Your Summer Sorted: Koonara’s Guide to the best one yet!
Well hello there, wine lovers! Summer might have officially arrived on the calendar, but let’s be honest, if the weather lately is anything to go by, those long, hot lazy days are still a little way off. But that’s okay, because it gives us the perfect opportunity to get organised and plan for all the good times ahead.
Here at Koonara, it’s gotta be said, summer is our absolute favourite season. It’s when everything comes together: the vineyard is looking so lush and green, the cellar door is full of happy visitors, and our calendar is packed with summer events that’ll give you plenty of excuses to get out and about. So whether you’re counting down to your holiday adventures, ticking off your Christmas gift list, or just looking for somewhere brilliant to bring visitors over the break, you know we’ve got you covered.
But First: Last Chance for Christmas Delivery!
Before we dive into all the summer fun, a quick heads up. If you want your wine delivered before Christmas, all orders must be placed by Wednesday 17th December. Don’t be that person scrambling on Christmas Eve! Get your orders in now and we’ll make sure they arrive in time for the festivities.
And if online shopping isn’t your thing, be sure to pop into the cellar door for those last-minute gifts. We’ve got you covered with our range of Christmas wines and an extensive collection of goodies in our shop, not just wine! From our gorgeous Savor Glassware to our Koonara Conversation Cards (trust us, these are a hit at any gathering), you’ll find something special for everyone on your list. Not to mention the Robert Gordon pottery items, platters, kitchenware, drink bottles, kids toys, candles, soaps and so much more…
Our limited-edition Christmas wines make the ultimate gift. Beautifully presented, delicious, and let’s be honest, what teacher doesn’t need wine by December? Choose from our festive “Deck the hall with Pinot Gris” or our rich “all I want for Christmas is a Good Red” Cabernet Sav, both crafted with care and ready to impress.
Summer Events:
Where You’ll Find Us
Mount Gambier Summer Fiesta – Friday 16th January 2026
This is the big one, folks! Our Summer Fiesta is back, and we’re taking over the picturesque Cave Gardens for a cracker of an evening filled with good vibes, great wine, and seriously good times.
We’ll have live bands setting the mood as the sun goes down, followed by a DJ to keep the energy flowing well into the night. Your favourite Koonara wines alongside refreshing beers and ciders, plus a delicious spread of summer-fresh foods that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or let’s be honest, thirds).
Oh, and every ticket comes with a signature polycarbonate glass to keep. We like to send you home with a little memento of the fun!
Date: Friday 16th January 2026
Location: Cave Gardens / Thugi, Mount Gambier
Tickets are already selling fast, because let it be said, people know a good thing when they see one! Follow our Facebook Events page for all the updates. This one always gets people talking.
But Wait, There’s More… (yes, that’s in our best infomercial voice)
The Summer Fiesta might be our headline act, but we’ve got plenty of other summer events where you can find us out and about
Warrnambool Summer Markets
Kicking off from the last Saturday in December (yes, it’s different from other years because of the way Christmas falls) and then running every Friday through January, the Warrnambool Summer Markets are the perfect way to ease into your summer adventures. Warrnambool locals, Simon and Sarah will be there pouring your favourites. These markets are a wonderful mix of fabulous stalls, delicious foods, wine, and often live music. Basically, everything we love about summer is in one spot.
Hooked on Portland – Friday 16th & Saturday 17th January 2026
It’s o-FISH-al! We’re excited to be part of the Hooked on Portland festivities, returning to the Bentinck Street Lawns in 2026. Taking advantage of the natural amphitheatre, this community event promises to be a reel good time (sorry, we couldn’t resist the fishy puns).
South Aussie with Cosi Choir – Friday 13th February 2026
We’re thrilled to be part of something pretty special at The Globe Hotel on the 13th of February. The South Aussie with Cosi Choir is bringing their incredible community-singing experience to town, and we’ll be there, pouring wines and soaking up all those good vibes. It’s one of those summer events that just makes you feel good to be part of something bigger. Check out our events page for more info to come!
Your Summer Cellar Door Escape
Now, let’s talk about what’s happening right here at home base. Our cellar door in the heart of Penola is the perfect summer pitstop, whether you’re passing through on your way to somewhere else, or making us your destination. Open every day 10am til 4pm, except for Christmas and Boxing Day/
Got family visiting? Friends passing through? Kids driving you slightly mad during the school holidays? Bring them all to the cellar door! The adults can enjoy a leisurely tasting while everyone explores what’s on offer. We’re right in the heart of Penola, so you can easily combine your visit with a wander around town, a coffee stop, or a bite to eat.
Speaking of exploring Penola, the town’s main street is a delightful area to discover. Relive the days gone by at the historic Petticoat Lane, learn more about the town’s history on the Heritage Walk, or visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre (home to Australia’s first saint!). And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a vanilla slice from Windara Bakery. Trust us on that one.
The team love meeting visitors and sharing the stories behind our wines, like how “Pete Said No” Pinot Noir got its name (spoiler: our winemaker Peter refused to let us blend certain barrels because they were too good!).
Summer Sipping: your perfect guide to matching the vibe
Summer calls for wines that match the mood: refreshing, easy-drinking, and perfect for everything from beach picnics to Christmas lunch. Here’s our favourite go to’s this summer:
For lazy afternoons: Our Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, refreshing, and basically summer in a glass. Those gooseberry and guava notes are perfect alongside seafood or a simple cheese platter.
For celebrations: Pop open a Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay, because those Christmas morning mimosas aren’t going to make themselves! The lemon zest and Pink Lady apple notes make it dangerously moreish.
For the Christmas table: Our Angel’s Peak Shiraz brings elegant depth to your festive feast, while Pete Said No Pinot Noir offers something a bit lighter if you’re not into heavy reds on a warm day.
For poolside sipping: Flowers for Lucy Moscato is sweet, light, and at just 7% alcohol, it’s perfect for those long summer sessions.
Bonus: Our Favourite Hangover Hacks
Let’s be real, the festive season and the general vibes of summer can often means a few more glasses than originally planned. We’ve written extensively in our blog about our favourite hangover hacks, but here are our top 3 quick wins:
Glutamine before bed: A teaspoon in water helps your liver and kidneys naturally flush out alcohol.
Skip the sugary sports drinks: Add a pinch of pink salt to your water instead. It replenishes minerals without the sugar crash.
Choose your wines wisely: Here’s where we get to brag a little. Our wines are low in sulphur and low in residual sugar, which means you can enjoy your evening without suffering quite as much the next morning. It’s science (well, sort of – unless you drink the whole bottle).
Your Summer Wine Journey Starts Here
Whether you’re joining us at the Mount Gambier Summer Fiesta, catching us at the markets, or simply popping into the cellar door with your visiting relatives, we can’t wait to share this summer with you.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for all the summer event updates, and if you haven’t subscribed to our emails yet, you really oughta… You’ll be first to know about event tickets, exclusive offers, and those limited releases that disappear faster than pavlova at Christmas lunch.
And if you really want to level up the Koonara love? Our Angels Guild Wine Club members get free delivery, a 20% discount on wine all the time, and first dibs on everything. It’s basically the VIP pass to Koonara, and trust us, summer is the perfect time to join.
So whether it’s a lazy Sunday arvo, a big family gathering, or just because and you feel like it, we reckon summer and good wine go hand in hand. We can’t wait to share a glass with you somewhere along the way!
Cheers to the best summer yet!
Remember: Order by Wednesday 17th December for guaranteed Christmas delivery! Browse our full range online, stock up for the festive season, or visit us at 44 Church Street, Penola. Follow us on social media for event updates, and join our email list for exclusive access to summer events, sales, and new releases. After all, life’s too short for ordinary wine!
