In this roundup, Drinks Trade collates all of the most exciting and important Australian liquor events and opportunities in one place. This includes a mix of trade specific opportunities, consumer-facing activations, and initiatives that will appeal to both.
While by no means an exhaustive list of upcoming industry events, the following ten opportunities cater to all categories and levels of experience within Australia’s drinks trade, encompassing all of Australia’s states.
Australia’s drinks industry calendar:
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards return for 2025
When: Registrations open 7 April, Awards ceremony on 29 September
Where: Open to venues across all of Australia. Awards ceremony held in Sydney
Cost: $275 ex GST (early bird entry fee), $245 (for organisations submitting five entries or more), $295 (standard entry fee)
Returning for the 32nd time, entries for Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards will open on Monday 7 April ahead of judging on 16 May.
Established in 1993 by Rob Hirst OAM, his late wife Judy Hirst, and Tucker Seabrook, Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards celebrate the depth of talent and dedication displayed by sommeliers and venue owners across Australia to build and maintain great wine lists and the cellars behind them.
Benefits for entrants and winners are numerous and include confidential feedback from an expert judging panel, a Glass Rating Certificate and Seal, and promotional material including an expert review. Additionally, winning wine lists will also be rewarded with print coverage in Drinks Trade Spring issue 96 and in Qantas Magazine – Travel Insider.
Last year’s Awards saw a 10% increase in the number of entries, reflecting the ongoing relevance of the competition. It also saw a 12% increase in the number of Three Glass rankings, with 276 venues receiving the top honour.
“The excitement and energy of the 2024 Awards is still fresh in my memory,” says Rob Hirst, Founder. “It was our biggest year to date, and the constant investment from venues to educate their staff, build their beverage list offerings, and focus on an exceptional service experience has me optimistic that 2025 will be another exciting year for Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.”
Anthony Pieri, the sommelier responsible for the winning wine list at Gimlet of Cavendish House, encourages all venues to apply: “My experience with Wine List of the Year has been fantastic, from the team on the ground to my peers having selected me as Sommeliers’ Choice, I’m incredibly humbled to be included and recognised as one of the foremost wine programs in Australia.”
Registrations for the 32nd Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards will open on 7 April and will close on 16 May. The final awards presentation will then take place in Sydney on 29 September. Keen entrants are encouraged to sign up to be notified of the entry portal opening here.
Pride in Drinks webinar: Marketing to the queer community – diversity or inclusion?
When: 12pm – 1pm (AEST) Wednesday 2 April
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Next week, the Drinks Association’s Pride in Drinks team is hosting a free webinar exploring the nuances of marketing to the queer community.
Hosted by Lion’s Head of Insights and Foresight Allan Dib (he/him), the webinar will be centred around a panel discussion featuring Managing Director at Identity Communications Santosh Murthy (he/him), and Polly Parker (she/her), Co-Founder of They Connect.
The Pride in Drinks webinar: Marketing to the queer community – diversity or inclusion? is ideal for marketing professionals or anyone in the liquor industry interested in LGBTQIA+ representation. Topics to be explored include discussions around what constitutes respectful and effective marketing, the potential pitfalls and the barriers to getting it right.
The webinar will take place via Zoom from 12pm – 1pm (AEST) Wednesday 2 April. To register, click here.
NIQ On-Premise Webinar: Does it pass the pub test?
When: 10am – 10:45 am AEDT, Tuesday 25 March
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Tomorrow, NielsenIQ is hosting a webinar exploring the rapid evolution of Australia’s on-premise landscape.
The 45 minute webinar will feature insights from NIQ’s Senior Client Success Manager Tom Graham and the ALH Group’s Beverage Category Manager of Range, Ryan Kimball, and will explore the latest trends across both consumer and category. It will also explore how the largest operator of pubs in Australia is navigating these changes.
The duo will also respond to audience questions, which can be submitted ahead of time upon registration.
To register for the free webinar, click here.
2025 Australian Distillers Association Conference
When: 1-2 April
Where: The Star, Goldcoast
Cost: From $650
500 Australian spirits industry representatives will be congregating on the Sunshine Coast next week for the 2025 Australian Distillers Association Conference.
Centred around the theme Stronger Together, the conference will have a particular focus on brand building and distribution in challenging trading conditions. Key speakers at the event include International Guest Speaker Bill Harper of Brand BOSS HQ, Jarna McLean from Circana, Four Pillars Co-Founder and former Association president Stu Gregor, Co-Founder of Thankyou Daniel Flynn, and Jayne Lewis of Full Colour Life.
In addition to the presentations and panel sessions, the conference will include 20 practical workshops delivered by partner brands and industry leaders.
To register or to learn more, click here.
Wine Tasmania’s 2025 National Wine Trade Visit
When: Applications open until 11 April. Trade visit to take place 25-27 May
Where: Tasmania
Cost: Free to enter
Wine Tasmania is currently calling on all Australian wine professions to apply for the upcoming May Tassie Wine Trade Visit, a program designed to encourage education and appreciation of Tasmanian viticulture.
Ten spots have been made available for the 25-27 May trip, a two day holiday designed to showcase the very best of the state’s wine producing sector. This will include flights, accommodation, local produce, transport and plenty of exceptional Tassie wine for the lucky recipients, each selected by Sommeliers Australia.
The visit is open to people who are directly responsible for wholesale wine purchasing within their mainland-based restaurant, wine bar or wine retail business, with applications assessed on a competitive basis.
“We’ve been blown away by the high calibre of interstate wine trade applicants for this popular visitation program, which has hosted more than 140 influential buyers over the past decade,” says Sheralee Davies, CEO of Wine Tasmania.
“With places for each visit hotly contended, it’s been rewarding and humbling to see how the knowledge of Tasmania’s great wines, talented growers and makers has increased over the years.”
Applications for Wine Tasmania’s May 2025 national wine trade visitation program are now open and close on 11 April, with selected participants confirmed from 17 April and the visit taking place on 25-27 May.
To register or learn more, click here.
Paramount Liquor’s Future Proof Brisbane
When: 4-8pm Monday 7 April
Where: Fish Lane Precinct & Southside, Brisbane
Cost: Free
Returning to Brisbane for 2025 is Paramount Liquor’s Future Proof hospitality forum, a free industry event featuring various panel discussions, masterclasses, and immersive supplier experiences. This includes Business legacies, a deep dive into building long-term business success; Mastering your craft, a practical discussion on education, career pathways, and overcoming hospitality industry challenges; and interactive masterclasses from William Grant & Sons and Buffalo Trace Distillery.
“Future Proof is about fostering meaningful conversations, sparking new ideas, and creating opportunities for the hospitality industry to evolve,” says Paramount Liquor CEO Nathan Rowe. “This year’s Brisbane event will be our most dynamic yet, bringing together the best in the business for a night of insight and inspiration.”
Additionally, the upcoming event will also offer an elevated service and hospitality offering performed in partnership with Fanda Group, owners of Southside & Kiki, Rickshores, and the newly opened Norte Restaurant & Sueno Rooftop.
“Future Proof Brisbane is more than just an event: it’s a chance for our industry to come together, inspire one another, and ensure we continue to grow and innovate,” said David Flynn, the Group’s Co-Owner and Operator. “Hospitality thrives on connection, and forums like this are essential to shaping the next generation of professionals.”
Details about the panel discussions and masterclasses are as follows:
Business legacies
David Flynn – Co-owner and Operator, Fanda GroupPeter Hollands – Co-owner and Operator, Frogs Hollow, Alice Bar, The Alliance HotelPatrice Beckmann – National Head of Support Services, Funlab
Mastering your craft
Carmen Hartwich – Master of Bourbon & Brand Ambassador Queensland & South Australia, Brown FormanJason Williams – Group Beverage Director, House Made HospitalityLouella Matthews – President of Sommeliers Australia, Head of Beverage and Group Sommelier, Trippas White Group
Interactive masterclasses
Whisky tasting hosted by National Brand Ambassador Joey Chisholm featuring Glenfiddich and The Balvenie Whiskies paired with food from Fish Lane chefs.A whiskey experience hosted by Gee David, Buffalo Trace’s Trade Advocacy Manager
To register for the free event, click here.
Wine Industry Mentor Program 2025
When: Up to 6 April
Where: Apply online here
Who: All wine industry workers
Cost: Free
Applications for the Wine Industry Mentor Program 2025 are currently open and will close on 6 March.
Managed by Wine Communicators of Australia and supported by The University of Adelaide, Wine Australia, the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology and the Wine Industry Suppliers Association, the structured mentoring program will run over six months from June to November 2025 and will feature a calendar of Mentor meetings and professional development sessions.
New for this year, the program is allowing participants in the middle of their career to apply to be both a mentor and a mentee: “This means a mid-career applicant and/or a previous successful Mentee, could act as a Mentor for a person at the beginning of their wine career, and also as a Mentee to a more senior Mentor to assist them in further development,” a spokesperson for the program said.
Additionally, the program will also be offering a small number of matches with international mentors from the USA, UK and NZ for the first time.
Reflecting on the benefits of the program, 2024 participant Tim Blair says “the mentorship program has been a transformative experience, enabling me to connect with an incredible mentor who provided invaluable guidance and support, significantly influencing my career and perspective within the industry.”
Similarly, Mentor Fiona Findlay of Voyager Estate said “it was a pleasure to work with my Mentee, who was very responsive to our sessions. I also gained valuable experience and enjoyment from the process.”
Since launching in 2018, the program has successfully seen more than 260 mentees receive one-on-one mentoring from leaders of Australia’s wine industry.
Applications are welcomed from workers across all sectors of Australia’s grape and wine industry, and from various levels of experience.
To learn more or to apply, visit here.
All Ears: Sonos and Inner West Ale Trail launch deep listening series
When: Wednesday 26 March, Thursday 3 April, Thursday 10 April
Where: Chuck and Sons (26th), Wayward (3rd), Wildflower (10th)
Cost: $40
This March and April, the Inner West Ale Trail has partnered up with audio system provider Sonos to launch Australia’s first deep listening series.
Inspired by the vinyl bars found in Tokyo, Japan, the All Ears series invites beer and music fans to participate in five curated listening experiences in which an entire vinyl record is played start to finish in uninterrupted, high-fidelity sound.
“Government agencies and councils have been accessing the power of districts for activations for some time now, through events like VIVID and Great Southern Nights. It’s exciting to see the private sector beginning to lean into the model,” said Michael Rodrigues, 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
“While there will always be a place for standalone venues and major hospitality groups in delivering brand partnerships, the co-ordinated district approach gives rise to opportunities for SMEs to participate in medium and large-scale activations. And it’s an example of meeting customers where they are or where they want to be, rather than the alternate approach which often relies on the installation of one off event infrastructure. I think this is a great evolution of the district model and I welcome it.”
Launched last Thursday at Mixtape at an event attended by Drinks Trade, the next instalment is scheduled for Wednesday at Future Brewing, where Stankonia by Outkast will be played. Following this, INXS’ Kick will be featured at Chuck and Sons, Radiohead’s Kid A at Wayward, and Mulatu Astatke’s Mulatu of Ethiopia at Wildflower.
“All Ears is an amazing way to show how these spaces can evolve into immersive cultural venues, giving people a reason to slow down, listen, and truly experience music,” Founder of Wayward Pete Philip said.
Tickets, which include a drink and snack on arrival, cost $40 and can be purchased here.
Marie Brizard Cocktail Competition 2025
When: Entries close Wednesday 30 April. National finals on 17 June
Where: Enter via social media
Cost: Free
The Marie Brizard Cocktail Competition is returning for 2025, offering bartenders a chance to enter into the running for up to $6000 in cash prizes and a two-night stay at the Bartenders’ Weekender in Brisbane.
To enter, Australian bartenders are required to share a high resolution image of a cocktail they have created on social media, tagging @marie_brizard_official, @pseexperiences (Penny Sippe), and the bar they work at. These submissions must include a Marie Brizard liqueur bottle in at least one image, along with the cocktail’s name, ingredients and recipe.
Four regional finalists will be chosen to represent the social media entries, with group one including Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory; group two including Victoria; group three including Tasmania South Australia and the Northern Territory; and group four including Western Australia.
Each regional finalist will receive $1,000 in prize money along with all expenses paid trips to compete during the Bartenders’ Weekender in Brisbane on 17 June. At this event, the national winner will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize.
Founded in 1755, the Marie Brizard liqueur range includes the iconic Anisette, made using green anise; pry, featuring apricot spirits and infusions atop a base of cognac and French rum; and Falernum, a beverage originally from Barbados.
The regional finalists are scheduled to be announced in late May.
GABS Festival
When: 4-5 April (Melbourne), 23-24 May (Brisbane), 30-31 May (Sydney)
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, International Convention Centre Sydney
Cost: From $49
GABS Festival has unveiled its calendar for 2025, which includes events in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney this April and May.
Recognised as Australia’s leading craft beer festival, nearly 38,000 guests attended GABS 2024 across ten sessions, collectively purchasing 28,140 litres from 174 different breweries.
To learn more or to purchase tickets, click here.
California Wines’ first ever Australian trade tasting
When: 1-5pm Tuesday 29 April (Brisbane), 1-4pm Wednesday 30 April (Melbourne), 1-5pm Thursday 1 May (Sydney)
Where: Emporium Hotel South Bank (Brisbane), Glasshouse (Melbourne), 12-micron (Sydney)
Cost: Free
Following the appointment of its first ever Australian PR and Comms agency, California Wines has announced the dates for its first ever trade tastings in Australia.
Titled Discover the Golden State of Wine, the tour will include stops in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney and will focus on showcasing the stylistic, varietal, regional, and price bracket diversity of California’s wine industry.
The wines on showcase will include esteemed producers such as Ridge, Shafer, Hirsch, Au Bon Climat, Tablas Creek and Kendall-Jackson along with new-to-market releases from members of the California Wine Export Program.
Additionally, two masterclasses will also be available at each stop, titled California Overview and California in Focus respectively.
“To unlock California wine’s potential in the Australian market, our priority is to solidify the relationships with our distribution partners and their customers,” said Hiro Tejima, Joint Regional Director of North Asia & Australasia for California Wines.
“We are thrilled to take a step in that direction – to be together and discover – or for some, rediscover – California, the Golden State of Wine, through messaging and education which we believe will evoke excitement. We can’t wait to welcome many colleagues from the local beverage and hospitality sector at each of our events.”
To register for the free tastings or to submit an expression of interest to attend the masterclasses, click here.
Archie Rose’s Stickybeak Festival
When: 5-10pm Friday 4 April – Saturday 5 April
Where: The Good Line North, Ultimo, Sydney
Cost: $29
Archie Rose is once again hosting its Stickybeak festival, a celebration of Sydney’s best booze, food and music performed in partnership with fbi.radio and P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants with support from the City of Sydney.
For its fourth annual instalment, Archie Rose will collaborate with more than 20 partner vendors to transform The Goods Line North in Ultimo into a vibrant hospitality space.
This will include partner eateries such as Bessie’s, FIREPOP, Messina, and Kiln; and liquor pop-up activations from Maybe Sammy Group, Double Deuce Lounge, PS40, The Waratah, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants, and Grifter Brewing, among others. Once again, fbi.radio will return to Stickybeak with another curated DJ and live music lineup.
“StickyBeak was born out of the pandemic lockdowns, a time when the hospitality industry was forced into a long winter of takeaway cocktails and virtual experiences,” says Harriet Leigh – Head of Hospitality at Archie Rose.
“As the world reopened, we wanted to bring people together again – to celebrate this vibrant city and the industry that gives it so much heart. Our commitment to showcasing the best of our world-class hospitality scene and city remains stronger than ever.”
The $29 ticket price ($24 early bird) includes a free Archie Rose gift bag worth $50, free Archie Rose guided tastings throughout the event, DJs and live performances curated by fbi.radio, live demonstrations and talks.
To learn more or to book tickets, click here.
A full list of vendors is as follows: Archie Rose Distilling Co., Attenzione!, Baptist Street Rec Club, Bessie’s, Double Deuce, FIREPOP, Flora, Flyover Fritterie, Gelato Messina, Grape Garden, Grifter Brewing Co., Ho Jiak, Lankan Filling Station, Kiln, Maiz Mexican Street Food, Little Cooler, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants, PS40, Shadow Baking, Takam, The Waratah.
Wine Communicators of Australia’s Wine Growth Summit
When: 9am – 5:30pm 8 April
Where: Adelaide Convention Centre – North Terrace, Adelaide SA
Cost: From $225
Wine Communicators of Australia is once again hosting its Wine Growth Summit in 2025. Taking place in April, the full day conference aims to share the collective knowledge of Australia’s wine industry leaders’ to help wine businesses improve their commercial outcomes, tackle export markets and enhance their brand positioning globally.
Summit organiser and WCA Deputy Chair Alex Gibbs explains: “The Wine Growth Summit is an exciting platform for the wine industry to come together and highlight growth opportunities. You will be joined by likeminded people, from small to large wine businesses from wine regions across Australia, all focusing on growing internationally. We have some amazing, experienced and positive speakers lined up, as well as great case studies to share and insightful panel discussions to be involved in.”
Included in the list of speakers and panelists of the program are:
Fiona Findlay, Head of Sales at Voyager EstateJustin Kosmina, Head of Global Sales at The Hidden SeaAdam O’Neill, General Manager at Hugh Hamilton WinesMatt Deller MW, Managing Director of Wirra WirraSandy Mayo, CEO of Accolade WinesJo Watkins, Export, Sales and Marketing Director for Watkins WinesTim Herrmann, General Manager – Sales at Soul GrowersSarah Myers, Executive Officer at Ultimate Winery ExperiencesLucy Clements, CEO of Freestone EstatePeter Bailey, Manager Market Insights at Wine Australia
Attendees will be able to learn from these panelists across the Summit’s three main program segments.
This begins with Insights sessions, where attendees can hear the latest data and insights from leading insights professionals and people on the ground in key markets.
Next, the Summit will showcase Case studies from people working in wine businesses, where guests will learn from the experts about their successes & challenges exporting to markets globally.
Finally, the Summit will include Panel and Q&A sessions, offering valuable insights and actionable strategies to help improve wine businesses and strategies. This segment of the event will focus on subjects such as Achieving growth in key global markets and Destination marketing – driving the visitor economy.
Click here for more information, or here to book tickets.
The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship
When: 19 July
Where: Grand Hyatt Hotel
Cost: To be announced on 7 April
This July, Australia’s largest and longest running whisky tasting championship will be taking place in Melbourne for the first time, in partnership with the Grand Hyatt.
First held in 1989, the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship fell into remission in 1997 when David Le Cornu sold the Earl of Zetland Hotel, the original headquarters of the event.
Eleven years later, Andrew Derbidge of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society resurrected the event in 2008 as a biennial event.
“It was actually myself who resurrected the AMWTC in 2008, deciding that it should once again be a key part of the Australian whisky calendar,” wrote Derbidge. “Under the custodianship of the SMWS, we re-launched the AMWTC at the Sydney Opera House in 2008, and we made it, in theory, a biennial event. It was held in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018… and then had to navigate the joys of COVID.”
Explaining how it runs, a spokesperson for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society said: “On the night, you sit down in front of eight core-range malt whiskies, we give you the answers plus one red herring, and then you pick out which one is which within 30 minutes. Easy enough! Then we party into the night with the SMWS single cask bar, cocktail bar, and more.”
Tickets to the event are scheduled to go on sale at midday 7 April.
For more information or to register to be first in line, click here.