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 vibrant northern suburbs, the North by North East Wine Festival shines a spotlight on the boutique wineries of the Heathcote, Bendigo and Macedon Ranges regions.

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
Explore the full program and secure your place: moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au

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North by North East Wine Festival

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