Your Winter Event Calendar: Koonara’s Guide to Not Hibernating
Well, hello again, wine lovers! Winter has officially arrived, and while others might be hibernating under blankets with Netflix, we’ve got something much better planned. Our calendar is absolutely bursting with events that’ll warm you from the inside out, and we’re not just talking about the wine (although that definitely helps). From Sydney to Mount Gambier, here’s what’s happening at Koonara this winter.
Sydney Calling: Good Food & Wine Show
Come say hello and sample our usual range of crowd-pleasers while watching top chefs cook up a storm on stage. Here’s the best bit, visit us on the day and you’ll go into the draw to win a $450 wine pack. Not too shabby for just dropping by to say hello, right?
Pack your bags, because we’re heading north! From 20th-22nd June, you’ll find us at the Sydney Good Food & Wine Show in the Limestone Coast Pavilion. This is one of Australia’s tastiest days out, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.
Christmas in July: The Pop-Up That’s Worth the Wait
Right, let’s talk about the big one. Our Winter Pop-Up is back by popular demand, and honestly, we’re pretty chuffed about it! This year we got creative too and decided to celebrate Christmas In July, because really, why should December have all the fun when July’s got the perfect weather for a proper celebration?
This special event is part of our contribution to Coonawarra’s incredible Cellar Dwellers month because what better way to celebrate winter than with a touch of Christmas magic and exceptional wine?
When: Friday, 4th July
Where: Secret Mount Gambier venue (we’re keeping it under wraps just like a Christmas present)
What to expect: Koonara’s finest wines, Christmas magic, and zero awkward conversations about your life choices with Aunty Pam
Picture this: all the Christmas spirit you love, with better wine, cooler weather, and food that’ll have you coming back for seconds. We’ve got Jensen’s Pizza and Lumberjack BBQ serving up BBQ platters, burgers, and fries that’ll warm your soul. Plus there’s music that’ll have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree in the middle of winter.
Early bird tickets are just $24 per person until 27th June, so don’t sleep on this one. Trust us, it’s going to be the highlight of your winter social calendar.
July in Coonawarra: Cellar Dwellers Month
July is an absolutely massive month for our region! Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers is celebrating 21 years in 2025, and the whole region transforms into a winter wine wonderland. With over 40 tasting experiences and special events throughout July, from museum wine tastings to divine dinners there really isn’t a better time to experience “Winter, Our Way.”
We’re thrilled to be part of this incredible month-long celebration.
Pop, Pour & Savour: Our Quirkiest Creation Yet
Speaking of unique experiences, here’s something a bit different: wine and gourmet popcorn pairings! Every weekend in July at our cellar door, we’re “popping” (see what we did there?) three of our premium aged Koonara wines together with gourmet popcorn creations from our friends at Cornucopia.
When: Every weekend in July
Time: Saturdays 10 AM – 4 PM | Sundays 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 44 Church Street, Penola
Cost: $15 per person
We’re genuinely excited to see how our carefully crafted wines bring out the sweet, salty, and spiced notes of these delightful treats. It’s one of those pairings you never knew you needed until you try it. Bookings are preferred, but feel free to pop in, we do love a good surprise visit!
Adelaide Gets the Winter Treatment: Cellar Door Fest
Adelaide, we haven’t forgotten about you! The Cellar Door Fest Winter Edit is returning to Adelaide Convention Centre on 11th & 12th July, and it’s going to be brilliant.
This boutique take on the summer festival brings all those cozy winery vibes right to the heart of Adelaide. We’re talking SA’s hottest food, wines, and spirits, plus a stellar lineup of local musicians, it’s basically the ultimate winter warmer in event form.
With three sessions across two days, there’s plenty of opportunity to join us for what promises to be a fantastic weekend. Consider it your winter excuse to get out of the house and into some proper wine country atmosphere without leaving the city.
Coonawarra packs its bags: The Roadshow Returns
August means it’s time for the Coonawarra Roadshow, and we’re hitting five cities across three weeks to bring the best of our region directly to you. Meet the makers (that’s us!), taste the wines, and discover why Coonawarra consistently produces some of Australia’s finest drops.
The tour stops:
- Melbourne: Wednesday 13th August
- Noosa: Friday 15th August
- Brisbane: Sunday 17th August
- Adelaide: Friday 29th August
- Sydney: Sunday 31st August
With over 100 wines to sample across all events, it’s your chance to experience the incredible diversity of our region without making the trip to the various cellar doors. Though honestly, you should still totally do that too!
Winter Warmth: The Perfect Season for Our Wines
Let’s be honest, winter is red wine season, and we couldn’t be happier about it. While others are reaching for hot chocolates, you’ll be reaching for that perfect glass of Angel’s Peak Shiraz or Ambriel’s Gift Cabernet. These wines were practically made for cozy nights by the fire. Although we do have a pretty big soft spot for some adults-only Shiraz Hot Chocolate
But don’t overlook our Grotti Lotti X Koonara Art Series Chardonnay during the cooler months! This fuller-bodied white is absolutely brilliant when you want something with a bit more weight and character than your typical summer sipper. It’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties but approachable enough for Thursday night pasta.
Cozy Cellar Door Days
Our cellar door fire will be stoked and keep things toasty all winter long. There’s something magical about warming up by our fire while sampling wines and browsing the treasures in our shop. It’s the perfect winter afternoon activity, whether you’re a local looking for your weekend ritual or visitors exploring the region.
The combination of crackling flames, world-class wines (even if we do say so ourselves), and that unmistakable Coonawarra charm creates an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Plus, there’s always something new to discover in our shop. Perfect for those winter gift purchases or treating yourself to something special.
Your Winter Wine Journey Awaits
With events spanning almost the whole country and experiences ranging from city festivals to intimate cellar door tastings, this winter is shaping up to be absolutely spectacular. Whether you join us in Sydney, celebrate Christmas in July, or simply pop by for a cozy afternoon tasting, we’re excited to share these winter moments with you.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for all the latest updates, and if you haven’t subscribed to our emails yet (um, why not btw?), now’s the perfect time to make sure you don’t miss any of these winter adventures. Want to level up even further? Join our Angels Guild Wine Club for free delivery, 20% discount, and so much more.
Winter might be the season for staying in, but with Koonara, it’s also the season for fun and non-stop action not to mention exceptional wine. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you somewhere along the way!
Cheers to cozy nights, winter warmth, and wines worth celebrating!
