Redman Wines

Redman Wines is one of Coonawarra's founding families, working the same strip of terra rossa since 1908, with its cellar door right on the Riddoch Highway. The tasting is a relaxed, unfussy run through classic long-lived reds, and the winery sits on the Coonawarra Vignerons' dog-friendly list, which makes it an easy stop on a Coonawarra day out with the dog.

The dog setup

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at the cellar door, with outdoor seating where you can sit together while you taste. The family has its own resident winery dog, so a sociable visitor settles in quickly, though keep your dog comfortable around other guests rather than testing introductions. Water is usually available, but bring your own bowl to be sure. Policies can vary between indoor and outdoor tastings, so a quick call ahead is the reliable move.

Worth knowing

The reputation rests on classic Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon with decades of pedigree, plus cool-climate shiraz and merlot. This is a traditional, no-frills family cellar door rather than a food-and-events destination, so come for the wine and the history. Hours run 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 4pm on weekends.

Max: the resident dog sets the tone here. A calm greeter gets the full welcome, so let yours say a proper hello at the gate before settling into the tasting.

Getting there and parking

The cellar door sits at 14830 Riddoch Highway, the main road through Coonawarra, so it is hard to miss. Ample gravel parking sits directly in front, with flat, easy access from the car to the tasting room.

Pair it with

The sealed Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail between Penola and Coonawarra makes a good leashed leg-stretcher to pair with a tasting, and neighbouring cellar doors on the dog-friendly list such as Bellwether Wines and Zema Estate Wines are close by. Penola's main street, a short drive south, has footpath dining where dogs settle under tables.

For more dog-friendly tastings, see wineries in South Australia, or browse what else is on offer in Coonawarra.