We’re absolutely thrilled to announce something that’s been bubbling away behind the scenes at Koonara – our new Art Series wine collection that brings together two of life’s greatest pleasures: fine wine and beautiful art!

Meet Grotti Lotti: The Artist Behind the Labels

If you haven’t yet discovered the joyful creations of Casey Manson, known as Grotti Lotti, you’re in for a treat. Based in Hamilton, Victoria (Gunditjmara country), Casey creates art that can only be described as free, quirky, happy, and gloriously colourful. Her distinctive style has found its way into homes worldwide, bringing a splash of joy to all who encounter it.

Inspired by the mountains, blooms, wildlife, beaches and magical landscapes surrounding her regional Victorian home, Casey’s work captures something uniquely Australian – a sense of freedom and expression that resonated deeply with our team when we first encountered her art.

The Art Series Wines: A Feast for Your Senses

This collaboration brings you not one, but TWO limited-release Art Series wines, each wrapped in Casey’s stunning artwork:

Radiant Day 2022 Chardonnay

Light straw in colour with a hint of green, this Chardonnay brings a fusion of fresh peach, lemon peel, and subtle toasty vanilla oak on the nose. The palate is crisp and lemony with stone fruit flavours and just a whisper of vanilla spice, finishing with lingering white peach notes.

For this bottle, Casey has created a vibrant abstract composition featuring layers of orange, blue, pink, and green that dance across the label – capturing the bright, expressive flavours that await within.

Ruby Haze 2022 Pinot Noir

With its medium body and complex character, this Pinot Noir offers a symphony of cherry and raspberry aromas, complemented by earthy undertones and a hint of forest floor. The palate delivers plum and red fruit flavours with subtle mineral notes, finishing smooth with soft tannins.

Casey’s artwork for this bottle is as fluid as the wine itself – abstract splashes in rich crimson tones that evoke the very essence of spilled wine, creating a visual feast that perfectly complements what’s inside.

True to Koonara tradition, both wines are vegan-friendly, low in sulphur, and contain minimal (or no) residual sugar. Our commitment to crafting wines that not only taste magnificent but also respect your body remains unwavering.

Art Festival = Perfect Timing

The timing of our Art Series wine release couldn’t be more perfect, coinciding with the 2025 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival. This annual celebration takes place each May following the Coonawarra vintage and brings together local, national, and international artists to highlight excellence and promote Penola’s rich literary, art, and cultural heritage.

Described as “One of the most culturally distinguished regional festivals in Australia,” this festival has become a significant event in South Australia’s calendar, making it the ideal backdrop for our art-inspired wine release.

We will also be hosting in our cellar door the wonderful exhibition of artworks created by Penola Primary School’s budding young artists (ages 5-12). It’s the perfect opportunity to collect your Art Series wine and enjoy local creativity at the same time. The exhibition opening will be held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Thursday, 15th May, and the displays will remain open to the public from 10 am-4 pm Friday through Sunday.

How to Secure Your Art Series Wine Bottles

With only 15 dozen of each variety produced, these truly limited-edition Art Series wines will be available from Thursday, 15th May 2025 at approximately $32 per bottle – but our Angels Guild members will receive exclusive first access via email before the public release.

You’ll be able to purchase these special bottles:

Online through our website
At our Cellar Door in Coonawarra
At select stores in the South West

With such limited quantities available, we recommend acting quickly when they’re released! If you are an Angels Guild Wine club member, stay tuned as we have a special treat for you too!

The perfect pairing

We believe wine, like art, should bring joy and create moments worth celebrating. Our Art Series wine collaboration with Grotti Lotti embodies everything we love about bringing people together over a great bottle – it’s unexpected, it’s beautiful, and most importantly, it’s a whole lot of fun.

Keep an eye on your inbox for the official release announcement next week, and be quick – these Art Series wine bottles are sure to be snapped up by wine lovers and art enthusiasts alike!