whether you’re looking to uncask rare gems, create cool cocktails or pair to perfection, we’ve got the masterclass for you.

  • $35 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 7 September
    11.30am–12.15pm

  • Mark Reginato | Connect Vines & Man of Spirit and Eric Semmler | 919 Wines

  • Discover how Australia made Sherry its own.

    Step into the delicious world of Apera — Australia’s unique interpretation of Spanish Sherry. This masterclass traces the journey of this historic fortified wine from the sun‑drenched vineyards of Spain to its reinvention on Australian soil, and how today’s winemakers are continuing to evolve the style.

    In this session, you’ll:

    • Learn the fascinating story of how Apera became an Australian original

    • Explore the diverse styles of Apera, from crisp and dry to rich and sweet

    • Gain insight into the traditional aging processes that give Apera its distinctive character

    Whether you are a wine professional, a hospitality leader, or a curious enthusiast, this masterclass will deepen your understanding of Apera’s heritage while showcasing its exciting future.

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

  • $50 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 7 September
    4pm-5pm

  • Kiren Vythilingham | arkhe

  • 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.

  • $50 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 6 September
    2.30pm-3.15pm

  • Jacob Barter
    Noori on the Midcoast

  • 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 enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $30 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 7 September
    1pm-2pm

  • Kaie 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 enter the Neat Sips festival which is valid on the day of the masterclass.

  • $25 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 6 September
    10am-10.45am

  • Festival Patron, James Godfrey

  • 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.

  • $35 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 6 September
    11.30am-12.15pm

  • Festival Patron James Godfrey

  • 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.

  • $30 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 7 September
    10am-10.45am

  • 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 and in cocktails.

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

  • $30 per person + booking fee

  • Sunday 7 September
    2.30pm-3.30pm

  • Kaie Spain

  • 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.

  • $40 per person + booking fee

  • Saturday 6 September
    1pm-1.45pm

  • Festival Patron James Godfrey

  • 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.

*n.b. to attend a masterclass you must hold a general admission ticket.

*n.b. to attend a masterclass you must hold a general admission ticket.