Coonawarra, located in the Limestone Coast zone of South Australia, is renowned for its vivid red soil, known as Terra Rossa, and its world-class wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The region, established in 1890, spans 398 km2 and is home to 28 wineries, with a total of 5,603 hectares of vineyards and 130 vineyards. Coonawarra is considered the pre-eminent producer of Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia, known for creating medium to full-bodied wines with cassis, blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors. The region also grows other varieties such as Shiraz, Merlot, and Chardonnay. The unique Terra Rossa soil, which covers a narrow strip 12 kilometers long and around 1km wide, has a significant impact on the flavor of the wines.
Some of the well-known wineries with cellar doors in Coonawarra include Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Balnaves of Coonawarra, Yalumba, and Penfolds. The region's wineries offer a variety of wine tastings and tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the unique terroir and taste the exceptional wines produced in the area. Coonawarra's maritime-influenced climate, with cold winters and cool summer night temperatures, contributes to the distinctive characteristics of its wines. The region's consistent cloud cover also helps reduce temperatures, creating ideal grape-growing conditions.
With its long-established winemaking tradition, unique terroir, and reputation for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra stands out as one of Australia's most famous and celebrated wine regions.