Your Ultimate Guide to Tasting Australia’s Beverage Events

TASTING AUSTRALIA'S DRINKS PROGRAM RETURNS WITH NEW WAYS TO SHARE AND ENJOY THE BEVERAGE WORLD AT ITS BEST  

Special drinks stay with you. Champagne for a birthday toast. That Friday beer with friends – or a wine match so perfect it feels like alchemy. We have rare international bottles, South Australian gems and spirits at home on any top shelf. Not sure where to start? Find ideas below, from masterclass deep dives to parties where we shake things up a little.  

Masterclasses
Take a seat – we’ll handle the rest. Masterclasses return to Tasting Australia at their inclusive best. Try (or find) your favourite wine, exploring the likes of chardonnay, cocktails and the Clare Valley. Pirate Life beer will be in the spotlight – and of course we haven’t forgotten crowd favourite sparkling. Adelaide University’s Au Iconic series focuses on four alumni winemakers doing great things: Ed Carr at House of Arras, Sue Hodder at Wynns Estate, Peter Gago at Penfolds and Jeffrey Grosset at Grosset Wines.  

Aperitivo Hour 
You know what makes every great drink better? Something to nibble. Aperitivo Hour features stars from Australian bars and restaurants that know how it’s done. Four of the nation’s hottest venues will represent: O.My, Lee Ho Fook, Corner 75 and Ottelia.  

Learn series 
Come on in. This is learning at its most immersive – sessions led by top sommeliers and winemakers that cover the basics and happily explore more nuanced elements too. Modern food and drink pairing, the influence of hops on beer, sommelier secrets and winemaking basics are in the spotlight. Come with questions and leave inspired.   

Wine parties 
What’s a party without wine? Four fiestas are set to unfold during this year’s festival. Head to the Aroma Bar for a sensory treat, The Future in Your Glass to discover hot new names in the biz, Global Grapes Gala for a truly international perspective and Big Grape Energy for wine done differently.  

Matchmaker series 
Each of these casual tastings will highlight a diverse lineup of winemakers from South Australia and further afield, ready to chat all things variety, vintage and very excellent vino. Treat it like speed dating: five minutes in conversation, then the chance to strike up a chat elsewhere. 

Regional beverage events 
In a beverage-loving state like South Australia you never need to go far to find a special bottle. And that’s especially true during Tasting Australia, when our regions welcome guests to discover their year-round offerings. Check out our regional events and seize your chance to get out of town.