There truly is something magical about travelling through wine country at any time of year, but when the temperature drops and the vines bare all, it’s the perfect time to settle in by the fire with a glass of fine Coonawarra [red] wine!
And where better to savour the flavours of winter this June long weekend, than in Coonawarra itself?!
Our famed Coonawarra Strip is lined with over 25 Cellar Doors with some of Australia’s most recognised wine brands, family-owned wineries and boutique operations scattered along one stretch of road. And, at just 27 kilometres long by two kilometres wide, Coonawarra is prime for touring!
Download our Coonawarra Wine Region Map to help you navigate your way along the Coonawarra Strip. If you’re keen to stretch your legs, you can walk, ride or hit your stride along Coonawarra’s newest Tourism Trail- The Coonawarra Rail Trail, or weave your way through the vines and enjoy the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail.
Best known for its big bold reds, Coonawarra’s cool climate wines are world-class, but there is a huge array of varieties and styles on offer for tasting. From its famed Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot to Riesling, Pinot Gris, Blanc de Blancs and even Pedro Ximenez! To see what’s pouring at Coonawarra’s cellar doors view our cellar door Wine Varieties page.
If you’re travelling with your precious pooch, wine’not bring them along too! Over half of Coonawarra’s cellar doors are dog friendly, with vast lawn areas, spacious decks and wide open spaces making it the perfect destination for you and your four-legged friend. View our dog-friendly cellar door directory and start planning your “pawsome” day out in Coonawarra:
WHAT’S ON….
Make the most of your time in Coonawarra this Long Weekend.
If you’re travelling to our region, be it for a day trip or an extended stay, don’t miss this selection of cellar door experiences and events being featured across the King’s Birthday weekend. Our picturesque wine region is gearing up for an array of events that will tantalise your taste buds. Here are some of the things you can look forward to:
WINERY TOUR & TASTING
Enjoy a tour of the Digiorgio property including the famous Terra Rossa soil profile, 100 year old vines, cork trees, winery and barrel hall concluding with a private tasting. Sample wine direct from the barrel and a shared produce platter and delicious handmade Italian meatballs.
Friday 7 June | 1pm
📍DiGiorgio Family Wines
Bookings Essential
SOURDOUGH MAKING AT BELLWETHER
Sourdough making is a daily occurance at Bellwether and you’re invited to help make and cook the daily loaf. Take home a fresh loaf of sourdough straight from the oven…and share in their amazing starter to continue the sourdough joy at home.
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 June | 10:30am (60mins)
COST | $45 per person
📍BELLWETHER WINERY
PIZZA & TUNES AT RAIDIS ESTATE
Chill out with the family or gather your friends for an afternoon at Raidis Estate. Kick back to live music and enjoy delicious woodfire pizzas with an assortment of wine, beer & cider.
Saturday 8 June | 12noon – 5pm
📍RAIDIS ESTATE
Book ahead to reserve your table!
MRS ZEMA’S PASTA & ARANCINI
Visit Zema Estate on Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, lovingly prepared by Mrs Zema.
Enjoy a serve of delicious pasta or homemade arancini balls.
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June | 12noon -2pm
📍 ZEMA ESTATE
PARKER PIES
The ultimate winter warmer! Indulge in a hearty slow cooked Beef & Cabernet pie or a Chicken & Chardonnay pie at Parker Estate. Taste their range of exquisite wines or treat yourself to an award-winning Gin or locally brewed beer.
Saturday 8, Sunday 9 & Monday 10 June | 11:30am – 4pm
📍PARKER ESTATE
LONG LUNCH AT OTTELIA
A celebration of the wine & food of the Limestone Coast. Walk in and taste the growing portfolio of Ottelia wines. Enjoy their mouthwatering menu which showcases the abundance of produce found within the region and the fresh ingredients grown in the fodder garden. You can’t go past their woodfired sourdough pizza’s – also available for takeaway!
Open 11am – 3pm
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June [CLOSED MONDAY]
📍OTTELIA RESTAURANT
BOOKINGS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
SOUL FOOD AT BRAND’S LAIRA COONAWARRA
Grab a bite to eat over the long weekend at the spectacular Brand’s Laira Cellar Door. With a menu that pairs perfectly with their range of wines, you’ll find everything from soul-warming soup, tantalising savoury pastries and gourmet ploughman’s platters.
AVAILABLE DAILY
COST | from $10. View the sample menu here
CALL (08) 87363260 TO ORDER IN ADVANCE
📍BRAND’S LAIRA COONAWARRA
REDMAN VIP WINE TASTING
Learn about the Redman family’s rich history in the Coonawarra region, with a VIP tasting delivered by a Redman Family Winemaker. The VIP Tasting includes a
flight of eight wines personally selected from their premium and back vintage
collection in the redman cellar.
Daily Sessions | Bookings Essential.
$50pp | Hourly from 11am
CRICKETS & CABERNET – BUG BITES
A tasting with a difference! Far from the usual food and wine pairing, this self-guided tasting is one that challenges all senses, with a quirky pairing of wine and INSECTS!
Celebrating the diversity of flavours found in nature, the tasting highlights the significance of biodiversity and provides insights into Patrick’s newly established Eco-Garden.
TASTING AVAILABLE DAILY
COST | $25pp
📍PATRICK OF COONAWARRA
FROM WHERE I’D RATHER BE – EXHIBITION
Pop into Majella over the long weekend to admire the magnificent artworks of local artist Rachel Clayfield, whilst tasting through Majella’s range of execptional wines.
‘From Where I’d Rather Be’ is a series of oil paintings that convey the appreciation the artist has for her rural home of Coonawarra and the feelings of peace and comfort that the area brings.
EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY 16 MAY – 16 JUNE 2024
📍MAJELLA CELLAR DOOR
WINE FLIGHT WITH SIX BITES
Enjoy a reserved seated tasting of six of DiGiorgio’s premium wines matched to six bites of regionally sourced food. Wines include sparkling, white wine and red wine from their Coonawarra and Renaissance range and will be matched to regional produce including savoury and one sweet.
TASTING AVAILABLE DAILY
Monday – Friday, 11.00am and 2.00pm
Saturday – Sunday, 11.00am
COST | $39pp
📍DIGIORGIO FAMILY WINES
*Bookings required 24hrs in advance
CHOCOLATE + WINE PAIRING – KATNOOK ESTATE
Enjoy a delectable Cuvee Chocolate pairing with 4 of Katnook’s best-matched wines in the beautiful Katnook tasting room. Featuring Katnook Estate NV Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot, Estate Chardonnay, Estate Shiraz and Estate Cabernet, you’ll discover the exquisite match that is Chocolate and Wine!
TASTING AVAILABLE DAILY
COST | $20pp
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: Reserve your spot online here
📍KATNOOK ESTATE
CHOCOLATE + WINE PAIRING – PATRICK OF COONAWARRA
Take yourself on a self-guided tasting of Patrick of Coonawarra wines, matched perfectly with Red Cacao Chocolate. The wines are chosen to complement the flavours and textures of nut, berry and toffee-infused milk and dark chocolates.
TASTING AVAILABLE DAILY
COST | $25pp
📍PATRICK OF COONAWARRA
In addition to the above listings, you will find variations of cheese plates, produce platters and picnic packs offered on day to day basis at cellar doors across the region. Follow this link to view where you can settle in with a platter or refer to our Wine Region Map which identifies platter-style offerings with a single cheese knife icon.
