Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

Conawarra Overview

Coonawara is a region renowned for its wineries in the far south east of South Australia, a relatively small elliptical shaped strip of rich volcanic terra rossa soil, close to the border of Victoria.

With such a high standard and diversity of wines being produced, the changing climatic conditions from year to year and numerous wine growing regions in Australia, it is impossible to say there is one 'best region' but the Coonawarra has certainly produced some exceptional wines.

Coonawarra wines and fruit (which is often transported to other wine regions) are highly regarded and the region is an idyllic getaway for connoisseurs of good wine and pleasant scenery.

Another reason why South Australia is a wine lovers paradise.

Limestone Coast

Coonawarra and the other fine wine regions of Padthaway, Cape Jaffa, Mount Benson and Mount Gambier are located on the 'Limestone Coast' which runs from the South Australian coastal town of Mount Gambier (north to the Murray River).

The 'Limestone Coast' originated millions of years ago when the land was originally submerged beneath the sea.

Over eons, the waters receded leaving the iron rich limestone exposed to the oxidising atmosphere resulting in a extremely well drained red coloured soil layer over a white limestone base.

Cab Sav

The orange coloured 'Terra Rosa' soil uniquely found here is the trademark of the area and contrasts vividly with the green leaves of the vines.

The well drained soil, hot summers, cold winters and coastal climate are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation which is recognised as one the finest products of the Australian Wine Industry.

The Coonawarra 's ideal conditions has attracted many of the big wine producers and several produce exclusively from the region.

These include the multi award winning Rosemount Estate, Lindemans, Rouge Homme, Wynns and Bowen Estate.

Compact

As the Coonawarra is relatively far from a major city there is not the highly developed tourist infrastructure found in say Barossa Valley or the Hunter Valley.

Nevertheless there is a good selection of accommodation, places to eat and welcoming 'Cellar Doors' from where you can taste, buy the wine and/or other produce such as gourmet foods and even clothing bearing the wine makers logos.

The Coonawarra is sought out by the true wine connoisseur as the product of the area is regarded very highly, almost to the point of reverence, both in Australia and overseas.

Coonawarra is a ribbon 20Km long by 2km wide which stretches along the Riddoch Highway and includes around 20 wineries interspersed on either side of the road.

This tiny area of around 40 square kilometres is responsible for some of the best wine you will find, anywhere.

World Heritage Listed Caves

Venturing further north (See map) is the charming town of Naracoorte (place of running water).

It is a World Heritage listed site comprising 60 incredible limestone caves some of which contain the fossils of giant kangaroos and marsupial lions.

In the evenings the caves come alive with bats, hanging precariously and swooping in the shadow of the night, it truly is an amazing sight!