Welcome to Koonara wines cellar door
Open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 10am to 2 pm
Visit us at 44 Church Street, Penola, South Australia.
Welcome to Koonara, where our Coonawarra reds are certified organic, every wine is vegan-friendly and low in sulphur. Our Penola cellar door is part tasting room, part treasure trove of homewares, local produce, and has everything you need to host the perfect dinner party. Pop in – we’d love to meet you.
classic wine tasting
For just $9 per person, taste your way through six of our standout wines. From our certified organic Coonawarra reds to refreshing cool-climate whites. All vegan-friendly, all low in sulphur, all made for drinking (not just discussing).
We’ll share the stories behind each bottle and a few winemaking secrets along the way. Whether you’re new to wine or you’ve got strong opinions about oak, this is a relaxed, personalised tasting experience, no swirling expertise required.
the social tasting adventure
Looking for a wine tasting with a twist?
This one’s for the social butterflies and party starters. For $20 per person, your group shares a bottle in-store while we pour five of our favourites – all vegan-friendly and low in sulphur, so the good times don’t have to end at the cellar door.
No deep dives into tannin structure. No quiz at the end. Just good wine, good company, and a bit of fun.
Can’t find the tasting experience you’re dreaming of? Don’t fret!
Whether you’re planning something last-minute or after something a little different, just give us a buzz at the Cellar Door. We’ll do our best to make it happen.
For spur-of-the-moment visits (like, in the next 48 hours), a quick call is your best bet so we can look after you properly.
plan your visit
Our cellar door sits right on Penola’s main street – a short stroll from the town’s best cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. But fair warning: you might not make it out as quickly as you planned.
Beyond our wines, you’ll find a curated collection of homewares, glassware (including our own Savor range designed by owner Dru Reschke), local produce, and all the essentials for hosting a dinner party worth talking about.
Planning a group visit? Tastings for 8 or more need to be booked in advance so we can roll out the proper welcome. The tasting fee is redeemable against any wine purchase, so really, it’s just a head start on your order.
Penola is right in the heart of the Limestone Coast. It’s an easy base for exploring the region’s 20+ cellar doors, the Coonawarra Rail Trail, and plenty of excellent food along the way. Most visitors wish they’d booked an extra night.
It’s a town full of creatives, winemakers, and people who genuinely love living here. We reckon that’s part of the charm and we love sharing it with visitors from around the country and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
where is the Koonara Wines Cellar Door located?
We’re at 44 Church Street, right on the main street of Penola in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region.
what are your opening hours?
We’re open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday 10am–4pm, and Sunday 10am–2pm. We’re also open most public holidays, except Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (even we need a break sometimes).
do I need to book a wine tasting?
For our $9 Classic Tasting or $20 Social Tasting Adventure, bookings aren’t essential but they’re welcome. For groups of 8 or more, please book ahead so we can make sure you’re well looked after. Give us a call or book online.
are your wines vegan-friendly?
Yes! Every wine in our range is vegan-friendly, low in sulphur, and made with minimal residual sugar. Our Coonawarra reds are also certified organic.
can I visit the vineyard?
Our tastings all happen at our cellar door in Penola. We don’t offer vineyard tours or tastings on-site at the vineyard. But trust us, our Penola shopfront is well worth the visit.
is the cellar door family-friendly?
Absolutely, we’re a shop, so kids are welcome. We’ve even got a section of goodies specifically designed for them to nag you about. We don’t have a play area, but little ones are more than welcome to browse with you.
is the cellar door dog-friendly?
We love dogs, but we’re a shop full of lovely breakable things, so it’s best to leave furry friends at home or with a patient partner outside. Service dogs are always welcome.
is there parking nearby?
Plenty. There’s street parking out front and a carpark at the rear of the shop.
is the cellar door wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we have a ramp available on request. Just give us a heads up when you arrive and we’ll get you sorted.
do you ship wine?
We do! Shipping is free for 6 bottles or more within Australia. If you’re visiting from overseas, get in touch with us directly and we’ll work out the best option, as international shipping can be pricey, so we like to tailor it to your order.
what else can I buy at the cellar door?
More than you’d expect! Our cellar door is part tasting room, part homewares destination. You’ll find glassware (including our Savor range designed by owner Dru Reschke), local produce, crockery, kitchen gadgets, and plenty of giftable goodies.
where should I stay when visiting Coonawarra?
Penola and Coonawarra have accommodation for all budgets from cosy B&Bs to vineyard stays. Check out local options here. While you’re planning, have a read of our Limestone Coast autumn guide for ideas on what else to see and do in the region.
what else is there to do in the area?
Loads! With over 20 cellar doors, the Coonawarra Rail Trail, cafes, galleries, and heritage walks you’ll want to stay a couple of days. If you’re sticking close to Penola, check out the Church Street wine collaboration. Three cellar doors, one street, all within walking distance. For the wider region, our Limestone Coast guide has plenty of local picks.
is Coonawarra easy to get around without a car?
The region is flat as a pancake, which makes it perfect for cycling. The Coonawarra Rail Trail is a 19km path winding through vineyards and bushland. You can hire e-bikes from our mates at Penola Caravan Park.
In the press
