Coonawarra Region

The hidden geological treasure of porous limestone under the rich terra rossa soil creates the ideal cellar by storing water for later use. From these gifts of the earth, the winemakers create their distinctive signatures in wine.

Weather, soil and biological influences all impact on grape quality. Coonawarra is blessed with a confluence of soil, climate, underground water and highly skilled viticulturists who enhance what nature has provided.

History

Coonawarra did not happen by chance. Nor did it evolve by trial and error. It was founded a century ago, and was based on sound scientific principles after the assessment of extensive feasibility studies.

The Founder was John Riddoch. He had come to Australia from Scotland during the Gold Rush and subsequently acquired an extensive pastoral run in the South East of South Australia. His motives for establishing Coonawarra were primarily humanitarian. As he said at the time, he aimed to provide employment, to encourage immigration and to stimulate closer settlement by sub-dividing his large estate.

Since then, Coonawarra has passed through three historical periods. The first was early settlement, when the early settlers accepted the challenge of Riddoch's vision, established the district, and generally prospered until the time of the First World War. They were led by Joseph Darwent.
Then came the dark age of the Great Depression and the two World Wars. During this period Riddoch's original Cellars were converted into a distillery, and the Redman family alone were able to maintain a continuous tradition of table wine production.

Samuel Wynn eventually recognised the quality of these wines, and initiated the renaissance of the district by purchasing the cellars in 1951. This third historical period witnessed the appreciation by many other investors of the truly great attributes of this small, yet magic, tract of 'Terra Rossa' soil.

During the forty or so years since then, the combined efforts of many outstanding grapegrowers and talented winemakers have ensured that Coonawarra has produced wines of a truly unique style and quality. These wines are now generally recognised as Australia's best, and amongst the greatest in the world.
Coonawarra wines have an unequalled record in Capital City Wine Shows, and Jimmy Watson Trophy wins.

Courtesy of the Coonawarra Vignerons Association