RAISE A GLASS: SEVEN DRINKS TO TRY AT TASTING AUSTRALIA
11 MAR 2025
Standout drinks are easy to find at Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond. Discover wine, beer and spirits made by the most interesting producers – the big names you know and the underground gems you just have to try. Love a cocktail? We have those too, plus a party in their honour. Here are seven ideas to guide your plans.
1. The nation's best brandy
Time-honoured tradition and modern methods blend at St Agnes, Australia’s oldest family run distillery, which is celebrating a century of excellence in 2025. Gather with other connoisseurs for a Sunday masterclass set to include the ultra-rare St Agnes XX0 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve. It’s the only public opportunity to taste this remarkable drop.
2. Muyu Spirits
Monica Berg – also known as the world’s most influential bartender – is among stars of hospitality heading to the festival this year. The London-based Berg will headline our Cocktail Party and also showcase Muyu Spirits, her range of boutique liqueurs, crafted with the same nuance as fine French perfume.
3. Wildflower beers
Sydney brewer Topher Boehm looks to nature for inspiration. He makes barrel-aged ales wholly fermented by yeasts and bacteria collected from native blooms, taking cues from travels across Europe and his native Texas. Wildflower, Boehm’s boutique range, will make two festival appearances, starring in Tasting Table – Sour Beers and the new Beer Hall.4. Seppeltsfield shiraz
Keen to expand your understanding of terroir? The complex relationship between geography, geology, climate and history will be in the spotlight in a shiraz masterclass led by Tasting Australia drinks curator Banjo Harris Plane and Seppeltsfield chief winemaker Fiona Donald. Taste the best Barossa shiraz together with remarkable bottles from around the world.
5. A Never Never martini
There’s magic in a perfect martini – and South Australia’s own Never Never knows how to conjure it. Join brand director Sean Baxter and brand ambassador Cody Banks as they dive into martinis as their most memorable. Four unique expressions are on offer, plus paired snacks including oysters and caviar.
6. Pirate Life's greatest hits
It’s been a decade since Pirate Life burst on to the brewing scene. Celebrate that stellar journey at a masterclass featuring super-limited recipes beloved by fans of the home-grown brand. Four limited-edition Pirate Life beers will be accompanied by a snack.
7. The best bubbles
Our new Matchmakers series akin to speed dating – but this time with winemakers! Fans of fizz are invited to sample eight wines from South Australian producers including Xavier Bizot of DAOSA, Martin Moran of Mordrelle, Alex Schulkin from The Other Right and Con-Greg Grigoriou of Delinquente Wine Co, together with picks from A Good Bunch distributor Steph Turnbull.
