PENOLA’S population will swell tomorrow as around 3000 spectators head trackside for the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup.
One of the state’s richest country race meets at $20,000, punters are expected to travel from across South Australia and western Victoria for the event which remains a highlight on the district’s community calendar.
Born from humble beginnings, the cup is now the biggest event for the Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI) and a main fixture for Penola Racing Club.
CGWI president Pete Balnaves said the association was proud to host the event at the Penola Racecourse.
“The course is a credit to the club members,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic racing facility and the perfect venue for our biggest event of the year,” Mr Balnaves said.
“The cup is not only huge for the region’s vignerons but also for Penola and Coonawarra.
“It brings people from across the state and the country to region which is really important for the growth of Penola and Coonawarra.”
Cup committee chair Tim Bailey said the event was a way of thanking everyone involved in the wine industry.
“We host everyone we partner with throughout all levels of grape growing and wine making,” he said.
“People usually come down a day or two before the races, which gives the vignerons a chance to immerse their guests in the region and really get a feel for Coonawarra.
“It’s so important and we could not put something like this on without the help of everyone in the committee, the CGWI and the Penola Racing Club.”
With a 42 degree day for last year’s event, tomorrow’s forecast of 34 degrees with possible light showers looks marginally better.
“Rain or shine, we’ll be having a great day tomorrow,” Mr Bailey said.
“We can pretty much handle any kind of weather and tomorrow is looking like a great day, so we’re really looking forward to it.”
The day will kick off at 9.30am with over 700 guests in the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Marquee enjoying breakfast trackside followed by an official welcome by Mr Bailey.
Punters in the sold-out marquee will also have the opportunity to take part in the Imperial Auction with eight 6L bottles of Coonawarra’s finest wine up for grabs.
“I think it’s really unique to the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup to have the Imperial Auction,” Mr Bailey said.
“Most wineries do not produce bottles of this size, so to get your hands on one of them is something pretty special.”
Presented in a bespoke wooden box and specially labelled for the cup, a number of wineries will present their high-rating vintages for the auction.
Two beautifully crafted A P John Coopers’ barrels will also be auctioned.
Fashions will also be held in the marquee, with prizes for best dressed female, best dressed male and best millinery.
Mr Balnaves said CGWI will also name two new patrons on the day who highlight long-term commitment to the association and its endeavours.
In addition to the Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee, racegoers will also enjoy a sit down luncheon in the sold-out Coopers Winning Post Marquee.
General admission tickets for the race day are $15, concession tickets are $10 and children aged under 16 receive free entry.
For more information visit www.theracessa.com.au.
