The 2025 Coonawarra Vintage was declared open in smashing fashion last week, with a crowd of over 80 people gathering at the iconic Coonawarra Siding to herald in the new season.
The ceremony brought together Coonawarra and district community members, wine industry stakeholders and dignitaries to celebrate the significance of the harvest in Coonawarra.
This year marks a milestone of 130 years since the first vintage was commissioned by John Riddoch, Coonawarra’s founding father.
Renowned author, historian and great grandson of Mr Riddoch, Peter Rymill, was in attendance to share and reflect on the circumstances surrounding that very first vintage 130 years ago.
Mr Rymill added that Mr Riddoch told a group of grape-growers and visitors that “This sample is all that could be desired at the present stage, and when mature, will be a wine of very high quality”.
Peter Rymill’s address was followed by the echo of bagpipes, a nod to his great grandfather a proud Scotsman, performed by Neil McLean.
Coonawarra Vignerons’ executive officer Hugh Koch emphasised the importance of vintage, not only to the Coonawarra community, but for the national economy.
“Vintage in Coonawarra is more than when a wine’s grapes are harvested. It heralds the anniversary of a new year in Coonawarra, where we reflect and say goodbye to the previous season,” he said.
“As a community it is the commencement of the economic driver that sustains our economy, creates our jobs, gives us our services, drives our visitation, and continues to put us on the map as one of the most pre-eminent wine regions of the world.
“A new vintage also allows us to reflect on our past years, the people that have laboured and led the development of Coonawarra.”
On what was a glorious Autumn morning, attendees were treated to a stomping and smashing spectacular.
Taking centre stage on the iconic Coonawarra Siding Platform was Wattle Range Council Community Development Manager Nicole Croser, Wine Media Cadet from Wine Communicators Australia (WCA) Teri van Aalst and UK tourist Simon Spedding, who all kicked off their shoes to take part in a traditional grape stomp.
Patrons Sue Hodder and Bruce Redman marked the occasion by smashing a bottle of last year’s Coonawarra vintage to symbolise the conclusion of the 2024 season, and to christen the new vintage.
“Traditionally a wine bottle is broken over a ship’s hull before its maiden voyage and to wish it good luck for a successful journey,” Mr Koch said.
“It is only appropriate that we adapt that tradition by creating one of our own, to symbolise the christening of the 2025 vintage (V25) and to wish our producers well, in the conditions and circumstances be the very best to allow Coonawarra ‘smooth sailing’ in harvesting and crafting the most premium wines possible.”
Limestone Coast touring specialist from Coonawarra Experiences Simon Meares praised the organisers on the event, extending particular thanks for the opportunity for one of his tour guests to join in the grape stomp.
“What a tremendous event not only for the Coonawarra Community, but for the visitors amongst us who were fortunate enough to be here to witness this celebration and to participate,” he said.
“Our UK tour guests, the Speddings, are certainly never going to forget this remarkable experience, a sure highlight of their Australian trip.”
Aldinga based WCA Media Cadet Teri van Aalst also sang praises of the experience which saw her participate in the ceremony.
“It was very special to be a part of this celebration and to experience the of spirit of this community,” she said.
“The atmosphere, combined with the bagpipes was just priceless. I wish all the growers, producers and winemakers well for this season.”
