New four-day National Wine Festival to boost Canberra tourism

Canberra is set to hold a new national festival in June, celebrating Australia’s best winemakers and their produce.

The inaugural four-day event, organised by the National Wine Show in its 50th year, was launched on Wednesday evening (5 February) at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra in the presence of Tourism and Trade Minister Senator Don Farrell.

The new festival will add another premium attraction to the national capital’s tourism calendar.

National Wine Show of Australia Chair Andy Gregory said the festival was a natural evolution for the National Wine Show and would occupy a unique position in the tourism landscape.

“We’re trying through this initiative to further make accessible and showcase Australian winemaking, the diversity, innovation and passion that defines our industry,” he said.

Mr Gregory said it would be the only event to truly represent every winegrowing region in Australia.

He said it would be a one-stop shop to taste and learn about the very best of Australian wine.

“We see the National Wine Festival as a powerful platform on which to strengthen Australia’s global reputation as a world-class wine producer,” he said.

The festival will begin with the 2025 National Wine Show of Australia trophy presentation dinner in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House on 12 June.

Three days of wine tastings, masterclasses, themed dinners and special events will follow at the Hyatt.

More than 900 award-winning wines, including every entrant in the 2025 National Wine Show, will be opened for tasting during the festival.

In a premium masterclass featuring the just-announced 2025 National Wine Show trophy winners, National Wine Show Chair of Judges Matt Harrop will reveal what Australia’s best wine judges look for in an award-winning wine and examine the characteristics that earned this year’s winners the nation’s top gongs.

Mr Harrop said it was anticipated the National Wine Festival would become a major event on the annual tourism calendar, providing an opportunity to connect Australians and the world with the richness of Australia’s wine culture.

Senator Farrell said the festival was well positioned to become a flagship event on the national calendar.

“Australian wine is one of our greatest tourism and trade assets, and I have no doubt that the festival will attract visitors from across the country and around the world,” he said.

“The National Wine Festival will drive significant economic benefits while showcasing the innovation, excellence and diversity of Australian winemaking on a global stage.”

Representatives from a number of countries, including China were present at the launch, with Mr Farrell making a point of saying exports to China were up 34 per cent on the previous year, after having to rebuild the trade since Chinese tariffs were lifted in March 2024.

“That very much reflects the fact that our wine is now back in the hands of Chinese consumers,” Mr Farrell said.

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Trade Andrew Barr said Canberra was proud to host an event that would bring Australia’s best wines to the nation’s capital.

Mr Barr said it would also be an opportunity for the Canberra region to showcase its own wineries.

“I look forward to welcoming festival attendees and encourage them to also visit Canberra’s world-class wineries while they are here,” he said.

The National Wine Show of Australia has been a highlight on the Australian wine industry calendar since it began in 1975.

To learn more visit the National Wine Show website.