NIQ x The Drinks Association host free webinar seriesWebinar #1 (omnichannel): 12-1pm, 28 April Webinar #2 (mindful drinking): 7 JulyWebinar #3 (Innovation): 15 September
Later this month, NIQ and The Drinks Association will be kicking off a new free webinar series offering exclusive insights and data into three topics defining the Australian liquor landscape in 2026.
The first instalment will provide clarity on omnichannel shopping behaviours and explore how businesses can build stronger omnichannel strategies to capture growth.
Consumers now flow across traditional on-premise, off-premise retail, digital platforms and experience-led spaces more seamlessly than ever, creating huge opportunity, but also intense fragmentation, for suppliers trying to understand where their category is winning or losing.
In the webinar, NIQ will explain why suppliers need to:
continuously track where consumers are buying, drinking and consuming; understand how channels compete, complement, and reinforce each other; anddevelop a channel strategy that adapts as occasions shift.
You can register for the first webinar here.
Entries Open: Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits AwardsEntries close 29 May; deliveries due 15-30 June; judging to take place 7-9 July
The Melbourne Royal Food & Beverage Awards has opened entries for the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards ahead of judging in July.
Distillers, producers and spirit brands of all sizes are invited to enter, with this year’s competition also formally opening to international spirits producers for the first time in its 12-year history.
Also new for 2026 is the introduction of a Gin & Tonic category, recognising the enduring appeal of the classic serve, with entries to be judged using StrangeLove Tonic Water prepared to a standardised ratio and served chilled.
Overseeing the awards are newly appointed Co-Head Judges Sebastian Reaburn and Holly Klintworth.
“The Australian International Spirits Awards are a highlight of my year, bringing together exceptional products and industry peers,” said Reaburn, who is an award-winning distiller recognised nationally and internationally for his work across production and hospitality.”
Holly Klintworth, Managing Director of Bass & Flinders Distillery, added: “As the next generation of our family distillery, I feel a deep responsibility to honour tradition while continuing to push the boundaries of what Australian spirits can be. I’m proud to represent an industry that is collaborative, progressive and distinctly Australian, and to play a role in continuing to elevate it on the global stage.”
Entries to the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards open until 29 May. For more information or to enter visit the dedicated webpage here.
California Wines trade tour returns to AustraliaBrisbane (masterclasses only): 13 May @ Supernormal Riverside, 443 Queen StreetSydney: 19 May @ Saltbox, 399 Cleveland St Melbourne: 21 May @ Zinc Fed Square, Cnr Birrarung Marr Walk &, Russell St Ext
After last year’s tour was recognised as one of the largest official tastings by a wine industry body in Australia, California Wines has announcedit is once again bringing its Discover the Golden State of Wine trade tasting and masterclass series to Australia in 2026.
This includes installments in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. All three will feature two masterclass options, Masterclass #1 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of California – by site and by style and Masterclass #2 Napa Valley, Reconsidered, which will be led by wine educator and author Kelli A. White.
Sydney and Melbourne will also feature an open trade tasting that will include familiar labels, such as Robert Mondavi, Chateau Montelena, Ridge Vineyards and Matthiasson, along with new-to-market wines from the California Wine Export Program including Silver Oak, J. Lohr, Brewer-Clifton and Trinchero Family Estates.
All events are free to attend but registration is required, as is confirmation for the strictly-limited masterclasses. You can secure your spot today here.
WCA Wine Growth Summit25 June 2026 @ Adelaide Convention Centre, SA Cost: From $280
Wine Communicators of Australia has announced the return of its Wine Growth Summit event for 2026.
The Summit offers a platform for all aspects of the Australian wine trade – including business owners, wine professionals, export managers, business leaders, winemakers, marketers, wineries, cellar door teams, brand managers and operators – to meet and hear from experts, industry leaders and other small, medium and large-sized wine brands who are focused on growing their revenue through innovative growth strategies.
Similar to previous editions, it will feature a range of presentations and panel discussions featuring leaders of Australia’s wine trade, and will four key areas of discussion: Markets, Channels, Category Diversification, and Growth Marketing.
Click here to learn more or register attendance.
Entries open: AWLOTY Awards 2026
Entries for the 2026 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards opened on 7 April, inviting venues across the country to showcase the depth, diversity and quality of their wine programs.
Now in its 33rd year, the Awards remain Australia’s most prestigious recognition of outstanding wine and beverage lists across restaurants, hotels, wine bars, pubs and clubs.
Venues wishing to participate can submit their wine lists and learn more about the entry process via the official website.
Alternatively, you can read more about this year’s awards in this Drinks Trade article.
Maltstock Down Under15-17 May @ Ratho Farm Highland Resort Bothwell, Tasmania
Whisky enthusiasts across Australia are eagerly anticipating a landmark event coming to Tasmania in May 2026. For the first time in its 16-year history, the celebrated Maltstock gathering is heading south of the equator, bringing its unique community-focused spirit to Ratho Farm in Tasmania’s Central Highlands from 15–17 May.
Unlike conventional whisky festivals, Maltstock has always operated as a not-for-profit, community-driven experience. Ticket prices are structured purely to cover costs such as accommodation, meals, logistics, and event operations, keeping the emphasis on genuine connection, education, and shared passion for whisky rather than commercial promotion.
You can learn more about the upcoming event in this Drinks Trade article
Top Italian Wines Roadshow trade tasting13 May @ Watersedge at Campbells Stores, SydneyCost: Free
Gambero Rosso, the world’s leading authority on Italian wine and gastronomy, is returning to Australia to host its 19th annual Top Italian Wines Roadshow.
In addition to a walk-around tasting spanning 43 Italian wineries, the event will also include a number of Italian wine masterclasses hosted by Vini d’Italia editor Giuseppe Carrus.
Both the masterclasses and open tasting are exclusive to trade, and are free to attend, however registration is essential. For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.
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