The Top 5 Coonawarra Wineries, Australia

The Coonawarra wine region in Southern Australia knows a thing or two about spicy Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus, its wonderful climate also helps in the production of some great Chardonnay and Shiraz.

Let's take a tour of the best five wineries in the Coonawarra region

Balnaves of Coonawarra (www.balnaves.com.au )

This family owned winery has won many awards, which tell of their commitment to great quality wines and the never- ending quest to produce the best wines.

The Balnaves cellar door sales building is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the wines, which are available at $5 for a glass.

Guests are encouraged to use the lawn here to enjoy their picnic lunches. You will even be able to enjoy a pond filled with trout that is surrounded by over 900 beautiful rose bushes.

Balnaves of Coonawarra is open 7 days a week

Monday - Friday - 9am-5pm

Weekends - noon -5pm

Buses are by appointment only

Contact: kirsty.balnaves@balnaves.com.au. Tel: (08) 8737 2946

Majella Wines (www.majellawines.com.au)

Majella Wines is owned and run by fourth generation Coonawarrans who just happen to know an awful lot about gutsy red wines.

The cellar door is open here every day 10am - 4.30pm with the exception of Good Friday and Christmas day.

The Majella Winery is one of the most awarded small wineries in Australia.

Check out their website to read most of the Tasting Notes for current and past vintage of all their products.

Buses by appointment only

Contact: Tel: 61 8 8736 3055, admin@majellawines.com.au

Rymill Coonawarra (www.rymill.com.au)

You will arrive at Rymill via a long avenue of plane trees to be met at the modern cellar door by the statues of two dueling steeds.

As for the wine, well here you will quite possible taste the best Sauvignon that you will ever taste.

The cellar door of Rymill is served by friendly staff who offer expertise knowledge of their product and will give you the opportunity to taste all of the wines.

They will also extend an invitation for you look around the works of art including various sculptures and to be able to see the architecture of the winery from its viewing balconies.

The Rymill Coonawarra is open daily between 10am - 5pm.

Groups are welcome although the winery would appreciate a telephone booking.

Contact: Tel 08 8736 5001, winery@rymill.au

Wynns Coonawarra Estate (www.wynns.com.au)

Here, at the oldest Coonawarra winery you will be exposed to fragrant Riesling, golden Chardonnay and top-quality Shiraz.

The door of the cellar dates back to 1896 and was built by John Riddoch, the Penola pioneer.

A visit to the cellar door at Wynns Coonawarra Estate will enable you to taste some of their current releases plus a taste of a back vintage or two.

At this winery you can purchase hard to find vintage wines and magnums.

Whilst enjoying the scenery here you can indulge in a cheese platter washed down with a glass of wine or two.

The Wynns Coonawarra Estate is open daily 10am - 5pm with the exception of Good Friday and Christmas day.

Groups are welcome by prior arrangement and groups that exceed 10 are asked to participate in a hosted private tasting for a nominal fee.

Contact: Tel 61 8 8736 225

Zema Estate (www.zema.com.au)

The Zema Estate is a winery started by the Zema family back in the 1980's.

The new and modern Cellar Door offers visitors a friendly experience as they indulge in some complimentary tasting of the full range of Zema Estate.

Open daily for 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) the Zema Estate welcomes groups but again would like prior notice.

Contact: Tel Lyn Doyle 08 8736 3219

Source: Australia - The Lonely Planet