COONAWARRA – WORLD CLASS WINES
Welcome to Coonawarra: The Heart of Australian Wine
Nestled in the picturesque Limestone Coast of South Australia, Coonawarra is wine lovers dream destination. Located approximately 380km south of Adelaide and 427km west of Melbourne, Coonawarra is a convenient half-day drive from both cities, making it an accessible and inviting destination. With more than 25 cellar doors in the area its well worth the drive to visit our remarkable wine region.
What makes the Coonawarra so special?
Let’s not beat around the bush. It’s the unique Terra Rossa soil, a rich, red-brown earth overlaying limestone that makes our wine region truly remarkable. This well-draining soil provides an ideal environment for viticulture, contributing to the distinctive character of the region’s wines.
Formed over millions of years, Coonawarra’s landscape is a testament to nature’s artistry. From the formation of limestone under the Great Southern Ocean to the winds that deposited the fine red dust, this region’s unique terroir is impossible to replicate.
The Terra Rossa soil, combined with a permanent supply of pure underground water from the limestone aquifer, creates the perfect conditions for growing world-class wines. How lucky are we?
The region itself is a narrow strip stretching 27 kilometres long and just two kilometres wide. The soil within the region is exceptionally well-draining, providing an ideal environment for viticulture.
The vines thrive, producing grapes with intense colour, rich flavours, and fine tannins. This rare combination of soil and underlying limestone base gives Coonawarra wines their distinctive character and exceptional quality.
we’ve got Perfect Conditions for making Exceptional Wines
The cool to moderate maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Southern Ocean, ensures a long growing season in Coonawarra. The climate which is similar to that in Bordeuax allows grapes to develop complex flavours while maintaining balanced acidity. All the things that are crucial for crafting high-quality wines. The consistency in climate and soil conditions is what results in reliable grape quality year after year, making Coonawarra wines highly dependable and sought-after.
CABERNET: the king of grapes
It’s no secret that Coonawarra is Australia’s ‘other red centre’, with our region’s specialty being the Cabernet Sauvignon. This variety benefits immensely from the growing conditions provided. A Coonawarra Cabernet is celebrated for its rich, structured profiles, often exhibiting flavours of blackcurrant, mint, and eucalyptus. These wines are not only distinctive but also age beautifully and gain further depth and complexity over time.
Our region also excels in the production of premium Shiraz and, surprisingly to some, cool-climate Riesling. You’ll also find many of the wineries producing varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc because of how well they grow in the area.
Coonawarra’s winemaking heritage is a blend of tradition and innovation. Generations of vintners have honed their craft here, combining time-honoured techniques with modern practices. This commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that the region remains a premier wine-producing region, known for its excellence and innovation.
