Popular journalist & author to headline brunch

THE Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival committee is excited to announce that the guest author at the 2026 Literary Brunch in May will be Indira Naidoo – award winning journalist and author.

Festival committee member Rachell Cheyne said organiser were thrilled to be welcoming Indira Naidoo to Coonawarra on May 17 to speak at the Literary Brunch at Ottelia Wines in Coonawarra.

Indiara Naidoo is one of Australia’s most popular broadcasters and authors and currently hosts the TV show Compass on ABC.

During her 30-year award winning journalistic career she hosted and reported for some of the countries most distinguished news and current affairs programs, including ABC Radio’s Weekend Nightlife.

A passionate advocate for environmental and food sustainability issues, Indira is the author of the bestselling book ‘The Edible Balcony’ and ‘The Edible City’ and has designed award winning gardens while helping community groups build their own food gardens.

Indira’s latest book is The Space Between the Stars: on love, loss and the magical power of nature to heal.

Festival committee member Luke Gahan said the brunch was one of the most popular events at the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival.

“We are so excited to not only be hosting it again at the award-winning restaurant Ottelia Wines with a brunch designed by chef Paul Stone, we will be also joined by Katie Spain, a journalist, wine writer and author herself, who tells stories with heart, to host the brunch,” he said.

The two-course brunch designed by head chef Paul Stone, includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from Cuvée-Co Wines.

“What a treat to have Indira share her stories and experiences together in conversation with us over the morning with delectable treats at Ottelia, Coonawarra,” Rachell said. “This event will sell out once again, so get in early.”

The 2026 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival Program was recently launched, both in hard copy and online and can be viewed by visiting: www.artsfestival.com.au