things you might like to know before you start sipping…

FAQs

  • Neat Sips Fortified Festival is a celebration of fortified wines, showcasing producers from different wine regions across the country. The event features tastings, masterclasses, food and entertainment.

  • The festival will be held on the 6th and 7th September 2025, 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, 2025.

  • Tickets include entry to the festival, a RIEDEL tasting glass, entertainment and scheduled talks on the main stage. Tastings and wine purchases are not included in the ticket price. There will be live music, an area for children’s entertainment, and the footy on the big screen behind the bar.

  • Absolutely, it is Father’s Day weekend after all! Children do require a ticket for entry as they are counted towards our licensed number of patrons. We will have a kid’s area with free activities for them to join.

  • No, they are not.

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

  • Yes, all wines tasted at the festival will be available for purchase directly from the producers' stalls, either as a tasting or as a take-away bottle. There will be a main bar to purchase drinks to enjoy onsite.

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

  • 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