The Imperial Wine Auction will once again take centre stage as one of the most anticipated features of the 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day, offering guests and collectors across the country a rare opportunity to bid on exceptional large-format wines from some of the region’s most esteemed producers.
Held as part of the exclusive Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Marquee on Friday 16 January 2026, the auction coincides with the 44th running of the iconic race day and will see eight 6 Litre imperial wines go under the hammer. Carefully curated, the 2026 catalogue spans standout vintages from 2006 to 2021, showcasing the depth, longevity and pedigree for which Coonawarra wines are internationally renowned.
Coonawarra Vignerons Marketing and Events Manager Heidi Guyett said wine collectors across the country have every reason to be excited about the auction.
“The Imperial Wine Auction is consistently one of the most talked-about highlights of the day. These are truly special wines — one-off imperials presented in bespoke velvet-lined display cases and labelled exclusively for the 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup, making them highly sought after collector’s items,” Mrs Guyett said.
Adding to their appeal, many of the imperials will be personally signed by the winemaker or producer on the day, offering successful bidders a unique connection to the people and stories behind the wines.
The calibre of wines featured in the 2026 auction further reinforces its prestige.
This year’s line-up includes the iconic 2012 Wynns ‘Michael’ Shiraz, a wine consistently lauded by critics and show judges and widely regarded as one of Coonawarra’s benchmark Shiraz releases and the 2010 Balnaves ‘The Tally’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a flagship wine that has featured prominently in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, recognised for its pedigree, collectability and exceptional cellaring potential.
Also featuring is Zema Estate’s 2018 Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that reflects the Zema family’s deep generational ties to Coonawarra. Produced only in standout vintages, the Family Selection is widely respected for its balance, elegance and ageing potential, making it a fitting addition to the 2026 catalogue.
Together with the remaining imperials, the auction represents a carefully selected line-up of highly awarded and critically respected wines from leading Coonawarra producers, each chosen for its provenance, pedigree and longevity. The Auction presents an exceptional opportunity to secure wines that exemplify the quality and reputation of the Coonawarra wine region.
Long-time Cup Day supporter and Managing Director of DiGiorgio Family Wines, Frank DiGiorgio, said the auction is a highlight for both producers and patrons.
“The Imperial Auction presents a rare chance to purchase large-format wines from some of Coonawarra’s most respected producers — wines that are not commercially available in this format. It’s a privilege for those bidding on these spectacular wines and a fitting celebration of the region’s winemaking credentials,” Mr DiGiorgio said.
A limited release 6 Litre DiGiorgio Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon will also go under the hammer, produced in 2021 – a vintage that has been heralded region wide as one of the most outstanding on record.
The Imperial Wine Auction will take place at approximately 3.00pm (ACST) within the Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee at the Penola Racecourse, with registered bidders able to participate via phone bidding.
With imperials historically fetching prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, strong interest and spirited bidding is anticipated once again in 2026.
FEATURED WINES:
• Balnaves of Coonawarra – 2010 ‘The Tally’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• Bellwether – 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
• DiGiorgio Family Wines – 2021 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
• Raidis Estate – 2016 ‘The Trip’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Riddoch Coonawarra – 2021 ‘The Author’ Cabernet Sauvignon
• St Hugo – 2012 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
• Wynns Coonawarra Estate – 2012 Michael Shiraz
• Zema Estate – 2018 Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Interested participants are encouraged to submit their registration of interest online [https://coonawarra.org/coonawarracup2026/imperial-auction] to go in the running to partake via phone during the live auction proceedings.
Registrations close 12noon Wednesday 14 January 2026.
Two beautifully crafted A.P John Coopers’ barrels will also be auctioned, available exclusively to ticket holders at the live event.
For those looking to secure a ticket to the live event marquee package tickets are available for $250pp including 2 Course Luncheon and 6 hour Coonawarra wine buffet 11am-5pm. Get your tickets here
