Coriole Wines

Coriole Wines sits on a working estate in the heart of McLaren Vale, about 40 kilometres south of Adelaide. Established in 1967 by Lloyd and Dorreen Redman, the property is one of the region's longer-standing family wineries, and that continuity shows — in the stone buildings, the approach to winemaking, and the unhurried atmosphere at the cellar door.

History

The Redman family were part of McLaren Vale's early winemaking revival in the late 1960s, a period when the region began earning recognition beyond its reputation as a bulk wine producer. Coriole has remained in family hands since, with successive generations maintaining a focus on traditional winemaking methods. The historic stone cellar building at the heart of the estate reflects both the region's pastoral history and the family's commitment to working with the land rather than against it.

The Wines

Shiraz is Coriole's flagship variety, and McLaren Vale's warm, Mediterranean-influenced climate suits it well. The soils here — predominantly clay and loam over limestone — combined with cool afternoon sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent, allow the fruit to ripen slowly and develop genuine complexity rather than simple heat-driven weight.

Beyond Shiraz, the estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, along with fortified wines that draw on McLaren Vale's long tradition with the style. If you're unfamiliar with the region's fortifieds, the cellar door is a good place to start — they're well worth including in any tasting.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door operates daily and is set up for a relaxed visit. Tastings take place inside the stone building or outside with views across the vineyard — the outdoor option particularly suits fine weather. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, in keeping with McLaren Vale's generally approachable wine culture.

Tastings typically cover the full range — reds, whites, and fortifieds. Groups are welcome, though bookings are recommended for larger parties to ensure adequate space and service.

Food and Dining

Coriole offers local produce platters and cheese boards at the cellar door, keeping things simple but quality-focused. There's also a casual restaurant onsite with dining that overlooks the vineyards. If you'd rather bring your own food, a BYO picnic policy is in place — the grounds provide a pleasant setting for an outdoor lunch between tastings.

Getting There

From Adelaide, head south via the Princes Highway or South Eastern Freeway and follow signs into McLaren Vale. The drive takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic. The road in is sealed and access is straightforward for passenger vehicles, caravans, and motorhomes. Dedicated on-site parking handles both standard vehicles and larger rigs, with coach and bus parking available if you contact the winery in advance.

Public transport to McLaren Vale is limited, so a private vehicle or organised tour is the practical choice for most visitors.

Visitor Tips

• Go mid-week if you can — weekends in McLaren Vale attract crowds, and the cellar door experience is more relaxed on quieter days
• Bring a picnic if you'd rather eat in the grounds than dine at the restaurant — the BYO policy makes this easy
• Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to take in the cellar door, tasting, and vineyard surroundings properly
• Don't skip the fortifieds — they're a regional specialty and a highlight of the tasting range
• Plan around the season: spring (September–October) offers the best weather for outdoor time on the grounds; harvest season (late February through March) brings vineyard activity and festival events across the region; peak summer heat in January and February is worth avoiding if you're sensitive to the conditions
• McLaren Vale is a large region — if you're road-tripping, three or four cellar doors in a day is a comfortable pace