Wine Island 2019

Overview

We can't think of a much better way to launch into the sunny season than a day spent on an island, gorging on delicious food and wine. With that we say bring on Wine Island 2019, which will take over Sydney's Clark Island for an indulgent weekend of wine tasting from November 1–3.

As always, the well-loved food and wine festival promises a packed lineup, starting with the spritz you'll enjoy on the boatride over. The island itself is set up as the ultimate boozy adult playground, you'll be able to choose between the Rosé Imports' selection of pink drops from southern France, Jetty Road Brewery's cold beers, Brix Distillers' rum bar and Manly Spirits' many gin drinks.

There'll also be a swag of masterclasses curated by the team at Wine Selectors, covering everything from the blind tastings to tongue twisters, and an espresso martini making session, too.

Swing by the Napoleon Perdis Beauty Bar for a massage and a makeover or cruise the various wine stalls sampling a huge array of local and international drops — and enjoy some top-notch vino with even better views. And, to keep you fuelled for that big day of wine appreciation, expect food options galore, from oysters and cheese platters, to buns from your mates at Chur Burger.

There are three Wine Island ticket packages available, starting with the $109 'five-star experience', which includes ferry transfers, five tastings, a souvenir tumbler and a spritz. Then there's the $209 'seven-star experience' — with more tastings, more food and a free massage — or, if you're feel extremely opulent, you can pay $299 and experience the whole thing from your own floating island, dubbed The Hamptons.

Tickets go on sale at midday on Friday, August 9, with pre-sale from Wednesday, August 7 and group bookings from Thursday, August 1.

Image two: Jack Toohey