Pipers of Penola

Set inside a restored historic Methodist church, Pipers of Penola is the natural finale to a day touring Coonawarra cellar doors. Erika and Simon Bowen run the floor and kitchen with practiced ease, pairing an extensive regional and international cellar with a tight, focused menu. Regulars point to starters like roast beetroot with star anise confit orange and Shadows of blue cheese, or seared scallops before cutting into a superb eye fillet or the occasional 600g Wagyu cut. Floor staff know bottle vintages inside out and keep glasses poured without fuss or intrusion. Round it out with a side of potato dauphinoise, followed by sticky date or an affogato.