Vignerons unveil cellar treasures

COONAWARRA wineries are inviting wine lovers to discover treasures from Coonawarra’s cellars this July with back vintage drops and special museum release wines on offer for tasting during the annual Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers month.

The month-long celebration is designed to attract visitors during the quieter winter season, transforming it into an ideal time to explore the region at a relaxed pace.

With matched food offerings, exclusive behind-the-scenes winery tours, and intimate winemaker dinners, winter in Coonawarra becomes a season of warmth, flavour, and discovery.

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 was excited to welcome wine lovers to the region for Cellar Dwellers in 2025.

“Cellar Dwellers offers something truly special—you’re not just tasting wine, you’re experiencing the history and heart of Coonawarra,” Mrs Guyett said. “Whether it’s sipping a beautifully aged vintage rarely seen outside the region, sharing a meal with the winemaker who crafted it, or enjoying a relaxed afternoon by the fire with a glass in hand, each event offers a genuine connection to the place and the people behind the wines.

“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 Guyett, the 2025 program is diverse and immensely intimate, curated from a collection of unique and bespoke winery experiences that capture the spirit of Coonawarra.

Among the activities to feature include themed wine trails, winemaker brunches, lunches and dinners, daily slow-cooked food pairings, behind-the-scenes winery tours, and intimate fireside tastings.

“The cornerstone of the event is the opportunity to taste treasured back-vintage wines from our cellar doors, offering a rare chance to compare them with current releases,” she said. “It’s all designed to showcase the depth and warmth of our region—one sip and one story at a time.”

One standout event not to be missed is the Cellar Dwellers Back Vintage Tasting Showcase, returning on Friday, July 18, which brings together up to 15 Coonawarra producers to showcase their wines.

“It’s a special evening where wine lovers can taste up to 30 aged wines from a collective of Coonawarra producers—all under one roof, for one night only. This walk-around tasting is a rare chance to explore the evolution of both red and white varieties, from Riesling and Chardonnay to Merlot, Shiraz, and of course, our iconic Cabernet Sauvignon.”

A full list of the wine’s being showcased is available on the coonawarra.org website.

“What makes this event so appealing is the diversity—it’s not just about one wine 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. 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 rounding out the experience with dinner at the award-winning Pipers of Penola—a perfect pairing for an unforgettable evening.

To see what else is happening during July, including an overview of events and tastings, view the Cellar Dwellers event page at https://coonawarra.org/cellar-dwellers-july-2025/