Clear your calendar for these two winter wine festivals taking place in August

If you're looking for a reason to rug up and venture out this August, Australia’s wine and food calendar is serving up two unmissable events. From the sun-drenched shores of Queensland to the cool-climate charm of Victoria, these wine festivals offer the perfect excuse to sip, savour and celebrate the season.

The Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival returns to the waterfront at Woody Point, showcasing the best in Queensland wine, local seafood, artisan producers and live entertainment. Meanwhile, in Melbourne’s historic Old Melbourne Gaol Watch House, the North x North East Victorian Wine Festival shines a spotlight on Victoria's High Country wine regions, including Nagambie Lakes, the King Valley, Beechworth and Rutherglen.

Whether you're craving a coastal weekend escape or a city-based wine discovery, these two events prove that winter is far from hibernation season. Read on to find out what’s on, how to get tickets, and why these August wine festivals deserve a place on your calendar.

Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival

Set against the stunning backdrop of Moreton Bay, this festival offers a wine lover’s paradise with a distinctly coastal twist. Over one indulgent weekend (August 22–24), visitors can explore more than 20 Australian wineries along a 1km stretch of sparkling waterfront, sipping by the glass in the cellar doors, where live jazz and blues set the mood for relaxed discovery.

Located just 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, in the city’s northern beachside playground, the festival sets the scene for a weekend of wine, food and waterfront indulgence – with stunning sunsets over the bay.

At the heart of the premium wine experience is The Oasis Club, a waterfront VIP retreat where acclaimed wine expert Nick Ryan leads a suite of engaging, insight-rich masterclasses. With his trademark storytelling and palate, Nick unpacks everything from emerging varieties and elegant reds to Australia’s rising regions – all in an intimate, luxury setting designed for curious sippers and seasoned connoisseurs.

The festival also features The Masterclass Collective presented by RIEDEL, where sessions in The Barrel Room and The Vineyard Room offer guided tastings with iconic producers including Cape Mentelle, Josef Chromy and Oakridge Wines. And for lovers of bubbles, an exclusive Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Masterclass delivers refinement with every pour.

Beyond the glass, you’ll find chef-led cooking demos, curated long lunches, cocktail workshops and pop-up restaurants. But for those who value craft, terroir and a more refined tasting experience, The Oasis Club is the place to be. VIP Oasis Club tickets include access to all Nick Ryan masterclasses.

When: August 22–24, 2025
Where: Apex Park, Woody Point, QLD
Cost: $30 for general admission per day up to $99 for The Oasis Club (VIP)
Explore the full program and secure your place: moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au

North x North East Victorian Wine Festival

On Saturday August 9, 2025, the historic Old Melbourne Gaol Watch House will transform into a tasting hall for the inaugural North x North East Victorian Wine Festival. Wine lovers can explore bold reds, textured whites and pioneering proseccos from seven High Country wine regions: Nagambie Lakes, Glenrowan, King Valley, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Mansfield and the Alpine Valleys.

Curated by Melissa Brauer – aka The Prosecco Queen – the event celebrates 15+ years of her passion for the region and follows in the footsteps of her popular Melbourne Prosecco Festival.

A stellar lineup of wineries will be pouring, including Pizzini, Ros Ritchie Wines, Dal Zotto, Box Grove Vineyard, Baileys of Glenrowan, Fighting Gully Road, All Saints Estate and Billy Button Wines. Guests will enjoy three timed sessions (11am, 2pm or 5pm), making it easy to pair the event with other city plans.

To elevate the experience, chef Scott Pickett and the VenuesLive team will serve truffle-infused bites like luxe cheese toasties designed to match the region’s vibrant whites and hearty reds.

Whether you’re wine-curious or a cellar door regular, this is your chance to sip, discover and meet the makers behind Victoria’s celebrated North East wine regions.

When: Saturday August 9, 2025
Where: Old Melbourne Gaol Watch House, Russell St, Melbourne
Sessions: 11am–1:30pm, 2–4:30pm, or 5–7:30pm
Cost: $50 (includes tote bag, glass and all tastings)
Book your tickets: HERE

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