Wine regions Australia - Penola

Penola   South Australia

With its cool climate and pockets of terra rossa soil, Penola produces some fine examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Cool climate region with undulating hills. St Marys vineyard

The Penola wine region is made up of approximately half of the area that has historically been known over the period of European settlement as the Penola community. Its history is intertwined with Coonawarra's, with the region's pioneer, John Riddoch being referred to as the "squire of Penola". The first vines were planted in the Penola region in 1986, with the balance of the present vineyard area being established in the mid to late 1990s.

The vineyards are planted on a series of elevated island outcrops of terra rossa soil that are lifted up out of the limestone sub-base that underlies the region. These uplifted terra rossa ‘islands’ are spread throughout the region.

An Interim Determination for the Penola region was published by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Geographical Indications Committee in the Government Gazette on 10th May 2000.

Varieties planted:   Approximately 90% of the vineyard area in the region is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The balance of the vineyard area is planted to Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Area of the Penola region:  Approximately 45km (North-South) x 12km (East-West). 

Area of vineyards: 290 hectares

Annual average grapes produced (Estimate): 2000-2500 tonnes.

Harvest time: late March to early May

Sites with more information: Penola Wine Region Limestone Coast South Australia

Penola Terra Rossa