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 20 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, why 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 5 June | 1pm
📍DiGiorgio Family Wines
Bookings Essential
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 6 JUNE | 12noon – 5pm
📍RAIDIS ESTATE
Book ahead to reserve your table!
CELLAR DOOR POP UP
Banks Thargo are opening their doors this June Long Weekend and you’re invited to pop in for tasting. Located just beyond the Penola Racecourse, swing past to meet owners Heather and Jon Kidman, and sample their range of Coonawarra wines in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
SATURDAY 6 | SUNDAY 7 | MONDAY 8 JUNE
TIME | 10noon – 5pm
BANKS THARGO
WINTER WARMERS AT PARKER ESTATE
Warm up with a hearty and comforting meal from Parker Estate’s ‘Winter Warmers’ menu. Savour nostalgic local flavours from a range of options that pair perfectly with a glass of Parker Estate’s beautiful wines. There are also indulgent desserts paired with a glass of ‘Fine Old Tawny’, and something on the menu for the kids too.
While you’re there, make sure you sample the impressive range of wines, gins, and beer.
ALL WEEKEND | 11:30am – 2:00pm
VIEW THE MENU
📍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!
11am – 3pm | Thursday – Sunday [CLOSED MONDAY]
MENU OPTIONS
$55pp – A series of snacks and small dishes followed by wood fired pizzas to share.
$80pp – Take the decision making out of lunch, and let their chefs guide you through our menu. The Chef’s Menu is a whole table experience (excluding kids).
A kids menu is available for kids aged 10 and under at $30 per child.
📍OTTELIA RESTAURANT
BOOKINGS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
PASTA WITH A VIEW
Tuck into a serve of authentic Italian pasta whilst enjoying fabulous vista views from Hollick Estate’s upstairs restaurant. Offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, you’ll be hard-pressed to find pasta (or a view) this good anywhere in the Limestone Coast – from silky fettuccine to delicate gnocchi. (GF, Veg & Vegan available!)
11:30am – 3pm | FRIDAY 5 – SUNDAY 7 JUNE [CLOSED MONDAY]
📍HOLLICK ESTATES
RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED
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
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 *Bookings required 24hrs in advance
📍DIGIORGIO FAMILY WINES
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
WINE’DOWN WITH A BARREL BATH
Soak in the regions newest wine inspired experience with a difference – wine barrel baths at Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park. Surrounded by the peaceful charm of Penola and the rich wine heritage of Coonawarra, this unique experience is the perfect way to slow down and savour the moment.
Wine Barrel Bath sessions are available daily | Duration 45min session
COST | $85 per couple.
PENOLA COONAWARRA CARAVAN PARK
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.
View an expanded list of local Penola/ Coonawarra eateries including cafes, pubs and takeaway outlets here.
Need further inspiration? Check out these suggested itineraries to make the most of your time in Penola/Coonawarra.
