Elisabeth Champion
It’s time to don your best clothes and head to the races, with the Coonawarra event of the year, the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup, on next Thursday, January 11.
The event, which attracts hundreds of people to the Penola Racecourse each year will be as big as always with an eight race line-up, fashions in the marquee and of course, local wines.
Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer Heidi Guyett said it was going to be a great day.
“Our marquee event is obviously the platinum marquee trackside event of the day with premium hospitality and we’re expecting to host over 500 guests on Thursday in the wonderfully air conditioned marquee,” she said.
“We’ve got a forecast of 29 degrees, a perfect summer day to enjoy a race day in wine country.
“Of course, the big highlight of the day in the marquee is the compilation of all the activities as well as the Coonawarra wine bar, obviously fashions in the marquee.”
The wine auction will once again offer up an opportunity to own some of Coonawarra’s top drops.
“We have eight Imperials, one of which dates back to 2002, so back vintage wine,” Mrs Guyett said.
“We have what was awarded the world’s best Cabernet this year at the International Wine challenge, the 2021 Riddoch Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon, that has been bottled in a Magnum format as well for this auction, so that’s a real draw card as well and there’s certainly a bottle that will be well sought after.”
There will be plenty of chances for some bets, with an eight race program on the cards.
Ms Guyett said the marquee had been very popular this year, with tickets selling fast.
“This year, as far as what the Penola Racing Club is offering, our marquee is the single marquee which can be booked into by the public with the absence of the dining room catering,” she said.
“So for those that are still looking for a seated event, ours is the one to book and we have limited tickets remaining as far as our capacity for this year.”
There are still tickets for the marquee for those looking to spend the day in style, but they are limited so get in quick.
General admission is open to all, and Mrs Guyett encouraged everyone to come along.
“It will be a great summer’s day out, racing starts just before 1pm” she said.
“Marquee guests will be on the track at 9.30, ready for a sparkling breakfast, which of course a huge highlight.
“There’s not many race days where people are on course and already getting into the festive spirit from the morning.
“So there’ll be a lot of activity on course, and a great vibe in here hopefully with that wonderful weather.”
For more information, or to book marquee tickets, visit coonawarra.org
