Coonawarra is a leading small wine region within the Limestone Coast zone of South Australia well known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon which grows on the specific red coloured rich in iron soil called Terra Rossa. It is a relatively young region planted with vines in the 1950s and has played a leading role in the transformation of the Australian wine industry as it evolved from making fortified wines to conventional table wines. Alongside the outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, the Coonawarra produces excellent Shiraz, Malbec, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The region has a maritime climate only 60 km from the cool Tasman Sea which has cold Antarctic winds causing trouble with Spring frost. The advantage is during the hot Summer where it brings cool breezes from the sea and extending the ripening season resulting in the richness and the complexity of the wines.