Coonawarra is renowned for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and the iconic “Terra Rossa” soil that makes its wines exceptional. But this region isn’t just about wine; it offers memorable lunch experiences that combine great food, local wine, and fascinating scenery. We particularly like the Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour With Lunch for its intimate setting, excellent variety of wineries, and gourmet produce platter. It gives you a chance to taste renowned wines while enjoying a relaxed, small-group atmosphere that feels more like catching up with friends than being on a tour.
If you’re after a full-day adventure that includes private transport, historic wineries, and a delicious lunch, the Coonawarra: Private Full-Day Guided Wine Tour and Lunch offers a premium experience with personalized attention. For a more active and diverse day that includes caves, wildlife, and local spirits, the Coonawarra: Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch hits all the high notes, especially if you enjoy a mix of natural wonders and wildlife.
Quick Overview
This list highlights three top lunch experiences in Coonawarra. From small-group wine tastings with gourmet food to private full-day tours with historic wineries, each offers a different way to explore and enjoy the region’s culinary and vinous delights. All tours include a tasty lunch and are tailored to different interests and schedules—whether you prefer a half-day outing or a full-day adventure.
1. Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour With Lunch
At number one, this Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour is a fantastic way to experience the region’s best wines without feeling rushed. Over about five hours, you’ll visit three different wineries—Patrick of Coonawarra, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, and Majella Wines—each offering tastings of world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on regional education and gourmet pairing. You’ll enjoy a carefully curated produce platter, paired with a local wine, in a relaxed setting that allows you to savor both the food and drink. The tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The itinerary includes stops for cheese and food tastings and a guided walk through Coonawarra Siding, adding some light sightseeing to the wine tasting.
The small-group setting means you’ll get more personal attention and insights from your guide, who shares stories about the region’s Terra Rossa soil and winemaking heritage. The reviews highlight its balance of quality, intimacy, and value. This tour is perfect for those who want a compact, well-rounded experience in a short time.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice if you want a focused, tasting-rich experience with gourmet food and a small-group vibe. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate learning about wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Coonawarra: Private Full-Day Guided Wine Tour and Lunch
For around seven hours of personalized exploration, the Coonawarra: Private Full-Day Guided Wine Tour and Lunch offers a luxurious way to see the best of the region. This tour includes visits to historic wineries like Wynns Coonawarra Estate, established in 1896, and Zema Estate Wines, with tastings tailored to your tastes.
What really sets this experience apart is the private Mercedes Benz V-Class transport, giving you comfort and flexibility. You’ll meet the local winemakers—something a larger tour can’t always offer—and enjoy a seasonal, fresh lunch in a beautiful setting, making it a true indulgence. The itinerary includes sightseeing around Penola’s Petticoat Lane, a charming historic street that gives a glimpse into local life.
Guests consistently praise the personalized service and the depth of the experience. “It’s like having a personal wine guide for the day,” one reviewer said. The tour’s length and private nature make it perfect for couples, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone who prefers more tailored attention.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a luxurious, exclusive day in Coonawarra with in-depth tastings, historic visits, and a gourmet lunch, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those seeking comfort and a private experience.
3. Coonawarra: Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch
The Coonawarra: Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch offers a lively, full-day adventure that combines natural wonders, wildlife, and iconic wines. Over eight hours, you’ll explore the Naracoorte Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning limestone formations, and then visit wineries like Wynns for tastings of their renowned Cabernet.
What makes this trip different is its focus on natural and wildlife experiences. You’ll visit Penola Wildlife viewing, where you can make friends with native kangaroos, and enjoy a local lunch at Ottelia, a restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal dishes. The day also includes a spirits tasting at Parker Coonawarra Estate, adding a splash of local distilling.
This tour is suited for travelers interested in more than just wine—those who want an active day mixing scenery, wildlife, and cultural sights. The itinerary’s diversity makes it appealing for families and curious travelers alike, though it requires moderate walking and comfort with a busy schedule.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a varied, outdoor-focused tour that includes caves, wildlife, and regional wines. It’s ideal if you want to combine nature with your wine tasting.
How to Choose the Right Lunch Experience in Coonawarra
When selecting your ideal Coonawarra lunch tour, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. For a quick taste of the region’s best wines paired with gourmet food, the Coonawarra Highlights Wine Tour offers a compact, intimate experience. If you prefer a full-day, private adventure with personalized touches, the Private Full-Day Guided Tour provides luxury and flexibility. Lastly, for those wanting a mix of natural scenery, wildlife, and wine, the Caves, Kangaroos, & Cabernet tour combines outdoor adventure with tastings.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as these tours are popular with travelers seeking authentic and well-organized experiences in Coonawarra. Consider your fitness level and interest in wildlife or history when choosing, and don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and a hat.
In summary, whether you want a quick, wine-focused outing, a luxurious full-day, or a diverse nature and wine adventure, Coonawarra has a lunch tour suited for you. Each offers a chance to enjoy regional wines, regional produce, and the beautiful scenery that makes this part of South Australia so special.