Coonawarra to turn on the country cabernet charm

Coonawarra is an Australian wine region inextricably linked to cabernet sauvignon. 

Each spring, the sleepy South Australian district comes alive with Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations returning from October 1-18, bringing together three vibrant weekends of wine, food, music and regional experiences.

Celebrating Coonawarra’s signature variety, this year’s festival features over 40 free and ticketed experiences across the region, inviting visitors to meet the makers, explore the vineyards and cellar doors. 

Coonawarra Vignerons Acting Executive Officer Heidi Guyett says the program of events provides a perfect reason to make an effort to visit. 

“October is a fantastic time to experience Coonawarra," she said.

"The vineyards are bursting back to life, the days are getting longer and there’s a wonderful energy throughout the region.” 

One of the highlights of the Cabernet Celebrations program is the intimacy of the events and the opportunity this provides for people to meet the makers and the families at the heart of the wine community.

“Aside from tasting the exquisite wines of the region, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and dine with winemakers, viticulturists and boutique winery owners, go behind the scenes in the winery

and even sample wines that are yet to be officially released, all the while learning about the process

and the passion that goes into Coonawarra’s famed wines,” Guyett added.

The celebrations begin over the October Labour Day Long Weekend, with the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day teeing off at Penola Golf Course on Friday,  October 2.

The event combines golf with sparkling cabernet, regional food and wine, with teams competing for the coveted Champion Team red jackets. 

Across the long weekend, visitors can also roll up their sleeves for past making and lunch with the DiGiorgio Family, take a guided vineyard tour at Rymill Coonawarra, enjoy sparkling cabernet at sunset at Balnaves, or settle in for live music, pizza and family-friendly festivities at wineries across the region.

New to the festival in 2026, the Coonawarra Community Markets will make their Cabernet Celebrations debut on Sunday, October 4, showcasing fresh local produce, hand-made and hand-crafted goods, artisan wares and Coonawarra wines. 

The weekend of October 9-11 sees visitors invited visitors to Blend It Up, with Cabernet Gin in the spotlight at Parker Estate, Cocktails on the Deck on offer at Brand’s Laira, and a relaxed afternoon of pizza and live music at Zema Estate among the diverse offerings.

The festival culminates with a feature-packed final weekend, led by the Cabernet Decade[nce] Tasting and Dinner on Friday, October 16.  Around 15 Coonawarra producers will come together at Wynns Coonawarra Estate for a one-night-only tasting showcasing cabernet sauvignon with age, followed by an optional degustation dinner at the excellent Ottelia Restaurant.

Saturday, October 17 offers reasons to linger, with Yalumba’s cooper demonstration at the Menzies Coonawarra property set to be a highlight among traditional offerings including Bowen Estate’s En Primeur, a special Decade of Majella Cabernet vertical tasting and Prof’s Paella at Majella.

Making it easier to explore the region, the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations hop on-hop off shuttle bus will operate each Saturday. 

Visitors are encouraged to book early, particularly for ticketed events and accommodation. 

For the full program of events and to book tickets, visit https://coonawarra.org/ccc-october-2026/

Coonawarra kicks off a month-long wine party

 

The entire month of October is a time of celebration in the Coonawarra wine region.

October sees the return of the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations - a month-long festival dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Coonawarra’s renowned flagship variety cabernet sauvignon.

Running until October 31, the festival features more than 50 events hosted by wineries and cellar doors across the region. 

From intimate tasting experiences to family-friendly activities, live music, and indulgent long lunches, this year’s program is truly diverse.

“Eventgoers can expect a diverse and dynamic program ranging from family-friendly entertainment to indulgent fine-wine experiences," says Heidi Guyett, Coonawarra Vignerons Events and Marketing Officer. 

"From hands-on workshops and high-end dinners, to relaxed family days on the lawn, the celebrations are about more than just wine - they’re about community, discovery and connection. 

"The event draws visitors from across the country who come to explore the wines, the people and the places that make Coonawarra unique.” 

Among the events to feature in this year’s program is Raidis Estate’s Murder in the Vines – Mystery Dinner, blending theatrical fun with the history of Coonawarra. and the Woof & Wine Walk, combining activities for mans best friend and wine lovers alike.

“Aside from tasting the exquisite wines of the region, visitors will have the opportunity to dine and 
meet with winemakers, viticulturists and boutique winery owners, go behind the scenes in the winery and even sample wines that are yet to be officially released, all the while learning about the process and the passion that goes into Coonawarra’s famed wines,” Guyett said.

The festivities will open in with the ever-popular Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day on October 3.

The Labour Day long weekend that follows sets the scene for a family fiesta, with live music, wood-
fired pizzas, outdoor cinema, lawn games and country hospitality. 

At Zema Estate, Mrs Zema’s homemade pizzas are on the menu served up with live tunes, while Hollick Estate will transform its vineyard into an open-air cinema, screening the Broadway hit Wicked under the stars.

Check out the festival page on the Coonawarra.org website.