Where to Stay and Dine in Coonawarra
Heading to South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region and wondering where to base yourself? You’re spoilt for choice. From cosy cottages and motel rooms a short walk from the cellar doors, to vineyard retreats, glamping and a proper farm stay, there’s a Coonawarra getaway to suit however you like to travel.
And no visit to Coonawarra is complete without eating and drinking well while you’re here.
As a fourth-generation Coonawarra family, we’ve put together our own list of favourite places to stay and eat in Coonawarra and neighbouring Penola, plus a few tips to help you pick the right base for your visit.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away from Adelaide, a longer Limestone Coast road trip, or a special wine trip from further afield, here’s our guide to Coonawarra.
Where to stay in Coonawarra
One of the best things about staying in Coonawarra is how close everything is. The vineyards, cellar doors, restaurants and walking trails all sit within a few minutes of each other, and historic Penola is just down the road.
Base yourself locally and you’ll spend more time in the vineyards and less time in the car.
Here’s where we send our own visitors and friends.
Coonawarra Place Motor Inn
If you want comfortable, no-fuss accommodation close to the wineries, Coonawarra Place Motor Inn is a solid choice and an easy walk from more than seven cellar doors including what is a flat walk to Redman.
It sits right on the Riddoch Highway, just minutes from Penola, with a range of queen, twin, family and spa rooms, all air-conditioned with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi and Smart TVs.
There’s a barbecue area in the gardens and parking close to the rooms, and if you book direct you’ll get a complimentary continental breakfast. A practical, central base for a few days of cellar door hopping.
Location: 15014 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Coonawarra Cottages
For somewhere with a bit more character, Coonawarra Cottages offers three beautifully restored cottages right in the heart of the region: The Bank House, a restored 1917 limestone building; Skinners Cottage, which sleeps up to four; and Pickers Hut, a cosy option for couples.
They’re an easy walk to several wineries, restaurants and the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail, and Ottelia is just across the road. A lovely pick for couples, families or small groups who want to stay close to the vines.
Location: 3–5 Mary Street, Coonawarra
Punters Vineyard Retreat
Travelling with friends? Punters Vineyard Retreat is an architect-designed house set right among the vines, with all four bedrooms opening onto panoramic vineyard views, sun-drenched timber floors, wall-to-wall glass and their own private entrance.
There’s a big living area, a proper kitchen, outdoor decking and a courtyard, plus four mountain bikes if you feel like exploring further afield. Breakfast is included, and it’s an adults-only stay (no children under 15).
With room for eight across four bedrooms, it’s one of our go-to recommendations for a group of friends wanting a few days together in Coonawarra.
Location: V&A Lane, Coonawarra
Bellwether Campground
Fancy something a little more adventurous? Bellwether Campground lets you camp among the vineyards and red gums at Bellwether Wines, right behind the historic Glen Roy shearing shed and winery. It’s a really special place and Sue and her team will make sure that it’s a stay you won’t forget
Beautiful old red gums, open space and a central campfire make this a memorable way to experience Coonawarra. After a day on the wine trail, settle in around the fire with a glass of Coonawarra red and enjoy the quiet.
Location: 14183 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Warrawindi Escapes
For a proper luxury escape, Warrawindi Escapes offers high-end, off-grid accommodation on a fifth-generation regenerative farm near Penola, home to the Galpin family for generations. It’s a rare chance to combine a luxurious stay with a genuine working farm.
The Brolga suits couples, with a king bed, a spa bath overlooking the paddocks, fireplace, full kitchen and your own private fire pit. The two-bedroom Blue Wren works well for two couples or a small group of friends, with two ensuite bedrooms, a full kitchen, a cedar hot tub and its own fire pit.
A wonderful option if you want to pair your Coonawarra wine trip with a few days of proper rural quiet.
Location: 1305 Casterton Road, Penola
Merlot Verdelho Residences
Prefer to base yourself in Penola itself? Merlot Verdelho offers two self-contained residences right in town, named (fittingly) after Merlot and Verdelho, just a short drive from our cellar door and the rest of Coonawarra’s wineries.
Each residence has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to six, which makes them a good fit for families or groups. With Penola’s restaurants, cafes and shops all close by, it’s a convenient base if you want to combine wine touring with a bit of town life.
Book direct and you’ll get a complimentary bottle of Redman wine waiting for you.
Location: 14 Arthur Street, Penola
Where to eat in Coonawarra
A Coonawarra trip isn’t complete without eating well too, from winery lunches to a relaxed counter meal at the local pub.
Ottelia
Set in the old Coonawarra School House, Ottelia is a tasting room and restaurant built around the food and wine of the Limestone Coast. Expect sourdough pizzas and seasonal dishes using local produce, and it’s a great lunch stop mid-way through a day of tastings.
The restaurant runs Thursday to Monday, 11am to 3pm, and the tasting room is open 10am to 4pm. Bookings are recommended, especially in busier periods.
Location: 5 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra
Upstairs at Hollick
Coonawarra’s original winery restaurant, Upstairs at Hollick looks out over Hollick’s Neilson’s Block vineyard and the surrounding country. The Italian-inspired menu (think house-made pasta and gnocchi) is designed to sit alongside Hollick’s own wines.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 2.30pm, with the cellar door open seven days.
Location: 11 Racecourse Road, Penola
Royal Oak Penola
For a relaxed pub meal, head to the Royal Oak, an original stone corner pub in the middle of Penola with a seasonal menu built on local produce. There’s dining in the bistro or out in the beer garden.
A reliable, easy-going choice for families and groups after a day exploring the wineries.
Location: 31 Church Street, Penola
Coonawarra Community Club
For something a bit more local, keep an eye out for the Coonawarra Community Club’s Tea Nights at the Coonawarra Hall, a relaxed community dinner and a good chance to meet some of the locals who call Coonawarra home.
Dates and menus change, so check the Coonawarra Community Club’s Facebook page before you head along.
Location: Memorial Drive, Coonawarra
Where’s the best place to stay in Coonawarra?
It really depends on the trip you’re planning.
- Close to the wineries and cellar doors: Coonawarra Place Motor Inn or Coonawarra Cottages.
- A vineyard retreat with friends: Punters Vineyard Retreat, right among the vines.
- Something different: Bellwether Campground, among the red gums.
- A luxury country escape: Warrawindi Escapes, near Penola.
- Walking distance to restaurants, cafes and shops: Merlot Verdelho in Penola.
Coonawarra and Penola sit close enough together that you can comfortably base yourself in either and still see everything on this list.
Visiting Coonawarra? Come for a tasting our Redman Wines Cellar Door
If you’re planning a trip to Coonawarra, we’d love you to add Redman Wines to your itinerary. Our cellar door is right in the heart of the region, an easy stop alongside a day exploring the local wineries. We’re a short drive from the heart of Penola and not far from the Coonawarra General Store and the famous Siding Railway Station.
Come in, meet the Redman family, and taste your way through our Coonawarra wines, including our famous Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that’s been at the heart of our family winery for generations.
