A celebration of all things Coonawarra is ready to kick off its 20th year this July.
Organised by Coonawarra Vignerons, Cellar Dwellers is a month long affair designed to highlight the exceptional cellaring ability of Coonawarra Wines, with wine lovers invited to discover treasures from Coonawarra’s cellars.
Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer Heidi Guyett said she was excited for the anniversary event.
“It’s a very special time of the year when Coonawarra Cellar Doors bring out some truly outstanding wines to provide the public with some memorable tasting experiences that only occur in July,” she said.
“This year in particular is a special one, with 2024 marking the 20th anniversary of the month long event – what better way to acknowledge the milestone than to feature wines dating back to 2004, the inaugural year of Cellar Dwellers.”
Ms Guyett said the 2024 program would see the return of several popular food and wine events, alongside a range of unique cellar door tasting experiences.
“We are excited to be able to deliver a robust program of events this year, with everything from exclusive museum wine tastings to winemaker dinners, behind the scenes tours and long lunches,” she said.
“Each of these events has been designed with a consistent theme – that is, to showcase Coonawarra’s superb wines and how beautifully they age over time.”
Several wineries will be offering food and wine combo’s on weekends at their cellar doors including DiGiorgio Family Wines ever popular aged wine and vintage pies, Brand’s Laira serving a rotating menu of hearty winter warmers and Parker Estate offering seasonal slow cooked stews.
At Bellwether guest chef Clare Falzon will be crafting lunches in the 1868 renovated shearing shed from Wednesday to Sunday through to July 13.
Owner Sue Bell said she was delighted to have Falzon as chef in residence, to add to the Cellar Dweller offerings.
“Clare has worked around the world at some of the best places, to have her gracing our kitchen is a real honour!” she said.
“I’d highly recommend people treat themselves to a lunch in our unique space while Clare is here, and enjoy a wine tasting while they’re at it.”
Ms Guyett said the beauty of Cellar Dwellers were the very intimate events.
“Attendees will have the chance to meet the winemakers, the boutique winery owners, it’s a really great opportunity to meet the people of Coonawarra and learn how well our wines can age,” she said.
One of the feature events of the Cellar Dwellers program is the combined wineries Back Vintage Tasting event on Friday, July 12, which involves 15 Coonawarra wine producers, pouring a range of wines cellared for up to 22 years.
“Typically, the first thing people think of when it comes to cellared wines is red wine, but this event will not only showcase Coonawarra’s signature varieties, it will also demonstrate how well whites like Coonawarra Riesling and Chardonnay can age as well!” Ms Guyett said.
The two hour tasting event will feature wines from Banks Thargo, Balnaves of Coonawarra, Billy Brand, Brand & Sons, Brand’s Laira, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Hollick Estates, Koonara, Majella, Parker Estate, Patrick of Coonawarra, Redmans, Whistle Post, Yalumba and Zema Estate.
Following the tasting guests are invited to stay on for a dinner catered by chef Ian Perry in the Upstairs by Hollick Restaurant.
The month-long celebration is set to end with a bang at the inaugural Cellar Dwellers Gala Dinner where three Coonawarra Vignerons patrons are expected to be inducted.
Mrs Guyett said the gala event would bring together wine professionals and wine lovers.
“We couldn’t let this anniversary pass without a real spectacular,” she said.
“The gala event will be a night to remember, celebrating not only the wines of our region but the people as well.
“We look forward to enjoying a fabulous dinner in a stunning location, and decanting some exceptional museum wines on the night.”
The dinner will take place on Saturday, July 27, at Parker Coonawarra Estate, and is open to the public to attend.
Find more information, including a Cellar Dwellers program, at coonawarra.org or find Coonawarra Wine Region on Facebook.
