The annual Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations wrapped up the festivities on the weekend, after a successful month celebrating all things food and wine in the heart of the Coonawarra.

Each weekend throughout October guests were given the opportunity to indulge in fine wines at various Coonawarra wineries while soaking up the spring weather.

There was something for everyone with events that delighted families, foodies and wine connoisseurs alike.

Coonawarra Vignerons Executive Officer Ockert Le Roux said although attendance was reduced due to the Victorian border closures, the event received a great community response and fantastic support from South Australian residents including many from Mount Gambier and Adelaide.

“We still had a lot of freedom, we could still travel in our own state, we still had greater freedoms than most other states and we were very privileged to have celebrated Cabernet in our own successful way,” he said.

“So many people could still attend within the state and I think that’s a big plus.

“My biggest wish for next year is that we can have our mates from Victoria back in our region.”

Mr Le Roux hoped next year they would host events at full capacity.

“We remain optimistic that 2022 will, almost, present a full celebration,” he said.

“We’ll stay hopeful, we’ll stay positive and I think it’s achievable, I genuinely believe that.”

Mr Le Roux said winery staff were delighted to have guests visiting their cellar doors, enjoying a glass of red and having a great time together.

He was grateful they could hold the event after a difficult 19 months of COVID restrictions and border closures.

“I think the highlight was the Coonawarra demonstrated that we could hold a successful event despite the pandemic restrictions of the past 19 months,” he said.

“I want to thank everyone that during the hard times they persevered, that’s one of the other trademarks of the Coonawarra, people will give it their everything.”