Vivid Sydney has put NSW wine in the spotlight from 22 May to 13 June 2026, showcasing the quality and diversity of vineyards across the state.

NSW is the birthplace of Australian wine, with the country’s first vines planted at Circular Quay in 1788. Almost 240 years later, Vivid Food has been bringing wine-pairing dinners and tasting experiences to the streets surrounding Australia’s first vineyard.

Events have included:

• Long Table Dinner at The Strand Arcade (above): NSW Icons of Land & Sea saw each dish paired with top drops from leading NSW vineyards
• An Evening at Parliament House, Dining with History showcased NSW’s finest regional produce and native ingredients from Parliament House’s own rooftop garden, paired with wines from Hunter Valley vineyard Tyrrell’s Wines
• Oysters in the House celebrated the Sydney rock oyster and NSW semillon at Shell House
• Regional Dinner Series saw acclaimed regional chefs collaborate with Sydney restaurants and chefs across 12 events to hero their region’s ingredients, winemakers, brewers and more
• Cult & Classic | A NSW Food & Wine Party connected more than 30 winemakers and distributors from across the state with hundreds of wine lovers. More than 100 wines were on pour at The Wine Bar at The International
• Vivid Fire Kitchen – No Taste Like Home, celebrated NSW wine and produce, regions and culinary talent. Leading sommeliers went head-to-head in interactive tasting during Battle of the Somms
• The Thursday Night Winemaker Series at the Food For Thought Stage included Freeman Vineyards (Hilltops), Mada Wines (Hilltops, Tumbarumba), Vinden Wines (Hunter Valley), Meredith Wine (Hunter Valley, Hilltops), ChaLou Wines (Orange), Harkham Wines (Hunter Valley); Ravensworth Wines (Murrumbateman) and Jilly Wines (Central Ranges)
• The Harbour Bar wine list at Vivid Fire Kitchen has featured 34 wines available to purchase from eight NSW wine regions, including the Hunter Valley, Canberra District, Mudgee, Orange, Hilltops and Tumbarumba.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Events during Vivid Food have reinforced NSW as Australia’s top destination for wine lovers, while providing winemakers with a fantastic brand-building opportunity.

“Festival attendees have had the chance to taste wines that they will remember, recommend and buy again later, driving visibility and growth for the state’s wine industry.”

Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said: “This year is the first time Vivid Sydney has presented a dedicated beverage event, with Cult & Classic | A NSW Food & Wine Party marking a significant moment in how we celebrate the NSW wine industry at the festival.

“From wine pairings across the Vivid Food dining experiences to free Food for Thought stage sessions led by the wine industry, Vivid Sydney has been designed to spark accessibility, discovery and conversation, inviting new audiences to experience the diversity that NSW wine offers.

“NSW is home to some of the best wines in the country and Vivid Sydney is proud to have showcased the depth, quality and diversity produced across the state. With growing interest in drinking local, audiences are keen to understand the stories behind what’s in their glass and this has been an opportunity to taste wines from our unique regions and meet the award‑winning winemakers who produce them.”

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.