Coonawarra wine icons celebrate milestone

One of Coonawarra's pioneering wine families is marking a major milestone with Bowen Estate celebrating 50 vintages.

 
Started by Doug and Joy Bowen in 1972 with the first vintage in 1975, Bowen Estate is now run by their daughter Emma.  

This month, Bowen Estate releases its landmark half century vintage, showcasing the commitment of a family whose name has become synonymous with classic Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon.

Family owned and operated since its foundation, Bowen Estate has remained true to its philosophy of crafting wines that express the unique character of Coonawarra's celebrated terra rossa soils.

“I had lots of energy and passion to start my own winery experience," Doug Bowen recalls. 

"I never wanted to work for anyone else, simply wanted to put all my efforts into my own project.

“To make the best wine you have to have the best grapes. End of story.

“With Emma in the winery I am immensely proud of what she is doing and has achieved.

“I have stepped back from the winery largely over the past few vintages and she has accepted the new responsibility well. Fortunately, we both share the same philosophy and commitment to our style.”

Bowen Estate makes wines from only three grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and chardonnay, and has a loyal following among collectors, trade and consumers alike, with its wines recognised for their balance and cellar worthiness. 

“Bowen Estate has never just been where I work - it's where I grew up," says Emma Bowen. "Vintage was part of our family life, and some of my fondest memories are of watching my parents in the winery and vineyard.

“To now stand beside Dad as we celebrate and release our 50th vintage is incredibly humbling. It represents everything my parents have built over the past five decades, and I'm honoured to help carry that legacy forward."

See https://bowenestate.com.au/

Image: Doug and Emma Bowen 

Rouge Homme Wines back in the Redman family

Iconic Coonawarra wine brand Rouge Homme is back in its traditional home with original owners the Redman family. 

Global wine producer Treasury Wine Estates today announced the sale of the brand. 

First bottled in 1952, the label grew an Australian and international following for its distinctive wines, including its cabernet sauvignon/shiraz blend. 

Rouge Homme (literally Red Man in French) was sold in 1965 to Lindeman’s, which is now part of TWE. In recent years it has languished. 

Redman Wines was launched in 1966 by the family after the sale of Rouge Homme. 

Redman Wines co-owner and fourth-generaIon winemaker Dan Redman said he was delighted to have the label back in the family’s brand portfolio. 

“Rouge Homme has a special place in the heart of Coonawarra," he said. "Welcoming it back in the 60th year of Redman Wines is especially meaningful - a full-circle moment. 

"We’re often asked about the connection of Rouge Homme with Redman, with many wine drinkers enjoying the wines that were made in the 50s and 60s. The label is synonymous with the Redman family and we’re proud to take it into the future.”

Treasury Wine Estates senior viticulturist Ben Harris said: “We’re proud to have been the custodians of Rouge Homme and are delighted that it’s been acquired by the Redman family. 

"With storied brands, unmistakable terroir and exceptional wines, global interest in the Coonawarra region continues to grow, and we look forward to following the next chapter of the Rouge Homme story.”

No financial details were disclosed. 

Rouge Homme was officially handed over at a lunch at the historic Wynns Coonawarra Estate. 

Redman Wines intends to make a small premium release of Rouge Homme in keeping with its award-winning history. 

The sale of Rouge Homme back to Redman Wines includes a small quantity of back-vintage wine.

Zema Estate unveils new winemaker

Coonawarra standout Zema Estate has named just the fourth winemaker in its 44-year history. 

Lewis White joins the family-owned producer from Rymill Coonawarra. 

White is described as "reinforcing its long-standing commitment to regional knowledge, continuity, and hands-on family involvement".

Since releasing its first vintage in 1982, Zema Estate has worked with just four winemakers - Tom Simons, Greg Clayfield, Joe Cory, and now White - all of whom have lived and worked locally. 

Lewis has more than a decade in Australian winemaking, most recently as head winemaker at Rymill Coonawarra, a role he had held since 2020.

He has a Bachelor of Wine Science degree from Charles Sturt University and has worked across Coonawarra, Tasmania, McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and internationally in the UK. 

Lewis said he was drawn to Zema Estate’s clear sense of identity and long-term approach.

“Zema Estate has a strong reputation in Coonawarra, and I’ve always respected the quality and consistency of the wines,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the 2026 vintage in a few months.”

Nick Zema (pictured with White) said the decision reflected the winery’s long-held belief in nurturing local expertise and maintaining strong ties to the region.

“In 44 years, Zema Estate has had just four winemakers, following the first 18 years of our family making the wines ourselves,” Nick said. “Each winemaker has been a local, deeply connected to Coonawarra." 

Majella brings an old tradition back to Coonawarra

Majella Wines recently released the first brandy in Coonawarra for more than 70 years. And I can report that the Majella Pot Still Brandy is delicious.

After taking small first steps by making a gin and an eau de vie, the Majella team is now fully into the swing of distilling at its own on-site dsitillery, 

“In the early 1900s, as demand for dry red wine declined, Coonawarra producers turned to distillation to manage surplus harvests, ” said Majella director Brian "Prof" Lynn.

Brandy production was common in Coonawarra until the late 1940s – when the tradition slowly dissipated. 

Crafted from estate-grown grapes (cabernet sauvignon and shiraz) and distilled in the classic Cognac style with oak maturation, the first-ever Majella Brandy is a celebration of heritage. 

Prof tells me he doesn't like the word "smooth" to describe brandy, so I offer the options of mellifluous, or harmonious. 

“The brandy is unadulterated - no additives, no artificial colourings - just a pure, elegant spirit that honours the craft and the land from which it came,” Lynn says.

“This brandy represents both a nod to the past and a step forward for our family winery. We’re thrilled to bring brandy back to Coonawarra and share a piece of its forgotten history.”

There are only a few hundred bottles in the initial release and I suspect they may be snapped up fairly quickly. 

The brandy costs $95 for a 500ml bottle - and has become my favourite post-dinner tipple. 

Each bottle is presented in a custom-designed Majella gift box. See https://www.majellawines.com.au/wines/brandy

Sue Bell has some big wine news

Winemaker Sue Bell is now the outright owner of Coonawarra standout Bellwether Wines. 

Bell today released an innovative video press release announcing she had bought out her business partner Andrew Rennie’s share of the business.

Bell and Rennie bought the historic Glen Roy shearing shed, built around 1868, back in 2008.

Located on six hectates of Australian bush, the facility now boasts a winery and cellar door space to that hosts food, wine and music events, as well as a camping area.

“It’s a big week for my career and Bellwether,” she said on the video.

Former Stonehaven chief winemaker Bell said she was “equally excited and terrified” to be the sole owner of the business.

She makes a range of excellent wines using fruit from local growers and as far away as Tasmania. 

Exceptional vintage delivers a stellar flagship for Mr Riggs

 

It takes a special vintage in both McLaren Vale and Coonawarra for Ben Riggs to even consider releasing his flagship red wine Mr Riggs The Chap. 

The Chap is a classic Australian "claret" style - an Alpha blend of McLaren Vale shiraz (68%) and Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon (32%), that it is only made in years that Riggs considers exceptional. 

The 2020 vintage was one of those years - and Riggs has made just 912 bottles in total with 2020 joining 2012-2104 and 2016-2018 releases. 

Make no mistake, this is a big assertive wine with power and length, but it finishes with soft tannins, just as Riggs likes it. It's assertive but also elegant, with oak supporting but not overpowering. 

"This is a wine that can easily be cellared for 1-20 years," Riggs says. "I love the long fine-grained tannins and the powerful structure."

Not a wine for everyday drinking with its $120 price tag, but certainly a wine for a special occasion. 

Everything says "Look at Me". There's a heavy bottle, wax and quality cork. On the plate are rich, blackcurrant plum, spice and earthiness

The fruit is a combo of shiraz from Riggs' own Piebald Gully vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the Weatherall vineyards in Coonawarra. 

See www.mrriggs.com.au for more info.       

Meet Attunement: a new classic Australian red blend

A new-release from St Hugo is a serious discovery for lovers of aged, and age-worthy, Australian red wines.

It is a very impressive blend of Barossa shiraz and Coonawarra cabernet - a classic Australian blend.

"We’re delighted to welcome a brand new shiraz cabernet blend to the St Hugo portfolio: St Hugo Attunement Barossa Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2018," says St Hugo chief winemaker Peter Munro.

"We’ve made this classic blend driven by a singular ambition: to create a wine that promises complexity, elegance, power and refinement, resulting in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"As classic blends go I’d say this is more on the ‘robust end’ but as we know with all blends, it’s about the synergy and why we named this wine Attunement. Precision perfected."

The grapes for the blend, 64% shiraz and 36% cabernet sauvignon, were sourced from two vineyards in the Barossa for shiraz and one for cabernet and one for shiraz in the Coonawarra.

The split between the regions leans towards the Barossa at 52% and 48% Coonawarra.

I liked the immediate drinkability on offer here, the synthesis between the two grape varieties and regions, and the cellaring potential.

"Vintage 2018 was fantastic across South Australia, a little warmer than usual, resulting in pure fruit flavours from both regions," says Munro.

"The fruit was de-stemmed and crushed into static and open fermenters with pumping over regularly to achieve excellent extraction, flavour and tannin.

"The fruit was then drained and pressed followed by malo and ageing for 17 months in new French oak (76%). The team then sat down for the final blending; very much in true St Hugo style: all precision and attention to detail.

Attunement will cost you around $100 a bottle and will be available at selected Dan Murphy stores nationally.

Cabernet cabaret: Coonawarra and Margaret River join forces

Coonawarra and Margaret River are Australia's two premium growing regions for cabernet sauvignon but the two rivals are joining together to promote the grape variety.

Details of the biggest Australian Cabernet Symposium (ACS) have been unveiled with Coonawarra and Margaret River joining forces.

The event will see producers, growers, suppliers, students, marketers, decision makers and aficionados attend the Symposium, which will be held on February 1-2, 2024.

Earlybird tickets are now available until December 7 via www.australiancabernetsymposium.com.

Traditionally hosted by Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI), the 2024 ACS is being presented in association with Wines of Western Australia (WoWA).

ACS committee chair Dr Catherine Kidman said that the 2024 event will be the biggest Australian Cabernet Symposium ever held.

“We are delighted to be working with our WA colleagues to bring to life the most comprehensive program to date," she said.

Wine writer and author Katie Spain will be the MC.

Experts will include Phil Brodie, senior winemaker at Te Mata in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand; Vanya Cullen from Cullen in Margaret River; and Professor Stephen Tyerman from the University of Adelaide.

“Focusing on the 2024 theme Supporting Cabernet Sauvignon into the Future, the symposium will bring attendees up to speed with the latest cabernet developments occurring in the fields of wine research, viticulture, winemaking and marketing both in Australia and overseas, and provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with the Australian cabernet community,” Kidman said.

On day one, presentations and masterclasses will be simulcast live to and from the ACS hub at Parker Coonawarra Estate and at the Margaret River HEART satellite venue for Western Australian attendees, followed by dinners in both states.

Day two, in Coonawarra only, will give attendees the opportunity to see first-hand the latest in viticultural and winemaking innovations out in the field.

To book tickets and for more information about the Australian Cabernet Symposium, visit www.AustralianCabernetSymposium.com

Coonawarra puts the spotlight on cabernet

Coonawarra vies with Margaret River for the title of Australia's capital of cabernet and the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Wine Festival starts this week.  

The festival aims to showcase and celebrate the wine region's signature grape variety with a program of over 70 events across five weeks. 

Organisers hope to emphasise the elegance, drinkability and ageing ability of Coonawarra cabernets, starting on Friday, September 29, and running through to the end of October. 

The calendar is dotted with special events and bespoke tastings experiences on offer at cellar doors and wineries across the region.

Heidi Guyett, events and marketing manager of Coonawarra Vignerons, says there will be plenty of opportunities for wine aficionados, foodies and families alike to explore and experience Coonawarra. 

“This year’s program is as extensive as ever, with over 70 food and wine experiences to be enjoyed,” she says.

“Our member wineries have gone to great lengths to offer an exciting array of events. From family fun days to high end wine dinners, vertical tastings to blending workshops, winery tours, masterclasses, and long lunches, the region will offer visitors, and locals alike,  the opportunity to experience and discover the best of Coonawarra.

“Aside from tasting the exquisite wines of the region, festival goers will have the opportunity to dine and meet with winemakers and boutique winery owners, go behind the scenes in the winery and even sample wines that are yet to be officially released, all the while learning about the process and the passion that goes into Coonawarra’s famed wines.” 

The first weekend will see the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day and Family Fiesta theme kick off the month-long festival. 

The celebrations will ramp up over the weekend with Pizza and Tunes at Raidis Estate on Saturday and  and the return of Rymill Coonawarra’s Cabernet Carnival on Sunday. 

The following weeks will see events with themes around blending wine, and the marriage of cabernet sauvignon with other varieties - a weekend tribute to the original festival, which historically took place on one single weekend, along with an exclusive look at new-release wines. 

The International Cabernet Masterclass also returns as a feature event in the October program and will present a premium selection of Coonawarra wines alongside international Cabernets from regions including Bordeaux, the Napa Valley and Tuscany. 

For details see https://coonawarra.org/

Coonawarra vignerons gear up to hit the road

Coonawarra is not the easiest of wine regions to get to, so its vignerons will be hitting Australia's capital cities next month to show off their latest releases - and some older gems. 

The Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow will be held in five capital cities with up to 30 Coonawarra producers jetting around the country. 

To be presented over two weeks in August, the tour will include tasting events in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. But not Hobart this time around. 

“Coonawarra is synonymous with premium red wines, and the likes of Wynns Coonawarra, Redman Wines and Katnook Estate are iconic brands who have a rich and long history of wine making in our region," says Coonawarra Vignerons Events and Marketing Officer Heidi Guyett. 

Attendees will be spoilt for choice with anywhere between 100 and 190 wines featuring on the wine lists at the different events with a range of varieties and styles up for tasting, including a selection of Coonawarra’s white varieties.

“The cool climatic conditions of the Coonawarra wine region make for outstanding white wines that are crisp and aromatic. From riesling to chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and more - there will be something for every wine lover."

In most cases the wines will be poured by by either the winemaker or owners and family members of the brand - Sam Brand from Brand & Sons (above).

“The wineries of Coonawarra really embrace the opportunity to present their product to a national audience of consumers and trade in their home states," says Guyett. 

"They particularly love the opportunity to meet their customers first-hand, to build on relationships and to make new ones."

Long-time roadshow presenter attendee Brian ‘Prof’ Lynn of Majella has been exhibiting at Coonawarra Cellar Door in the City events for over two decades.

“The Coonawarra Roadshow is a highlight in the event calendar for the Coonawarra wine industry," he says . 

"It is an institution of wine promotion for our region and the consumers [and we] just love it.” 

Wineries are encouraged to bring along a mystery bottle, typically a back vintage or museum wine, to demonstrate the age-ability of Coonawarra reds.

The dates are: 

ADELAIDE The National Wine Centre – Friday, August 11 – 27 Wineries

PERTH Aloft Rooftop – Sunday, August 13 – 15 Wineries

MELBOURNE  The Pavilion at the Arts Centre Melbourne – Wednesday, August 16 – 30 Wineries

SYDNEY Sydney Masonic Centre - Friday, August 18 – 24 Wineries

BRISBANE The Calile Hotel - Sunday, August 20 – 22 Wineries

Tickets are on sale now at www.coonawarra.org

Coonawarra has its first distillery in three-quarters of a century

Family-owned Majella is one of the stars of the Coonawarra wine industry - and is also now a craft distiller.

Majella has just released a gin and an Eau de Vie - and a brandy made from grape spirit is in the works.

The whole project came about by chance.

Co-owner Brian "Prof" Lynn was asked by a retail store manager: "When is Majella going to make a gin? With the Majella name on it we could sell some".

With plenty of pressings left over after each vintage, it seemed like a good idea, except Prof thought "Why not distil it and make that old-fashioned product: brandy."

After looking at using a contract distiller, the Majella team decided to go it alone.

They purchased a still from Burns Welding and Fabrication in Griffith, NSW, and now own a 970-litre copper "pot still" (below).



It is the first commercial still in Coonawarra since one was removed from what is now Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Winery in the early 1950s. It was installed in the early 20s to make spirit for both brandies and fortified wines.

By law, brandy has to be aged for at least two years in oak barrels before it can be released as Australian Brandy.

"We've had some in barrel now for just over seven months and it's looking very good indeed," Prof says. "Hopefully in a couple of years it will be a great Australian craft brandy."

But the Majella team has the distilling bug.

"While we are waiting for the brandy to age gracefully we've used the spirit we've made to make two new products," says Prof.

"We've taken some of the brandy spirit that we've already distilled, mixed it with some botanicals, aged it for a while and then re-distilled it as gin.

"This has given us a smooth, traditional London Dry-style gin, perfect on it's own but a gin that mixes exceptionally well with tonic water or soda.

"The botanicals we have used are very traditional - juniper, coriander, fresh lemon peel (from our own orchard), and a little orris root and angelica root."

When someone asked "What's your gin like?" Prof replied that it was just a very simple gin, and that is what its called: A Simple Gin by Majella.

It is bottled in 500ml rectangular bottles and sells for $65 per bottle.

And then there is the Eau de Vie, French for "water of life", billed as "an absolutely marvellous cocktail base". This one is $55 a bottle.

You can buy both at www.majellawines.com.au

Wynnsday wines mark a major milestone

Wynns Coonwarra Estate winemakers Sue Hodder (right) and Sarah Pidgeon (left) make a formidable pair, always producing wines of interest at fair prices.

This week's 2023 Wynnsday Collection - to be released on Wednesday, June 7 - marks Hodder's 30th vintage at the prestige estate. 

The new release comprises five elegant, medium-bodied Coonawarra red wines from what senior winemaker Hodder describes as "the outstanding 2021 vintage".

Hodder, who joined Wynns in 1993, said the new collection reflect what is destined to be a classic vintage.

Wynnsday 2023 is headlined by the 66th vintage of one of Australia’s most cellared wines, Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon, and also sees the return of Black Label ‘Old Vines’ Shiraz. 

The Glengyle Vineyard north of V&A Lane was selected as our single vineyard release in 2007, 2009 and now in 2021. 

Pidgeon, meanwhile, has made early picked cabernet and cabernet shiraz wines from the estate V&A Lane vineyards.

“The heralded 2021 vintage was cool and there was low rainfall, and no extreme heat or cold," Hodder says. "The wines have a noticeable iridescence to their colours and a similar vibrancy and depth of flavour. 

"The 2021 vintage is one that we are very proud of and one that will be cellared in Australia and indeed around the world." 

The 2023 Wynnsday Collection comprises:

Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2021; Always a favourite and a wine that offers exceptional value and reliable cellaring potential. Dark with cassis-like fruit this vintage is exceptionally elegant. $44.99

Wynns Black Label ‘Old Vines’ Shiraz 2021: A very stylish representation of cooler-climate shiraz that includes fruit from vines planted as far back as 1890. A wine of impeccable balance. $$44.99

Wynns Glengyle Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: The definite star of the show as the best single vineyard cabernet of the year. Inky, deeply flavoured and very varietal. $79.99

Wynns V&A Lane Shiraz 2021: This manages to be at once powerfully ripe fruited, and elegant and is made from some of the first vines to ripen each season. $59.99

Wynns V&A Lane Cabernet Shiraz 2021: The two stellar grape varieties in the region are blended  in a classic "Claret" style. Grapes were harvested on the same day and then co-fermented. Red fruits and just 12.% alcohol. $59.99

Eagle-eyed readers will note the absence of the flagship Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The 2020 vintage will be launched globally in September as part of Bordeaux's prestige La Place market offering. 

The 2023 Wynnsday Collection is on sale from Wednesday from wynns.com.au and fine wine retailers. 

Night skies inspire a premium wine range

Coonawarra is known as a superb region in which to craft medium-bodied red wines.

So what do you do if you have a small vineyard planted with traditional red grape varieties that is producing outstanding fruit - albeit in small quantities.

If you are Sam Brand - a member of one of the region's standout wine families - you create a new premium brand to showcase the quality of your grapes.

You call the brand Nightfall, and commission some outstanding artwork so your labels stand out from the crowd.

"Nightfall wines are the epitome of luxury, style and exclusivity," says fourth-generation winemaker Brand. "They are crafted from a pristine single vineyard, in the heart of Australia’s most premium wine region, Coonawarra.

"This is an extremely limited series of wines, all sourced from a single site with a definite sense of origin, a true representation of the soil, the environment and the stars."

The concept for Nightfall was born after a dinner with customers when Brand walked outside to find his clients all looking up, mesmerised by the beauty of the night sky above Coonawarra.

They likened the stars to diamonds in the sky - and a brand - and a label idea - was born.

The 10-acre vineyard planted was planted in 1984 with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, all of which traditionally shine in Coonawarra.

The soil is terra rossa over limestone - perfect for premium reds. 

The latest releases are from the 2019 vintage - and all are bold, complex wines, full of individual personalities, that would benefit from medium to long term favourites.

Three are available in the Noble Beasts Three Pack: The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon, Aquila Cabernet Franc and Lupus Merlot.

Brand says: "Each of these wines represents a noble animal, a lion, eagle and wolf, released only when the single varietal from each vineyard shines like the diamond skies."

The intense but varietal cabernet franc is outstanding, with the powerful merlot one of the best examples in Australia.

The range also includes the Nightfall ‘ The Balance’ Dry Red (Cabernets) 2019 and the very serious Nightfall ‘Draco’ 2019 (red blend).

These wines need to be seen with food to be at their best. 

Total production limited to 5 wines and less than 800 dozen. See https://nightfallwines.com.au/

Your chance to snap up an Imperial of fine wine

Imperials are six-litre bottles of wine, much loved by collectors. 

A selection of imperials containing wines from some of Coonawarra's best producers will go under the hammer next week at the Coonawarra Imperial Auction, one of the highlights for attendees at the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup race meting. 

For the first time since 2016, organisers have opened registrations for external bidding - so anyone can get their hands one one of the huge collectibles like those from previous years modelled here by Nick Zema from Zema Estate (top) and John Innes from Ottelia (below). 

The bottles will be up for grabs on Thursday, January 12, to coincide with the 41st running of the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup. Vintages will range from 1991 to 2019. 

Coonawarra Vignerons Marketing and Events Officer Heidi Guyett said wine collectors across Australia are expected to bid. 

“It’s been two years since the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Marquee event has been hosted, so there has been great anticipation around the return of the event and the release of the auction wines in particular,” she said

“Each of the wines is a one-off, presented in a bespoke velvet lined Jarrah box, and labelled for the 2023 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day Event, making them instant collectors’ items.”

And if the winemaker/ producer is in the marquee the wine will also be personally signed before being handed over. 

“The auction presents a rare opportunity to purchase one-off individual wines from some of Coonawarra's top producers," says Frank DiGiorgio, managing director and owner of DiGiorgio Family Wines. 

The catalogue includes a multi award-winning 1991 St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Wynns Coonawarra 2016 O’Deas 3.13."

Two AP John wine barrels will also be auctioned, available exclusively to ticket holders at the live event.

The auction will be held in the Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee at the Penola Racecourse, with phone bids excepted via online pre-registration.

Register interest online at www.coonawarra.org. 

Coonawarra: where planning ahead is an art form

The wine producers of Coonawarra love a good event. 

Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI), trading as Coonawarra Vignerons, already has six locked in for 2023 - which is admirable forward planning. 

The Coonawarra Vignerons is a not-for-profit members organisation that supports local grape growers and winemakers with promotion, marketing, technical innovation, finances and administration.

The Coonawarra wine region, best known for its world-class cabernets and shirazes - is in the heart of the Limestone Coast of South Australia.

Coonawarra is home to over 25 cellar doors scattered along one stretch of road,- the Riddoch Highway- named after Coonawarra's founding father, John Riddoch.

The key dates for 2023 are:

• 12 January 2023: Coonawarra Vignerons Cup

• April 14-15: Coonawarra After Dark

• May 18-21 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival

• July 1-31: Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers

• August 2023: Coonawarra Cellar Door in the City Wine Tasting Roadshow

• October 1-31: Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations

For details see https://coonawarra.org/

Image: Tasting at the 2022 Cabernet Celebrations

How to explore Coonawarra in serious style

Want to explore the cellar doors and gourmet treats of Coonawarra under the guidance of two local experts?

Meet Simon and Kerry Meares, who have been conducting tours under the Coonawarra Experiences brand since 2017 and know everyone who is anyone across the Limestone Coast.

"Our goal is to share a slice of the beauty, charm, people and wonderful lifestyle of our chosen region," says Simon, who has unveiled a one-day, two-night wine lovers' package from $450 per person.

And the news is even better for Gourmet on the Road readers, who get an automatic 10% discount.

The tour and accommodation package allows more independent travellers the chance to enjoy personalised service, along with the privacy and the flexibility to unwind and explore Coonawarra at their own pace.

Guests can stay in the heart of Penola in a dedicated guest apartment, and wine, dine and tour the vines in style. The package even includes a private icon wine tasting session at Wynns Coonawarra Estate.

This package is currently available to instant book on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Guests can also be driven in a brand new Mercedes Benz V Class that can seat up to seven passengers plus the driver in comfort.

The package involves a tailored experience in the Limestone Coast region, a bottle of Coonawarra wine (your choice of style) and Cuvée chocolate on arrival, two nights of accommodation in the heart of Penola, a full day tour with Coonawarra Experiences; including private wine tastings and personalised experiences at the region's top cellar doors, the private icon wine tasting session at historic Wynns Coonawarra Estate and lunch with matched wines at one of the region's best eateries.

For full details see https://coonawarraexperiences.com.au/tours/immerse-yourself-in-coonawarra-experience/ and don't forget to ask for your discount.

Coonawarra Experiences also offers a range of other tours for wine lovers and gourmets.

A special wine tasting in Coonawarra

Coonawarra is one of Australia's very best wine regions for premium cabernet sauvignon. 

This July, several of the finest producers are getting together to put on what should be a fascinating tasting, the good people at Majella Wines tell me. 

The Coonawarra @ Heart collective of Majella Wines, Katnook Estate, Leconfield Coonawarra, Bowen Estate and Balnaves of Coonawarra will be holding a masterclass: "The ageing ability of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 v current release."

Each of the wineries will be comparing the aging ability of cabernet sauvignon from 2010 - one of the best vintages on record - to their current release wines.

Each winemaker will speak about their wines, which will be available for sale afterwards.                                                

This one-off event will be held from 10.30am-noon on July 16 at the Katnook Barn (above) and numbers will be limited. It is part of the month-long Cellar Dwellers celebrations in the region. 

The cost is just $60 person and bookings are essential. Check out the details at:

www.trybooking.com/events/landing/874305

Brothers in Arms: winemaking by osmosis for 40 years

Imagine working with the same person day in, day out for 40 years. 

It's probably a lot easier when the person you are working with is your brother; as is the case with third-generation pair Bruce and Mal Redman, who are this year celebrating 40 consecutive vintages working together in their family-owned winery in Coonawarra, South Australia. 

When I started writing about wine in the late 1980s, the young gun Redman brothers had already established a formidable reputation for powerful red wines that were long-lived and elegant. 

Nothing much has changed - although the Redmans do now use some screw caps instead of cork closures. 

The Redman family has been making wine in Coonawarra since 1908. Family-owned and -operated, the brand is well regarded for exceptional shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. 

Bill Redman started the winery, and now third- and fourth-generation vignerons Mal, Bruce, Dan and Mike Redman run the business.

Bruce and Mal joined their father Owen in September 1981 to coincide with Owen’s last vintage. The two brothers would jointly take responsibility for Redman Wines’ winemaking.

Both born and bred in Coonawarra, Mal and Bruce have a positive story of mateship and persistence. 

 

“We are privileged to be in a business with four generations and more than 110 years of history,” says Bruce Redman. 

“Making wines with a consistent style and quality – regardless of the trends – has allowed us to build a loyal multigenerational clientele. Mal and I are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and equally excited to witness the passion of the next generation of Redmans for the business.”

 

Mal Redman echoes these sentiments, saying: “Working together has been an easy task, as ultimately, we have had the same goals in mind – to produce the best possible wines under the Redman family label. We’ve been able to understand each other’s needs and work side by side in running the family business. 

"Some say that we work almost by osmosis! We’re so familiar with our work routines that we often can go about what we’re doing without needing to say anything further.”

 

The number of wine brands in Australia has increased from approximately 300 when Redman started to more than 4,000 today. 

The brothers introduced a flagship wine, The Redman, in 2008 to celebrate 100 years of the family growing grapes and making wine in the region. 

 

The Redmans continue to grow grapes in the same vineyards - and they’re still using a wine pump from 1928. 

“We’ve often been ahead of our time with vineyard practices,” says Mal. “We de-stem and crush grapes in the vineyards at the time of picking, so we deliver only clean grape must into the winery, and leave the MOG [matter other than grapes] in the vineyard. 

"This concept has now become commonplace, but we’ve been doing it for years. It makes for a real point of difference in our wines.”

 

Fourth-generation Mike and Dan Redman bought into the business in 2020. 

“We’re really focused on nurturing the relationship we have with our customers and continuing to introduce new members to the Redman story,” says Bruce.

 

And although shiraz and cabernet will always be the hearts of the Redman brand, climate change may present some opportunities to experiment with other, non-traditional grape varietals. The times they are a changing - slowly but surely. 

Which is the Redman way.  

For details see www.redman.com.au/