Fillies, fashion & fine wine

In what is a highlight on the summer country racing calendar, the 43rd annual Coonawarra Vignerons Cup returns to the Penola Racecourse on January 17, with Teys premium brand 36° South Beef returning as presenting partners for the prestigious event.

Traditionally hosted on a Thursday, the 2025 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day is trialling a Friday fixture for this year’s event, a move welcomed by the event organisers.

Coonawarra Vignerons event and marketing officer Heidi Guyett was excited for the change of day which promised to appeal to a greater audience.

“The event has been well supported in past years on the Thursday, however we envisage that the Friday will open greater possibility for even more punters to attend, leading directly into the weekend,” Ms Guyett said.

“We’ve taken the opportunity with this change of day, to also to push back the Marquee start time allowing racegoers coming from outside of the immediate Penola/ Coonawarra area more time to get ready and travel to the event, whilst not missing out on the key elements that make the day so enjoyable.”

The event was officially launched in the presence of member representatives of the Coonawarra Vignerons, together with patrons, event sponsors, partners and dignitaries, on October 30, at Rymill Coonawarra with the unveiling of the cup trophy marking the return of the 2025 Race Day.

It is the sixth year 36 Degrees South Beef has been the race day’s Presenting Partner and Teys Australia Naracoorte training manager Martin Charrington said it was an honour for Teys’ flagship brand to partner with the Coonawarra Wine Region for this prestigious event.

“Like Coonawarra’s fine wines, our premium range of high-quality Australian beef is carefully crafted, delivering deep, rich, full flavoured beef every time,” he said. “We’re passionate about our Southern Australian provenance and given we are perfectly located on the doorstep of the celebrated Coonawarra wine region, it makes absolute sense to continue this fabulous partnership.”.

The much-anticipated Marquee event will offer a sit down luncheon featuring 36° South Beef, with six hour Coonawarra Wine package and an afternoon full of fun and entertainment including fashions in the marquee, imperial wine auctions, a super sweep, live music and thoroughbred racing action.

It is anticipated that more than 500 guests will attend the exclusive Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee for a day of indulgence.

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

Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Hugh Koch said the event would not be possible without the support of the events sponsors – Grand Events, Frost Boss, AP John Coopers, South West Freight, Bull Bros/ Hallet Concrete, Nurtrien Ag Solutions Penola, Elders Naracoorte, MCC Labels, BOC, Mulbarton Compost, Hansen Design and Print, Hahn Corporation, Wattle Range Council and presenting partners 36o South”.

“The synergy between premium beef, sourced from our region, paired with Coonawarra’s world class wines, lends itself to this magnificent partnership and highlights the outstanding local produce we have available,” Mr Koch said.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.coonawarra.org

Eager race goers can also take advantage of buses running from Mount Gambier, Naracoorte & Robe.