Celebrate Australia’s best wines at the innaugural National Wine Festival

 Australia’s most prestigious wine awards is about to get even bigger! To mark the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia we’re launching an exciting new event, the National Wine Festival.

 The only truly national celebration of Australian winemaking excellence, the four-day festival in June 2025 promises an unparalleled experience of Australian viticulture.

 The festival begins with the 2025 National Wine Show of Australia trophy presentation dinner in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House on 12 June. Three days of wine tastings, masterclasses, themed dinners and special events follow at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel.  

 Event highlights

 Tasting sessions: Sample more than 900 award-winning wines, including every entrant in the 2025 National Wine Show.

 Masterclasses: From sessions aimed at beginners to those designed to engage the most ardent wine enthusiasts, our panel of experts will guide you through the world of Aussie viticulture.

 Themed dinners: Curated dining experiences paired with award-winning wines.

 VIP-only events: Exclusive gatherings for VIP guests will provide access to top-tier wines and renowned winemakers.

 Industry expo: A showcase of the latest innovations, trends and tastes for wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.

FESTIVAL EVENTS

  • Trophy Presentation Dinner - Parliament House

    The 2025 National Wine Show of Australia Trophy Presentation Dinner will be held in the Great Hall at Parliament House on 12 June 2025. Join us for an exclusive front-row seat as Australia’s very best wines for 2025 are revealed.

    Among the 500 guests will be the Prime Minister of Australia (pending availability), senior government ministers, leading industry representatives, Australia's best winemakers and wine judges, as well as discerning consumers seeking an exceptional wine experience.

    Twenty-three trophies will be presented throughout the evening, with the wine awarded best in show receiving the ultimate accolade for an Australian winemaker, the Prime Minister's Trophy.

    THURSDAY 12 JUNE 6PM, GREAT HALL PARLIAMENT HOUSE

  • Expo & Wine Tasting

    The inaugural National Wine Festival will mark the 50th birthday of the nation’s most prestigious wine awards, the National Wine Show of Australia.

     Every wine entered in Australia’s most important wine awards event will be open for tasting during the festival, to be held at the historic Hyatt Hotel Canberra from 13-15 June, including the top trophy winners.

     Book your ticket now to taste these award-winning wines over three hours, while enjoying gourmet snacks, exploring stalls featuring insider tips on wine tourism, meeting industry experts and uncovering hidden gems from the world of wine.

    Session times:

    Friday 13 June 12-3pm and 3:30-6:30pm

    Saturday 14 June 12-3pm and 3:30-6:30pm

    Sunday 15 June 12-3pm

  • 50th Anniversary Dinner

    Join us for a night of elegance and celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the prestigious National Wine Show of Australia.

     Set in the opulent surrounds of the five-star Hyatt Hotel Canberra’s Centenary Ballroom, a multi-course menu featuring seasonal local produce will be complemented by award-winning wines from Australia’s most important wine show.

     From rare vintages to contemporary classics, this one-of-a-kind experience will take guests on a fascinating journey through 50 years of Australian winemaking excellence.

    FRIDAY 13 JUNE 6PM, HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA

MASTERCLASSES

  • A beginner’s guide to wine tasting

    Wine tasting doesn’t need to be intimidating, and this beginner’s masterclass makes wine appreciation simple and accessible for all.

    Led by one of Australia’s leading viticultural experts, the session will cover the basics of wine styles, varieties, and tasting techniques in a relaxed and friendly environment.

    The session will include National Wine Show of Australia trophy winners – the perfect way to start your wine appreciation journey.

  • Wines of the future

    Climate challenges, innovative winemaking techniques and changing consumer tastes are influencing the wines we’re drinking now… and into the future.

     Learn how Australia’s traditional chardy and cab sav tastes are evolving to embrace new European styles that perfectly lend themselves to everything from a backyard barbie to an elegant dinner.

     This masterclass explores the influence of European varietals on our drinking habits, including rose –rapidly becoming the wine of choice for many Australians – and emerging varietals such as vermentino, grenache and Montepulciano that are increasingly taking out trophies at the prestigious National Wine Show of Australia.

  • Australian Sparkling

    This masterclass explores the innovation and craftsmanship that make Australian sparkling wines the envy of the world.

     From classic brut styles to sparkling rosés and edgy reds, our uniquely Australian bubblies have rightly gained global recognition.

     Learn about the traditional and innovative methods being adopted by Australian sparkling winemakers, including the art of blending and the influence of ageing on what ends up in the bottle.

     This masterclass promises to be both educational and indulgent.

  • Journey through the Mediterranean

    The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, celebrated for their rich history, diverse grape varieties, and ideal climate.

     This masterclass will take you on a vibrant tasting journey to discover why the unique terroirs and winemaking traditions of France, Italy, Spain and Greece produce standout wines.

    Led by a renowned wine expert, you’ll taste the robust, earthy reds that embody the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, alongside the crisp, aromatic whites that capture the essence of coastal breezes.

  • Chardonnay uncorked

    This masterclass offers a deep dive into one of our most celebrated and versatile grape varieties.

     Explore Australia’s top chardonnay-producing regions, from the cool-climate elegance of Tasmania’s Tamar Valley and the Yarra Valley in Victoria to the bold, complex styles of WA’s Margaret River and South Australia’s Adelaide Hills.

     Discover how the unique terroir, climate and winemaking techniques of each region bring out distinct flavours, textures and aromas in one of our most popular wine styles.

  • Australian terroir

    Embark on a sensory journey across Australia’s diverse wine regions in this immersive tasting experience. Sample an exquisite selection of wines, each chosen to highlight the unique characteristics of the country’s distinct terroirs.

     From the bold reds of the Barossa Valley to the crisp whites of Margaret River, this session will explore the subtle nuances that make each wine region special and provide insights into the critical factors that influence flavour and quality. 

     Led by a leading Australian wine expert, this masterclass is perfect for those looking to deepen their wine knowledge and discover new local favourites.

  • National Wine Show 2025 trophy wines

    Led by National Wine Show of Australia Chair of Judges Matt Harrop, this exclusive and sought-after masterclass will focus on the just-announced 2025 National Wine Show Trophy-winning wines.

     A leading Australian winemaker and judge, Matt will reveal what Australia’s best wine assessors look for in an award-winning wine and examine the specific attributes and characteristics that earned this year’s winners the nation’s top trophies.

     This very special session, with limited tickets available, will be held in Hyatt Hotel Canberra’s Ambassadors Lounge.

All Masterclasses will be run at the following times:

Friday 13 June - 10:30am-12pm and 2:30-4pm

Saturday 14 June - 10:30am-12pm and 2:30-4pm

Sunday 15 June - 10:30am-12pm

A Taste of Excellence

For the ultimate in indulgence why not spend the whole weekend immersed in Australia’s Best Wines.

Your luxurious stay includes:

  • Five-star accommodation for 2 nights, including breakfast for two at Hyatt Hotel Canberra

  • Two tickets to the National Wine Show Trophy Presentation Awards dinner at Parliament House on Thursday 12 June, valued at $600

  • Two tickets to the National Wine Show Expo at Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel, valued at $200

Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a proud partner and Host of the inaugural National Wine Festival.