Zema Estate: A Legacy from Calabria to Coonawarra

Founded in 1982 in the renowned Coonawarra region, Zema Estate reflects the rich Italian heritage of the Zema family, which dates back to the 1800s. Over the past four decades, the winery has gained a reputation for producing exceptional Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, consistently delivering quality that withstands the challenges of varying vintages and seasons.

The Zema family's commitment to excellence is evident in their meticulous approach to winemaking, which includes hand pruning, careful fruit selection, and a deep respect for the unique terroir of Coonawarra.

Commitment to Tradition and Quality

Zema Estate stands out as one of the few wineries in Coonawarra that still practices hand pruning, with family members actively involved in vineyard management. The Zema family, who immigrated from Italy in 1953, brought with them a wealth of traditional vineyard knowledge and practices that continue to shape their winemaking philosophy.

Estate and Family Selection Wines

The Estate range showcases vibrant varietal flavors, featuring notes of blackcurrant, coffee, and mint in the Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside the cherry-plum sweetness of the Shiraz. The hand-selected fruit undergoes gentle processing in the winery, followed by 14 months of maturation in small French and American barrels, allowing the flavors to harmonize with toasty oak. After two years of bottle aging, these wines are ready for smooth enjoyment.

The Family Selection represents the pinnacle of Zema's offerings, crafted from the finest fruit sourced from their three vineyard locations. These wines undergo controlled fermentation, with part barrel fermentation to enhance complexity. The Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 24 months in premium French oak, while the Shiraz spends 22 months in a blend of French and American oak, followed by three years in bottle. This range is characterized by its richness, complexity, and potential for cellaring, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts.

Experiences to book at Zema Estate

Top reviews

Annette Pulkkinen
June 11, 2024
Enjoyed a lovely lunch with our family at the Winery and a tasting. It was very busy which was good to see people out and about enjoying what Zema had to offer. The staff were lovely and the food was awesome! Thanks 😊
Veli Stankovic
July 13, 2024
We walked into a reasonably busy Cellar door but Bev was still very inviting and entertaining. They don’t charge for most of their tastings which shows the confidence in their quality. Great work Zema, and thanks to Bev for making it an experience.

Location

Location 14944 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra, SA, 5263, Australia

Spoken Languages

Services

Reduced Mobility Access
Kids Activities
Pets Allowed
Parking
Bus Parking
Campervan Parking - $0

Visiting Hours

Monday - Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday - Sunday
10:00 - 16:00

Wine types

Red Wine
White Wine
Rose Wine
Orange Wine
Sparkling Wine
Sweet Wine
Fortified Wine
Spirits

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
Malbec
Cabernet Franc
Sauvignon Blanc

Other wineries in South Australia

Visitor reviews

What our community thinks about Zema Estate

Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at Zema Estate.

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Reviews (6)

Annette Wilson
Reviewed on February 28, 2025

Wow! The wines here are amazing 😍. The rosè tastes like strawberries and cream and the reds are bold and flavourful. Worth a stop - will come here again 👌🍷🍷

Review provided by Google

Trisha Szabo
Reviewed on November 27, 2024

We had an absolutely fantastic experience at the Zema Estate cellar door! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with such friendly and welcoming service. The staff member was knowledgeable and attentive, making the wine-tasting experience both enjoyable and informative. Delicious choice of wines paired perfectly with a yummy cheese platter, added a lovely touch to the entire visit. The warm atmosphere and genuine hospitality really stood out, and we left not only with some amazing bottles of wine but also with smiles on our faces. Zema is definitely a must-visit if you're in the area!

Review provided by Google

Sam Cartuyvels
Reviewed on September 15, 2024

My partner and I visited the estate for wine tasting. We had such a great time and the host Courtney treated us amazingly. Thank you again for the lovely experience!

Review provided by Google

Veli Stankovic
Reviewed on July 13, 2024

We walked into a reasonably busy Cellar door but Bev was still very inviting and entertaining. They don’t charge for most of their tastings which shows the confidence in their quality. Great work Zema, and thanks to Bev for making it an experience.

Review provided by Google

Annette Pulkkinen
Reviewed on June 11, 2024

Enjoyed a lovely lunch with our family at the Winery and a tasting. It was very busy which was good to see people out and about enjoying what Zema had to offer. The staff were lovely and the food was awesome! Thanks 😊

Review provided by Google

Frequently Asked Questions about Zema Estate

Where is Zema Estate located?

Zema Estate is located in Coonawarra, Australia

What type of wines does Zema Estate produce?

Zema Estate produces Red Wine, White Wine, Rose Wine, Orange Wine, Sparkling Wine, Sweet Wine, Fortified Wine, Spirits.

What grape varieties do they plant at Zema Estate?

At Zema Estate, they cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc.

What languages do they speak at the Zema Estate?

At Zema Estate they speak English.

Do they produce organic wines at Zema Estate?

No, Zema Estate is not an organic wine producer.