Over 20 events, new expanded program
Cowra Winter Wanderlust Festival, Media Release, 1 June 2026
The rich terroir of Cowra, its produce, wine, culture and peacetime history, will be celebrated in a hugely expanded Winter Wanderlust festival running 10-18 July 2026. With over 20 events across nine days, the program is the most diverse and tasty the festival has seen, drawing together chefs, winemakers, farmers, artists and hoteliers for a heartwarming winter celebration.
Highlights include the magical after-dark Light Up at Cowra Japanese Garden, Flickerfest and Farm Tours at Rosnay Estate, tastings at Bulla Creek Brewing Co and the acclaimed Cowra Wine Show.
Culinary standouts include a six-course Degustation Dinner and Cooking Class with chef James Vidulich at Oak on Kendal, Winter Farm Walks with tastings of figs and olives at Rosnay Estate, and a Brew, Taste and Talk at Bulla Creek Brewing Co.
After dark throughout the festival, the iconic Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre transforms into something enchanting, with lights bringing the gardens to life in winter colour, and tastings from Koyama Kitchen and Windowrie Wines. On the 10th and 18th July special ‘Singing Bowls and Koyama Kitchen’ experiences are set within the grounds with the calming sounds of a guided Singing Bowl Sound Bath.
The signature finale, the Cowra Wine Show on Saturday 18 July, is a beloved public tasting event showcasing over 900 wines from the region’s 40-plus vineyards – paired with live music, delicious food and the kind of laid-back country warmth that makes Cowra so easy to love.
Beyond the table, there’s Christmas in July dinners at Montrose House, guided Public Art Tours, Guided Historical Peace Tours, cabaret shows, kids’ workshops at Cowra Art Gallery, and the Little Magpie Gallery Exhibition, Roads to The Central West, a rich cultural immersion into the art and soul of the region.
Whether it’s a weekend escape or a leisurely midweek adventure, the packed program offers every reason to slow down, explore and fall for Cowra.
Cowra has a big heart, a profound peace story, is home to Australia’s World Peace Bell and Australia’s largest Japanese Garden. First planted with vines in 1973, Cowra’s vineyards spread across the Lachlan Valley and the village of Canowindra, renowned for award-winning chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon with a strong commitment to organic practice. Winter Wanderlust 2026 is the finest possible invitation to experience all of it.
For more information go to www.visitcowra.com.au.
Central NSW includes Cowra, Lithgow, Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Forbes, Parkes, Grenfell and Lachlan. www.visitcentralnsw.com.au.
