THE region will come alive this weekend as wineries unite to host an array of events for the community to enjoy offering good food, music and great wine as part of the highly anticipated Coonawarra After Dark event.
In celebration of the 2018 Coonawarra vintage, Digiorgio Family Wines, Zema Estate, Brands Laira Coonawarra and Raidis Estate will be among wineries to host events.
In its 15th year, the after dark weekend fun begins on Friday at 5pm and finishes late on Saturday.
Digiorgio Family Wines will kick-start the festivities, providing a traditional vintage stomp where teams will compete for glory.
The first to fill up two bottles of wine will be crowned the winner and receive $1000 in prize money .
“Our vintage stomp has been the curtain raiser for Coonawarra After Dark since the event started some time ago,” Frank DiGiorgio said.
He said hundreds of people of all ages gathered to enjoy food, wine and company, while waiting in anticipation for the fun of the stomp to begin.
“It’s a lot of fun and very competitive, we love the whole atmosphere of the night and the fact people can choose to stay on or easily move on to the other Friday night events for more food, wine and live music,” Mr DiGiorgio said.
Francesca Zema will again lead her team in the production of the popular family-style pizzas at Zema Estate.
Artist Shaun Brown will entertain crowds with his guitar skills while a range of reds and whites will be on offer either by the glass or bottle throughout the evening.
“It is a fantastic atmosphere to be part of as there is a buzz all around due to the start of vintage,” Zema Estate sales and marketing manager Kate OcOnnell said.
“It is a great celebration.”
Those seeking something different can “wined it up” at Brands Laira, where popular musician Rhys Crimmin will provide his blues and reggae music in the winery.
Fish and chips, and hand crafted brownies will be on offer, with craft beer and Brand’s Laira wines flowing for all to enjoy.
A shuttle bus service will runn during Friday night’s events.
For a nominal fee, patrons can have unlimited travel on the night between participating wineries and Penola.
The first bus departs the Prince of Wales Hotel car park at 5.30pm.
Saturday evening’s perennial favourite is the charcoal grill by Chris Raidis, from Raidis Estate.
Chris will prepar his quintessential charcoal grill with true Greek flair, accompanied by live music by Kingsley George band, with Raidis Estate Wine and The Cide Project’s craft beer and cider range on offer.
A return bus from Mount Gambier is available, departing the Target car park at 5.30pm and leaving Raidis Estate at 11pm.
Bookings are required in advance.
A program of events is available at www.coonawarra.org or any regional visitor information centre.
