Coonawarra

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• Weather for Coonawarra

Coonawarra is arguably Australia's finest and most famous wine district. Situated just over the Victorian border into South Australia, Coonawarra is a beautiful area where the lush green of the grapevines is contrasted against the rich earthy tones of the rugged South Australian landscape. The name Coonawarra comes a the word in the local Aboriginal dialect meaning "honeysuckle".

The wine critics' superlatives, the trophies, the medals, the wine lists and the shelf space testify to its pre-eminence. Its secret lies in a magical marriage of rich red terra rossa soil, limestone, pure underground water and a long cool ripening season for the grapes.

The story of wine growing in this area goes back to Penola pastoralist John Riddoch and his establishment of the Coonawarra Fruit Colony in 1890. His own winery, which later became Wynns Coonawarra Estate, is also more than a century old. However, it was not until the 1950's when there was a resurgence of interest in wine, that Coonawarra began to be recognised as a superb wine-growing district and became a name to be reckoned with in the wine world.

Today, Coonawarra vineyard land is prized like precious gems. The cigar-shaped strip of 'red dirt' is finite, only 12km long and 2km wide, and is all but taken up by vineyards. More than 20 Coonawarra wineries have cellar door sales outlets, mostly open seven days a week (except Christmas Day). Some wineries are open on Good Friday.

Cellar dooring is a relaxing way to soak in the area' history, culture and traditions each containing its own captivating stories, stunning architecture, and irresistible flavours. Take a chauffeured tour or designate a driver and sample the cellar doors throughout Coonawarra. Some cellar doors offer a food service option, which allows you to match fine wines with the district's excellent produce.