The 40th Annual 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup is set to be held under sunny skies at the Penola Racecourse today with an exciting eight-race fixture.

Despite the cancellation of the Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee event due to COVID, there is still a great day on offer for the general public.

There will be lots of tables, chairs and umbrellas spread out across the vast lawn area out in the fresh air, so people can enjoy the event while social distancing and keeping COVID safe.

The dining room is booked out, which was limited to 40 people due to capacity restrictions and the Coopers tent is also fully booked.

The first race will commence at 12.45pm and the final race will be held at 5pm.

The much-anticipated 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup feature race is Race Six, held at 3.50pm.

A complimentary shuttle bus will make two trips to pick people up from the Royal Oak Hotel and the Prince of Wales Hotel, with the first bus leaving at 11.45am and the second at 12.15pm.

The bus will make return trips in the evening after the races are finished.

Penola Racing Club Secretary Belinda Holland said they are hoping for a crowd at the event.

“It’s our biggest event of the year, however it has gone a bit haywire with all the COVID that’s around the Limestone Coast,” she said.

“We’re continuing even though we have not got the big marquee, it looks like it’s going to be quite a nice day and it does mean a lot to us.”

Gates open at 11am and tickets will be available at the gate or via Moshtix.

People must have had at least one COVID vaccine to attend the event.