John and Faye Parker established Parker Coonawarra Estate in 1985. The Hesketh family acquired the winery in 2013. The Parkers' intention to showcase Coonawarra's terra rossa soils in their wines remains fundamental.

Parker Coonawarra Estate's Abbey Vineyard is at the southern end of Coonawarra. The region's terra rossa is largely rich aeolian clay over limestone. It is the oldest of the Limestone Coast soils and one of the most renowned Cabernet growing locations of the New World. Parker Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is planted from Australian Reynella vine cuttings, sourced from Bordeaux before phylloxera decimated the vineyards of France in the late 1800s.

Parker Coonawarra Estate's lead is First Growth Cabernet, only released in years deemed to have excellent ageing potential. Limited release 95 Block is another highlight. Terra Rossa label wines are exclusively estate grown.