Alepat Taylor will host an immersive wine and hospitality event—Beyond the Bottle 2026—in Melbourne on July 27.

The dedicated trade day is designed to educate, inspire, and connect the industry through world-class producers, premium food, and cutting-edge hospitality solutions.

Open exclusively to trade and free to attend, the event brings together over 35 international and domestic producers, many travelling from overseas, to present their wines in person. It offers a rare opportunity for sommeliers, buyers, and operators to engage with the people behind the wines and deepen their understanding of regional styles, philosophy, and production.

A key focus for 2026 is education through exploration, with Italian wines on offer that span the full length of the country – from the alpine north through to the Mediterranean south.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste broadly across Italy’s major regions and lesser- known appellations, building a comprehensive understanding of one of the world’s most diverse wine landscapes.

The event will also turn the lens closer to home, highlighting the breadth of Australia’s own wine landscape. A selection from South Australia’s Barossa Valley and Clare Valley through to Victoria’s Yarra Valley will showcase the distinct regional character and evolving styles that define modern Australian wine.

Expanding beyond a traditional wine tasting, Beyond the Bottle will partner with suppliers including Bruno 1956
(formerly Bruno Fine Foods), which will present a curated range of premium Italian gourmet products; while Cedar Hospitality will showcase innovative catering equipment and service solutions.

There will also be three masterclasses, providing focused deep dives into key themes and categories:

• Cordero di Montezemolo: a barolo vertical tasting with Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo
• New Custodians of the Barossa: a discussion on the future of the Barossa with Sophie Melton from Charles Melton Wines, Adam Fiegert from Gibson and Damien Tscharke from Tscharke Wines
• L’Art de l’Expression: Maxence Goinere from Camus Cognac will delve into the terroir of Cognac and the blending experience.

Beyond the Bottle 2026 will be held at Rydges Melbourne. Register here: https://beyondthebottle2026.rsvpify.com/