Business Details
9 Years
experience
Discover Coonawarra with Expert Guided Tours
Coonawarra Experiences was founded in 2017 by Simon and Kerry Meares, who transitioned from corporate careers to create immersive travel experiences in South Australia's Limestone Coast. Our expertise lies in curating bespoke wine tours, cultural encounters, and nature-based adventures, leveraging deep local connections to provide exclusive access to cellar doors, private wildlife refuges, and gourmet experiences.With over 300 five-star reviews, we pride ourselves on personalized service, intimate knowledge of the region's history and ecosystems, and a commitment to showcasing Indigenous culture and small-town hospitality. Our offerings include luxury accommodation partnerships, multi-day itineraries, and tailored packages that highlight the region's award-winning wines, pristine landscapes, and culinary excellence.
Services
Wine Tours
Private Tours
Accommodation Packages
Cultural Experiences
Nature Adventures
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences
- Our deep local connections provide exclusive access to premium experiences
- Experienced guides with extensive knowledge of regional history and culture
- Luxury accommodation partnerships ensure premium stays
- Award-winning service with hundreds of five-star reviews
Associations and certifications
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award
What people say
Knowledgeable guides
Exclusive cellar door access
Personalised itineraries
Luxury accommodation options
Award-winning service
Services
Wine Tours
Explore Coonawarra's world-famous wine region with expert-led tours of premium cellar doors. Our itineraries include tastings at award-winning vineyards, behind-the-scenes winery access, and gourmet food pairings. Guests receive tailored recommendations based on wine preferences and enjoy comfortable transportation between locations.
Private Tours
Experience bespoke travel itineraries designed to match specific interests. Options include luxury wildlife encounters, cultural immersions, and multi-day adventures across the Limestone Coast. Each tour includes private transportation, curated experiences, and expert commentary from local guides.
Accommodation Packages
Combine premium tours with luxury stays in Penola and surrounding regions. Packages feature handpicked accommodations, including private apartments and boutique hotels, with added benefits like welcome amenities and exclusive guest experiences.
Cultural Experiences
Discover Indigenous culture and regional history through authentic encounters. Activities include guided storytelling sessions, visits to heritage sites, and interactions with local custodians who share traditional knowledge and contemporary perspectives.
Nature Adventures
Explore pristine coastal landscapes and unique ecosystems with expert-guided nature excursions. Experience private wildlife refuges, ancient sinkholes, and scenic 4x4 adventures while learning about local conservation efforts and ecological significance.
People
Simon Meares
Co-Owner & Tour Host
Former corporate professional turned travel curator, Simon combines regional expertise with hospitality passion. He specialises in wine education, historical storytelling, and creating seamless luxury experiences for discerning travellers.
Kerry Meares
Co-Owner & Tour Host
Kerry brings deep local knowledge and hospitality expertise to Coonawarra Experiences. Her strengths include cultural interpretation, relationship-building with regional producers, and ensuring exceptional guest service standards.
Questions
What types of tours do you offer in Coonawarra?
We provide wine tours, cultural experiences, nature adventures, and bespoke itineraries tailored to guest preferences across the Limestone Coast region.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, we arrange dietary-specific meal options for tours and dining experiences when advised in advance.
Do you offer transportation for tours?
Yes, we provide luxury vehicle transportation with experienced drivers for all private and group tour options.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy varies by package but typically requires 48 hours notice for full refunds, with exceptions for unforeseen circumstances.
Are your tours suitable for mobility-impaired guests?
We strive to accommodate all guests and can arrange accessible vehicles and modified itineraries upon request.
Can you arrange corporate group tours?
Yes, we design tailored team-building experiences and corporate retreats for groups of various sizes in the Limestone Coast region.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Calvin Frith
Jan 04, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
An absolute 10/10 experience. Simon is well known at all vineyards and has an excellent reputation. He was flexible, informative, and a real joy to spend the day with. We couldnt recommend the day tour more!
An absolute 10/10 experience. Simon is well known at all vineyards and has an excellent reputation. He was flexible, informative, and a real joy to spend the day with. We couldnt recommend the day tour more!
Selina Kane
Dec 09, 2021
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Simon and Kerry are wonderful at what they do. They organised the best trip possible around Coonawarra for us and made our day (many of my friends first ever wine tour) a memorable one. They planned everything perfectly to suit us and what we were after and were very accomodating to our group numbers changing constantly. A well run and thought out business I cant wait to support again. Thank you both again so much for making our impromptu work doo such a great day. Cant wait to do it all over in the new year!
Colin Jacobi
Aug 18, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Simon was an amazing host and guide, friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended. If your in the Coonawarra call them!
Simon was an amazing host and guide, friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended. If your in the Coonawarra call them!
Rebecca Radford
Jul 14, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Value
Highly recommend Coonawarra Experiences for a fun day exploring Coonawarra wineriesvisited 5 wineries ,including lunch, but it was relaxed not rushedSimon's knowledge of the area and wineries is excellent and we cant wait to return to visit some different cellar doors!!
Service:Group tours
Highly recommend Coonawarra Experiences for a fun day exploring Coonawarra wineriesvisited 5 wineries ,including lunch, but it was relaxed not rushedSimon's knowledge of the area and wineries is excellent and we cant wait to return to visit some different cellar doors!!
Service:Group tours
