Coonawarra

The Coonawarra wine region, located in South Australia’s Limestone Coast zone, is world-renowned for its terra rossa soils and outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. Stretching along a narrow strip (~20 km long, 2 km wide), this unique region combines a cool maritime climate, fertile yet well-draining soils, and a strong history of premium wine production. Coonawarra is often described as the “Bordeaux of Australia,” producing structured, elegant, age-worthy reds.

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Key grape varieties grown

• Cabernet Sauvignon

  • The signature variety of Coonawarra.

  • Known for intense blackcurrant, plum, mint, and eucalyptus notes, with fine-grained tannins and exceptional ageing potential.

  • The terra rossa soil over limestone gives wines balance, elegance, and minerality.

  • Benchmarked against Bordeaux globally.

• Shiraz

  • Historically the dominant variety before Cabernet rose to prominence.

  • Produces medium- to full-bodied wines, often more savoury and spice-driven than Barossa Shiraz.

  • Old-vine Shiraz examples can be outstanding.

• Merlot

  • Commonly grown and often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Provides softer tannins and plum flavours.

• Chardonnay

  • The leading white variety.

  • Styles range from crisp, citrus-driven examples to richer, barrel-aged versions.

• Other varieties

  • Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris are grown in small amounts, but reds dominate plantings.

  • Alternative red varieties such as Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc are slowly emerging.

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Major wineries

Coonawarra has a long history of premium producers, with a mix of heritage estates and newer innovators:

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate

  • Founded in 1891 by John Riddoch, a pioneer of the region.

  • The most famous name in Coonawarra, with an extensive range of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

  • John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship and a benchmark of Australian Cabernet.

• Parker Coonawarra Estate

  • Established in 1985, one of the region’s premium-focused estates.

  • Known for First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Balnaves of Coonawarra

  • Family-owned boutique producer.

  • Acclaimed for elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

• Majella Wines

  • A family winery with a reputation for rich yet balanced reds.

  • Notable for Majella Cabernet Sauvignon and Majella Shiraz.

• Brands Laira

  • Historic vineyard with old vines.

  • Known for powerful reds, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet.

• Katnook Estate

  • Produces highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

  • Katnook Odyssey Cabernet is a flagship red.

• Rymill Coonawarra

  • Modern producer with a strong focus on Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Distinctive winery with a horse statue reflecting family heritage.

• Di Giorgio Family Wines

  • Family-owned, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot.

  • Emphasis on tradition and value.