Coonawarra Road Trip
Directions
Start your engines! Whether you’re day dreaming about where to venture post lockdown, or you’re already back to weekend adventures outside a 5km radius, Wine Down has your next vinous destination itinerary ready: Coonawarra, here we come.
Headline Why Coonawarra?
Why not Coonawarra?! Located 440km west Melbourne and 370km south of Adelaide, it’s the perfect road trip distance from both capital cities and ideal for long weekend. Aside from its natural beauty, Coonawarra is the ultimate destination for wine lovers, producing world-class wines, particularly Cabernet and Shiraz which thrive on the famous terra rossa soils. You had us at wine. Pack the car snacks, line up the playlist and away we go.
But first, coffee
After a few hours behind the wheel, naturally you’ll be in the market for a re-fuel (actual fuel, or coffee and a treat). First stop: Coonawarra Store. Here you’ll find everything from homemade foods, jams, local honey, pies and of course wine. Getting your bearings with this one is easy, you’ll find it just down the road from Wynns Cellar Door (patience grasshopper, we’ll get there).
Step it out
Given we enjoy our favourite drops responsibly, the best way to enjoy Coonawarra’s most admired export (hint: it’s wine), is without doubt on foot. Before you protest, might we mention there’s a lot packed in to the narrow cigar shape of the region, it’s only 20km long and 2km wide – you’ve got this.
A little bit of exercise, a dash of nature, and a bunch of friendly faces with open bottles along the way – heaven! Our pick? Check out the Coonawarra Walking Trail (LINK https://coonawarrawalkingtrail.com.au/), which ticks off all the above in under 5km - and includes a visit to Wynns Coonawarra Estate (an absolute must and a total joy, not that we’re biased at all…).
Snap happy
After tasting some of Coonawarra’s finest, you’ll be up for a photo opportunity that doesn’t include a bottle of wine (maybe). Have you even visited Coonawarra if you don’t come away with a happy snap in front of the famous Coonawarra rail siding station? #picstoproveit. Finished just as Wynns was built by its founder John Riddoch, the rail line allowed the region to export wine to Europe and throughout the world – a gateway to prosperity. That’s no ordinary rail station. In fact, Wynns has even named a wine in its honour – The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon, because icons belong together.
Inside word
Don’t take it from our city-slicking Wine Down team, local knowledge is always key to truly getting the best experience. Who better to ask than Sue Hodder, Wynns Coonawarra Estate Senior Winemaker. To enjoy a particularly special meal guaranteed to impress visitors, go no further than Fodder. Its spot made for locals, be it a quick pizza or a wider menu which celebrates of Limestone Coast produce. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from the Wynns Cellar Door.
Oh and given you’ll have a boot full of delicious vino, be sure to pop in to the multi award winning IGA in Penola, and pick up a selection of delectable local produce to re-create the best of Coonawarra when you get home (if you don’t decide to re-locate permanently and start a winemaking career…it’s happened before).