Bellwether Wines

Top choice


Sue Bell runs Bellwether (ha-ha), an irreverent, arty cellar door in a stone 1868 shearing shed – pretty much the first Coonawarra winery you come to rolling in from the north. Camping here ranges from unpowered/powered sites ($30/45) to six rather lovely 'glamping' bell tents (single/double $100/200, including a bottle of wine) in the lush, tree-studded paddock out the back, with shared facilities. FYI, a 'bellwether' is the leading sheep in a flock, with a bell around its neck.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Rymill Coonawarra

1.54 MILES

Rymill rocks the local boat by turning out some of the best sauvignon blanc you'll ever taste. The cellar door is fronted by a statue of two duelling…

2. Brand's Laira

3.89 MILES

Catchy name, huh? Eric Brand was the founder here, and the Laira was an iron barque which plied SA waters in the late 1800s. Put 'em together and you've…

3. Wynns Coonawarra Estate

4.5 MILES

The oldest Coonawarra winery, Wynns’ cellar door dates from 1896 and was built by Penola pioneer John Riddoch. Wynns is major mainstream exporter, but you…

4. Zema Estate

4.59 MILES

A steadfast, traditional winery started by the Zema family in the early '80s. It's a low-key affair with a handmade vibe infusing the shiraz and cab sav…

5. Majella Wines

6.06 MILES

The family that runs Majella are fourth-generation Coonawarrans, so they know a thing or two about gutsy reds (love 'The Musician' shiraz-cabernet).

6. Balnaves of Coonawarra

8.08 MILES

The tasting notes here ooze florid wine speak (dark seaweed, anyone?), but even if your nosing skills aren't that subtle, you'll enjoy the cab sav and…

7. John Riddoch Centre

10.16 MILES

In Penola's visitor centre building, this museum casts a web over local history back to the 1850s, covering the local Pinejunga people and original Penola…

8. Petticoat Lane

10.24 MILES

One of Penola's first streets. Most of the original buildings have been razed, but urban archaeologists can still see a few old timber-slab houses, red…