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COVID-19 UPDATE: CELLAR DOORS OPEN FOR TASTINGS
From June 1st onwards, Coonawarra wineries are finally able to welcome you back for tastings in their Cellar Doors. We are excited to provide a guide as to who is open for your tasting pleasure HERE
Note: Until such time that social distancing restrictions are lifted, bookings are recommended as our Celler Doors align with the current COVID-19 regulations. Guests must be seated for tastings and occupancy limits apply as per State requirements for everyone’s safety and comfort.
We ask that you respect and follow the recommended COVID guidelines, and practise social distancing so we all can get back to doing what we love and enjoy in a safe way. We hope and look forward to seeing you soon.
For the latest information on South Australia, travel restrictions click here.
Please travel responsibly.
Coonawarra is nestled in the heart of the Limestone Coast of South Australia. Located approximately 380km south of Adelaide, 427km west of Melbourne and only 10km from the historic town of Penola on the Riddoch Highway.
The region, first established in 1890, is one of Australia’s most loved wine regions with over 25 cellar doors along one stretch of road, the famed Coonawarra Strip, offering an array of food and wine experiences. Download the Coonawarra Cellar Door Map
A busy calendar of events, festivals and wine tastings create a colourful scene throughout the year in Coonawarra. It is recommended that you book your accommodation as early as possible if you are attending a Coonawarra event as places are often limited.
Hit the Road…
Coonawarra is a comfortable 4 1/2 hour drive from Melbourne (427 km) and a 4 hour drive from Adelaide (375km). For those with more time to enjoy a longer break, then why not consider the scenic route via the world renowned Great Ocean Road if coming from Melbourne, or via the spectacular Coorong National Park if coming from Adelaide.
Nestled in the heart of the Limestone Coast, Coonawarra is a short 40 minute drive from the picturesque Blue Lake City of Mount Gambier, 25 minutes from the World Heritage Naracoorte Caves National Park and 1 hour drive from the pristine coastal towns of Beachport and Robe.
Hire car services are available from the Mount Gambier Airport terminal:
Budget – 08 8725 4340
Avis – 08 8723 4300
Hertz – 08 8723 0870
For more information about local tour companies contact the Penola Visitor Information Centre on 08 8737 2855 or 1300 045 373.
Fly on in…
Mt Gambier Airport, (MGB) is daily serviced by QantasLink and Regional Express Airlines offering scheduled flights in and out of the airport. The airport is 45 kilometers (35-minutes drive) South of Coonawarra.
By Bus and Train
Visitors can also make their way to Coonawarra using state bus services, Premier Stateliner. From Adelaide, there is a daily service to Penola/Coonawarra via Premier Stateliner Services.
Catch the train from Melbourne to Warrnambool and then you will be taken by bus through the portside villages of Port Fairy and Portland on to Mt Gambier on V/Line.
Walk the Walk…
Explore the region’s natural beauty, at your own pace, with a stroll amongst the vines as you walk the “vine to wine”.
Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail includes six (6) wineries in the immediate surrounds of the quaint Coonawarra township. 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 as you taste your way around this central Coonawarra precinct.
The Trail operates in and around working vineyards, which can be a hive of activity year-round, seven days a week. As a cool climate wine region, the weather can have an impact on the route you choose to take. Please stick to fair-weather routes and wear appropriate footwear for the stroll.
Download the Coonawarra Walking Trail App, prior to commencing the trial, and check in to track your progress whilst learning about the amazing history, viticulture and winemaking practices along the way. For more info visit the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail webpage.