Coonawarra Wine Tasting
More than twenty cellar doors within minutes of each other — how to taste like a local, from etiquette and fees to pacing a relaxed day on the strip.
Wine Tasting in Coonawarra
Tasting is the whole point of a Coonawarra visit, and the region makes it easy: more than twenty cellar doors sit within minutes of each other along the terra rossa strip, most pouring a strikingly consistent regional style. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or trying Cabernet for the first time, a day on the strip is relaxed, welcoming and unhurried. Here’s how to make the most of it — and for the wine itself, see our wine guide.
How to Taste Like a Local
Look, Swirl, Smell, Sip
Tilt the glass against something white to judge colour and age, swirl to release aroma, then take a small sip and let it coat the palate before you decide.
Visit the Terra Rossa Pit
Katnook’s on-site terra rossa pit lets you see the red-over-limestone profile in cross-section — the single best way to understand what you’re drinking.
Spitting Is Normal
Spitting is expected across a day of tastings. If you’d rather not, arrange a driver or join a guided tour so everyone can take part.
Ask About Both
Many cellar doors charge a small tasting fee, often waived or credited if you buy. Staff can also arrange shipping so you needn’t carry cases home.
Tips for a Great Tasting Day
- Plan three or four cellar doors at a relaxed pace — quality over quantity
- Eat well and drink water through the day; book a long lunch to break it up
- Start with an icon like Wynns or Katnook, then contrast with a family estate
- Nominate a driver, or join a cellar door tour, so nobody misses out
- Check opening days and whether smaller producers need a booking — details vary by season
- Bring a cooler bag if you’re buying and driving on a warm day
Ready to plan the route? See our cellar doors guide and the two-day itinerary.
Related Guides
Cellar Doors
The icons, family estates and boutiques along the strip.
Cellar doors → 🍷 The wineCoonawarra Wine Guide
Terroir, grapes, the signature style and how to read a label.
Wine guide → 🚐 Leave the drivingCellar Door Tour
A guided day between cellar doors with a driver.
Cellar door tour →Wine Tasting — FAQ
How does wine tasting in Coonawarra work?
Most cellar doors offer a guided tasting of current releases, often for a small fee that may be waived or credited if you buy. Staff pour and talk you through each wine; you’re welcome to spit, ask questions and take your time. See the estates in our cellar doors guide.
Do I have to pay to taste?
Many cellar doors charge a small tasting fee, frequently refunded against a purchase. Policies and fees vary by estate and season, so it’s worth confirming current details when you arrive.
Is it rude to spit or not to buy?
Not at all. Spitting is normal and expected across a day of tastings — there’s a spittoon on the counter for exactly this. You’re under no obligation to buy, though many visitors pick up a favourite or two.
How many wineries can I taste in a day?
Three or four at a relaxed pace is plenty. It lets you taste widely without over-tasting, and leaves room for a long lunch. A cellar door tour with a driver means everyone can join in.
Can I have wine shipped home?
Yes — most cellar doors can arrange shipping so you don’t have to carry cases home. Ask at the counter. If you’re driving, a cooler bag keeps purchases in good shape on a warm day.
Coonawarra, Planned Around You
Cellar doors, long lunches, Penola’s heritage and the Limestone Coast beyond — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry