Coonawarra Legends Tasting

Few Australian wine regions can claim the history, consistency and reputation of Coonawarra. Since the first vines were planted by Scottish pioneer John Riddoch in the late 1800s, the region has become synonymous with some of Australia's finest Cabernet Sauvignon. While fashions have come and gone, Coonawarra has remained remarkably steadfast, producing wines of longevity, balance and unmistakable regional character that continue to set the benchmark for Australian Cabernet.

At first glance, Coonawarra doesn't seem an obvious home for great Cabernet. Sitting in South Australia's far south-east, just 60 kilometres from the Southern Ocean, it enjoys one of the country's coolest mainland viticultural climates. Warm days are tempered by cool maritime breezes and long autumns, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen slowly and evenly while retaining freshness and structure. Add the region's famous terra rossa soils—a narrow ribbon of vivid red clay over free-draining limestone—and it's easy to understand why Cabernet reigns supreme. While excellent Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay are produced here, it is Cabernet that has made Coonawarra one of Australia's great fine wine regions.

For this tasting we've assembled a line-up that showcases both the icons and the modern stars of Coonawarra. Established names such as Wynns, Yalumba, Leconfield, Balnaves, Bowen Estate and Majella have helped define the region over generations, each bringing its own interpretation of Coonawarra's unmistakable style. Together they demonstrate the remarkable consistency of the region while highlighting the subtle differences in site, philosophy and winemaking that make each estate unique.

With the outstanding 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage taking centre stage, this is a rare opportunity to taste across some of the region's finest producers side by side. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Coonawarra or looking to rediscover one of Australia's great classic regions, this promises to be a fascinating evening exploring why Cabernet is, and always will be, king in Coonawarra.