Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra review: This hidden gem is the perfect stop halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide

The Place

Like John Williamson's 'Home among the gum trees', Bellwether is set among the blonde, grassy plains of the Coonawarra wine region with the Limestone Coast's trademark ancient red gums (their sweeping branches said to protect the vines), with a sheep or two and a kangaroo. Central to the grounds is the shearing shed built by Chinese immigrants in 1868 en route to Victoria during the Gold Rush. It was a working shed until 2009 when it was converted into the boutique eco-winery you see today. With grapes selected from vineyards around Australia, owner Sue Bell creates exceptional wines on site, and with her friendly team manage a restaurant for guests and a rustic performance space. Its huge, socially-distanced grounds have glamping tents plus sites for regular campers.

The Location

One of the first wineries to hit on the Adelaide side of Riddoch Highway, Bellwether is a no-brainer for wine-lovers as a base for wine tasting trips. The Coonawarra's wineries are found along this stretch of road, the region's famous terra rossa soil forming a narrow, cigar-shaped strip 27 kilometres long, renowned for its cabernet sauvignon. Crucially, it's also the halfway point between Melbourne and Adelaide, making it an excellent spot to break up the journey.

The Space

The former woolshed is an eclectic and inviting space, with the winery and tasting room separated by a large kitchen. Large family-sized tables and wooden chairs rest on Turkish carpets, with wine barrels filling one side of the room and the rest interspersed with remnants that pay homage to the building's former life as a shearing shed. Outside, a shared kitchen and several spaces for bonfires encourage interaction with other guests; as does the bottle of wine with every booking. Adding to the charm and character are vegetable gardens and sunflowers, a few random sheep, a couple of quiet dogs, a small herd of highland cows and a friendly donkey called Gerado.

The Room

The glamping tents keep to the theme of the shearing history, with shearer's cast iron beds, thermal woollen quilts and underlays from Minijumbuk in Naracoorte to keep things warm, while tents are made from breathable canvas. The one shocking thing about this region is that it gets cold at night (even in summer) so the rooms are equipped with camp heaters. Lights, towels, extra blankets, reading materials, deck chairs and (crucially) wine glasses are provided. A nice way to relax is to soak up the early morning rays from the "balcony" which faces towards a huge paddock full of sheep, cockatoos and kookaburras.

The Food