The Drink Show

The Drink Show comes to the Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre on Saturday 1 August, from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. It's a curated tasting and discovery afternoon that tours regional NSW, and this stop brings over 200 tastings under one roof.

The focus is on premium producers across craft spirits, boutique wineries, independent craft beer, and modern drinks, with sophisticated non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options alongside them. It's not a high-volume festival; the organisers describe it as a discovery experience rather than a party, and they keep attendance limited to keep the atmosphere relaxed. You'll find winemakers, distillers, and founders there in person, so you can meet the people behind the bottles and buy directly from them.

There's a bit of a method to the tasting, too. They suggest following the 'Five S's'—See, Swirl, Sniff, Savour, and Sip—in a structured, wine-led environment. It's a slower pace than your usual pay-per-sip event, and the whole thing runs on a single afternoon, so you can work your way through the stalls and head home by five.

For those in the industry, there's a dedicated Trade Preview that gives buyers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and media early access and networking opportunities. The main session runs from 1:30pm to 5:00pm at the Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre on Brown Road in Broadmeadow, with Early Bird tickets at A$19.95 and General Admission at A$29.95.