Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is back for 2019. One of South Australia’s best regional wine-based festivals it is the largest of its kind in the Limestone Coast, hosting over 60 unique events across 4 weeks. The event is made possible by South Australian Tourism Commission through Events South Australia and we thank them for their generous support with funding made available through the 2019-20 Regional Events and Festival Program.
The month-long event kicks off on Tuesday 1 October with tastings running throughout October. A highlight on the wine region’s event calendar, the month is designed to showcase and celebrate the Coonawarra wine region’s signature red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Olivia Nunn, Executive Officer of Coonawarra Vignerons said over the course of the month, there will be plenty of opportunities for wine lovers, foodies and families alike to discover Coonawarra, whilst enjoying our world-class wines, country hospitality and sense of community.
“It is a great showcase and collaborative effort of our members with 25 of our member wineries hosting events and up to 33 member wineries involved in the regional events. The Cabernet [Decade]nce Tasting is a good example of 20 wineries co-presenting and a great opportunity for us to provide an authentic in region tasting.” said Ms Nunn. The Cabernet [Decade]nce Tasting is one of the feature events in the calendar and will be guided by Luke Tocaciu, Director and Winemaker of Patrick of Coonawarra. Over 20 wineries and their winemakers gather in one location to taste and compare decade old wines with current releases from a large selection of Coonawarra producers.
Marketing and Events Officer at Coonawarra Vignerons, Heidi Eldridge is excited to share the vast array of events that are on offer. ‘’This year’s program is jam-packed full of events taking place throughout our region. Special cellar door wine tastings, brunches, lunches, vineyard tours, dinners and Sunday sessions will showcase the regions burgeoning food credentials, and music talent, whilst the iconic events: Coonawarra Masterclass, and the Cabernet [Decade]nce Wine Tasting, will bring together the best the region has to offer to active and educate your senses with total cabernet immersion!” said Ms Eldridge.
Masterclass co-host and Lindeman’s Winemaker, Brett Sharpe, said “This year’s masterclass is one not to be missed showcasing Australia’s gift to the world of wine – Cabernet Shiraz.” Brett will be joined by Matthew Jukes, UK wine writer and co-founder of the Great Australian Red Wine Show, respectively they have 30 years of experience in the wine industry guiding this tasting. What an inspiring way to learn more about the Great Australian Blend in the iconic Wynns Gables.
The Coonawarra Golf Day returns as a feature event in the October program and will kick off the first of four weekends of events. “Teams of four are invited to come along and tee off with who’s who of Coonawarra, in a day of social, but competitive golf, at the picturesque Penola Golf Course.” Ms Eldridge said. This year we are excited to have Hit 96.1 and 963 Triple M joining us as our presenting partner, with Hit 96.1’s Mitchell and Michael set to make an appearance. Teams will be vying for a chance to wear the coveted perpetual ‘Red Jackets’, along with other prizes throughout the day.
A shuttle bus (hop on, hop off) will be operating from Penola, travelling the Coonawarra Strip throughout the four weekends of October to help visitors travel between wineries affordably at $10pp per day, call 1800 861 190 to pre book. Check out our full CALENDAR OF EVENTS and View the PDF EVENT PROGRAMME.
With spring in full flight, there’s no better time to soak up Coonawarra. Take the time to celebrate, educate + activate your senses from 1 to 31 October 2019.