Heaven  sent

Could there be anything more heavenly than a wine region with a saintly blessing? I’m talking about the Coonawarra, known by some for premium cabernet sauvignon wine, but by others for being the home of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first and only saint. Saint Mary MacKillop lived in Penola, a tiny town in the heart of SA’s Limestone Coast. It’s a pretty spot with a lovely, lively community very proud of its past.

Petticoat Lane is a prime example. It’s one of the prettiest streets in Penola and one of the most important. Lined with historic cottages, old English-style gardens and even petticoats hanging on old clothes lines, the Lane is a nod to Penola’s history. The Heritage-listed homes are much loved by the locals — so much so that one has a thriving community vegetable garden. Volunteers make sure it’s planted year-round