Where to stay and dine in Coonawarra
Places to eat and stay in Coonawarra
Places to eat and stay in Coonawarra
Heading to South Australia’s dynamic Coonawarra over the holidays? Read on for local insights and top suggestions from the Redman family into where to eat and stay in Coonawarra.
Where to eat in Coonawarra
Simon and Erika Bowen run this brilliant local Coonawarra restaurant. It specialises in local produce, crafting it into contemporary dishes such as organic pork croque monsieur and roast duckling with hazelnut Brussels sprouts. The wine list is a who’s who in the zoo of all the great Coonawarra/Limestone Coast wineries. Just be sure to check opening hours, as the restaurant is not open every day of the week.
Location: 58 Riddoch Street, Penola
This dynamic space is a casual dining spot in a fellow Coonawarra winery. It serves sourdough pizzas and seasonal dishes made from fresh veggies from the estate with a food-to-share vibe. It’s open for lunches only – Thursday to Monday from 11am to 3 pm. Ottelia gives priority to bookings, so be sure to call ahead to make sure you don't miss out on dining at one of our favourite restaurants.
Location: 5 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra
Coonawarra Community Club
Head to the Coonawarra Community Hall on the last Friday of every month for its fun Tea Night. Bring a salad to share and order steak, schnitzel or fish. Check for updates on and cancellations on Facebook.
Location: Memorial Drive, Coonawarra
The first winery restaurant in Coonawarra, Upstairs at Hollick offers spectacular floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the Hollick Neilson's Block vineyard and across Coonawarra. It’s open Monday to Sunday for lunch and Saturdays for dinner from 6 pm. Expect modern Australian cuisine with a love for local ingredients and produce.
Location: Cnr Riddoch Hwy and Ravenswood Lane, Coonawarra
The Royal Oak chefs focus on seasonal menus in this original stone corner pub in the heart of Coonawarra. Winner of Savour Australia’s 2019 Award of Excellence for Best Restaurant in a Pub for South Australia, this is a great option for a relaxed and enjoyable meal with family and friends. The pub is open for lunch (12 pm to 2:30 pm) and dinner (5:30pm to 8:30 pm) seven days.
Location: 31 Church Street, Penola
Where to stay near Coonawarra
Coonawarra Cottages have recently been purchased by new owners Brad & Mary. Mal and Deb Redman were the previous owners, having spent much time renovating and restoring these three cottages. The refurbished cottages boast original early-20th-century character but with amenities to suit today's travellers. Located in the heart of Coonawarra, they make for a perfect spot for a couple's getaway or book them all together for larger groups. They are opposite the local Ottelia restaurant (see above) and near the Coonawarra Walking Trail. You can't get more central.
Location: 3-5 Mary Street, Coonawarra
Feel like escaping the city and sleeping in the open air? Do some glamping (that’s glamorous camping!) at Bellwether Campground’s 10 camp sites behind the Glen Roy shearing shed/winery/cellar door. Some beautiful 400-year-old red gums will be your sleeping companions and a central camp fire will keep you warm with a glass of red. The World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves are nearby and the ancient coastlines of the fishing towns of Robe and Beachport are not far, either.
Location: Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra
Punters Vineyard Retreat
This Coonawarra getaway features four architecturally stunning bedrooms with panoramic views over the vines, sunny outlooks, wall-to-wall glass and private entrances. It’s the perfect place to stay with a group of friends.
Location: V&A Lane, Coonawarra
Warrawindi Estates
Warrawindi is a spectacular new estate on a family-run farm. Completely off the grid, it's the ultimate getaway. The Brolga makes for a perfect couple retreat to escape the hustle and bustle. The Blue Wren is a two-bedroom property great for friends to gather and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Location: 1305 Casterton Road Penola, SA, 5277
These two townhouses in historic Penola, the gateway to the Coonawarra wine region, are aptly named for two grape varietals: one Merlot, the other Verdelho. Whether you’re partial to the red grape or the white grape, both accommodations offer a luxurious, comfortable stay. Each townhouse is self-contained and caters to as many as six guests, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. What’s more, each guest gets a complimentary bottle of Redman wine!
Location: 14 Arthur Street, Penola