Spring has sprung in Coonawarra, and so too has the urge to get out a be active, and what better way to do it than to combine wine tasting with a walk through the vines!
Tourists and locals alike are being encouraged to look out for the “green foot” with the recent launch of the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail and smartphone app.
The walking trail covers a 5km stretch between Redman Wines, Brand’s Laira Coonawarra, Coonawarra Store, Ottelia + Fodder Restaurant, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, DiGiorgio Family Wines and Zema Estate. Walkers can start the trail at any one of the wineries or Coonawarra Town centre, and follow the green foot signage.
The initiate began with local vignerons wanting to bring a unique experience to Coonawarra. “Its something new and exciting for our region,” Zema Estate cellar door manager Lynn Doyle said. “Walking trails aren’t uncommon in wine regions throughout Australia, however, the introduction of the interactive trail app in conjunction with the trail is unique and provides an enhanced experience for the visitor”.
The idea blends a traditional winery experience with an exercise aspect, encouraging wine goers to explore the region’s natural beauty, at their own pace, with a stroll amongst the vines as they undertake wine tastings at each cellar door. Ms.Doyle said people had already jumped on board with the idea, downloading the application on their phones before they set off. “It is great to have visitors already utilizing the trail”, she said.
“The application is interoperative aswell, identifying landmarks and discovery points along the trail, all the while keeping track of how far people have walked.”
Although it is still a new addition to the region, the trail has already proven popular with visitors and ideas to expand the project are already in the works. “We are thinking about the possibility of pedometers, water bottles, and umbrellas available for the public.” Ms Doyle said. “There is also a hope to create other trails in our region- possibly a southern trail. Coonawarra and Penola are well recognized as a wine destination, but we are always looking for ways to boost tourism here- the possibilities are endless”.
Spring is a wonderful time to discover the trail and for those planning a trip to the region, October is certainly a highlight on the Coonawarra event calender with the month-long Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations taking place. During October the walking trail offers an additional experience with a super quiz competition and the chance to go into the draw to win a mixed dozen wines and other Coonawarra goodies from each of the participating Walking Trail venues. Learn more here
Search Coonawarra Walking Trail on your smartphone to download the app.
https://coonawarra.org/event/coonawarra-cabernet-celebrations/
