Ready for some serious fun? Koonara have got your spring wine events covered
Well hello there, wine lovers! Spring wine events season has officially arrived, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably feeling that irresistible urge to shake off the winter cobwebs and get back out into the world. The vines are waking up, the days are getting longer, and honestly, there’s no better time to start planning some seriously good times ahead.
Which leads us to our spring wine events calendar – which is absolutely packed. So grab yourself a glass of something delicious (might we suggest our Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay?), and let us tell you about all the fun things happening in the wonderful world of Koonara this spring.
Vineyards in Full Swing: Nature’s Daily Miracle
Right now, if you could see what we’re seeing in our Coonawarra vineyards, you’d understand why we can barely contain our excitement. Budburst is just around the corner and when it hits, it’s like watching nature put on the most spectacular daily show. Those tiny green shoots emerging from seemingly dormant vines never gets old, it’s pure magic every single year.
This is when we really roll up our sleeves and channel our inner helicopter parents. Just like you’d make sure your kids have all the right nutrients to grow strong and healthy, we’re checking that our vines have everything they need in the soil. Our organic approach means we’re working with nature, not against it, using our custom mineral mix to keep everything beautifully balanced.
The best part? Those pea-sized grapes we’re so famous for are already starting their journey to becoming the flavour-packed beauties that end up in your glass. Smaller grapes mean more skin per litre, and since that’s where all the colour and flavour magic happens… well, you can do the math!
Hello Brisbane: Good Food & Wine Show
Queenslanders Get ready because we’re heading north! From 24th-26th October, you’ll find us at the Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Our spring wine events wouldn’t be complete without this absolute favourite, there’s something absolutely infectious about the energy when hundreds of food and wine lovers gather in one place.
Come say hello, sample our usual lineup of crowd-pleasers, and watch top chefs work their magic on stage. Plus, here’s the kicker: visit us on the day and you’ll automatically go into the draw to win a $450 wine pack. Not too shabby for just dropping by to say hello, right? We’ve got complimentary tickets to share with our Angels Guild Wine Club members and a few other lucky folks along the way, so keep your eyes on our emails and socials
If you’ve never been to one of these shows before, do yourself a favour and get along. It’s like a wonderland for anyone who appreciates good food and even better wine.
The Ultimate Wine Challenge: Cabernet or Caber-NOT?
Feeling confident about your wine knowledge? Well, we’re about to put that to the test! During October, as part of Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations, we’re hosting our cheekily named “Cabernet or Caber-NOT” blind tasting challenge every weekend at our cellar door.
Here’s how it works: we’ll pour you four mystery reds, but only one is a Koonara Cabernet. Think you can pick it? It’s harder than you might imagine! We think this challenge might stump a few visitors, but we can’t wait to watch you all enjoy the tasting and test your skills.
When: Every weekend in October
Where: Our cellar door, 44 Church Street, Penola
Cost: Just $10 per person
Whether you nail it or end up completely baffled, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for what makes Coonawarra Cabernet so special.
Racing into Good Times: Dunkeld Cup Platinum Marquee
Mark your calendars for what might just be the most fun-filled day of the year! Saturday 15th November sees the return of our legendary Platinum Marquee at the bet365 William Thomson Dunkeld Cup. This highlight of our spring wine events calendar promises to deliver an absolute treat if you’ve never experienced racing, Koonara-style.
Picture this: premium trackside location with the stunning Mount Abrupt as your backdrop, a 5-hour beverage package featuring our finest wines and premium beers, gourmet food that’ll have you questioning why you don’t eat like this every day, and live entertainment to keep the energy flowing.
It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, elegant without being pretentious, and honestly, it’s the kind of day that creates stories people tell time and time again. If you know, you know – and if you don’t know yet, well, that’s exactly why you need to experience it for yourself!
Date: Saturday 15th November 2025, 12-5 PM
Location: Dunkeld Racecourse
This one always sells out, so don’t wait until the last minute to grab your tickets!
Spring Sipping: The Perfect Transition Wines
As we transition from cooler days to proper warmth, it’s a sure bet that your wine rack probably needs a bit of a seasonal refresh too. Spring is that gorgeous in-between time when you can still appreciate something with a bit of body on those cooler evenings, but you’re also craving something bright and fresh for those longer, sunnier afternoons.
This is where our range really shines. Our Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris is absolutely perfect for those spontaneous deck sessions when the afternoon sun decides to make an appearance. It’s got that gorgeous nashi pear and grapefruit zing that screams “spring has arrived!”
For something a little more substantial but still wonderfully fresh, our brand new 2025 release Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc delivers those beautiful gooseberry and guava notes that pair brilliantly with weekend BBQs and outdoor entertaining.
And let’s not forget our Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay – because really, is there any better way to celebrate the season of new beginnings than with bubbles? The crisp lemon zest and Pink Lady apple notes make it the ultimate spring celebration wine.
Cellar Door Spring Sessions
Our cellar door is the place to be during spring! There’s something magical about the combination of warming weather, budding vines, and the anticipation of another vintage ahead. Whether you’re a local looking for your new go-to weekend ritual or visitors exploring our beautiful region, spring is honestly the perfect time to experience Koonara.
The team love sharing the stories behind each wine (did you know Peter Douglas, our previous winemaker, wouldn’t let us put certain barrels into our regular range because they were too good? That’s how “Pete Said No” Pinot Noir came to be!), and there’s always something new to discover in our shop.
Your Spring Wine Journey Starts Here
With spring wine events far and wide, this season is shaping up to be absolutely spectacular. Whether you join us in Brisbane, tackle our blind tasting challenge, we’re genuinely excited to be part of your spring wine journey.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for all the behind-the-scenes vineyard updates (seriously, watching budburst happen is like nature’s own reality TV show), and if you haven’t subscribed to our emails yet… well, what are you waiting for? You’ll be the first to know about exclusive tastings, maybe even score tickets to Good Food and Wine in Brisbane as well as a host of other cool things we can’t tell you about because it would spoilt the surprise!
Want to take things to the next level? Our Angels Guild Wine Club members get free delivery, 20% discounts, and first dibs on everything. It’s like having a backstage pass to the wine world, and honestly, once you’re in, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Spring might be the season of new beginnings, but with Koonara, it’s also the season of exceptional wines, fantastic events, and creating those memories that make life worth celebrating.
Here’s to longer days, warmer nights, and wines that make every moment a little more special. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you somewhere along the way!
Ready to sip into spring? Browse our full range online or visit us at 44 Church Street, Penola. Follow us on social media for daily vineyard updates, and don’t forget to join our email list for exclusive access to events, sales, and new releases. After all, life’s too short for ordinary wine!
