Cellar doors
Bellwether
Housed in the 1868-built Glen Roy Shearing Shed, this offbeat cellar door is the brainchild of winemaker and director Sue Bell. Art, music and food mingle with Sue’s innovative wines; the glamping Bell Tents are a bonus (bellwetherwines.com.au). Drink now Ant Series Coonawarra Cabernet Cellar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Bowen Estate
Doug Bowen led this low-key family affair from its inaugural 1975 vintage, with daughter Emma now capably managing the presses. Shiraz vies with cabernet sauvignon for the honours here, with a side bet on chardonnay (bowen estate.com.au).
Drink now Bowen Estate Coonawarra Chardonnay Cellar Bowen Estate Coonawarra Shiraz
Rymill
The horse motif at Rymill dates back to its founders, Judy and Peter Rymill, who are descendants of John Riddoch and top equestrians and showjumpers. Though ownership has changed, the equine statues still grace the gardens of this pristine cellar door (rymill.com.au). Drink now The Yearling Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Maturation Release Cabernet Sauvignon
Zema Estate
The Zema family is proudly Italian, offering a genuine and generous welcome along with fine Mediterranean food and value-for-money wines. Mrs Zema’s homemade preserves and olive oil are irresistible (zema.com.au).
Drink now Cluny Cabernet Merlot Cellar Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Balnaves of Coonawarra
Stop at Balnaves and you may see (and hear) Doug Balnaves, resplendent in a kilt, squeezing his bagpipes. If he’s not around, simply enjoy Peter Bissell’s potent wines and the property’s magnificent rose gardens (balnaves.com.au).
Drink now The Blend (Merlot Cabernet) Cellar The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon