Coonawarra Regional Cabernet Decadence Tasting has long been a feature event in the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations program, bringing together a suite of winemakers and producers to showcase the signature variety of the region in a collaborative event.
This year the event returns on Saturday 18th October for an afternoon of tasting with 14 wineries including: Banks Thargo Wines, Blok Coonawarra Estate, Brand’s Laira Coonawarra, Katnook Coonawarra, Ladbroke Grove Wines, Leconfield Coonawarra, Lindeman’s Wines, Parker Coonawarra Estate, Patrick of Coonawarra , Raidis Estate, Rymill Coonawarra, Wynns Coonawarra, Yalumba & Zema Estate Wines.
Heidi Eldridge, Coonawarra Vignerons Acting Executive Officer and Marketing and Event Manager said the event offers red wine lovers the opportunity to taste a multitude of wines from a collection of Coonawarra cellar doors in one convenient location. “The Cabernet [Decade]nce Wine Tasting is a fantastic example of Coonawarra wineries co-presenting and bringing together winemakers and producers from across the region. It aims to showcase the superior ageing ability of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, with decade old, cellared wines being served alongside its current release counterpart.”
Like many of the events being featured during October the intent is for attendees to active and educate their senses with total Cabernet immersion. “Locals and visitors to the region are invited to attend the event for a unique and exclusive opportunity to meet and chat with winemakers whilst tasting their wines and comparing cellared wines with current releases. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover how the characteristics of Coonawarra Cabernet changes and develops over the years, displaying a true testament to longevity.” Ms Eldridge said.
Typically hosted on a Friday evening the rescheduling of the event to Saturday 17th October came as a result of the withdrawal of several events that would otherwise have featured on the heritage “Back to our Roots” weekend of the festival program.
Organisers are hoping that the move from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon will allow for a greater audience to attend the event. “We have considered that many people are often still travelling to the region on a Friday evening ahead of the weekend, and hope that those that have previously missed out on the event will be able to join us at the new time slot on Saturday afternoon. It will be a great way to end a day of wine touring in Coonawarra”.
The format of the event has also changed slightly with a seated approach being taken and numbers capped to ensure a COVID safe delivery. Bookings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
The Regional Cabernet [Decade]nce Tasting will be guided by Luke Tocaciu, Director and Winemaker of Patrick of Coonawarra. The event kicks off from 3pm at Raidis Estate and will feature approximately 30 Coonawarra Cabernet wines from the 14 attending wineries. Tickets can be purchased online via the Coonawarra.org website.
For those staying on for the weekend, and all weekends throughout October a shuttle bus (hop on, hop off) will be operating from Penola, travelling the Coonawarra Strip to help visitors travel between wineries responsibly at $20pp per day, call 1800 861 190 to pre book.
