Coonawarra Fringe – February 2026
Coonawarra Fringe is back for 2026 – and after two fantastic years, we’re doubling the fun with two weekends of laughs, long lunches and lush pours across our beautiful south-east wine region. Mark your calendars for 14–15 February and 20–21 February 2026 as venues across Coonawarra come alive with comedy, music and family-friendly wonder.
Don’t forget, if you are an RAA Member enjoy up to 22% off full price tickets. Enter RAA2026CO in the Apply a Promo Code field when booking on the FringeTIX website.
C’est Si Bon – Lou Blackwell & the French Set at Zema Estate
Adelaide’s premier French musical act Lou Blackwell and the French Set are bringing their wonderful variety show ‘C’est Si Bon’ to Zema Estate for the 2026 Coonawarra Fringe. Lou once lived and sang in the Paris jazz scene and has since formed a band that pays homage to the artists of the Great French Songbook. The repertoire is sublime and she is so beautifully accompanied by some of Adelaide’s finest jazz players, Mark Simeon Ferguson on keys, Tom Pulford on saxophone and clarinet, John Aué on double bass and Zed Crawford on drums. An evening that promises romance and ‘nostalgie’ with some swinging jazz numbers to add to the magic.
★★★★★ ‘Paris is out of reach but don’t worry. Adelaide is the other City of Light, and Louise Blackwell is the ideal guide.’ Ewart Shaw, The Advertiser
Date: Saturday 21 February, 7.30pm-late
Location: Zema Estate, Coonawarra
Tickets: $36 to $49 – RAA Members get 22% off full price tickets – Promo Code: RAA2026CO
Stay for the weekend: Coonawarra Fringe Weekend Itinerary
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 February
Friday 20 February – Arrive & Settle In
Sharam Cottages, Petticoat Lane. Built early in 1850 of blackwood slabs and a bark roof out of timber from the banks of a nearby swamp.
🕖 Afternoon: Arrive in Coonawarra or nearby Penola, check into your accommodation, and take a moment to slow down – the vines will wait for you. Stroll down Petticoat Lane or visit the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre (open until 4pm) which celebrates the life of Australia’s first Saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
🕖 Early Evening – Fringe Opening Shows:
- 4pm-5pm | Serious Wines with Laughter | Redman Wines (tickets $100) A clever pairing of premium wines and comedy – proof that good wine doesn’t have to be taken too seriously.
- 5pm-8pm | Dave O’Neil in Don’t Call Me Boomer! | DiGiorgio Family Wines (tickets $45) A sharp, self-aware stand-up show from one of Australia’s most loved comedians. Food and wines by the glass available to purchase.
🕖 After the show, enjoy a nightcap in Penola’s historic Royal Oak Hotel (established in 1848) and rest up – Saturday is the big one.
Saturday 21 February – Wine, Dine & Zema Estate
Guests enjoy The Giri Show at Zema Estate, Coonawarra Fringe 2024.
🕖 Morning: Sleep in, enjoy a relaxed breakfast (Post & Rail – open from 10am / Vintage Cafe – open from 8am / Moss & Wild – open from 8.30am), then ease into the day with some retail therapy along Penola’s main street (Moss & Wild / Koonara Wines / Salt and Co Living / George the Farmer / Local Images / Popo Wines).
🕖 12:30pm – 4:30pm | Long Lunch | Coonawarra Hall (tickets $140)
Book a seat at THE FEAST – Decanted Delights and Fermented Fun held at Coonawarra Hall. Settle in for a generous Fringe long lunch celebrating great food and wine. Expect a relaxed, communal afternoon that leans into indulgence.
🕖 Late Afternoon: Return to your accommodation for a brief rest and wardrobe adjustment (elastic waistbands recommended).
🕖 Evening 7.30pm-late | C’est Si Bon – Lou Blackwell & the French Set | Zema Estate (tickets $49)
Make your way to Zema Estate for C’est Si Bon – Lou Blackwell & the French Set. Live music, casual Italian-inspired food (available to purchase), and Zema wines enjoyed among the vines – the centrepiece of the weekend and the perfect follow-up to a long lunch.
Sunday 22 February – Walk It Off
The Coonawarra Walking Trail is a popular 5km walk between six premium wineries.
🕖 Morning: Take a gentle stroll along the Coonawarra Walking Trail, linking vineyards with cellar doors. Flat, scenic, and extremely forgiving after a weekend well spent. If you allow 20 minutes at each winery, the trail should take approximately 3 hours to complete. You may wish to factor in more time for a lunch stop at award-winning restaurant Ottelia, or a gourmet cheese platter at Zema Estate. Wineries along the trail include; Brand’s Laira, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Ottelia, Redman Wines, Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Zema Estate.
🕖 Late Morning / Lunch: Finish with a final tasting or casual bite before heading home – full of stories, not regrets.
Serious Wines with Laughter
For one day only, the historic Redman Cellar Door invites you to a truly unique Coonawarra Fringe experience. Join the Redman family winemakers on an intimate journey through acclaimed current releases and rare back vintages, each telling the story of Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa soils.
Adding a playful twist, comedian Damian Callinan steps in as guest taster, bantering with winemakers and guests to blend expert insights with plenty of laughter.
Paired with a selection of beautiful cheeses, this VIP tasting is as indulgent as it is entertaining. With limited places, it’s a rare chance to savour Coonawarra’s finest wines in an unforgettable setting.
Date: Friday 20 February, 4pm-5pm
Location: Redman Wines, Coonawarra
Tickets: $100 – RAA Members get 10% off full price tickets – Promo Code: RAA2026CO
Dave O’Neil in Don’t call me boomer!
Dave O’Neil as seen on ‘Spicks and Specks’ (69 appearances!) and ‘Fisk’ returns with a brand new stand up show. He’s sick of being called a Boomer when he’s in fact Gen X. Ok, sure, he’s 60 now and yes his life involves colonoscopies, podiatrist appointments, and soft food, but hey, he gets to sit on the special seat on the bus. A cackfest of the highest proportions!
‘O’Neil is a comedy juggernaut, a never ceasing volley of rapid wit.’ ★★★★★ Theatre Matters
Date: Friday 20 February, 5pm-8pm
Location: DiGiorgio Family Wines, Coonawarra
Tickets: $20 to $45 – RAA Members get 20% off full price tickets – Promo Code: RAA2026CO
THE FEAST – Decanted Delights and Fermented Fun
Dine amongst the world-famous Coonawarra vines at a long lunch bursting with flavour, laughter, and charm.
Local chefs present a decadent feast paired with pours from Coonawarra winemakers, who share the stories behind their wines.
Guiding the afternoon is none other than Damian Callinan, one of Australia’s finest comedic talents—bringing his razor-sharp wit, warmth, and hilarity to the table.
Expect brilliant storytelling, playful banter, and comic surprises that turn a wine lunch into a truly unforgettable comedy event. With exceptional food, celebrated wines, and a host who guarantees fun from first sip to last laugh, this Coonawarra Fringe highlight is not to be missed.
Seats are strictly limited, book early.
Date: Saturday 21 February, 12:30pm-4:30pm
Location: Coonawarra Hall at Coonawarra Community Club
Tickets: $135 to $140 – RAA Members get 10% off full price tickets – Promo Code: RAA2026CO
