Day change a success for popular racing event

The 43rd Annual 36oSouth Coonawarra Vignerons Cup has once again proven to be a resounding success, with racegoers and punters flocking to the Penola Racecourse last month.

The Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee took centre stage at the summer race day, featuring as the ‘place to be’ for the ultimate day of indulgence with 600 guests gathering in the exclusive Platinum Marquee to celebrate one of the region’s most anticipated events.

The event attracted attendees from all over the country, with guests traveling from as far afield as Darwin.

Master of Ceremonies Steven Leszczynski, a passionate supporter of the wine industry and wine writer, also ventured from Queensland to attend the event.

He was beyond impressed with how it had evolved since his last appearance over five years ago, praising the generosity of the Coonawarra community.

“What an epic event! The atmosphere, the quality of the offering—food, wine, and racing action—and the community spirit! This event is truly something special, and the organisers should be commended on hosting such a tremendous day,” Mr Leszczynski said.

The sell-out marquee event provided the perfect backdrop for a day of high fashion, fine wine, and thrilling racing action with the event moving to a Friday for the first time in its history.

Highlights included the ever-popular ‘Fashions in the Marquee’ competition, where attendees showcased their style and creativity in front of Limestone Coast styling specialists Kellie Nobes of Kellie Nobes Styling and Ashlee Kalantarian of A’EL ESTE, who were tasked with selecting the standout winners, in what was a hotly contested competition.

“The level of effort and creativity displayed by all participants was truly remarkable,” Kellie said. “It was an absolute pleasure to judge this year’s competition alongside Ashlee Kalantarian. The winners have set a new benchmark for elegance and originality.”

The 2025 ‘Fashions in the Marquee’ winners collectively took home $800 worth of fabulous prizes and were presented on stage with a sash for their respective category.

Best Dressed Female of the day went to Amber Garden who had travelled from the Northern Territory to attend the event. Best Dressed Male went to Peter Milne who took home two Coonawarra Wine Magnums, while the Best Millinery title was awarded to fellow guest Annee Meek.

The People’s Choice category was hotly contested with the applause of the engaged audience determining the outright winner, with local Penola resident Karly Honner claiming back-to-back wins.

Beyond the fashion, guests in the marquee enjoyed premium Coonawarra wines, delectable cuisine, and a spectacular view of the racetrack, cementing the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup as a standout event on South Australia’s social and sporting calendar.

The luncheon, catered by Adelaide-based catering company Blanco, was another highlight of the day.

Featuring the premium product of major sponsor Teys 36oSouth Beef, the menu perfectly showcased the exceptional produce of the Coonawarra region.

The pairing of this renowned beef with Coonawarra wines further celebrated the region’s diverse and premium offerings.

The height of the event was reached with the Imperial Wine Auction capturing the attention of wine lovers in the marquee, raising just shy of $20K on the day.

Presented in a bespoke velvet-lined, jarrah display case crafted by JBR Joinery, eight 6Litre imperial wines went under the hammer, with some fierce bidding seeing the overall auction total raise just shy of $20K.

Each imperial was signed by the respective winemaker or family winery owner on the day before being handed over to the purchaser with the imperial wines averaged a sale price of $2440.

The eight-race program also delivered excitement for the punters, with the 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup race taken out by FAROOQ, ridden by Jockey Jacob Opperman.

Placings from 1st through to 3rd in the Cup race were rewarded richly in the Marquee, with the Coonawarra Vignerons Super Sweep awarding the successful first place ticket holder $3000 in winnings.

Celebrations continued throughout the day with local musician Shaun Brown keeping the energy going with a dance floor of epic proportion.

Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer Heidi Guyett was thrilled with the overall delivery of the event, which was well received from all in attendance

“It is so wonderful to be a part of this fabulous day. It has grown from such humble beginnings to feature as a major draw card event for our region,” Mrs Guyett said. “There is an immense amount of work that goes into the preparations of an event of this magnitude, but it is very rewarding to see it all come together.

“Not only is it a great day out, there’s also the added perk for punters to rub shoulders with Coonawarra wine royalty – the winemakers, viticulturists, winery staff and boutique winery owners. The event is a highlight for our entire wine community.”

The Coonawarra Vignerons extend their gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the day.

PRESENTING PARTNER: 36°South || DIAMOND SPONSOR: Grand Events Hire & Styling || PLATINUM SPONSOR: Good Food & Wine || GOLD SPONSORS: Nutrien Ag Solutions Penola, Frost Boss, Bull Bros. + Hallet Concrete, AP John Coopers, South West Freight || SILVER SPONSORS: MCC Premium Label Solutions, Elders Naracoorte, Hahn Corporation, Mulbarton Compost, Hansen Design & Print, BOC Gases and Wattle Range Council

The Coonawarra Vignerons now await the date confirmation of the 2026 event from Racing SA and look forward to welcoming back guests for the 44th Annual Coonawarra Vignerons Cup next January.