James' Review
Trevor Reschke planted the first vines on the Koonara property in 1988. Peter Douglas, formerly Wynns' chief winemaker before moving overseas for some years, has returned to the district and is consultant winemaker. After 10 years of organic viticulture practises, Koonara's vineyards in Coonawarrra were certified organic in 2017. Since '13 Koonara have leased and managed the Kongorong Partnership Vineyard in Mount Gambier, which had previously sold its grapes to Koonara. Exports to the China and Malaysia.
About
Koonara is a small family owned and organically certified winery in the heart of Coonawarra, owned by Dru and Nicole Reschke. In 1906 Dru’s great grandfather, Henry Albert, named the family property ‘Koonara’. More than 110 years on, the family still live there surrounded by their vineyards. Koonara are practising vineyard bio-diversity – and were the first vineyards in Coonawarra to be Certified to Australian Organic Standards. They only use organic elements on their vines; not only because they believe it’s safer for their family, but it helps build complexity in their grapes. Koonara’s cellar door is on the main street of Penola - where you can visit the friendly team for a wine tasting, and browse their unique range of homewares, kitchenware, and local produce.
Details
| Rating |
|
| Winemaker |
Peter Douglas |
| Established |
1988 |
| Dozens |
10 000 |
| Vineyards (area) |
9 ha |
| Opening Hours |
Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4 |
| Address |
44 Main Street, Penola, SA 5277 |
| Telephone |
(08) 8737 3222 |
| Website |
www.koonara.com
|
