The annual Coonawarra After Dark DiGiorgio Vintage Stomp has been cancelled for the first time ever this year.
DiGiorgio brand ambassador Anna DiGiorgio said on the weekend 10-20mm of rain was forecast for Friday after 3pm and said the decision to cancel the event was “gut-wrenching”.
“On the weekend we knew the weather was not looking great, but we had to make a call on the weekend given we also had deadlines, because we have to let the businesses know who are participating because they need to organise themselves too,” Ms DiGiorgio said.
“You have to look at it from an organisation point of view where you are looking forward to planning and making sure everything goes to plan and having everything in place for making the event fantastic.
“Not just for us, but for those who come to participate, those who come to spectate and enjoy the time, but even more importantly for all the stakeholders who put their time and effort into making the event a success.
“It was the most difficult decision to make because it is an amazing event, we love it, it has a beautiful community feel, it is the start of our vintage celebration with the whole community and all the other wineries and vignerons.
“The teams are not only having fun, but we are also donating to the winner’s charity or community club of choice.”
Ms DiGiorgio said cancelling was a difficult decision because there was lots of hard work in preparation during the lead-up to the event.
“We are very gutted that we had to cancel, given the change in weather now, but at some point, you have to make the call,” she said.
“If it does not rain, then it is a blessing for everyone else because it means everyone has a lovely sunny day and the wineries get to harvest their fruit.”
Ms DiGiorgio said everyone had been understanding and thanked everyone for their support.
“We are so pumped for next year and hoping Mother Nature is kind to us and does not give us another difficult decision and allows us to put on a bigger and better vintage stomp in 2024,” she said.
“Thank you to our teams that registered, and all the people involved that have always made the event fantastic, we are looking forward to seeing everybody next year.”
The After Dark celebrations will still go ahead on Saturday night at the Raidis Estate Cellar Door for Chris’ Charcoal Grill.
Chris Raidis will fire up the charcoal grill to cook his signature dishes including charcoal-grilled pork shaslicks and pita, Greek salad and rice, garlic beans and tzatziki.
People can enjoy wine, beer and cider in the large undercover area and local band Suburban Henry will bring the live tunes.
Visit coonawarra.org for further information.
