There is nothing like a long weekend to relax, recharge and explore.
With an extra day up our sleeves on the March Long weekend to get away, there’s every reason to go that bit further to discover Coonawarra and the wonders of the Limestone Coast.
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 6 March | 1pm – 2:30pm
📍DiGiorgio Family Wines
Bookings Essential
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 – The ultimate long lunch at Ottelia, also known as our Chef’s Menu.
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 6 – SUNDAY 8 MARCH
📍HOLLICK ESTATES
RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED
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.
Sunday 8 March | 12noon – 5pm
📍RAIDIS ESTATE
Book ahead to reserve your table!
THE FOOD DUDE @ RYMILL
Visit Rymill Coonawarra this Adelaide Cup Long weekend and tuck into delicious street food from THE FOOD DUDE.
Settle in on the lush winery lawns, or take a seat in Cellar Door with a glass or bottle of Rymill’s magnificent wines, and paired with crispy chicken slider buns, loaded fries or fried rice offerings.
With plenty of room for kids (and the dog) to run around and lawn games to play, it’s the perfect way to while away a few hours.
Sunday 8 March | 10am – 4pm
📍RYMILL COONAWARRA
PARKER PIES + SEASONAL SALADS
Enjoy a bite to eat at Parker Estate with their popular pie menu and seasonal salad selections.
Made with Estate Cabernet (Beef pie) and Chardonnay (Chicken pie) these pastry treats are rapidly becoming a staple for both locals and visitors alike.
Treat yourself and take the opportunity to sample Parker Estate’s exquisite wines, locally crafted beer, and award-winning Gin.
There’s something for everyone.
DAILY | 11:30am – 2pm
PARKER ESTATE
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 | $45pp*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
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.
