Coonawarra
Coonawarra's secret lies in the magical marriage of rich red Terra Rossa soil, limestone, pure underground water and a long cool ripening season. The world-famous wine region takes its name from the Aboriginal word for 'honeysuckle' and its famous strip of rich Terra Rossa soil sitting atop deep limestone beds has given rise to many of the nation's finest drops. Coonawarra has a worldwide reputation for unique flavour and quality in its wines with Cabernet Sauvignon becoming the region's flagship drop. Visitors are able choose from more than twenty cellar doors offering wine tastings.
The region pays homage to Scottish born John Riddoch who in 1890 subdivided 1000 acres, selling them to locals and establishing what was known as The Penola Fruit Colony. In 1897, the year of Riddoch's first vintage, the area became known as Coonawarra. Riddoch's original cellars still stand today as a local landmark and popular tourist attraction at Wynn's Coonawarra Estate.
Tourism, along with viticulture, agriculture and horticulture are the predominant local industries of Coonawarra.
Coonawarra is located approximately 10kms north of Penola on the Riddoch Highway. Coonawarra is 60kms east of Millicent via Penola, and 80kms east of Beachport via Kangaroo Inn.
For More Information on Coonawarra visit http://coonawarra.org/
The Coonawarra Community Town Plan was adopted on the 13 June 2017
Vision
Coonawarra is a community that’s vibrant, passionate, sophisticated and unique – one that will continue to honour tradition while embracing innovation and nurturing sustainable viticulture for the future.
Coonawarra will be nationally and internationally recognised as a progressive, world class wine-growing and tourism region, whose unique culture is embodied in its wine and its people.
Community Town Plans
Wattle Range Council has developed 10-year town plans with each township. Each town plan can be viewed at Community Town Plans.
Phone: (08) 8735 8029 or 1300 045 373
Email: beachport@wattlerange.sa.gov.au / facebook.com/Beachport
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Weekends 10am-4pm
Winter Weekends 10am-1pm
Phone: (08) 8733 0904 or 1300 045 373
Email: millicent@wattlerange.sa.gov.au / https://www.facebook.com/MillicentVisitorInformationCentre
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Weekends 10am-4pm
Last Entry to Museum an hour before close
27 Arthur Street, Penola SA 5277
Phone: (08) 8737 2855 or 1300 045 373
Email: penola@wattlerange.sa.gov.au / facebook.com/PenolaCoonawarra
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm /
Weekends 10am-4pm /