AUSTRALIA | Vivid Sydney will put NSW wine in the spotlight during this year’s festival, showcasing the quality and diversity of vineyards across the state.
NSW is the birthplace of Australian wine, with the country’s first vines planted at Circular Quay in 1788. Almost 240 years later, Vivid Food will bring wine-pairing dinners and tasting experiences to the streets surrounding Australia’s first vineyard.
“The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy identifies wine tourism as a key strength for the state, with 1.9 million international and domestic overnight visitors engaging in wine experiences in NSW during 2025,” said Minister for Jobs Tourism Steve Kamper.
“The NSW Government will elevate appreciation of our state’s outstanding wines to even greater heights at Vivid Sydney. Events during Vivid Food will reinforce NSW as Australia's top destination for wine lovers, while providing winemakers with a fantastic brand-building opportunity. Festival attendees will have the chance to taste wines that they will remember, recommend and buy again later, driving visibility and growth for the state’s wine industry.”
“This year is the first time Vivid Sydney has presented a dedicated beverage event, with Cult & Classic | A NSW Food & Wine Party marking a significant moment in how we celebrate the NSW wine industry at the festival,” said Festival Director Brett Sheehy.
From wine pairings across the Vivid Food dining experiences to free Food for Thought stage sessions led by the wine industry, Vivid Sydney is designed to spark accessibility, discovery and conversation, inviting new audiences to experience the diversity that NSW wine offers.
“NSW is home to some of the best wines in the country and Vivid Sydney is proud to showcase the depth, quality and diversity produced across the state. With growing interest in drinking local, audiences are keen to understand the stories behind what’s in their glass and this is an opportunity to taste wines from our unique regions and meet the award‑winning winemakers who produce them.”
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