whether you’re looking to uncask rare gems, create cool cocktails or pair to perfection, we’ve got the masterclass for you.
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$50 per person + booking fee
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Saturday 6 September
2.30pm-3.15pm -
Kiren Vythilingham | arkhe
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Discover how fortified wines can transform your cocktail game.
Step behind the bar with Kiren from Arkhé, one of Adelaide’s most innovative bartenders, for a hands‑on cocktail masterclass that brings fortified wines to life in fresh and exciting ways.
In this interactive session, you’ll learn to mix three original cocktails — each showcasing the depth and versatility of fortifieds:
Tawny House – a rich, fruit‑forward blend of single malt whisky, Tawny, and cherry syrup
Sweet & Nutty Whiskey Sour – a creamy twist with Apera, orgeat, and lemon
Fortified Negroni – a bold riff featuring citrus gin, Campari, and Naturi Sweet Vermouth
Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, this class will show you how to balance flavours, experiment with fortifieds, and recreate bar‑worthy cocktails at home. Whether you’re in trade, hospitality, or simply love a great drink, you’ll walk away with practical skills, recipes, and plenty of inspiration.
*All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.
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$30 per person + booking fee
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Sunday 7 September
1pm-2pm -
Katie Spain
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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 enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.
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$25 per person + booking fee
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Saturday 6 September
10am-10.45am -
Festival Patron, James Godfrey
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Discover the benchmarks that define Australia’s fortified wine excellence.
Renowned fortified winemaker James Godfrey, one of the driving forces behind the development of Australia’s fortified wine classification system, leads this insightful masterclass.
The Australian Fortified Wine Code of Practice was established to recognise quality, preserve heritage, and provide clarity for both producers and consumers. It sets the standard for classifying fortified wines into tiers — Australian, Classic, Grand, and Rare — ensuring that the skill, time, and craft behind each wine are properly acknowledged.
In this masterclass, James will share the story of how the classification came about, why it matters, and how it safeguards the future of fortified wine. Attendees will walk away with a deeper appreciation of:
The history and purpose of Australia’s fortified classifications
The key differences between each tier and what defines their quality
How the system empowers both trade and consumers to understand value, age, and craftsmanship
The pivotal role fortified wine continues to play in Australia’s winemaking story
This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from the expert who helped shape the framework that is now the backbone of Australia’s fortified wine identity.
*All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.
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$35 per person + booking fee
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Saturday 6 September
11.30am-12.15pm -
Festival Patron James Godfrey
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Explore the iconic world of Port and how Australia has interpreted and redefined it. Learn to distinguish between the many styles and their ideal pairings.
What to Expect:
Historical roots in Portugal vs. Australian adaptation
Key styles: Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, LBV, White Port
Fortification and aging explained
Side-by-side comparative tastings
*All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.
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$30 per person + booking fee
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Sunday 7 September
2.30pm-3.30pm -
Kaie Spain
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Where tradition meets innovation in fortified wine.
Explore the exciting frontier of fortified winemaking in New Horizons, a masterclass celebrating the producers who are redefining the category for a new generation. This session shines a light on modern interpretations of traditional styles — from artisanal vermouth to contemporary mead — showcasing how creativity, sustainability, and innovation are shaping the future.
In this masterclass, you’ll:
Meet the new wave of fortified producers challenging conventions and expanding possibilities
Discover the craft and creativity behind vermouth, mead, and emerging fortified styles
Learn how these wines are being positioned for today’s drinkers in both trade and hospitality
Gain insight into how innovation is breathing new life into a category rich with heritage
Perfect for trade professionals, hospitality leaders, and curious wine lovers, this session offers a glimpse into the bold future of fortifieds while honouring the traditions that paved the way.
*All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.
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$40 per person + booking fee
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Saturday 6 September
1pm-1.45pm -
Festival Patron James Godfrey
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Travel the world of fortified wines — one glass at a time.
Embark on a global tasting journey that explores how climate, culture, and tradition have shaped the world’s most iconic fortified wines. From Europe’s historic cellars to modern producers reshaping tradition, this interactive masterclass offers both education and discovery.
In this engaging session, participants will:
Take part in a lively “What Am I?” blind tasting challenge — five mystery glasses, with prizes for those who guess correctly
Learn how sweetness, oxidation, and aging techniques create distinct styles across regions
Gain insight into the cultural context and serving traditions behind fortifieds from around the world
Experience a guided comparative tasting that highlights both heritage producers and today’s innovative trailblazers
Whether you’re trade, hospitality, or a passionate wine enthusiast, this session will broaden your understanding of fortified wines while showcasing the diversity and brilliance of this global category.
*All Masterclass attendees must have a General Admission ticket to enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.