Coonawarra Events & Festivals
From October’s flagship Cabernet Celebrations to a May arts festival and cosy winter cellar door weekends — the region’s calendar, and how to plan around it.
Coonawarra Events & Festivals
Coonawarra’s calendar turns with the vineyard year. Spring builds toward the region’s flagship Cabernet Celebrations, autumn brings the vintage buzz and the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, and winter has its own cosy season of cellar door events. There’s something happening most of the year — here’s the shape of it, with a reminder to always check current dates, since organisers set them fresh each year.
The Main Events
Timing is approximate and set by organisers each year — confirm current dates before booking.
Cabernet Celebrations
The region’s signature season of winery events — tastings, long lunches, music and special releases across the cellar doors. The busiest, most festive time to visit.
Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival
Visual art, music, writing and performance bring the town alive in autumn — a cultural counterpoint to the wine.
Cellar Dwellers
A cool-season weekend of cosy cellar door experiences, open fires and big reds — winter’s quiet, atmospheric highlight.
Seasonal Winery Events
Individual estates run their own dinners, releases and after-dark tastings through the year — watch the cellar door calendars.
Festival Tips
- Book accommodation early around the October Cabernet Celebrations and the May arts festival — rooms sell out
- Reserve long lunches and special dinners well ahead during event periods
- Arrange a driver or wine tour so everyone can enjoy festival tastings
- Winter events are quieter and cosier — a good choice if you prefer the region without the crowds
- Always confirm current dates and programs with the organisers before booking travel
Related Guides
Events & Festivals — FAQ
What is the biggest event in Coonawarra?
The Cabernet Celebrations, held around October, is the region’s signature season of winery events — a spread of tastings, long lunches, music and special releases across the cellar doors. Dates and programs change each year, so check the current calendar before you plan.
When is the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival?
The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival is usually held around May, bringing visual art, music, writing and performance to the town. As with all events, confirm current dates before booking travel.
Are there winter events in Coonawarra?
Yes — the region runs cool-season events such as the mid-year Cellar Dwellers weekend, with cosy cellar door experiences, open fires and big reds. Winter is a quiet, atmospheric time to visit.
Do I need to book accommodation around festivals?
Definitely. Rooms fill quickly around the October Cabernet Celebrations, the May arts festival and long weekends — reserve early. See our where to stay guide.
How can I find current event dates?
Event dates, programs and ticketing change each year and are set by the organisers, so we don’t list fixed dates here. Check the official Coonawarra and Penola tourism channels for the current calendar before you travel.
Coonawarra, Planned Around You
Cellar doors, long lunches, Penola’s heritage and the Limestone Coast beyond — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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