The Winemakers House at The Blok Coonawarra review | SA’s Great Travel Guide

A hard day’s wine tasting deserves a decent spot to rest one’s noggin. Luckily, The Blok Estate Coonawarra’s accommodation offering is a short walk (stumble) from their cellar door.

A hard day’s wine tasting deserves a decent spot to rest one’s noggin. Luckily, The Blok Estate Coonawarra’s accommodation offering is a short walk (stumble) from their cellar door. You can’t see it from the main drag – it’s tucked away from Riddoch Highway, framed by trees and looks out over vineyards – so feels a world away from the hustle and bustle, which is exactly what a trip to this wine region is all about.

Not that there’s nothing to do. There’s plenty, especially during May when Coonawarra/Penola Arts Festival rolls in. Over four days, cellar doors, restaurants, businesses and the streets fill with art, music and one-off events. During the four-day annual event local accommodation has a tendency to book out so it’s great to have a new kid on the Blok.

The Winemakers House at The Blok Coonawarra.

It’s a pretty little spot. Winemaker Luke Trotter and his wife Bec put a lot of TLC into renovating the three-bedroom abode.

Luke grew up on the Limestone Coast and the couple is passionate about sharing their vinous corner of the world.

What was once a rundown cottage is now a beautiful hideaway with all the mod cons.

It feels a bit like the purchase of a new car … delightfully shiny and untarnished.

A large open-plan kitchen looks out over an eight-seater dining table framed by windows with vine views.

There’s everything you need for a romantic night in (in front of the wood fire if you wish). After a busy weekend of cellar door hopping we do just that and share a platter of local produce (Penola’s IGA has an impressive cheese and charcuterie section – these wine folk know their stuff), followed by mussels in white wine (a splash from the bottle of complimentary The Blok Estate 2013 Riesling left for our quaffing pleasure). Finish it off with a bottle of their NV Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay – it’s a ripper.

There’s also a cute-as-a-button “office/reading room” where this humble writer can imagine penning a masterpiece.

The house comfortably sleeps eight and there are two toilets (so you don’t need to form a queue).

The Winemakers House at The Blok Coonawarra

It’s a slick space but this country girl still has soul. It’s the little touches that make it shine; the native flowers on the table, Nespresso coffee machine, generous breakfast provisions (eggs laid by the family’s chooks, bacon, a crusty loaf of bread, juice, milk, tea and caffeine), local chockies, lovely linen, comfortable beds, games, puzzles, free WI-FI, and the Trotter’s “We live nearby – call us if you need anything” attitude. They’re happy to share local tips. In the meantime, here’s mine.

A trip to the region isn’t complete without dinner at Pipers of Penola, a schnitty and a pint at The Royal Oak Hotel, and a memorable steak dinner at Millicent’s Mayura Station.

Walk it off and follow the steps of Saint Mary MacKillop (it’s the kind of community that gives the warm rural “finger flick” welcome as they drive by).

If you’re into vintage clothing, Jill’s Vintage on Petticoat Lane is one of the best in the state. The pretty little street is home to heritage-listed buildings including Gammon Cottage, an 1869 beauty home to the smallest art gallery in Penola, with changing exhibitions by local artists. There’s also an onsite blacksmith working from a forge.

For more evocative art and an encounter with one of Penola’s most colourful characters, visit former ballet dancer Guy Detot at his Le Max gallery on Young St. His wooden sculptures (and friendly german shepherd) are a delight.

There are too many wonderful wineries to single out so see them all. Many are within walking distance but don’t traipse through vineyards – Coonawarra is phylloxera free and wants to stay that way.

Robe’s beautiful beaches, Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake, and the Naracoorte Caves are also a day trip away.

After all the exploration, make time in your mini break for a bath. It’s the way they should be – deep, long enough to stretch out in and lush.

The only fault is a lack of fencing, which means the house is listed as unsuitable for children. It’s a good excuse to leave the nippers at home, however Luke and Bec are not against children staying so get in touch to discuss if you plan to arrive with little ones in tow.

Katie Spain was a guest of The Blok Estate.

This review was first published in March 2019 and details updated in March 2021.

• Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra
• [phone]
  winemakershouse.com.au
• LOCATION Just north of Penola in the Coonawarra wine region, about 388km southeast of Adelaide.
• ACCOMMODATION Self-contained house with three bedrooms (one king size, two queen sized and a private study with a queen innerspring fold out bed). Sleeps eight people.
• FACILITIES Full kitchen with large gas cooker with electric oven, eight-seater dining table, lounge area with slow combustion fire, BBQ, Outdoor Seating, Wi-Fi, TV with access to movies, contemporary bathroom with bath and underfloor heating, washing machine for your convenience, linen, towels and basic toiletries, carparking available, breakfast amenities and complimentary bottle of wine.
• PRICE Starting from $300 a night.