Celebrate, Educate & Activate Your Senses
1-18 OCTOBER
Celebrate spring in the heart of Australia's premier Cabernet Sauvignon region during Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations, returning across three vibrant weekends in 2026.
Discover a program bursting with food, wine and tourism experiences celebrating Coonawarra's iconic Cabernet Sauvignon. From exclusive tastings, vineyard tours and masterclasses to long lunches, winemaker dinners, live music and family-friendly activities, there's something for every visitor to enjoy.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a day trip, immerse yourself in world-class wines, genuine country hospitality and unforgettable regional experiences as you celebrate, educate and activate your senses in Coonawarra this October.
Browse the program below and start planning your perfect Cabernet getaway.
Choose from over 40 free and ticketed tastings and events 1-18 October in various venues.
CHECK OUT THE PROGAMME & DISCOVER WHAT'S ON
SPECIAL EVENTS
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
Hitch a ride with our Hop on- Hop off service
Kick back and leave the driving to someone else this October!
Operating exclusively on Saturdays - 3RD, 10TH & 17TH October
Set off from Mount Gambier or board in the Penola Township to make a day of it in Coonawarra.
Bus departs 10.00am from The Globe Hotel, Mount Gambier, before commencing it's hourly loops in Coonawarra Wine Region, departing the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.
The CCC Day pass is valid for unlimited travel throughout the day.
Return trip commences 4pm from wineries.
Tickets from $23.50 per person. Kids U/16 travel free (must be accompanied by Adult Ticket Holder).
Shuttle bus tickets must be purchased ONLINE in advance of boarding.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Make a weekend of Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations and stay a little longer!
For the easiest access to dining establishments, cellar doors and events base yourself in Coonawarra or Penola and stay right amongst the action.
From cosy cottages and glamping tents, to motels, apartments and caravan accommodation, there are options to suit a range of budgets and travel styles.
October weekends are popular, so we recommend booking early.
Find your perfect base and make the most of your spring escape.
Can’t find a bed locally? Don’t let that stop you.
Both Naracoorte and Mount Gambier are within 30 minutes drive of Penola/Coonawarra and make a fabulous bases for your Cabernet Celebrations getaway, with plenty of accommodation, dining and attractions to explore along the way.
Or, if you’re keen to combine Cabernet with a coastal stay, the seaside towns of Robe, Beachport, Kingston or Port McDonnell offer the best of both worlds — spend the day amongst the vines before retreating to the coast for fresh sea air, great food and a change of scenery.
Stay a little longer and make a Limestone Coast escape of it!
WIN A DOZEN COONAWARRA FINE WINES!!
Go into the draw to win 1 OF 2 mixed Coonawarra wine packs valued in excess of $350!
All you have to do is complete an event survey and share your feedback with us. Simply pick up an event survey entry form at one of our participating wineries OR complete the survey online.
Your feedback is important and will help event organisers in evaluating Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations and support future planning of the event.
Survey entries open from 1 October 2026 and closes 10am Friday 6 November 2026.
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is proudly sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission, through the Regional Events Fund.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Coonawarra Vignerons and its members acknowledge the Pinechunga people as the traditional custodians of the Land on which we live, work and gather to present the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Festival. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and ongoing connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
