Katnook was the site of wine pioneer John Riddoch’s first commercial Coonawarra vintage in 1896. In 1980, the second chapter began when wine was again crafted in Riddoch’s original winery by Wayne Stehbens. He was one of the longest serving winemakers in Australia. Wayne was responsible for a string of remarkable achievements such as twice winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy, as well as a double trophy at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2003. Accomplished winemaker, Tim Heath, assumed the role of Senior Winemaker in June 2018. Set in the centre of Coonawarra’s grape growing district, a short distance from the town of Penola, Katnook occupies vineyard sites on the famed Terra Rossa strip of the region. Katnook aims to make wines which show subtlety, intrigue and complexity. Reflecting the essence of Coonawarra’s terroir is integral to Katnook's winemaking approach. Cabernet Sauvignon is the undoubted hero of the Coonawarra region, however other red varietals such as Shiraz and Merlot are equally impressive.
