Di Giorgio
Another classic winery with a great family connection to the Redmans. The Di Giorgio Estate Winery used to be the home of Rouge Homme Wines before the Di Giorgio family started operating the cellar door in 2002.
Another member of the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail, you can pick your own platter to enjoy with a range of small bites or book in for a pasta-making lesson. There’s also a fabulous insight into the soil of Coonawarra with a soil pit that showcases a profile of the Coonawarra soil and limestone. The inside of cellar door is small, so be sure to book in for a tasting.
Cellar Door: 14918 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Other Long-Term Wineries making a mark
Zema Estate
The Zema family moved to Coonawarra and started the winery in 1982. Like Redman they very much focus on shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
The warm Italian family spirit is very much alive in a visit to theZema Cellar Door. Enjoy a gourmet tasting platter as you sit back and taste through the wines. Mrs Zema’s produce including her prized chilli oil is worth stocking up on!
Cellar Door: 14944 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Balnaves of Coonawarra
Balnaves offers an authentic taste of Coonawarra spirit. The small-batch wines are expertly crafted and speak of pedigree and quality. Balnaves of Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975, and the family has been associated with the district since early 1855. The business is family-owned and operated and highly awarded for its wines.
Seventy percent of their 58 hectares are dedicated to cabernet sauvignon, with the remainder comprising merlot, shiraz, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and chardonnay. The family has strong knowledge of the region and a true caretaker's approach to their land in the southern reaches of Coonawarra.
Enter their cellar door, and you’ll overlook a tranquil pond where you can taste their artisan wine selection or choose to enjoy their picnic cheese box and sit amongst the gum trees whilst sipping away. Booking in advance for tasting is $5, with the proceeds going to local charities.
Cellar Door: 15517 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra.
Parker Estate
John and Faye Parker founded Parker Coonawarra Estate in 1985. This privately owned vineyard spans 20 hectares and is predominantly dedicated to cabernet sauvignon, with smaller pockets of merlot and petit verdot.
Since its inaugural vintage in 1988, its flagship wine, Parker First Growth, has captivated wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The cellar door, constructed entirely of Mount Gambier limestone, stands as a testament to the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, they also produce exceptional gins (they also have a beer), perfect for indulging in a cheeky tipple. You can easily find their cellar door on the highway; it's the first one you encounter as you depart from the charming township of Penola.
Cellar Door: 15688 Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra
The movers and shakers: Contemporary Coonawarra wineries
Ottelia
John and Melissa Innes moved to Coonawarra, intending to 'stay a little while'. That was 30 years ago, and John can now proudly state he has decades of vintage experience in the Limestone Coast. After winemaking and consulting for others, Ottelia got its first vines in the ground in 1993. Today, two generations of the Innes family work side-by-side in Ottelia, their wine label, and Fodder, the highly awarded restaurant. They also illuminate the lesser-known Limestone Coast regions and have recently renovated their tasting room.
Awarded Gourmet Traveller Wine’s ‘Cellar Door with Best Food’ in Coonawarra in 2020 and 2021, this exciting venture deserves a spot on your destination list.
The restaurant is open from Thursday to Monday and offers dishes such as spicy mussel tostada, blue swimmer crab on fried bread, black pepper spatchcock, and an enticing selection of wood-fired pizza. And yes, this is also another stop on the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail.
Cellar Door: 5 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra SA, 5263, Australia
Bellwether
The Redmans consider Bellwether’s Sue Bell as part of the family! There is a real love for her and all that she brings to the Coonawarra wine scene. There’s much to enjoy at Bellwether, with tastings, glamping, camping, and various events often being held. The herb and veggie garden tours are brilliant, and there’s a great hosted tour of the winery, which includes the historic 1868 Glen Roy Shearing Shed.
The range of wines here is extensive. You’ll find the traditional Coonawarra cabernet and shiraz, but also lots to explore with other regional parcels like bianco, tempranillo, barbera, vermentino to taste.
Book in for a tasting and stay the night. The Cellar Door is open from 12-4pm, closed for the month of August.
Cellar Door: 14183 Riddoch Hwy Coonawarra
Raidis Estate
Friends of the Redmans, Steve and Emma Raidis are doing a wonderful job bringing a new perspective to the wine scene in Coonawarra at Raidis Estate. The Raidis family originally hailed from Greece, before moving to Coonawarra and started growing tomatoes, lettuces and strawberries. Steve Raidis joined the family business, and they started planting vines in 1990.
There’s lots to enjoy at Raidis, with their legendary pizza oven cranking over holiday weekends. Book in and try some of their wines. Their rosé and pinot gris are a favourite. During winter you may also see some of the billy goats that roam the vineyard and help maintain the vineyard ecosystem.
Cellar Door: 15741 Riddoch Highway Penola
Limestone Coast Wineries: Travel Further a Field
The Limestone Coast is home to six winemaking regions. Coonawarra may be the most well-known and established, but there is plenty to discover in the surrounding regions. Venture a little further on and try something new. The following brands are making some very enticing wines worth the short trip to explore them.
Good Intentions
A farmer and musician turned husband and wife winemaking duo based in Mount Gambier. Good Intentions has a holistic approach to health and wellness, both in land and lifestyle. Making wine that reflects the eccentricities of their personalities and terroir with a minimalist approach.
Visit their Good Wine Bar Shop set in an old butcher shop and try to time it with their live music events.
Cellar Door: 155B Bay Road, Moorak.
Padthaway Estate
The team behind Padthaway Estate describe themselves as a hard-working Australian family. David (Brownie) and Carolyn Brown are now joined by their children Daniel and Lara and are making some highly awarded and recognised wines in Padthaway. Most recently, their 2021 Landaire Chardonnay won Halliday Companion’s White Wine of the Year in the 2024 edition.
Cellar Door: 6299 Riddoch Highway Padthaway.
Wangolina
Anita Goode is owner, maker and grower at Wangolina and has helped evolve the family business in the cool climate of Mount Benson. Plantings include classic varieties like pinot gris and chardonnay and grüner veltliner, malvasia and mencia. A thrilling and upbeat winery daring to do things differently in the coastal region.
Cellar Door: 8 Limestone Coast Road Wangolina.
Don’t forget to check out our list of other things to do in the region:
Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail