Coonawarra will come alive this weekend as wineries unite to host an array of events for the community to enjoy offering a blend of food, music and great wine as part of the highly anticipated Coonawarra After Dark event.
In celebration of the 2018 Coonawarra vintage, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Zema Estate, Brands Laira Coonawarra and Raidis Estate will be among wineries to host events.
In its 15th Year, the After Dark weeke
nd fun begins this Friday at 5pm, continuing through to late Saturday evening.
DiGiorgio Family Wines will kick-start the festivities, providing a traditional vintage stomp where teams will compete for glory. The first team to fill two bottles of wine will be crowned the winner and receive $1000 in prize money. “Our vintage stomp has been the curtain raiser for Coonawarra After Dark since the event started some time ago”. Frank DiGiorgio said.
Hundreds of people of all ages gather to enjoy food, wine and company while waiting in anticipation for the fun of the stomp to begin. “Its a lot of fun and very competitive, we love the whole atmosphere of the night and the fact that people can move between the wineries throughout the course of Friday evening to the other events being held- for more food, wine and music”.
Francesca Zema will again lead her team in the production of her authentic family-style pizzas at Zema Estate.
Artist Shaun Brown will entertain crowds with his guitar skills, while a range of Coonawarra reds and whites will be on offer either by the glass or the bottle throughout the evening. “It is a fantastic atmosphere to be part of as there is a buzz all around due to the excitement of vintage”. Zema Sales and Marketing manager Kate O’Connell said. “Its a great celebration”.
Those seeking something different can “wined-it-up” at Brand’s Laira, where popular Musician Rhys Crimmin will provide his blues and raggae music in the winery. Fish and Chips, and handcrafted brownies will be on offer, with craft beer and Brand’s Laira wines flowing for all to enjoy.
A shuttle bus service will run during Friday night’s events. For a nominal fee, attendees can have unlimited travel on the night between participating wineries and the Penola township. The first bus departs the Prince of Wales Hotel car park at 5:30pm.
Saturday evening’s perennial favourite is Chris’ Charcoal Grill with true Greek Flair, accompanied by live music by Kingsley George band, with Raidis Estate Wine and The Cide Project’s craft beer and cider range on offer.
A return bus from Mount Gambier is available, departing the Target car park at 5:30pm and returning to Mount Gambier from Raidis Estate at 11pm. Bookings are required in advance.
