Coolangatta Estate Winery

• (02) 4448 7131
• 1335 Bolong Road, Coolangatta NSW, Australia
• www.coolangattaestate.com.au

The Business Snapshot

The Experience Jervis Bay Verdict: Our must-order: A glass of their award-winning Estate Chambourcin paired with a loaded local Deli Board in the Wine Garden—don’t leave the South Coast without tasting this slice of history.

Introduction

You’ve just finished a crisp morning swim at Sharknet Beach, the salt is drying on your skin, and you’re starting to think about lunch. While the white sands of Jervis Bay are world-class, the lush, rolling hinterland just a scenic 40-minute drive away holds some of the South Coast’s best-kept culinary secrets. Enter Coolangatta Estate.

Set at the foothills of Mount Coolangatta in Shoalhaven Heads on the NSW South Coast, within the wider Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven region, Coolangatta Estate is more than just a winery—it’s a true South Coast institution. Established by Alexander Berry in 1822 as the first European settlement on the NSW South Coast, the estate today combines rich history with award-winning wines, with more than 2,200 accolades to its name.

Whether you consider yourself a serious oenophile or you’re simply hunting for a picturesque spot to split a cheese platter with loved ones, Coolangatta Estate serves up an experience that feels miles away from the everyday, yet right on your holiday doorstep.

The Deep Dive: Coolangatta Estate

The Story Behind the Door

Walking into Coolangatta Estate feels like stepping back in time, albeit with a spectacular glass of wine in hand. As the region’s most awarded winery (boasting over 2,200 wine awards and 104 trophies), the team here takes their craft seriously. The grapes are entirely estate-grown, meaning the maritime climate and rich local soils dictate the unique flavor profiles of their vintages. The grapes are then hand-picked and sent to the legendary Tyrrell’s in the Hunter Valley for vinification. It’s a beautiful marriage of South Coast terroir and world-class winemaking expertise.

The Aesthetic & Vibe

The estate is an architectural tapestry of original, restored convict-built structures. You aren’t just tasting wine; you are soaking in two centuries of history. The centerpiece for daytime visitors is the sprawling Wine Garden. Imagine a sun-dappled marquee, surrounded by manicured lawns and sweeping views of the vineyard. In the cooler months, the estate takes on a cozy, rustic charm, while summer afternoons here are bright, breezy, and alive with the clinking of glasses and acoustic live music.

The Experience Jervis Bay Recommendation

If you’re settling in for the afternoon, here is our ultimate tasting itinerary:

• The Cellar Door Wine Flight: Start with a guided tasting. You absolutely must try their Semillon—a crisp, vibrant white that reflects the coastal climate perfectly. For red drinkers, the Tannat and its famous Chambourcin offer robust, earthy complexities that linger beautifully.

• The Deli Fare Platters: Rather than a strict set menu, the Cellar Door offers a “build-your-own” deli experience. Select from a curated fridge of locally sourced smoked meats, artisanal cheeses, regional olives, and freshly baked breads.

• Alexander’s Grill (Lunch & Dinner): If you prefer a formal sit-down meal, the estate’s restaurant, Alexander’s, serves up incredible Modern Australian fare. Think local oysters served au naturel, grilled Atlantic salmon with dill mayonnaise, and crispy kipfler potatoes, finished with a luscious passionfruit curd cheesecake.

Dietary & Accessibility

Coolangatta Estate is highly accommodating. The “build-your-own” nature of the deli boards means gluten-free and vegetarian diets are easily catered for. The main tasting areas, Wine Garden, and restaurant offer flat, accessible entry points suitable for both wheelchairs and prams, ensuring the whole family can navigate the heritage grounds with ease.

The Local Insider’s Edge

Want to experience Coolangatta Estate like a true South Coast local? Here is our insider knowledge to elevate your visit:

• The Weekend Sweet Spot: Visit on a Saturday between 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM. The estate regularly hosts live acoustic music in the Wine Garden, transforming a simple wine tasting into a vibrant, festive afternoon.

• The “Secret” Picnic Hack: Don’t feel tethered to the main tables. Grab your deli haul, a bottle of Savagnin, and ask the staff for their recommended picnic spot under the older heritage trees. It’s the quietest, most romantic way to enjoy the grounds.

• Dog-Friendly VIPs: While pets aren’t allowed in the accommodation, they are warmly welcomed in the outdoor Wine Garden. Book online in advance and mention your dog—the staff will reserve you a shady outdoor table perfectly suited for your four-legged friend.

• The Perfect Pairing (Activity): Make a day of it. Before heading to the winery, drive five minutes down the road to Seven Mile Beach. Let the dog run on the 24-hour off-leash section, or simply enjoy a long, quiet walk on the expansive shoreline to build up your appetite.

Practical Logistics

• Opening Hours: The Cellar Door is open 7 days a week, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Alexander’s Grill is open for lunch daily, and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Location & Parking: Located within the estate grounds in the Shoalhaven region. There is ample, free, uncovered parking right on-site. Drive past the historic village gates and follow the signs to the Cellar Door.

• Booking Info: Walk-ins for the cellar door are welcome, but bookings for wine tastings and Alexander’s Grill are highly recommended on weekends. You can secure your spot at coolangattaestate.com.au.

The Concierge Connection

At Experience Jervis Bay, we believe the best holidays are a mix of stunning natural scenery and unforgettable local flavors. Coolangatta Estate offers a brilliant change of pace from the beach, allowing you to explore the rich agricultural history of the Shoalhaven region while sipping on some of the country’s finest wines.

The Stay Enhancement: Even if you don’t have time for a long, lazy lunch, Coolangatta Estate is the perfect pit-stop on your way back to your Experience Jervis Bay holiday home. Drop into the Cellar Door to purchase a few bottles of their award-winning wine, along with some locally produced jams, mustards, and cheeses from their shop. There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck of your holiday rental in Huskisson or Vincentia, watching the sun go down over the bay, while enjoying a DIY platter of Coolangatta Estate produce you picked up that very afternoon.