Whilst visiting Coonawarra during summer, check out Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day.
Held in January at the picturesque Penola Racecourse, the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup is one of the major tourist drawcards to the region, making it one of South Australia’s most famous country racing events.
Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day 2026 Horse Racing Date, Penola SA
The prestigious Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Marquee is the only place to enjoy summer racing at the Penola Racecourse.
Celebrate the 44th annual 36°South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day with the who’s who of Coonawarra in the exclusive 36°South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Marquee, where over 500 guests will enjoy the best premium trackside country hospitality.
This all-inclusive Marquee package includes a 6-hour beverage package of Coonawarra fine wines, entry into the racecourse and marquee precinct, gourmet plated lunch featuring 36 South Beef and afternoon tea, with IMPERIAL WINE AUCTION, FASHIONS IN THE MARQUEE, Super Sweep, live music, live racing action and complimentary shuttle bus transfers from Penola/ Coonawarra Townships.
The Cup is held at Penola Racecourse. Visitors attending this event should plan an extra day or two to tour Mount Gambier and the surrounding region to explore the township’s best attractions. Visitors to the race day can also bring their children to this event, as there are many kid-friendly activities.
Don’t drink and drive. There will be a free shuttle bus from the Penola town centre to the racecourse. At the end of the day, hop on it again for your return trip. Bookings are not required.
In addition to racing and entertainment, the Cup offers a quaint and stunning backdrop where visitors can relax and enjoy a spectacular day.
Hi, having visited the coonawarra cup 2014′ I found your dates for my trip to oz to take in the vigneron cup on a web site only to find there was a lateish change of date having already booked my return flights to the uk I missed the race meeting which was dis appointing as I arrive for the snake gully cup, and like to finish with the coonawarra cup inthe marquee before my flight home, I stay with a group that regularly take in the cup. My next trip is planned to take in the coonawarra cup 2019 , I understand this is early but when a date is confirmed could you please forward me the date, as it’s a day not to be missed, yours hopefully not a too whinging Pom. Graham
Hi Graham,
Sad you missed out on the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day last year. Dates wont be confirmed until mid-2018, so check back with us and I will update the page once the dates are announced.
Best regards,
Jess
What is the date for 2017 please? I have found it listed as 14/01/2017 but as this is a Saturday I would like confirmation.
Hi Jan,
The 14th of January date listed on our site was for the past race day in 2016. We have not updated our site as yet as the 2017 date is yet to be released by the racing club.
Please check back with us and I will update the page as soon as the 2017 date has been released from the organisers. I have changed our listing to “TBA” so as to avoid any further confusion.
Best Regards,
Jess
Hi, What date is the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup day being held in 2017?
Hi Tracey,
The date for the 2017 Cup Day has not yet been confirmed, so please check back later in the year. I will update the page as soon as the date is advertised.
Regards,
Jess