HEY THERE longtime lovers, sometimes sippers and those yet to fall for fortifieds.
Neat Sips is a South Australian fortified festival on a mission to prove fortifieds are back in a big way.
Held in August 2024 at McLaren Vale Distillery with Treasury Wine Estates' Head Fortified Winemaker, James Godfrey, as Festival Patron, our inaugural year was a huge success—and a lot of fun.
Over a weekend that included both sunshine and hail, we uncasked rare drops long hidden in private cellars, mixed up flavourful new cocktails, and provided a range of memorable masterclasses.
Neat Sips also won the Great Wine Capitals, 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Award for ‘Best Innovative Wine Tourism Experience'.
The judges saying the win was for our genuine point of difference, honouring Australia’s significant history of fortified wines and adding a rich layer to attract new fans in this category.
If you’re interested in joining us in 2025 as a producer or festival attendee, make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list to receive updates as they drop.
Why a fortified festival?
South Australia has a long and proud history of fortified production dating back to the 19th century and covering all corners of our great state.
However, when table wines became the cool new thing in the mid-1900s, fortifieds lost their lustre and were pushed aside like forlorn lovers.
We at Neat Sips think that’s a huge shame and have taken it upon ourselves to help reignite a passion for and education around South Australian fortifieds.
If you’re passionate about fortifieds too, we hope you’ll join us in sharing our mission.
