You’ll Love These 5 Tours & Experiences In Coonawarra

Coonawarra stands out as one of Australia’s premier wine regions, famous for its “Terra Rossa” soil that produces some of the country’s best cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon. But beyond wine, Coonawarra offers a variety of experiences that appeal to different interests — whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or someone eager for wildlife encounters. We especially love the Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour with Lunch for its intimate setting and delicious food pairing, and the Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour for combining natural wonders with iconic local wildlife. Each offers a unique way to deepen your understanding of the region, and you can find more details about each experience through their links.

If you’re trying to decide which tour best fits your style, this guide breaks down five of the best options, covering everything from half-day wine tastings to full-day adventures that include caves and wildlife. Whether you’re after a relaxed afternoon or a comprehensive exploration, there’s a Coonawarra experience waiting for you.

1. Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour With Lunch

Discover the “Terra Rossa” soil of Coonawarra with this popular half-day tour. It’s perfect if you want to experience several wineries without committing to a full day. What sets this tour apart is the focus on small, intimate groups — limited to just 10 participants — ensuring a personalized experience. Over about five hours, you’ll visit three top wineries: Wynns, Majella, and Raidis Estate, each renowned for their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon.

Beyond tastings, the tour includes a gourmet produce platter paired with local wine, making it a feast for the senses. The guide shares insights into the region’s history and the winemaking process, making this both educational and enjoyable. The itinerary features a mix of wine and cheese tastings, sightseeing, and walking tours, including a visit to Coonawarra Siding.

Reviewers call it a “great introduction to Coonawarra,” appreciating the friendly guides and relaxed pace. At only five hours, it’s an ideal choice for those with limited time but still eager to sample some of the best wines and local produce.

Bottom line: A well-rounded, small-group experience that combines wine, food, and scenery — perfect for first-timers or those seeking a taste of Coonawarra’s highlights.

2. Coonawarra: Private Full-Day Guided Wine Tour and Lunch

For those craving a deeper dive, the Private Full-Day Guided Wine Tour and Lunch hits the mark. This seven-hour journey offers a comprehensive look at Coonawarra’s wineries and scenery, with the advantage of private transportation in a luxury Mercedes Benz V-Class. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value flexibility and personalized attention, as the tour is tailored to your interests.

Highlights include visiting the historic Wynns Coonawarra Estate, built in 1896, and tasting wines at Zema Estate and Hollick Estates. A highlight is the luxurious luncheon featuring seasonal produce, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary offerings. There’s also time for sightseeing in the town of Penola and a visit to Petticoat Lane, a historic street full of character.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics, making this an ideal choice for couples or small groups wanting an exclusive experience. The tour’s longer duration allows for more in-depth tastings and exploration, all in comfort.

Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers who want an all-encompassing, private experience with the flexibility to customize and enjoy the region at a relaxed pace.

3. Katnook Estate: Icon Wine Tasting and Regional Platter for 2

If you’re after an intimate, premium tasting, the Katnook Estate: Icon Wine Tasting and Regional Platter for 2 offers a special experience. This 1.5-hour session involves sampling five of Katnook’s most prestigious wines, including the exclusive Icon range. The emphasis here is on rarities and limited editions that showcase the estate’s finest craftsmanship.

What makes this tour stand out is the pairing with a Limestone Coast regional platter, designed for sharing, which complements the wines perfectly. Katnook’s knowledgeable host guides you through the tasting, sharing details about the wine’s origins and production. It’s a great option for those who want a relaxed, high-quality tasting in a beautiful setting.

With only one review so far, feedback indicates this is a “premium, intimate tasting”, ideal for wine aficionados or couples celebrating a special occasion. It’s less of an itinerary and more about savoring extraordinary wines in a dedicated setting.

Bottom line: Best suited for wine lovers seeking a focused, luxurious tasting experience with excellent regional food.

4. From Adelaide: 3-Day Trip to Melbourne with Wine Tasting

For travelers with time and a sense of adventure, the 3-Day Trip from Adelaide to Melbourne with Wine Tasting offers a broad experience. This tour combines regional winery visits, wildlife encounters, and scenic landscapes over three days. Highlights include exploring Naracoorte Caves — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and enjoying local wines along the way.

While it’s a longer trip, it’s perfect for those who want to combine wine, nature, and cultural sights. The tour emphasizes small group travel in a comfortable setting, with limited to eight passengers. You’ll also stay in ocean-view accommodations, making it a luxurious yet active itinerary.

Ideal for travelers wanting a multi-faceted experience that blends wine tasting with outdoor adventures and exploring Australia’s diverse environments. It is more expensive and time-consuming, but the variety and depth of experience make it worthwhile.

Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-day exploration that combines wine tasting with wildlife and scenic travel.

5. Coonawarra: Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch

If your interests extend beyond wine to include natural wonders and wildlife, the Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch is a fantastic pick. This full-day adventure mixes exploring World Heritage limestone caves, encountering native kangaroos in a wildlife setting, and sampling iconic Coonawarra wines.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for 2 hours, where you’ll see ancient fossils and spectacular rock formations. You’ll also visit Wynns Coonawarra Estate for a 1.5-hour wine tasting and enjoy a local lunch with fresh produce. Wildlife viewing in Penola adds a memorable outdoor element, making this quite active and diverse.

The tour is praised for its comprehensive nature and the opportunity to see both natural and cultural sights in one day. It’s suited for travelers who want a well-rounded experience and don’t mind a full day of activities. However, it’s important to note the restrictions on bringing drinks into vehicles and the need for comfortable shoes.

Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers eager to combine caves, wildlife, and wine in a single, engaging day.

How to Choose

Choosing between these tours depends on your priorities and travel style. If you want an affordable, relaxed introduction to Coonawarra’s wineries, the Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour with Lunch is a solid pick. For a more luxurious, private experience, the Full-Day Guided Tour offers personalized attention and in-depth exploration. Wine aficionados should consider the Katnook Estate tasting for its exclusive wines, while those seeking a multi-day adventure should look into the Adelaide to Melbourne trip.

If your main interest is natural scenery and wildlife, the Caves, Cabernet & Kangaroos tour combines caves, animals, and wine seamlessly. Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill quickly.

Final Thoughts

Coonawarra offers an impressive variety of tours and experiences that showcase Australia’s renowned wine, natural scenery, and wildlife. Whether you’re a casual wine lover seeking a half-day tasting or an adventure traveler wanting a full day of caves and wildlife, there’s something here for every traveler. For a more intimate, high-end experience, Katnook Estate’s private tasting is a wonderful choice, while the full-day private tour suits those wanting a deeper dive.

No matter what you choose, booking in advance is wise — Coonawarra’s popularity means spots fill up fast. So, plan ahead, pick the experience that excites you most, and get ready for a memorable taste of South Australia’s finest.