Taste some of the best of Australia in Sydney

Food and wine lovers are in for a treat this month when the Grape, Grain & Graze Festival returns to Sydney on Saturday, September 20. 

The event celebrates the culmination of the Sydney Royal Wine, Beer, Cider, Distilled Spirits and Fine Food Shows, giving visitors access to some of Australia’s best products - including an unlimited tasting of over 1000 medal-winning wines. Good luck with that one!

“Grape, Grain & Graze is a dream come true for food and wine lovers,” said Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair Angus Barnes.

“The festival offers unique access to over 1,000 of Australia’s best wines, plus award-winning beers, cider, distilled spirits and food in a festival-style setting, accompanied by live music and a fantastic atmosphere. 

"I can’t think of anything like it here in Sydney, and it's only on for one day, so people need to get in quick!”

Tickets to the event start at $120 and include entry, unlimited tastings of award-winning wine, beer and cider, and grazing on charcuterie boards.

The event will also feature live music and access to a Sydney Royal Marketplace, where guests can try produce from the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. And, for a snack, food trucks such as Bianco’s Kitchen and Antico Woodfire Pizza are on the agenda. 

Additional add-ons include tastings of the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show Trophy winning wines, guided wine and cheese tastings, and an immersive masterclass showcasing Sydney Royal’s gin winners.

The event is presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, which runs the Sydney Royal competitions. 

The Grape, Grain & Graze Festival will take place at Sydney Showground from 2pm–7pm. 

Learn more or purchase tickets at www.rasnsw.com.au/ggg

A feast to celebrate the flavours of rural Tasmania

Rathmore House is a delightful slice of rural Tasmania.

Think a sandstone Georgian country manor house, shearers quarters and a cottage, all located on a working farm just one hour north of Hobart in the Derwent Valley.

Rathmore has a large lawn oval, a heritage-listed wool shed, a big shed, quaint old barn and other venues for weddings, parties, family gatherings, corporate functions, workshops, seminars or retreats.

I've done several wine tastings here to accompany the regular rural lunches with guest chefs that are held here. These events are great fun.

On Sunday, August 20, Rathmore hosts Richard and Cally Lyons are holding two events on the one day: a lunch to be catered by talented chef Lachlan Colwill and pastry chef partner Sophie Pope, along with a wine tasting with me featuring wines from Bream Creek, Kate Hill, Brook Eden and from Rathmore's near neighbour Invercarron.

The Shed Lunch from 11am will be held in Rathmore's heritage wool shed, which dates back to 1828. Think Rathmore-bred lamb and fresh Derwent Valley produce. Fascinating stories of ” The Early History of Rathmore House at Hollow Tree” will be shared.

The experience costs $176 per person: Book your places here.

Later in the day, from 1-3pm, there will be a traditional "smoko" by the fire. 

Guests can gather around the piano and enjoy soup and damper, coffee or tea with homemade biscuits and with the takings to benefit Rural Alive & Well (RAW) a not-for-profit organisation, building mentally healthy and resilient rural communities. $20 per person: Book now.

Rathmore House Heritage bedrooms with are available from $215 per night. Suite deals for families and small friends groups with exclusive use bathrooms are available. There are also stay three/pay two deals and Platypus Experiences including a campfire meal.

The shearers quarters bedrooms with en suites start from $140 per night. Rathmore Cottage rustic accommodation is from $280 per night for up to four people.

Contact Cally at info@rathmore.com.au for accommodation packages or visit 

https://rathmore.com.au/.