Katnook Estate

Katnook Estate sits at the heart of Coonawarra, one of South Australia's most celebrated wine regions and Australia's benchmark address for Cabernet Sauvignon. Established in 1971, the estate has spent more than five decades working within this distinctive landscape, building a reputation anchored firmly in the region's most celebrated variety.

The Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon is the centrepiece of Katnook's range, and for good reason — Coonawarra's conditions are genuinely well-suited to the variety. The combination of terra rossa soil and a cool, extended growing season encourages complex fruit development alongside the fine tannin structure that defines the region's best reds. Merlot is also produced here, offering another expression of that same terroir, while Sauvignon Blanc rounds out the range on the white wine side.

If you're visiting with a specific goal in mind, tasting across different vintages of the Cabernet Sauvignon is worth prioritising — it's the clearest way to understand how Coonawarra's climate and soils translate into the glass over time.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door operates in a structured winery setting and offers tastings across Katnook's range, with a particular focus on their Cabernet Sauvignon and other Coonawarra varieties. A wine shop is on-site for purchases, including any cellar door exclusives.

Vineyard and winemaking facility tours are also available, which gives visitors a practical look at production alongside the tasting experience. It's worth booking a tour in advance to ensure availability. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours if you're combining a tasting with a tour.

For current tasting fees, flight details, and group or tour bookings, check the Katnook Estate website or contact the estate directly before your visit.

The Vineyard

Coonawarra's defining characteristic is its narrow strip of terra rossa — red volcanic earth sitting over a limestone base — and Katnook Estate sits within it. This soil profile, combined with the region's cool climate and consistent growing season, creates conditions that extend the ripening period and allow flavour and structure to develop gradually. The result, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, tends toward complexity and longevity rather than immediate weight.

Getting There

Katnook Estate is located in Coonawarra, approximately 60 kilometres south of Penola, with access via the Princes Highway. There is no public transport to the estate, so self-driving is the only practical option. A standard visitor carpark is available on-site. If you're travelling by caravan or campervan, it's advisable to contact the estate ahead of time to confirm access and parking arrangements.

Visitor Tips

• Plan around harvest season. Visiting between February and April puts you in the middle of vintage activity, which adds a layer of context to any winery tour.
• Autumn is ideal. March and April offer comfortable temperatures and a chance to see the vineyards at their most active. December and January can be warm and are generally less suited to a leisurely tasting visit.
• Book tours ahead. Winery tours are available but worth confirming in advance, particularly during busy periods.
• Combine your visit. Coonawarra is compact and well set up for a day of winery hopping — Katnook pairs easily with other estates in the region for a full day's exploring.
• Check for dining options. Food availability at the cellar door isn't confirmed, so contact the estate directly if you're planning to eat on-site or want to know about picnic facilities.