Spring is set to come alive in the Coonawarra Wine Region this October, with Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations returning from 1–18 October 2026, bringing together three vibrant weekends of wine, food, music and regional experiences.
Celebrating Coonawarra’s signature variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, this year’s festival features more than 40 free and ticketed experiences across the region, inviting visitors to meet the makers, explore the vineyards and cellar doors, and discover just why Coonawarra Cabernet has earned an international reputation.
Coonawarra Vignerons Acting Executive Officer Heidi Guyett said the program of events provides a perfect reason to visit the region in spring.
One of the undisputed highlights of the Cabernet Celebrations program is the intimacy of the events and the opportunity this provides for people to meet the makers and the families at the heart of the wine community.
“Aside from tasting the exquisite wines of the region, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and dine with winemakers, viticulturists and boutique winery owners, go behind the scenes in the winery and even sample wines that are yet to be officially released, all the while learning about the process and the passion that goes into Coonawarra’s famed wines,” Mrs Guyett added.
Something different every weekend
The celebrations begin over the October SA Labour Day Long Weekend, with the popular Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day teeing off at Penola Golf Course on Friday 2 October.
The all-inclusive Ambrose event combines golf with sparkling Cabernet, regional food and Coonawarra wine, with teams competing for the coveted Champion Team red jackets.
Across the long weekend, visitors can also roll up their sleeves for Pasta Making & Lunch with the DiGiorgio Family, take a guided vineyard tour at Rymill Coonawarra, enjoy Sparkling Cabernet at Sunset at Balnaves, or settle in for live music, pizza and family-friendly festivities at wineries across the region.
New to the festival in 2026, the Coonawarra Community Markets will make their Cabernet Celebrations debut on Sunday 4 October, showcasing the best of local with fresh produce, handmade and handcrafted goods, artisan wares and Coonawarra wines, all coming together in a vibrant community market atmosphere.
The weekend of the 9th -11th October invites visitors to Blend It Up, with Cabernet Gin in the spotlight at Parker Estate, Cocktails on the Deck on offer at Brand’s Laira, and a relaxed afternoon of Pizza and live music at Zema Estate, among the diverse offerings.
The festival culminates with a feature-packed final weekend, led by the Cabernet Decade[nce]
Tasting and Dinner on Friday 16 October. Up to 15 Coonawarra producers will come together at Wynns Coonawarra Estate for a one-night-only tasting showcasing Cabernet Sauvignon with age, followed by an optional degustation dinner at the renowned Ottelia Restaurant.
Saturday 17 October offers plenty of reasons to linger, with Yalumba’s barrel Cooper demonstration at the Menzies Coonawarra property set to be a highlight among the traditional offerings including, Bowen Estate’s En Primeur, a special Decade of Majella Cabernet vertical tasting and Prof’s Paella at Majella.
Haylie Gregor from Lady & The Amp said the pair were looking forward to taking their music on the road.
“We’re really excited to bring the Band on the Bus concept into the Cabernet Celebrations program for the first time. It’s going to be a great day of Coonawarra wine, live music and plenty of laughs, and we can’t wait to have everyone on board.”
The program also features unique dining experiences such as Brand’s Laira’s Dinner in Erics historic Cellar and Raidis Estate’s Murder in the Vines – Mystery Dinner where guests are invited to step back in time for an immersive evening of costumes, mystery and Coonawarra history, inspired by colourful characters from the region’s past.
“Last year’s Murder in the Vines was an absolute hit, so we knew we had to bring it back for another instalment,” said Raidis Estate co-owner Emma Raidis.
“It’s everything we love at Raidis — great wine, good food, plenty of laughs and people coming together.”
“Guests are encouraged to embrace the 1920s theme, dress the part and immerse themselves in the story. If last year is anything to go by, there’ll be plenty of accusations, surprises and laughs along the way.”
Cabernet beyond the current vintage
For those wanting to delve deeper, Cabernet Celebrations provides a rare opportunity to discover Coonawarra wines across vintages, producers and styles.
Museum wines, vertical tastings, pre-release wines and specially curated flights will feature throughout October, alongside experiences exploring food and wine pairing, vineyard stories and the remarkable ageing potential of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.
“One of the great things about the festival is the access it gives visitors to wines and experiences they might not ordinarily encounter,” Ms Guyett said.
“There are opportunities to taste Cabernet across decades, try wines before release, walk through the vineyards and hear directly from the people who grow and make them. But equally, you can come along for pizza, music and a glass of wine on the lawn. There really is something for every kind of visitor.”
Leave the car behind
For those venturing to the region, navigating your way around Coonawarra is a breeze with the region’s cellar doors all scattered along one stretch of road.
Nearby Blue Lake City residents can also ditch their keys with a newly introduced service from Mount Gambier, departing at 10am making a day trip to Coonawarra easier than ever.
Local hop-on hop-off tickets from Penola/Coonawarra are $23.50 per person, while the Mount Gambier return service, including all-day hop-on hop-off access, is $40 per person.
“The shuttle is about making it easy for people to enjoy a full day in Coonawarra,” Ms Guyett said.
“Whether you’re staying locally or visiting from Mount Gambier, you can leave the car behind, hop between participating wineries and events, and simply enjoy the day.”
Visitors are encouraged to book early, particularly for ticketed events, accommodation and Saturday shuttle services.
Interactive week by week guides outlining the offerings can be viewed on the festival page on the Coonawarra.org website. Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations are presented by Coonawarra Vignerons and proudly supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission through the Regional Events Fund.
For the full program of events and to book tickets, visit https://coonawarra.org/ccc-october-2026/