The iconic Wine & Cheese Fest is coming to Sydney this April

Melbourne’s cult-favourite foodie fiesta is debuting in Sydney, bringing over 50 artisan exhibitors with it.

Some things in life simply belong together. Strawberries and chocolate; SpongeBob and Patrick; pay day and retail therapy. But the Wine & Cheese Fest may just be dedicated to the best pairing of them all – and it’s coming to Sydney for the first time ever this April.

The festival

Wine & Cheese Fest, Sydney — Melbourne’s iconic Wine & Cheese Fest is officially heading to Sydney.

Founded in 2014, the Wine & Cheese Fest was created to celebrate one of the world’s most iconic duos. It has since evolved into one of the country’s leading food and wine experiences, championing artisan producers from across both Australia and New Zealand.

The only catch? It has only ever called the Victorian capital home – until now, that is. Hot on the heels of its 13th edition in Melbourne, the Wine & Cheese Fest is officially making its debut in Sydney, marking the first-ever iteration in NSW.

Carriageworks in Sydney, NSW — Carriageworks will host Sydney’s inaugural Wine & Cheese Fest. (Credit: Jacquie Manning)

Set to take over one of Sydney’s hottest precincts, the foodie affair will unfold within the industrial-chic surrounds of Carriageworks . Over the day, two sessions will run back-to-back: lunchtime until mid-afternoon and mid-afternoon until evening. Regardless of which time slot you choose, it’s just as suited to a leisurely day out as it is to a post-lunch rendezvous that rolls into sunset drinks.

The program

With over 50 exhibitors set to attend, guests will have direct access to some of the country’s top boutique wineries and artisan cheese makers from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

This year’s line-up brings together both award-winning favourites and emerging icons, with names like Long Paddock Cheese, Rowlee Wines, Moorebank Vineyard, Second Mouse Cheese Co and Pokolbin Estate, one of the Hunter Valley’s standout cellar doors.

Beyond the parmesan and pinot, a curated selection of cideries, distilleries and gourmet food vendors will also be in attendance. Guests can expect the likes of Heathcote Gin, Finders Distillery, Ester Spirits, Cannoleria, The Bratwurst Truck, White Feather and The Gnocchi Way.

Cheese & Wine Fest, Sydney — Taste your way through some of Australia’s top artisan cheeses.

But it’s not just the unlimited tastings worth getting excited about. An epic program of live DJs, roving entertainment and exclusive masterclasses will round out the experience – from panel talks led by expert sommeliers to cheese-making demos and tips on creating the perfect pairing.

Throughout the day, guests will also have the chance to meet the makers behind the labels and shop their products on the spot – supporting them directly. Think it can’t get any better? Think again. A few extra perks will sweeten the deal, like your very own take-home wine glass and tote bag.

The extras

Carriageworks Farmers Market in Sydney, NSW — Spend the morning browsing Carriageworks Farmers Market. (Credit: Jacquie Manning)

Since you’re already here, you may as well make a day of it! Those booked in for the evening session should head in early for the Carriageworks Farmers Market . Held every Saturday from 8am–1pm, it’s the perfect addition for foodies chasing something a little more local.

Grab a coffee and take your time wandering the stalls, where you can purchase everything from just-baked croissants and artisanal chocolate to seasonal produce and small-batch condiments.

BrewDog in Eveleigh, Sydney NSW — Pop into BrewDog for a beer after your session. (Credit: Destination NSW)

If you’re heading along for the afternoon session, pop across the tracks to BrewDog afterwards, considered one of Sydney’s best pubs. Set within a former locomotive workshop, the buzzy venue serves a rotating line-up of craft beers alongside farm-to-table pub fare.

The details

The inaugural Sydney Wine & Cheese Fest takes place on 11 April at Carriageworks in Eveleigh. Two sessions are available, each running for 3.5 hours, giving you the option to choose between a daytime outing or an evening experience. The first session runs from 12pm–3:30pm, while the second kicks off at 4pm through to 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at $59 per person and include unlimited tastings, access to masterclasses and live entertainment, plus a wine glass and tote bag to take home.

Carriageworks is a wheelchair accessible venue, with ramps, lifts and accessible bathrooms. There is limited street parking available, so using public transport is highly recommended. Redfern Station is just a short 10-minute walk from the precinct, making it an easy and convenient option.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

The iconic Wine & Cheese Fest is finally coming to Sydney this April