Rainy weather did not dampen the Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers festivities on the weekend, with the event warming up the region this July.
Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Hugh Koch said cellar doors were busy not only on the weekend but throughout the week as well.
“I have had commentary from some of the wineries that last week was much busier than the week before, certainly compared to what we have had in June, so the event is certainly driving people to Coonawarra which is excellent,” he said.
“I think the theme over the whole weekend really was, again, people being able to come along and try some of the older wines, and that was a great encouragement for people.
“People can try wines that are drinking beautifully in 10 years but will see they are drinkable now as well.
“If you are trying some current releases, they are as good a drinking now with the freshness and then there are some subtle differences in the little bit of age to the wine which is just lovely.
“To have them open is really special, and to have all the wineries doing it, how good is that, it is such a treat.
“It is lovely to be able to share it with people too because it is a very special place, it is actually a very special experience for many.
“Also, that interaction with our people, you hear it all the time, people come and they love to hear the stories of Coonawarra.”
As Cellar Dwellers moves to the middle of its month-long program, there are plenty more events to pencil into the calendar.
This Friday is the much-anticipated Coonawarra Combined Wineries Back Vintage Tasting Showcase, where 15 producers come together at Hollick Estates to showcase a range of superb back-vintage wines.
“We are probably anticipating up to 80 people will come to that event, which is excellent, a fair few of them following up with a dinner at Hollick afterwards and then some of the other activities which are going on, so that is tremendous,” Mr Koch said.
“I think the beauty of this event too, which is different to a cabernet weekend, is the back vintages are both red and white wines.
“Some of those subtle differences of our rieslings, chardonnays and sauvignon blancs are really lovely to have a look at over a journey.
“To be able to discuss those with winemakers and representatives there is a great opportunity.”
On Thursday afternoon, visit Zema Estate for ‘Musing in the Museum’ for an informative tasting in their museum area and a light grazing platter.
This weekend, warm up with a mulled wine at Balnaves of Coonawarra and indulge in a degustation dinner celebrating truffles at the peak of their season at Ottelia.
In Mount Gambier, join Leconfield Coonawarra chief winemaker Paul Gordon and chef Kirby Shearing at Elementary by Soul Co for a six-course degustation dinner.
“It is fantastic to be able to bring Coonawarra to other parts of the region as well,” Mr Koch said.
People are spoilt for choice throughout July, with cellar doors hosting daily tastings and continuous events each weekend.
“It might be a bit of a wet and wintry year in July so far, but this weekend is forecasted for a little bit of rain at the start but then clearing and the rest of this week is clearing as well,” Mr Koch said.
“It will be great to get out, have a look around, come on out to Coonawarra and have a try and while you are there, fill your boot.”
Visit coonawarra.org to view the program and book tickets to events.
