Parker Coonawarra Estate
Unique Wines from unique soils
Quality without compromise since 1985
Located on Coonawarra’s terra rossa strip which is recognised as one of the most renowned growing locations of the New World.Â
Parker’s winemaking philosophy pays respect to these unique soils, as well as the quality and age of the vines, producing wines that maximize the full potential of this spectacular growing location and the Cabernet Sauvignon grape which thrives here.
Halliday 5 Star Winery
Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity.
 Where the winery name itself is printed in red, it is a winery with a long track record of excellence, having held a 5-star rating continuously for 10 years – truly the best of the best.
Viticulturalist
Brett Williams - The vine whisperer, growing some of the best Cabernet in the World
Great wines required great fruit so having a dedicated and fastidious vineyard manager with the passion and direction to grow the highest quality fruit available, means the Parker Estate ‘Abbey’ vineyard consistently delivers wine of amazing depth and character.
Growing up in a farming household Brett has a very hands-on approach to grape growing. He established his first vineyard in the mid-nineties; a beautiful forty-hectare property only five minutes by tractor from Parker Coonawarra Estate
Winemaking Team
Andrew Hardy leads the winemaking team, ably supported by James Lienert and Keeda Zilm.
Andrew Hardy- over 39 years of winemaking experience in Coonawarra. He has been involved in winemaking throughout the world and other wine regions of South Australia. Back in the day, he played a pivotal part in the industry's adoption of the screwcap closure.
Luke Broadbent - Luke started his vinous journey in the Clare Valley, working under Keeda Zilm at O’Leary Walker. His approach is to focus on freshness and primary fruit flavours via the retention of natural acidity. Modern and fresh wine styles that embody the mantra of ‘flavour with elegance’
Keeda Zilm- Keeda grew up close to the Coonawarra wine region but most of her winemaking experience has taken place in the Clare region. A skilled and talented winemaker who also completed winemaking stints in France and the USA.
The ultimate in winemaking & varietal expression
Parker Estate 'First Growth'
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Every winery produces a flagship wine. A wine that captures and represents the ultimate expression of the varietal and their winemaking craft that goes into creating something truly special. Whilst not always available, the winery has curated a range of other special wines for you from their collection which are presented below and throughout this site.
Shop Parker Coonawarra Wines
"We grow the best Cabernet in the world
so I get really excited about that".
Viticulturist Brett Williams
Award Winning Connawarra
Growing some of the best Cabernet globally, people have always taken notice of Parker’s ‘First Growth’. They had immediate success with the inaugural vintage in 1988 winning the Penfold Hyland Trophy and in 1991 were awarded Top 10 Bordeaux-Style Wine at the 1991 International Wine Challenge in London. They are also a Halliday 5 star rated winery.
The Abbey Vineyard
In the mid-1980s, John Parker and Doug Balnaves identified the best locations on Coonawarra’s famed ‘cigar strip’ of Terra Rossa soil to establish a vineyard and winery. The 50ha property was purchased from the Abbey family and the new vineyard's mandate was "quality without compromise".
In 1985 they planted their first vines sourced from the 19th Century-planted vines at Reynella which most likely derive from the first 1837 imports of cabernet sauvignon from Bordeaux.
Langton’s ‘Excellent’ classification for the 'First Growth' Cabernet Sauvignon places them among an elite group of Australian wineries to receive this acknowledgment for winemaking excellence.
