The popular vineyard just across the border managed to host a major fundraiser for Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute before restrictions tightened. Now fourth-generation winemaker Dan Redman and his crew have helped rally bottles from across the nation for FECRI's second annual wine auction.

Bids on more than 300 bottles opened on Friday, just as Victoria slid into its fifth pandemic lockdown with vital work at the institute forging ahead.

For the Redmans, based in the Coonawarra region, wine is the way they can best help Australia's sole cancer research body in regional Australia, which receives no government support.

It is also personal for the family with Mr Redman's young son Jock diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare cancer that damages tissue and causes lesions on the body. FECRI was the only place they could find specialised work being made on LCH in Australia.

"It's important to us here at Redman Wines to help FECRI continue their experiments during these unprecedented times," Mr Redman said. "Given the success of the auction last year and the uncertainty Coronavirus brings with their fundraising, this is one way we can all get behind the institute."

The auction raised more than $10,000 for FECRI's research programs last year. Winemakers from across Victoria, including Ballarat, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales have donated this year with 100 per cent of all money raised directly supporting research.

FECRI honourary director George Kannourakis hoped the community enjoyed a fundraiser with a difference.

"We're grateful to these incredibly generous winemakers and collectors enabling us to raise money to keep our research program on track," Professor Kannourakis said. "Cancer is not elective and our research continues during this time with ongoing community support."

Bids are open to August 2 at fecri.org.au.