Celebrating Coonawarra cabernet

The Coonawarra Wine Region launched its annual Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide on Friday 30 August in the presence of media, industry representatives, dignitaries and wine enthusiasts.

A highlight on the South Australian event calendar, the spring time festival is designed to showcase and celebrate Coonawarra’s signature variety, Cabernet Sauvignon – for which it is globally renowned, and boasts a program of over 50 events across October.

The festival’s launch by South Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison MP coincided with Coonawarra’s metropolitan Wine Tasting Roadshow event that hosted over 300 attendees at Australia’s home of wine. The launch was opened with South Australia’s very own ‘singing cook’ Michelle Pearson who serenaded guests with a taste of her Comfort Food Cabaret performance, which will feature in the Cabernet Celebrations program.

The program focuses attention on the sublime Cabernet wines being produced in the Coonawarra Wine Region, emphasising the elegance, drinkability and aging ability of Coonawarra Cabernet’s, whilst also highlighting the evolution and versatility of the variety.

Hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons and its member wineries, Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations commences from 1st October through to the 20th October with special events and bespoke tastings experiences on offer at cellar doors, restaurants and wineries across the region.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said Coonawarra is a tourism gem of the Limestone Coast, and our state, and the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Wine Festival showcases exactly why.

“I encourage visitors to linger longer in this beautiful region this October for the world-class wine, food and hospitality – and discover some of the reasons why South Australia is the national leader in ‘good food and wine’.

It is wonderful to support the festival through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund, helping deliver an enhanced festival experience and draw crowds to the region from locally and interstate.”

Heidi Guyett, Events & Marketing Coordinator of Coonawarra Vignerons said there will be plenty of opportunities for wine aficionados, foodies and visitors alike to explore and experience Coonawarra, whilst enjoying the world-class wines, country hospitality and sense of community the region offers.

“This year’s program features over 50 food and wine experiences to be enjoyed at venues across the region. From pizza and pasta days, to high end wine dinners, vertical tastings to blending sessions, winery tours, masterclasses, and long lunches, Coonawarra’s wineries will offer visitors (and locals alike) the opportunity to experience and discover the best of the region.”

“With a range of renowned wineries offering up events throughout October, there is no shortage of activities to celebrate, activate and educate your senses” Mrs Guyett said.

first weekend will see the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day and Family Fiesta theme kick off the festival, coinciding with South Australia’s Labour Day Long weekend on Friday 4 – Monday 7 October.

The Coonawarra Golf Day will serve as the opening event on Friday and after the success of last year’s fully subscribed event, it is anticipated that a full contingency of up to 36 teams will take to the greens in the 4 player Team Ambrose event at the picturesque Penola Golf Course.

The celebrations will ramp up over the weekend with Pizza and Tunes at Raidis Estate, Koonara -Toast morning mimosa’s and Turk-bey Street Food at Katnook Estate on Saturday 5th October. The following weeks will see themes around blending wine and the marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon with other varieties and a weekend tribute to the original festival.

One of the highlights in the 2024 festival program is the Combined Wineries Cabernet Decade[nce] Tasting, which has long been a highlight in the festival program. The collective showcase, hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons Association, brings together 15 producers and winemakers in one location to taste and compare wines 10 years and older alongside current release Cabernets.

“Not all of Coonawarra’s producers have cellar doors, so this is a great opportunity for them to be involved in the program, to showcase their signature wines and introduce their range to the attending wine lovers.” Mrs Guyett said.

“This year’s showcase will be hosted at Wynns, downstairs in the historic cellar, on Friday 18th October, followed by a decadent dinner at the nearby Ottelia Restaurant,” Guyett added.

The International Cabernet Masterclass also returns as a feature event in the October program and is already proving to be a highly sought after event. Hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons, Coonawarra winemaker’s Lauren Hansen (Penley Estate) and Sue Bell (Bellwether wines) are joining forces to guide a fascinating Compass of Cabernet masterclass exploring the North, South, East and West of Global Cabernet.

“This tasting will feature 12 wines that epitomise varietal and regional identity by exploring and comparing the North, South, East and West of Global Cabernet – still the most important wine varietal on the planet.” Ms Bell said.

For those venturing to the region, navigating your way around Coonawarra is a breeze with the region’s cellar doors all scattered along one stretch of road, and a shuttle bus hop-on hop- off service is available each weekend of October to transport festivalgoers to and from events. Tickets for the service can be booked online, and prospective passengers are encouraged to secure their seat in advance.

The festival is supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission through the Regional Events Fund.

With spring in full flight, there’s no better time to soak up Coonawarra. Take the time to celebrate, educate + activate your senses this October. For more information and to view the program of events, visit www.coonawarra.org