Penola Information
Penola in South Australia is 388 kilometres southeast of Adelaide with a population of just over 1,300 people and situated in the heart of the South Australian Coonawara wine growing region.
As with all small rural towns in this great land, Penola has a simple lifestyle in a harsh landscape surrounded by some of the most incredible countryside. From the Penola Conservation Park 10 kms west of Penola with its 2.5k trail along River Red Gum lined swamps, 370 varieties of plants and 97 different species of birds to the beautiful St Mary’s Park, located in the heart of St Mary’s Garden, the first of two areas recognising Penola’s most famous inhabitant, St Mary MacKillop, the other being Mary MacKillop Park, the original site of the old stable that Mary MacKillop started teaching in 1866.
The other thing that Penola is famous for is wine, and in particular, Red Wine. With the inception of the Penola Fruit Growing Colony by a Scotsman named John Riddoch in 1890 the seeds were sown to build one of the best wine growing regions in the world. Changing the name to Coonawarra in 1897 the area flourished in producing some of the most succulent grapes in the country.
The main reason for this phenomenon is the strip of Terra Rossa soil or Red Soil over a porous Limestone Rock formation that made it the perfect growing conditions for the grapes that now make some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. For wine lovers, this area is like Mecca with over 20 Cellar Doors and 16 wineries such as Wynns, (Riddoch’s own vineyard), St Mary’s, Penley Estate and Hollick Wines, plus the later additions in the late 60’s such as Penfolds and Midara to name a few.
A visit to this unique township offers a glimpse into the life of a Saint and the chance to imbibe in the nectar of the gods whilst enjoying historical sights like Petticoat Lane, Yallum Park, Nangwarry Museum and a host of other amazing attractions.
Penola SA information & tourist attractions are brought to you by W2A. Holiday here and book your Penola Accommodation
