tell your peeps.
save the dates.
GET YOUR TICKEts.

SINGLE DAY TICKETS…

$45

+ BOOKING FEE

Details:
August 24-25, 2024
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday or Sunday)
McLaren Vale Distillery, McLaren Vale

Ticket inclusions:
Take-home RIEDEL glass
Ten tastings (equivalent to 2 std drinks)
Q&As and entertainment

FULL WEEKEND TICKET…

$70

+ BOOKING FEE

Details:
August 24-25, 2024
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)
McLaren Vale Distillery, McLaren Vale

Ticket inclusions:
Take-home RIEDEL glass
Ten tastings (equivalent to 2 std drinks)
Q&As and entertainment

Masterclass ADD ONS…

  • $25 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 24 August
    11.30am–12.15pm

  • Mark Reginato,
    Connect Vines & Man of Spirit

  • Join the Man of Spirit, Mark Reginato, for an insightful masterclass that explores how to drink and cook with various fortified wines from around the world. Whether Sherry, Madeira, Port, Muscat, or Tokay, you’ll learn when each style best suits your dining experience. During the masterclass, you’ll taste and discuss the nuances of these different fortifieds, helping you identify their unique flavour profiles and understand their ideal food pairings.

    *All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to Neat Sips valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $25 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 25 August
    11.30am–12.15pm

  • Mark Reginato
    Connect Vines & Man of Spirit

    Joshua Beare
    TAFE SA

  • This masterclass explores all things sweet and decadent, focusing on Port, Muscat, and Tokay (PX). Learn what to look for in a good, fortified wine and how to pair these delightful beverages with cheese and chocolate. It will also cover the sensory aspects of fortified wines—what you’re smelling and tasting, why these elements are present, and how time and environment affect them. Gain insights into making informed choices about occasions and food pairings. The tastings in this masterclass will be paired with Barossa Cheese Co cheese and Bracegirdle’s chocolate.

    *All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to Neat Sips valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $55 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 25 August
    2.15pm–3pm

  • Fiona Donald
    Seppeltsfield Chief Winemaker

  • Join Seppeltsfield Chief Winemaker, Fiona Donald, who will take you on a journey tasting through our treasure trove of fortified wines, from one of the world’s most historic Estates. You can expect a masterclass in the diversity of fortified wines, including Apera, Muscat, Tokay and a collection of Para Tawny of various ages. There will also be a few little South Australian accompaniments to enhance this unique tasting experience.

    *All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to Neat Sips valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $25 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 24 August
    1pm–2pm

  • Katie Spain

  • As its name suggests, this masterclass is full of rare gems—glittery host Katie Spain, world-class fortified winemakers and an esteemed gastronomist included. Together, you’ll uncask a number of fortifieds directly from the barrel. This exclusive tasting will include rare and unreleased wines, with the opportunity to hear from the winemakers themselves. You’ll delve into the history of fortified wines and explore innovative techniques that keep these beverages relevant and exciting today. If you’ve ever wanted direct access to fortified thought leaders, this masterclass is for you.

    *All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to Neat Sips valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $50 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 24 August
    3.30pm–4.30pm

  • Jacob Barter
    Noori on the Midcoast

    Mark Reginato
    Connect Vines & Man of Spirit

  • Masterclass meets full sensory experience. Noori will have complete control of the space—think disco balls, smoke machines and giant pelicans. You'll create five cocktails over 45 minutes, each paired with a mood and fitting tune played by the lovely DJ Spainola (aka Katie Spain). Your exciting and expressive range of cocktails will finish with an Eggnog tipple to be enjoyed by our outdoor fire pits. This masterclass aims to push the boundaries of your cocktail experience, leaving you inspired by the possibilities. 

    *All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to Neat Sips valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $25 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 24 August
    2.15pm–3pm

  • Mark Reginato
    Connect Vines & Man of Spirit

  • Deep dive into the world of vermouth and aromatised wine with Mark Reginato. In this masterclass, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a range of vermouths from Australia and abroad, exploring the spectrum of dry to bitter to sweet. You’ll learn about the differences between vermouth and aromatised wines, the role of sugar levels, and the importance of base wines, fortification and botanicals—including Australian varieties. Discover how these versatile wines can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails and with oysters, thanks to our friends at Franklin Harbour Oyster Co. And, yes, that means you’ll also get an oyster and vermouth pairing.

    *All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to Neat Sips valid on the day of the masterclass.

FAQs

  • Neat Sips Fortified Festival is a celebration of fortified wines, showcasing producers from different wine regions in South Australia and Rutherglen. The event features tastings, masterclasses, food and entertainment.

  • The festival will be held on the 24th and 25th of August, 2024 from 11am to 5pm each day at McLaren Vale Distillery, South Australia. The festival will be held outside under marquees. The ground is a mix of gravel and lawn, so we suggest wearing appropriate footwear.

  • Tickets can be purchased online through our official festival website, which will take you to the Eventbrite page. Early bird tickets are available at a discounted rate until the 31st of July, 2024.

  • Tickets include entry to the festival, a RIEDEL tasting glass, ten producer tastings (equivalent to two standard drinks) and scheduled talks. Additional tastings and wine purchases are not included in the ticket price.

  • This is not an 18+ event; however, there is no entertainment or activities for children. There are lawn areas for children to play, but access to these areas will be weather-dependent. 

  • No, they are not.

  • The festival will feature a diverse selection of fortified wines from various South Australian producers, including tawny, apera, muscat, topaque, and vermouth.

  • Yes, once you redeem the tastings included in your ticket, all wines tasted at the festival will be available for purchase directly from the producers' stalls, either as a tasting or as a glass.

  • Yes, the festival bar will have a range of wine, beer and cocktails. 

  • Yes, we will have a selection of non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the festival bar.

  • Upon entry, you will receive a RIEDEL festival glass and a tasting card. You can visit different producer stalls to sample their fortified wines. Once you have redeemed the ten tastings on your card, you can purchase additional tastings or fortifieds by the glass from producers' stalls, or a range of other drinks from the festival bar.  

  • Yes, we offer several masterclasses and workshops led by industry experts. These require a separate ticket, and spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance.

  • The festival will feature a variety of food vendors offering premium produce that pairs well with fortified wines. These include chocolatiers, cheese makers, oyster farmers, wood-fired pizza producers and more.

  • Yes, DJ Tommy Tequila will be playing on Saturday, along with a live Q&A with festival patron James Godfrey, hosted by Katie Spain. On Sunday, there will be a live jazz band and a live Q&A with Fiona Donald, Seppeltsfield's chief winemaker, hosted by Katie Spain. 

  • No, outside food and beverages are not permitted. We encourage you to enjoy the offerings from our selected food vendors and wine producers.

  • Yes, the venue is accessible for people with disabilities. If you require any special assistance, please contact us in advance.

  • Only service animals are allowed at the festival.

  • Yes, there is ample parking available at the venue. Williams Charity will manage parking, with gold coin donation required on entry.

  • Bring your ticket (printed or digital), a valid ID for age verification, and a reusable water bottle. It's also a good idea to bring a warm jacket, closed-in comfortable shoes, and umbrellas if the weather is appropriate. 

  • You can follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter on our website, or check the festival website regularly.

  • For additional queries, please contact our customer service team via email at enjoy@neatsipsfestival.com.au