Majella Wines

Majella Wines is a family-owned producer that has been growing and making red wine in Coonawarra since 1969, giving it more than five decades of history in one of South Australia's most respected wine regions. The winery's focus is tight and deliberate — Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot — varieties well suited to the terra rossa soils and cool climate that define Coonawarra's character.

The Wines

Majella's range centres on the three red varieties that Coonawarra does best. Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship, and for good reason — the combination of terra rossa soil and slow-ripening maritime climate consistently produces structured, age-worthy wines with regional mineral complexity. Shiraz rounds out the core offering, expressing the depth and elegance that Coonawarra's cool conditions allow, while Merlot provides a softer option within the lineup.

The cellar door wine shop carries back vintages, making Majella worth a visit for collectors looking to explore how these wines develop over time.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door reflects the serious red wine culture of Coonawarra — the focus is on the wines themselves rather than elaborate extras. Tastings are conducted in the cellar door space, where you can work through the range and learn about the winery's approach to vineyard management and winemaking. Tours are also available for visitors who want a closer look at the production side of things.

Specific tasting fees and group booking requirements are best confirmed directly with the winery before you visit, as these details can change seasonally.

The Vineyard

Majella's vines sit on terra rossa — the deep red loam over limestone that runs through the heart of Coonawarra and gives the region its identity. The soil drains well while retaining enough moisture to keep vines healthy through the growing season, and the underlying limestone contributes the mineral quality that defines well-made Coonawarra reds.

The climate here is cool and maritime, moderated by the Southern Ocean to the south. That proximity means temperatures stay relatively moderate through summer, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop the structure and natural acidity that makes these wines suited to cellaring.

Getting There

Coonawarra sits in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, approximately 380 km south-east of Adelaide and around 60 km south of Penola. The most direct route from Adelaide is via the Princes Highway (A1). The region is compact and well suited to a self-drive itinerary, with many cellar doors within easy reach of one another. Majella has suitable road access for caravans.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead during peak season to secure a tasting or tour time
• Allow one to two hours for a cellar door visit combined with a tour
• Prioritise tasting the Cabernet Sauvignon — it's the wine Majella is best known for
• Check the cellar door shop for back vintages if you're building a cellar
• Plan to visit multiple Coonawarra producers on the same day — the region's compact layout makes this straightforward
• A designated driver makes the day considerably easier
• The most comfortable times to visit are autumn (April to May) and spring (September to October); summer can be hot and peak holiday periods busier than usual; winter is quieter but still open for visits