A three-hour tasting of 900 wines? Sign. Us. Up.

Posted on 14 May, 2024

Love a drop? Appreciate a fine vino? Do we have the event for you.

The National Wine Show of Australia has announced the National Wine Experience, an exclusive public tasting of the finest wines from across the country.

On Saturday 1 June, you’ll have the chance to sample more than 900 (yes, 900) wines from across the country at Exhibition Park, including the just-announced winners of the 2024 National Wine Show awards.

But there’s a catch – there are only 250 tickets for this three-hour event.

Run by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society (RNCAS), the National Wine Experience will include all wines entered into the wine show – including all the winners – and your ticket includes gourmet snacks and a souvenir Riedel glass.

“People will have access to the entire range of wines entered in the National Wine Show, including the winners of the Len Evans Memorial White Wine of Show, the James Halliday Red Wine of Show and the ultimate prize, the 2024 Prime Minister’s Trophy,” says RNCAS Chief Executive Officer Adelina La Vita.

“It’s an incredibly rare opportunity to experience the pinnacle of Australian winemaking. More than 5,000 bottles of wine will be opened for tasting, offering an unparalleled journey through Australia’s diverse wine regions.”

Happening since 1975, The National Wine Show of Australia is held annually in Canberra and is a bit of a ‘if you know, you know’ among foodies and vino enthusiasts. The most prestigious wine prize from the day? The Prime Minister’s Trophy.

“The National Wine Experience is a sneak peek at an exciting new National Wine Festival to be launched in Canberra next year to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia,” says Adelina.

“The festival will feature food and wine tastings, demonstrations, workshops and presentations, gourmet markets, culinary tours and behind-the-scenes experiences. If you miss out on tickets to the National Wine Experience this year, there will be lots more to look forward to in 2025.”