Our Guide to Unique Beverage Experiences at Tasting Australia 2026
There’s no better place to swirl, sip and savour than right here in Adelaide, and this year’s Tasting Australia beverage program is your invitation to discover the Drinks Academy, presented by Adelaide University.
Expect everything from guided tastings and behind-the-scenes masterclasses to relaxed long lunches, exclusive dinners and vibrant evening events. It’s a chance to explore new drops, revisit old favourites and hear the stories behind every pour. Now’s the time to book your must-sip experiences (before they sell out) - whether that's discovering cool-climate wines, sampling small-batch spirits or toasting with friends as the sun goes down.
Here are five standout Drinks Academy events to book.
Top Drinks Academy Events
Aperitivo Hour
What makes a special drink even better? The perfect snack. This fresh series features both, as curated by stars from Australian bars and restaurants known for their inspired selections. It's akin to being in their venues – illuminating their story, their style.Ease into the evening with a relaxed social experience set across Adelaide’s buzzing city centre, It’s the ultimate way to soak up the atmosphere of Tasting Australia as the sun dips and the city comes alive.
Learn
Curious to expand your palate? Learn sessions invite you to explore the stories, regions and techniques behind your favourite beverages. The sessions are led by top sommeliers and winemakers that cover the basics and happily explore more nuanced elements too. Discover modern food and drink pairings, how hops influence beer, sommelier secrets and winemaking basics. This is learning at its most immersive.
Masterclasses
For those looking to dive deeper, Masterclasses deliver a more immersive tasting experience. Try – or find – your favourite wine, appreciating its qualities beside bright minds from the world of drinks. Sparkling, chardonnay and beer are set to feature., offering insight, technique and a new appreciation for every pour.
Matchmakers
Set within the lively hub of Town Square in Adelaide, Matchmakers features casual tastings features a diverse lineup of winemakers from South Australia and further afield, ready to chat all things variety, vintage and very excellent vino. Treat it like speed dating: five minutes in conversation, then a chance to strike up a chat elsewhere.
Wine Parties
Turn up the energy with Wine Parties, where Adelaide’s love of great wine meets a vibrant, festival atmosphere. Gather your friends for a social evening of roving tastings and interesting drinks.
More Bookable Beverage Experiences
Take a look beyond the beverage experiences at the full Tasting Australia program and start mapping out your stops, whether it’s a quick lunch or a full day of eating and drinking.