NOW EXPERIENCING:Coonawarra on a plate: the go-to spots for foodies
Vine Guide|Red Wine|Wine|Travel

Coonawarra on a plate: the go-to spots for foodies

Read time 5 Mins

Posted 26 Jan 2023

By
Madeleine Horrigan

With a focus on tasty, seasonal produce, Coonawarra serves up a sensational selection of experiences for foodies.

Coonawarra is well-known as being home to some of the greatest wines in Australia. But what you may not know is that it’s also home to an exciting culinary scene that places great emphasis on using seasonal ingredients and local produce. From high-ranking fine-dining restaurants to award-winning pubs and cosy cafes, the quaint townships of Coonawarra and Penola boast a range of casual and formal dining experiences guaranteed to whet your appetite. Here are five of our favourites. Bon appetit!
Maumma mia! Does it get any better than fresh, homemade pasta?
1. Just like nonna makes it – homemade pasta with Di GiorgioThis is a different kind of hands-on eating experience that transports you to a heavenly slice of Italy right in the heart of Coonawarra. Hosted at Di Giorgio Family Wines, this fun foodie experience puts you in the kitchen where, under the sage guidance of Nonna Rita, you’ll be trained in the sacred art of making pasta from scratch. The session kicks off with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival (essential!) as you learn about the history of pasta making and Italian migration to Coonawarra. Then it’s time to get your hands dirty, as you listen, knead, roll and cook while sipping on some of Di Giorgio’s finest wines – it’s very traditional that way. At the end of class, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a lavish four four-course lunch together with the Di Giorgio family. And, like any good nonna, Rita makes sure you don’t leave empty-handed, sending you on your way with some extra gourmet goodies, your apron and wonderful memories.
2. Fine dining at Pipers of PenolaHoused in what was once a weatherboard church, Pipers of Penola is one of the region’s fine dining hotspots. Husband and wife duo Simon and Erika Bowen established this stunning little restaurant with the simple mission to provide a quality dining experience. And trust us, they do this in spades. The dining room is warm and inviting, with an understated elegance, while the kitchen  takes local produce and crafts exquisite contemporary dishes like seared scallops on udon noodles, carpaccio of 9-score wagyu beef, and roasted duck breast with herbed gnocchi. Then there’s the wine list, which is a veritable who’s who of Coonawarra wineries, along with a sizeable selection of internationals  for anyone looking further afield. Finally, and most importantly, don’t skip dessert – these delicate Michelin-worthy treats are the perfect finale to a memorable meal (and the ultimate indulgence).
Worship at the altar of fine dining at Pipers of Penola.
Dine like a local at the Royal Oak Hotel.
3. The best pub in town, The Royal Oak HotelOn the main drag in Penola is the Royal Oak Hotel. One of the oldest licenced pubs in South Australia, this beautiful old hotel continues to charm guests from near and far, serving up warm hospitality, classic pub fare and a locally inspired wine list with drops sourced from Wrattonbully to Western Victoria. In the kitchen, chef Kirby Shearing makes the most of the Limestone Coast’s Mediterranean climate, sustainably sourcing his ingredients from within 100km of Coonawarra to serve up a seasonal menu. Naturally, you have the classics – succulent beef burger, beer-battered fish and chips, and that great Aussie staple, the sticky date pudding – as well as tasty bistro fare. Expect the likes of slow-cooked beef cheek and pan-fried Atlantic salmon. Before tucking in, it's worth a visit to the adjoining bottle shop, which has an extensive range of local wines that can be enjoyed with your pub meal for a modest corkage fee.
4. Lunch at Hollick’s Upstairs RestaurantUpstairs Restaurant is one of the original winery restaurants in Coonawarra, serving up creative cuisine, superb service and unbeatable views that have visitors and locals coming back time  and again. As the name suggests,  this restaurant is upstairs at the Hollick cellar door, which gives this dining room uninterrupted views over Neilson's Block Vineyard and the vast country beyond through floor- to-ceiling windows. The menu proudly puts Coonawarra on a plate, showcasing the best of the region's seasonal ingredients in dishes  such as Coffin Bay oysters, sweet and sour Peking duck rolls, and perfectly cooked eye fillet, served with roast beets and mushroom truffle. Each dish is matched to a recommended Hollick wine, available by the glass, though their extensive list of local and international drops leaves nothing amiss. Upstairs is open daily for lunch, along with a special dinner sitting on Saturday nights. So, should the gods of holiday planning look kindly on your itinerary, we can’t think of a more magical place to watch the sunset.
Don’t miss out on a meal at Hollick Upstairs – it’s pure magic.
Discover the cutest way to start the day with brekkie at Moss and Wild.
5. Moss and Wild Lifestyle Store & Cafe for your breakfast fuel-upStart your day on a high note with breakfast at Moss and Wild. On the main street of Penola, this cute cafe and corner store is the perfect place to fuel up for a day of winery hopping or outdoor adventures. The menu is loaded with easy, delicious breakfast toasties, wholesome granola, refreshing juices and good coffee, not to mention a fully stocked cabinet of baked goods. And if the pastries don’t tempt you, perhaps browsing Moss and Wild’s range of brightly coloured ceramics, stylish homewares and other designer goods will. After all, looking never hurt anyone.
After more intel on Coonawarra? Check out our Coonawarra Vine Guide for everything you need to know about this fabulous wine region – including the low-down on the best wines, food and cellar doors.
Shop related products
WynnsCabernet Rose
  • product badge
Cabernet Rose
$23.99 each
 
WynnsRiesling
  • product badge
Riesling
$14.99 each
 
Parker Coonawarra EstateMill Block Chardonnay
Mill Block Chardonnay
Member Offer
$16 per bottle Non-Member: $24.99 each
 
LeconfieldCoonawarra Merlot
Coonawarra Merlot
$24.99 each
 
MajellaThe Musician Cabernet Shiraz
The Musician Cabernet Shiraz
$18.99 each
 
Authour image
Madeleine HorriganMadeleine Horrigan is a Melbourne-based writer and all-round drinks enthusiast. When her nose isn't in a glass, it's in a travel guide planning her next adventure in a wine region.
Tags
Vine GuideRed WineCoonawarraTravelWine RegionsWineCabernet SauvignonWhite WineWinery
Related Articles