Frequently Asked Questions

The Coonawarra wine region is located in the Limestone Coast of South Australia, approximately four hours south of Adelaide and around five hours from Melbourne.

The historic township of Penola sits at the heart of the region and is the main base for visitors exploring the famous Coonawarra cellar doors.

Coonawarra is internationally recognised for producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines grown on the famous Terra Rossa soils.

Yes. Coonawarra is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most respected wine regions.

Visitors enjoy:

• World-class Cabernet Sauvignon wines
• More than 20 cellar doors within a short distance
• Beautiful vineyard landscapes
• Regional dining experiences
• Easy access to other Limestone Coast attractions

Many travellers combine their visit with nearby destinations such as Mount Gambier, Naracoorte Caves and the coastal towns of Robe and Beachport.

Coonawarra is famous for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines grown on the unique Terra Rossa soil.

This narrow strip of red soil over limestone creates ideal growing conditions that produce wines known for their structure, depth and ageing potential.

The region is home to iconic wineries including:

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate
• Parker Estate
• Leconfield Coonawarra
• Balnaves
• DiGiorgio Family Wines
• Patrick of Coonawarra

Coonawarra is approximately 60 kilometres north of Mount Gambier, which is about a 45-minute drive.

Many visitors stay in either Penola or Mount Gambier and explore both locations during their visit.

Mount Gambier is known for attractions including:

• Blue Lake / Warwar
• Umpherston Sinkhole
• Cave Gardens
• Volcanic landscapes and walking trails

Yes. Coonawarra sits roughly halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a popular stop for travellers driving between the two cities.

Approximate driving times:

• Adelaide to Coonawarra – around 4 hours
• Melbourne to Coonawarra – around 5 hours

Many visitors break the journey by spending several days exploring the Limestone Coast region.

Most visitors spend two to three days exploring Coonawarra and the surrounding Limestone Coast.

This allows time to:

• Visit several cellar doors
• Enjoy regional dining experiences
• Explore Mount Gambier’s volcanic landscapes
• Visit the Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area
• Discover coastal towns such as Robe and Beachport

The best way to explore Coonawarra is through a hosted wine tour or private driver experience.

This allows visitors to relax and enjoy the cellar doors while learning about the region’s history, vineyards and winemaking traditions.

Coonawarra Experiences offers private wine tours and customised itineraries across the Coonawarra wine region.

Yes. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the region with a local host who can provide insights into the wineries, vineyards and history of Coonawarra.

Private tours are particularly popular as they allow guests to tailor the itinerary based on their wine preferences and interests.

We have a range of guided tours to suit all tastes and timeframes.

There are more than 20 cellar doors in the Coonawarra wine region, each offering a different tasting experience.

Popular wineries include:

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate
• Parker Estate
• DiGiorgio Family Wines
• Patrick of Coonawarra
• Leconfield Coonawarra

We can recommend wineries based on your interests or design a customised itinerary.

Yes. All Coonawarra Experiences tours include lunch and cellar door tastings as part of the tour price.

This allows guests to enjoy the day without worrying about additional costs during the experience.

Yes. Many guests choose a private tour so they can design their own itinerary.

We can assist with planning a personalised day visiting preferred wineries, restaurants and regional attractions.

Yes. Our Private Driver Coonawarra experiences allow guests to hire our vehicle and driver while setting their own itinerary for the day.

This is ideal for visitors who want to explore the region at their own pace.

The Limestone Coast offers a wide range of experiences beyond wine tasting, including:

• Exploring Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake and volcanic landscapes
• Visiting the Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area
• Discovering coastal towns such as Robe, Beachport and Port MacDonnell
• Wildlife and nature experiences
• Regional food and dining experiences

Many visitors spend several days exploring the region.

We can set up a wonderful itinerary for you that is fully hosted and takes in the best of the Limestone Coast.

Yes. The Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area is about 30 minutes from Penola.

These remarkable caves contain one of the world’s most important fossil deposits and are a highlight for visitors exploring the Limestone Coast.

Private tours can include visits to the caves alongside wine touring in Coonawarra.

Yes. Mayura Station near Millicent offers a renowned Wagyu dining experience where guests enjoy premium full-blood Wagyu beef produced on the station.

Many visitors to the Limestone Coast include the Mayura Station Chef’s Table dining experience as part of their visit.

Coonawarra Experiences can arrange private transport and touring packages as part of this experience.

Our tours typically collect guests from accommodation in:

• Penola
• Coonawarra

We can also arrange pick-ups from nearby locations, including:

• Mount Gambier
• Naracoorte
• Coastal Areas

Pick-ups outside the immediate area will incur additional charges depending on distance.

Yes. Most venues we visit can cater for dietary requirements.

Please advise us in advance so arrangements can be made with the restaurants and venues we visit during your tour.

Tours can be booked directly through our website or by contacting us.

Phone: 1800 861 190
Email: info@coonawarraexperiences.com.au

We are always happy to help you plan your visit to Coonawarra and the Limestone Coast.

Yes. Coonawarra Experiences offers gift certificates that can be used toward our private tours and experiences across the Coonawarra wine region and the Limestone Coast.

Gift certificates are a popular option for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and special occasions, allowing the recipient to enjoy a memorable experience exploring the region.

Certificates can be purchased online and used toward a range of experiences, including private wine tours, regional dining experiences and bespoke touring itineraries.

Yes. Many of our guests choose a bespoke private tour, allowing us to design a personalised itinerary based on their interests.

These customised journeys may include wine tasting, farm visits, Indigenous cultural experiences, nature attractions and regional dining.

Every itinerary is tailored to provide a relaxed and memorable exploration of the Limestone Coast.

Yes. Coonawarra Experiences can design multi-day itineraries that combine accommodation, touring, and dining across the Limestone Coast.

Many guests choose to spend several days exploring Coonawarra, Mount Gambier, the Naracoorte Caves and the coastal towns of Robe and Beachport.

• Footwear: We suggest comfortable, enclosed walking shoes.

• Layers are Key: Even on a warm day, winery barrel rooms and underground cellars (like those at Wynns or the Naracoorte Caves) stay at a constant, cool temperature. Bringing a light jacket or sweater ensures you stay comfortable during your tastings.

• Sun Protection: The South Australian sun can be quite strong. A hat and sunglasses are highly recommended for any vineyard walks or outdoor dining.

• A Small Bag/Camera: Feel free to bring a small day bag for your personal items. Our vehicles have plenty of secure space to store any wine or local produce you purchase throughout the day.

• Stay Hydrated: While we provide bottled water on board our vehicles, feel free to bring your own reusable bottle.