PUNTERS from across the country converged on Penola and Coonawarra last week to enjoy the 2019 Coonawarra Vignerons Cup.
Both the Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee and the Coopers Winning Post Marquee were sold out with others filling the trackside area to get a glimpse of the racing action.
Inside the Vignerons tent, guests were treated to a day of entertainment including live music, a super sweep and a wine auction.
Former wine communicator of the year Jane Ferrari was Master of Ceremonies for the day, providing loads of laughs between races.
The imperial auction raised a whopping $25,800 to continue Coonawarra wine region grape grower, winemaker and community support.
Overseen by Naracoorte’s Miles Pfitzner, the entertaining auction reached an average of $2812 per bottle – up on last year’s $2063 – and the highest bidder walked away with the Parker Coonawarra Estate 2010 First Growth cabernet sauvignon imperial at $5200.
Another highlight of the day was the Fashions in the Marquee.
Ashlee Kalantarian and Kate Hastings judged the competition is three categories.
Peter Guyett won the best dressed male category with his navy suit and fresh floral lapel, best millinery went to Naomi McShane for her red detailed crown and the best dressed female honour went to Laura Lewis, who was contemporary and on trend in her floral dress and matching turban.
Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Olivia Nunn said the event would not be possible without the support of sponsors, volunteers and attendees alike.
“A great number of those who joined us in 2019 have now shared this day for over 30 years and this is a credit to the cup committee, who volunteer their time to create a program that has something for everyone,” she said.
“We would like to take the time to thank everyone, as without them the cup would not have grown to the success we now experience.”
