Wine & Vineyard Penola

Coonawarra Unearthed Wine Experience

Time: 11 AM - 5 PM

Adult Shared Tour: Starting at $195 per Person

Highlights:

• Embark on a captivating journey to the renowned Coonawarra wine region with our small shared tour
• Enjoy a behind-the-scenes discovery of Wynns Coonawarra, the region's pioneering winery established in 1896
• Savour a curated gourmet platter lunch 
• Experience unparalleled service with the region's top-rated tour operator on TripAdvisor

Tour Overview:

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Coonawarra wine region. Our tour offers a unique blend of iconic wineries and charming family-owned estates, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and passion of Coonawarra's winemakers. We prioritise quality, offering an intimate and immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Don't just settle for a door-to-door shuttle bus, make your Coonawarra experience one to remember!

What's Included:

• A comprehensive full-day winery tour of Coonawarra, with no hidden costs for lunch or tasting fees
• A delightful gourmet platter lunch (or upgrade to a set menu feast at an award-winning restaurant)
• Convenient pickup from your Penola/Coonawarra accommodation
• Visits to four to five distinct cellar doors and local historical landmarks, with ample opportunities for photography
• A history of the Coonawarra region including an inspection of a terra rossa soil profile

• Pick up from your accommodation in Penola or Coonawarra
• Visit Wynns Coonawarra, where you'll savour expertly crafted wines and delve into the region's fascinating history
• Grab a selfie at the Coonawarra Railway Siding and learn about the growth of the newly established Coonawarra in the late 1800s
• Visit a Terra Rossa soil profile and discover the unique rich nutrients that enhance our famous wines
• Enjoy a stunning gourmet platter lunch or upgrade to a set menu feast at Ottelia Coonawarra
  
• Savour tasting experiences at the following wineries
• Parker Estate or Patrick of Coonawarra
• Majella Wines or Balnaves of Coonawarra
• Raidis Estate, Katnook Estate, or Whistle Post Wines

Session Details:

• Availability: 7 days a week
• Departure: 11:00 AM from Penola/Coonawarra, returning by 5:00 PM

PRIVATE DAY TOUR - IMMERSE YOURSELF IN COONAWARRA
Duration: 10:30 AM - 5 PM
Private Tour Price: From $325 per person
Embark on an exclusive journey with our privately hosted Coonawarra Day Tour, chauffeured in our luxurious Mercedes Benz V-Class tour vehicle. Explore the best of the Limestone Coast region and experience the renowned "Terra Rossa" strip of Coonawarra. Our expertly curated itinerary introduces you to the talented winemakers behind Coonawarra's top wineries.
Highlights:
Terra Rossa Exploration: Delve into the unique "Terra Rossa" strip of Coonawarra and meet the masterful winemakers who craft some of the finest wines in South Australia.
Cellar Door Tastings: Enjoy private wine tastings at select cellar doors, ranging from crisp whites to bold reds. Tailor the day to your preferences or let us suggest the best.
Scenic Sightseeing: Immerse yourself in the history of Coonawarra's winemaking legacy and engage with the passionate individuals who make our region extraordinary.
Lunch at Ottelia: Indulge in a sumptuous feast at Ottelia, featuring fresh seasonal produce and wood-fired pizzas. (Drinks at own cost)
Optional Wynns Coonawarra Icon Tasting Experience: Elevate your tour by adding the Wynns Coonawarra Icon Tasting Experience for an additional $60 per person.

Itinerary (Example):
Parker Coonawarra Estate: Explore their newly renovated cellar door, offering a delightful range of sparkling, white, and red wines.
DiGiorgio Family Wines: Choose your own adventure with a DiGiorgio "Wine Paddle".
Coonawarra Town Drive: Discover the rich history of Coonawarra with a scenic drive through this charming town, capturing a photo under the iconic Coonawarra sign.
Ottelia: Savour a menu of delicious bites, à la carte dishes, and wood-fired pizzas, complemented by Ottelia's exquisite Limestone Coast wines. (Drinks at own cost)
Wynns Coonawarra Estate: Experience the district's pre-eminent wine producer and taste their acclaimed collection, including flagship reds – John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon and Michael Shiraz.
Katnook Coonawarra: Step inside the historic limestone building to taste wines from one of Coonawarra's oldest vineyards, dating back to 1867.
Raidis Estate: Conclude your day with a fun and relaxed wine-tasting session with the Raidis team, potentially enjoying a Greek coffee from local legend, Chris Raidis.

Tour Overview

This private full-day experience showcases the very best of South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Travelling in comfort with your local host, you’ll enjoy exclusive access, premium dining, iconic wines and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Minimum 2 guests | Maximum 8 guests

Highlights include a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Naracoorte Caves, stunning dining in Coonawarra, historic regional insights, private tastings and a rare wildlife experience not open to the public.

What’s Included

Guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Naracoorte Caves

Hosted lunch and wine tasting at Ottelia, Coonawarra

Visit to the historic Coonawarra Railway Siding

Private Wynns Coonawarra Icon tasting experience

Guided Confido olive oil tasting

Exclusive visit to a private kangaroo sanctuary

Stop 1 – Naracoorte Caves

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Penola to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves . Enter the Victoria Fossil Cave and discover one of the world’s most significant Ice Age fossil sites. Guided by an expert, explore dramatic chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites while learning about extinct megafauna including giant marsupials and the elusive marsupial lion. This immersive experience offers rare insight into Australia’s ancient past.

Stop 2 – Ottelia, Coonawarra

Travel to Coonawarra for a hosted lunch at Ottelia . Enjoy a seasonal set menu showcasing the region’s finest produce, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. Your lunch is paired with a tasting of Ottelia wines, offering a relaxed and refined dining experience in a stunning setting.

Stop 3 – Coonawarra Railway Siding

After lunch, pause at the historic Coonawarra Railway Siding. Learn how this late 19th-century rail link played a vital role in shaping the region’s wine industry, transporting grapes and barrels to markets far beyond the Limestone Coast. A must-visit photo opportunity and a meaningful connection to Coonawarra’s past.

Stop 4 – Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Visit the birthplace of Coonawarra wine at Wynns Coonawarra Estate . Be welcomed at the historic Gables with a glass of Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon before enjoying a private cellar door tour. Descend into the original underground cellar for an exclusive tasting of the Wynns Icon Series, including the John Riddoch Cabernet and Michael Shiraz, while learning about the estate’s remarkable history.

Stop 5 – Confido Coonawarra

Enjoy a guided olive oil experience at Confido Coonawarra , a boutique olive grove known for its premium extra virgin olive oils and warm hospitality. Learn how seasonal conditions and craftsmanship influence flavour, aroma and texture during a relaxed and sensory tasting.

Stop 6 – Penola Private Kangaroo Sanctuary*

Your day concludes with a truly special experience on private property near Penola. Visit a secluded wildlife sanctuary dedicated to caring for orphaned kangaroos unable to survive in the wild. Meet the carers, learn their stories and, when conditions allow, enjoy gentle, supervised interactions including feeding. An intimate and deeply memorable wildlife encounter.

This experience takes place on private property and is not open to the general public. Subject to availability and may be substituted if unavailable.

Is your party in need of a private chauffeur to oversee your leisurely day of wine-tasting in Coonawarra? If you prefer a more flexible experience without the constraints of a guided tour, yet want the convenience of not handling the car keys yourself, look no further.
Coonawarra Experiences now provides chauffeured rental options for full or half-day excursions in our fleet of vehicles, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in our amazing surroundings without any logistical concerns. Opt for a flat-rate package featuring either our opulent Mercedes Benz V250 Avantgarde, accommodating 1-6 guests, or our spacious Renault Master bus, designed to comfortably seat up to 10 guests. (For Mercedes Benz luxury bookings, please use this link HERE).

As part of the experience, we provide bottled water on board and share insights into the history of the Coonawarra region. Additionally, we can make a stop at the iconic Coonawarra Railway Siding for a group photo if desired.


Rates are as follows:
Renault Master Bus - Full-day Rate:
$880 (10 AM - 5 PM)
Renault Master Bus - Half-day Rate:
$660 (12 PM - 5 PM)

*Conditions apply.
Booking will be manually confirmed by Coonawarra Experiences based on vehicle availability
No alcohol to be consumed in the vehicle
Day rate includes any Coonawarra-based wineries from Koonara Wines in Penola through to Bellwether Wines in Glenroy

An ideal tour and accommodation package that allows more independent travellers to enjoy the thoughtful service that is our signature, along with
the privacy and flexibility to unwind and explore Coonawarra at your own pace.

Stay in the heart of Penola with us in our dedicated guest apartment, and wine, dine, and tour the vines in comfort and style. Unearth Coonawarra’s stunning wine region and enjoy being a little spoiled in the process!

Feel like staying longer? No problem at all as we can add some extra days to your stay!

Check in to our beautifully appointed guest apartment in the heart of Penola, “A Coonawarra Experience”. This one-bedroom accommodation offers a private, comfortable stay, and includes everything you need to enjoy your relaxing escape in Coonawarra wine country.

The next day, your experienced local guides at Coonawarra Experiences will introduce you to the best of wine country and beyond, with a tailored tinerary that allows you to discover the cellar doors and local sights that will best suit your style and pace of adventure in the beautiful wine region which we call home.

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
2 nights’ accommodation in the “A Coonawarra Experience” apartment
Sumptuous lunch platter with a glass of wine at Patrick of Coonawarra
Full-day “Coonawarra Unearthed” experience of the region
Taste icon wines at the historic Wynns Coonawarra Estate ·
A bottle of Coonawarra wine & Cuvee Chocolate to enjoy on arrival
History of the Coonawarra region
Plenty of photo opportunities
Learn what goes on under the vines as we look, touch, and learn about our famous Terra Rossa soil over limestone

Extra night's accommodation can be arranged on request - ($180 per night)

Escape to the Coonawarra wine region for an indulgent getaway with this spectacular package, created in partnership with Mayura Station. This all-inclusive retreat combines cosy accommodation, fine dining, and an immersive wine tour, perfect for wine enthusiasts and gourmet lovers alike.
Enjoy 2 nights in our beautifully appointed "Coonawarra Experience" apartment, just a few minutes' walk from the main street of Penola. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a bottle of Coonawarra wine of your choice and Cuvée chocolate, setting the tone for a relaxing and indulgent stay.
Embark on a full-day tour with Coonawarra Experiences, featuring private wine tastings and personalised experiences at the region's top wineries. During your wine tour, savour a delicious gourmet luncheon platter with a glass of wine.
Delight in an unforgettable 4-course degustation at the Mayura Station Dining Room, with priority seating at the Chef’s table and a selection of matched museum release wines. Enjoy seamless convenience with personalised transfers to and from the Mayura Station Tasting Room.