July will host a month-long festival of “cellarbrations” as the Coonawarra Vignerons host their annual Cellar Dwellers event.
Locals and visitors are being invited to visit Coonawarra during July and be treated to a rare opportunity to taste and buy “back vintage”, cellared wines.
Those attending will be able to experience the superior ageing ability of Coonawarra wines, as wineries dust off rare cellar treasures that are otherwise not available for day to day tasting.
The month-long celebration will feature more than 50 events and activities, including exclusive wine tastings, degustation dinner events, long lunches, chocolate and wine pairing and cooking classes.
All aim to showcase the breadth of beautiful wines, emerging food credentials, and the warmth and hospitality that is so Coonawarra.
Free and ticketed tastings and events with be held in various venues, with 2024 marking the 20th anniversary of the festival.
To mark the milestone, the Coonawarra Vignerons will host a 20th anniversary gala dinner at Parker Estate on July 27.
Guests will be able to join the Coonawarra wine community in ‘cellarbrating’ the occasion in style, featuring a decadent menu with exquisite 20-year-old wines.
This exclusive dinner event will be a night to remember as during the evening three esteemed Coonawarra Vignerons patrons will be inducted, in a ceremony which will highlight the contributions of each to the Coonawarra wine region.
Guests will be able to enjoy their stories and savour cellared wines of significance.
Current release and back vintage wines will be on offer throughout the evening.
Earlier in the month there will also be a Back Vintage tasting and dinner at Hollicks Estate, featuring 15 producers and 30 wines.
Purchase a ticket to join up to 15 Coonawarra wineries in one location for one night only, as winemakers and vignerons gather to showcase the superior ageing ability of Coonawarra wines.
Not just limited to the region’s signature variety Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll discover how the characteristics of red and white wine varieties change and develop over time.
The evening will feature wines from Banks Thargo, Balnaves of Coonawarra, Billy Brand, Brand & Sons, Brand’s Laira, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Hollick Estates, Koonara, Majella, Parker Estate, Patrick of Coonawarra, Redmans, Whistle Post, Yalumba and Zema Estate.
Guest chef Ian Perry will oversee the special dinner on July 12, crafting a two course menu to delight.
There will also be a host of other events celebrating the region, with local wineries showcasing their vintages at a range of gatherings.
And those visiting the region for the event are also encouraged to secure their Coonawarra passport.
Visit at least five participating wineries, taste their museum release, have your trail passport stamped at the cellar door and hand your completed passport into the last participating winery to go into the competition.
The winner will receive a mixed half dozen of Coonawarra wine valued at over $200.
Visit https://coonawarra.org/cellar-dwellers-july-2024/ to learn more about the event, or to download the Cellar Dwellers brochure.
