Coonawarra vignerons to raid their cellars for back vintages

Coonawarra vignerons will be scouring their cellars for older gems when the annual Cellar Dwellers festival returns next month. 

Coonawarra’s wineries are inviting wine lovers to discover treasures from their cellars with back vintage drops and special museum-release wines on offer for tasting during the July event. 

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

“Cellar Dwellers offers something truly special - you’re not just tasting wine, you’re experiencing the history and heart of Coonawarra," says Heidi Guyett, events and marketing officer for Coonawarra Vignerons. 

"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.  

“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. It’s all designed to showcase the depth and warmth of our region - one sip and one story at a time.”

The Cellar Dwellers Back Vintage Tasting Showcase will be held on Friday, July 18, bringing together up to 15 Coonawarra producers to showcase their older 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," says Guyett. 

"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 wines being showcased is available on the coonawarra.org website.

For those wanting to make a night of it, Guyett recommends rounding out the experience with dinner at the award-winning Pipers of Penola. 

Full event details here: https://coonawarra.org/cellar-dwellers-july-2025/

Image: Tasting at Zema Estate

Head for the Hills for a winter red wine celebration

Calling all red wine lovers. 

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region has released details of this year’s Winter Reds wine festival to be held on the last weekend of July, from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28.

It is expected that thousands of winter revellers will flock to the Adelaide Hills - just a 10-minute drive from Adelaide - to enjoy a program of events celebrating the region's medium-bodied red wines

Think live music and DJs with a relaxed party atmosphere, along with some hearty winter food offerings. 

“Here in the Adelaide Hills, we don’t just tolerate winter, we embrace it,” says Alex Trescowthick, president of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region.

“We are blessed with a cool climate which allows the creation of beautiful, elegant red wines. Adelaide Hills is the only wine region in South Australia where top-quality pinot noir can be grown, and syrah from Adelaide Hills is highly regarded by wine connoisseurs. 

"We are also at the forefront of varieties such as gamay, nebbiolo, tempranillo and cabernet franc.

"You can explore our reds any time of the year, but it is a lot more fun to gather with like-minded friendly folks around a cosy fire at the Winter Reds festival.

“Being the middle of winter, essential clothing for attending Winter Reds is a big warm coat and comfortable boots, which is where the partnership with SA boot maker Rossi is perfect.” 

Event sponsor Rossi Boots is a South Australian boot manufacturer founded in 1910 by Arthur Rossiter. Rossi. 

There are over 30 participating venues with many tickets costing as little as $20 per person.

Possession of a branded Adelaide Hills Wine Region glass is essential for entry and is included in the $20 general admission ticket price.

Full details and booking links for Winter Red events are at www.adelaidehillswine.com.au or www.winterreds.com.au. 

Image: Ben MacMahon