Coonawarra Wineries Celebrate Coonawarra After Dark on 9th-10th April

April is always a rather wonderful time of year down in the Limestone Coast. The days are shorter and cooler and our gorgeous countryside views are scattered with the warm auburn colours of autumn. For families: Easter and school holidays are fast approaching, winter sports are starting up again, and dads are getting eager to bust out the chainsaw for a solid woodcutting session before winter sets in. It’s the perfect time for a quick weekend getaway to the South-East before the year starts to get away from you, and coincidentally, the annual Coonawarra After Dark weekend is right around the corner. 

Scheduled to take place on Friday the 8^th, and Saturday the 9^th of April, 2022, Coonawarra After Dark is a unique event that allows visitors to fully experience the thrills, excitement, and sights of the vintage season. Each year, the event draws in visitors from all over the globe as multiple renown Coonawarra Wineriesopen their doors for the public at the height of the grape harvest.

The Coonawarra Wine Region is hailed as a small region with a big reputation thanks to its extensive collection of Premium wines. Located in the Limestone Coast, the region draws in thousands of visitors from near and far due to its signature list of quality wines, scenic landscape, and closely packed Cellar doors that make for easy travelling on a fun-filled day out.

Coonawarra After Dark offers the perfect opportunity to have an amazing weekend immersing oneself in local culture and experiencing one of the highlights of the Limestone Coast. The event entails a host of music and food themed celebrations exclusive to the region made from locally sourced ingredients that will keep you satisfied from Friday to Saturday.

The events will start off Friday the 8^th at 5pm at DiGiorgio Family Wines with the annual Vintage Stomp where 10 teams will battle it out to win $1000 in prize money to donate to their charity of choice. Wines will be served by the glass, Lumberjack’s low and slow BBQ will be providing food, there will be a coffee van and alternative food provided for kids, and a family fun racing event will be held at 6:30pm for all who wish to participate. After DiGiorgio’s, the celebrations will travel next door (foot access or vehicle transport available) to Zema Estate Wines to enjoy live music and infamous homemade pizza. Then, “wine’d it up” at Brand’s Laira Coonawarra for more live music, food & wines by the glass and boutique beers.

Buses to and from the event will be available from Mt. Gambier and Penola. The Mt. Gambier bus package is $48 and includes transport to and between venues, a keepsake glass, and a drink token for venue. A shuttle bus from the Prince of Wales Hotel in Penola, $10 per head return trip will also be running Friday night with the first but departing at 5:30pm. 

On Saturday the 9^th the events closing festivities will kick off at 5pm at Radis Estatewith Chris’s Greek Charcoal Grill serving food and live music providing fun for the whole family. 

The Coonawarra After Dark Weekend is a unique and locally enriched opportunity to experience the quality services and products of the Coonawarra Wine Region. To find out more about the event and to book, visit www.coonawarra.org.

The Limestone Coast has an array of fantastic accommodation options within easy travelling distance of the Coonawarra Wine Region, including Carolynne’s Cottages, so book in soon to make sure you don’t miss out.