The Best Wineries in Coonawarra for Good Wine & Good Times

Welcome to Coonawarra! This small country town sits nestled between the South Australian and Victorian border - and it has been drawing the wine-loving crowds for decades.

Discovered by John Riddoch for its winemaking potential in the late 1800s, this enchanting region offers a serene escape from city life. Visitors can revel in stunning landscapes, indulge in local cuisine, and savor world-class wines.

Despite its remote charm, Coonawarra stands tall among Australia's top wine destinations, celebrated in particular for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 25 cellar doors dotting the Coonawarra Strip, you're invited explore the rich heritage and innovative spirit of this esteemed wine community.

Whether you're making the half day trip from Adelaide or Melbourne (or perhaps making a stop during an epic road trip?) you'll be spoiled for choice with where to spend a relaxed afternoon, sipping on award winning varieties and embracing the warm hospitality of the friendly locals.

Grab your wine aficionados, assign your designated driver, and let's make our way through the best wineries in Coonawarra. 

Image Credit: Balnaves of Coonawarra and Coonawarra.org

Balnaves of Coonawarra

Established in 1975. Balnaves of Coonawarra is a small family owned winery in the heart of the famous Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. Balnaves wines are renowned for their quality and have garnered numerous awards, a testament to the family's dedication to producing exceptional wines.

Made exclusively from fruit grown in their Coonawarra vineyards, each wine crafted here is beautiful capture of the unique flavours and character of the region. It's best to first sample them within their tasting room overlooking a serene pond. Teeming with native birdlife, it's surrounded by vineyards and rose bushes - and will have you waxing poetic into your glass of premium Cabernet. 

Afterwards, laze on the lawn, under the gum trees, or relax on one of the decks with a gourmet cheese box and a bottle of their best. Pure Coonawarra bliss. 

15517 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra 

Image Credit: Coonawarra.org and Hollick Estates

Hollick Estate

For a quintessential Coonawarra experience, ask any local and they'll refer you to Hollick Estate, just north of Penola. With breathtaking views, an award-winning restaurant, and unforgettable cellar door experience, this is one of the best wineries in Coonawarra. 

The restaurant is a must-try; it is one of the original winery restaurants of the region, after all. Featuring floor to ceiling windows ensuring uninterrupted views over the Neilson's Block vineyard and beyond to the broader region, Upstairs at Hollick offers modern seasonal cuisine that highlights local ingredients. Diners can also enjoy views into the barrel store where they may catch a glimpse of one of the winemakers wielding his craft.

Not hungry? Simply make a beeline for the charming stone cottage cellar door to indulge in a lineup of their boutique wines. You can hardly fault the Coonawarra classics like Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot at Hollick, but be sure to push your palate to the more unique varietals of Barbera and Savignin.

11 Racecourse Road, Penola

Raidis Estate

Prepare to place Raidis Estate to the top of your list of must-try wineries in Coonawarra. One of the newest 'kids' on the block, this winery is passionate about making small batch, hand crafted, elegant wines, meant to be consumed in the company of good people alongside delicious food. 

Since leaving Greece more than 60 years ago, passionate green thumb Chris and his wife Fran have worked the Terra Rossa soils of Coonawarra, growing tomatoes, lettuces and strawberries. Their son, Steven, later joined the family business, and together they planted vines in 1990. Specialising in Cabernet, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or elevate their experience with a leisurely lunch alongside the winemakers.

It is the perfect place to come for an informative seated tasting session or to sit in the garden and enjoy a sunny afternoon sipping wine accompanied by a local produce platter. There's even loads of space with toys for the kids to roam.

The best part? During winter, the vineyard is home to a small herd of goats that help maintain the rows, adding an extra touch of charm to the experience.

15741 Riddoch Highway, Penola 

The Blok

This authentic gem of a winery is family-owned and run. It might be small, but what The Blok lacks in size it makes up for in wines of outstanding quality. A reflection of the their passion for the region can be found in every sip you sample - which is why it's one of the strongest boutique wineries in Coonawarra right now. 

In the warmer months, taste your way to a favourite with a $10 tasting session, then purchase a bottle with a picnic box and settle into the idyllic surrounds. 

We love the creamy nose and toasted savoury notes of their NV Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, but as is standard practice in the Coonawarra Region, it's hard to find fault with their Cabernet Sauvignon. 

15535 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra 

Leconfield Wines 

If you're on a mission to try all of the best Cabernet in Coonawarra, Leconfield Wines needs to be on your list. Renowned for its rich, elegant, and sensual wines, Leconfield's Cabernet Sauvignon stands as the crown jewel of the brand.

Then again, if you're seeking something different, you might also like to indulge in their zesty Riesling — a variety to the region pioneered by Leconfield's founder, Sydney Hamilton.

Step into their inviting cellar door, featuring a cosy fireside tasting room and an outdoor area with breathtaking views. Allow their friendly staff to guide you through a curated tasting experience, or customize your own flight.

Enhance your visit with a delectable grazing platter from their produce fridge, adding another layer of taste sensation to your viniferous journey through the region. It's easy to see why this is one of the best wineries in Coonawarra. 

15454 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra

Brand's Laira

This hidden gem may not stay hidden for long, with Brand's Laira a clear standout as one of the best wineries in Coonawarra. Once you make your way into the estate, you will be forgiven for thinking this winery hasn't been around for long, thanks to a 2019 refurbishment of the stylish and striking cellar door. As it turns out, the vineyards at Brand's Laira date back to 1893, producing premium wines for over a century. Settle in to the stunning cellar door and enjoy a guided and in-depth tasting with a small selection of food to keep you satisfied. When the weather permits, take it outside for some alfresco dining and unbeatable vineyard views.

14860 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra

Zema Estate

Proudly encompassing all things family and attention to detail in winemaking, this winery in Coonawarra is sprinkled with Italian tradition. Over the decades, Zema Estate has become well known for their smooth Shiraz and Cabernet Sav varieties, largely in part to the unwavering quality and consistency, made possible through meticulous planning and bottling techniques. Pop in for a complimentary tasting as you gaze over the Zema vineyards, and before you go, be sure to browse the selection of gourmet food and gifts, including Mrs Zema's prized chilli oil.

14944 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra

Patrick of Coonawarra

This small family-run vineyard is the work of esteemed winemaker Patrick Tocaciu, an award winning winemaker who spent decades working for large estates in the Barossa Valley. In 1998, he decided to pursue a lifelong dream of his own winery on the Limestone Coast and thus, Patrick of Coonawarra was born. While Patrick is no longer running the show, his son Luke is at the helm, continuing to run this welcoming winery, with a focus on heritage and new varieties.

Pop in and try their most popular bottles, with the cosy cellar door or the large expansive lawn available. If you're keen to stay a little longer (we wouldn't blame you) order a cheese platter for two and deep dive into the journey of Patrick of Coonawarra.

15598 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra

Ottelia

Following from a recent renovation to breathe new life into this family-run winery, Ottelia has firmly cemented its place as one of the best wineries in Coonawarra, with a modern cellar door and restaurant welcoming guests in. When your wine tasting needs a little more sustenance, the restaurants on site is a celebration of regional produce and food on the limestone coast. While the menu changes daily to reflect the highest quality ingredients, you can expect dishes like blue swimmer crab, ricotta gnocchi with burnt butter sage and perfectly cooked woodfired pizzas.

5 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra

Wynns Coonawarra Estate

One of the oldest vineyards in Coonawarra and a winery steeped in history, Wynns Coonawarra Estate is the perfect spot for a casual cellar door tasting. With cheese platters available to have a nibble while you sip on premium wines, including flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, this is a wonderful opportunity to taste your way through new and vintage varieties. With a range of experiences available, you can choose the tasting to best suit your palate.

77 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra

Di Giorgio Family Wines

Just in case the name didn't give it away, Di Giorgio Family Wines brings a piece of Italy to Coonawarra, creating a must visit winery. In this business, the entire family is involved, with some of the kids working on the property, and others being proud ambassadors in capital cities. Centrally located in Coonawarra, guests are welcome to stop by for wine tastings accompanied by a selection of oils, cheeses and regional produce to 'pick your own platter'. There is only a small cellar door, but the landscaped outdoor area is the perfect spot to unwind, with ample shade from trees and stunning views.

14918 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra

Bellwether Wines

Looking for a unique experience in Coonawarra? Look no further than Bellwether Wines, a celebration of food, wine and fun, with an endless list of experiences to be had, including glamping in the Bellwether bell tents! Take the stress out of organising or designating a driver, and spend the night in a rustic and cosy bell tent, complete with warm linens and fresh eggs for a breakfast cook up.

If glamping isn't your thing, there's still plenty to do here, with Bellwether Brunch for a tasty 2-course feed to fuel your day, casual cellar door tastings, or a 'moving feast' consisting of only 10 guests, delicious meals cooked in front of you, and an intimate wine tasting with owner Sue Bell. This event only occurs twice a year - so you'll be one of the luckiest people in Coonawarra if you score a spot at this table!

14183 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra

Rymill Coonawarra

With a proud knowledge and focus on sustainable practices, Rymill Coonawarra produces high quality drops without high levels of impact on the environment. The forward-thinking team are creating varieties that best compliment the Terra Rossa terrain and cool climate, and it's certainly worth a visit to try them. The award winning cellar door experience includes multi-deck observation points of the surrounding vistas, plus regional produce and wines exclusive to the cellar door - what's not to love?

110 Clayfield Road, Glenroy

Has our list of the best wineries in Coonawarra got you eager to explore more of South Australia's charming regional towns? Why not head north with our guide to the Flinders Ranges, or take it coastal with everything you need for an action-packed weekend in Port Lincoln?