Swillfest – CANCELLED

Overview

UPDATE, Friday, August 23: In the wake of the damning allegations reported in The Sydney Morning Herald about Swillhouse Group, Swillfest has been cancelled. All ticket holders will receive a full refund.

It's billed as "the world's most original wine fair", which is a bold claim. But given the hospitality excellence on display at its venues — including Le Foote, Restaurant Hubert and Caterpillar Club — we're inclined to take Swillhouse Group at its word. 

The inaugural Swillfest, held on Saturday, September 21, will be a madcap melding of fine wine, gourmet eats, live performance, artisanal goods and party vibes — and it isn't merely for vino-philes and sommeliers. Sure, there will be an international spread of boutique, rare and small-batch drops to try, with producers on hand to guide revellers through this pop-up cellar door, but this is just the start.

Kristoffer Paulsen

While the wine on offer will awaken your palate, there will be plenty more to keep it buzzing, including pop-up food stalls from some of Sydney's top venues, craft and low-to-no brews from the likes of Young Henrys and Heaps Normal, and cocktails starring spirits from local distilleries including Papa Salt. Epicurean adventurers can even learn the secrets behind Swillhouse's delicious menus at culinary masterclasses.

A pop-up market selling handcrafted goods, including ceramics and homewares, will take over the cobbled streets in front of Le Foote and from midday until late, there will also be a program of live bands and other avant-garde performances across two stages to enjoy, as well as roaming acts and tarot readers delighting visitors throughout the day. 

Top and bottom image: Andrea Veltom