The Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations have officially kicked off, bringing barrels of fun to the renowned Coonawarra wine region in the Limestone Coast during October.
Spring is in the air and the wines will be flowing throughout an exceptional program, which includes over 80 vibrant events such as wine tasting experiences, masterclasses, gorgeous dinners, family outings, and much more.
“Members and wineries have gone to a lot of effort to offer a variety of events for both people who are discovering wine for the first time and wine tasting experiences for wine aficionados, along with events that appeal to families,” Coonawarra Vignerons Events and Marketing Officer Heidi Guyett says.
The month-long event is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the Coonawarra wine community, including the winemakers themselves, so you can meet the faces behind your favourite wines.
“The beauty of Cabernet Celebrations is it still has a great element of intimacy about it; we are not expecting thousands of people at any one event. You will most definitely have the chance to meet a winemaker, the viticulturists, the people pouring the wines are likely the ones who are here day in day out,” Heidi says.
Cabernet Sauvignon is Coonawarra’s flagship wine and is the most commonly grown variety in the region. The Cabernet Celebrations will showcase its drinkability, elegance, and versatility, plus all its other varietals: we’re talking Cabernet Franc, blending it with Shiraz, Cabernet Rose, and more.
“We’re showcasing what Coonawarra does very well which is our Cab Sav, it is the feature element of this event, but it is by no means restricted to this variety,” Heidi says.
Heidi says people are encouraged to come for the day and stay for the weekend, book accommodation, and soak up the warm and welcoming atmosphere Coonawarra is so well known for.
“We want people to wine, dine, and graze their days away- we appreciate for those based in metro and surrounds that it isn’t a short drive up the hill, so if you’re going to make the time make sure you come along, settle in, take the time to enjoy and indulge, meet the winemakers and the community,” she says.
“The wineries have gone to great efforts to diversify their offerings and ensure events suit a wide range of visitors to really enable people to not only come for that single day, but the ensure them that there is enough to stay a few days and really make the most of it.”
“Once you’re here there’s plenty to enjoy, plenty to explore, make the most of the time, get out and about.”
Many of the wineries have expansive and stunning lawn areas which are perfect for the kids to have a run around while the adults kick back and relax with a glass of wine.
The Family Feast is making a comeback after 3 years, a roving wining and dining experience where you will visit Redman for entrée, DiGiorgio Family Wines for mains, and Zema Estate for the last course, with perfectly paired wines at each.
A highlight of the program each year is the Coonawarra Combined Wineries Cabernet Decade(nce) Tasting hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons, where 15 producers will come together and showcase a current release alongside a wine 10 years or older, followed by a dinner at Ottelia.
To get around the region on the weekend, jump aboard the ‘hop on, hop off’ shuttle bus, which will transport you around for just $20. You can set your own agenda- just choose where you’d like to go and jump off from there.
The Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is supported by the SATC regional events grant funding program. Learn more about the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations here.
WHAT: Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations.
WHERE: All throughout the Coonawarra wine region, Limestone Coast.
WHEN: September 29th – October 30th.
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