Cellar doors offering unique experiences

THIS month, Coonawarra’s annual Cellar Dwellers celebration returns with a month-long program of rare museum wines, intimate cellar door experiences and a collection of fireside, after-dark and seasonal experiences designed to showcase the region at its most atmospheric.

Running throughout July, Cellar Dwellers invites visitors to slow down, rug up and experience a different side of Coonawarra, where crackling fires, hearty regional fare, warm hospitality and beautifully aged wines combine to create the perfect winter escape.

From vertical tastings and museum wine releases to long-table dinners, stargazing beneath some of Australia’s clearest night skies, mulled wine by the fire and family-friendly experiences, the 2026 program offers more than 40 unique reasons to visit.

While Coonawarra is internationally recognised for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar Dwellers celebrates the remarkable ageing potential of the region’s full portfolio of wines, including Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling.

The cooler temperatures also make it perfect for lingering over bold reds by the fire, enjoying hearty regional cuisine, and connecting more personally with winemakers. Far from being a dormant time, winter in Coonawarra is full of charm and rich, rewarding wine experiences.

Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer Heidi Guyett said Cellar Dwellers continues to evolve while remaining true to its original purpose—celebrating wines that reward patience.

“Cellar Dwellers has always been about championing wines from the cellar and inviting guests to experience and discover just how well Coonawarra’s wines age, when given the time,” Mrs Guyett said. “This year we’ve expanded that concept with Winter Embrace—inviting guests not only to discover beautifully aged wines, but to immerse themselves in everything that makes winter in Coonawarra so memorable.

“Whether you’re enjoying a museum Cabernet beside a roaring fire, tasting mulled wine in a bubble tent, exploring the stars above the vineyards or sharing stories with the very people who crafted the wines, every experience has been designed to celebrate the season.

“Winter is arguably Coonawarra’s best-kept secret. Crackling fires, cosy cellar doors, hearty regional fare and world-class red wines create the perfect setting for a weekend escape.

“It’s a chance to slow down, savour the stories in every bottle, and discover what makes Coonawarra so unique. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey, there’s something here for everyone.”

According to Mrs Guyett, the 2026 program is diverse and immensely intimate, curated from a collection of unique and bespoke winery experiences that capture the spirit of Coonawarra.

One of the program’s signature events remains the Cellar Dwellers Back Vintage Tasting, returning to Parker Estate on Friday, July 17.

The walk-around tasting brings together a dozen Coonawarra producers under one roof, offering event attendees the rare opportunity to compare museum and back-vintage wines from across the region in a single evening.

“What makes this event so appealing is the diversity—it’s not just about one wine variety or one winery,” Mrs Guyett said. “You’ll experience the collective story of Coonawarra’s winemaking talent and the remarkable ageing potential of our wines, not limited to its reds. Plus, the warmth and hospitality of the region shine through in every conversation and every pour.

For those wanting to make a night of it, it is highly recommended to round out the experience with a tantalising dinner catered by resident Chef Darce Kentish (St Bees)—a perfect pairing for an unforgettable evening.

Another of the events turning heads (skyward) this year is Constellations and Cluny presented by Zema Estate, which is shaping up to be a standout experience in the program, combining hearty winter hospitality, premium Coonawarra wine and guided stargazing beneath some of Australia’s clearest night skies.

The broader Cellar Dwellers program showcases the diversity of Coonawarra through a series of intimate winery-hosted experiences including, museum and back vintage wine flights, seasonal food pairings, long-table dinners hosted by Coonawarra winemakers, mulled wine, bubble tents and outdoor fire pits, along with daily cellar door experiences throughout July.

Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it by exploring the region’s boutique accommodation, cafés, restaurants and heritage attractions while discovering why winter is one of Coonawarra’s most rewarding seasons.

Located just over the Victorian border, Coonawarra offers Western Victorian and South Australian travellers an easy winter getaway, combining premium wine, regional food and genuine country hospitality.

While Cellar Dwellers attracts wine lovers from across Australia, it’s equally an invitation for locals to embrace winter on their doorstep.

Whether revisiting a favourite winery or discovering one for the first time, the month-long program offers plenty of reasons for Limestone Coast residents to get out, explore and celebrate the remarkable experiences available right here in Coonawarra.

The Cellar Dwellers Passport promotion also returns throughout July, encouraging visitors to explore multiple cellar doors for the chance to win premium Coonawarra wine prizes. Cellar Dwellers runs from July 1-31.

The full program, event bookings and downloadable guide are available at: https://coonawarra.org/cellar-dwellers-2026/