Discover the Coonawarra wine region on foot

Get to know Coonawarra through its wine region, trails and winemaking history. The Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail winds through vineyards and open rural landscapes, connecting six well-known wineries. The Coonawarra Railway Siding and the former railway line there are also defining features of the area. As you plan your stay, consider whether you’d most like to enjoy a leisurely walk, taste wines or discover traces of the past.

Walk through the wine region

The Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail is five kilometres long and an easy walk. Designed for a leisurely stroll and wine tastings, it offers a direct way to experience the wine region on foot. The trail connects six well-known wineries as it passes through vineyards and open rural landscapes. Along the way, both the surroundings and the wineries take centre stage.

If you’re comparing trails by what they offer, this one is geared towards a relaxed experience of wine and landscape. The former railway line at the Coonawarra Railway Siding offers something different: it has been converted into a 19-kilometre sealed cycling trail. It’s suitable for walkers, cyclists, scooter riders, runners and joggers. The information about its length and uses gives you a practical basis for choosing a trail for your day’s plans.

Wine tastings and regional cuisine

The full range of wines is available to taste at the Brand’s Laira Cellar Door. It includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay and Rosé, as well as a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Guests can also pre-order Ploughman’s platters or choose from a light lunch menu. If a platter is important to you, remember to factor in the need to pre-order when planning your visit.

At Redman Wines, a guided tasting includes a selection of eight premium and aged wines, personally chosen from the exclusive cellar collection. Booking conditions and availability may change, so check the latest information before making plans.

Katnook Estate offers bookable, hosted Cellar Door experiences. These include premium structured tastings, special events, regional festivals and tours. As individual events and availability may change, it’s a good idea to check the details in advance.

Winemaking and local history

The Coonawarra Railway Siding sits on the edge of the township and is an iconic landmark. It played an important role during Coonawarra’s early settlement. In November 2022, the former railway line was converted into a sealed, 19-kilometre cycling trail. Its suitability for different activities sets it apart from the five-kilometre Wineries Walking Trail, which is designed for leisurely walks and wine tastings.

Some wineries also preserve traces of their history. At Brand’s Laira, some old vines date back to 1893. The sales area at the Bowen Estate Cellar Door retains its original hand-sawn beams, gabled roof and veranda, now shaded by foliage. The area was originally an early-1900s dairy. These architectural details add a glimpse of the building’s former use to the wine-tasting experience.

Coonawarra offers several ways to shape your stay: an easy trail through vineyards, tastings with different focuses and visible traces of local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Coonawarra, these themes can help you decide what kind of trip you’d like to have.

Discover more destinations: Millicent, Penola, Beachport, Southend

View the broader travel guide: Wattle Range Council.