Masterclasses - Festival

Our Masterclasses

If you are looking to deepen your appreciation of food and drink, the Finer Drop Masterclass tent will host a world class lineup of incredible masterclass sessions where attendees will be able to learn from the very best. From lobster rolls and martinis to bourbon and bees, the impressive array of topics will captivate festival goers from beginning to end.

Masterclasses are free to attend but places are limited, so get there early!

SATURDAY

1:15 - 1:45

Emerging Varietals - the new normal

By Glandore Wines

Exploring a range of up and coming varietals from around NSW. Unheard of not that long ago, we will explore just some of the New Normal wines we are seeing in Australia today with Winemaker Nick Flanagan.

2:15 - 3:00

What is Sour Beer and why is it coveted?

By Dollar Bill

"A Master Class with Dollar Bill’s Ed and Fiona Nolle. What is Sour Beer and why is it coveted? A deeper look into how a centuries old style of beer and the processes around it has made a resurgence and why it is consistently ranked among the champion beers in Australia and the world"

3:15 - 3:45

Gin Cocktail Mixology Class

By West Winds

"This is a “Cocktail-making” class that is designed to give you the basic practical skills to make your own cocktails and host your next cocktail party at your own home. Become a gin cocktail mixology expert for the day and personalise your very own cocktail! We’ll guide you through the process as you mix 2 Cocktails that are carefully selected form the West Winds gin range. Along the way, you’ll learn a touch of the rich history of gin as well as how we produce our award-winning gin here West Winds.
Learn from Cocktail Masters Hands-On Skills – Fun & Informative Drink the Cocktails You Make"

4:15 - 4:45

The World of Bourbon & Bees

By Makers Mark

Join Maker’s Mark National Ambassador Rhi Lucas for a unique flavour experience. Be guided through a tasting of four distinct and delicious single varietal honeys from Beechworth Honey, expertly paired with rare expressions of Maker’s Mark bourbon. Guests will then try a Maker’s Mark and Mead cocktail, showcasing how whisky, honey and seasonal ingredients come together.

5:15 - 5:45

From Sea to Sip

By Manly Spirits

"Learn how to Elevate Your G&T with Manly Spirits' Distinctive Gins Infused with Australian native and marine foraged Botanicals Create the perfect G&T for any occasion with Manly Spirits range of Gins From sea lettuce to Lilly Pilly Berries and everything in between, Manly Spirits use a variety of unique and locally sourced botanicals to create our distinctive and delicious range of Gins. we use the same botanicals to create the perfect “Native G&T”, an Aussie twist on a timeless classic. Join us and discover how to create different perfectly paired gin and tonics."

SUNDAY

1:30 - 2:15

Lobster Rolls & Martinis!

By Straight To The Source

Indulge your senses and elevate your foodie game at this exclusive masterclass with some of the best in the business. Join Lucy Allon from Straight To The Source, Chef Works Ambassador Tommy Prosser and Ally Ayres from Karu Distillery to dive into the secrets behind creating Australian Bay Lobster & Argyle Australian Saffron rolls paired with a decadent Karu Distillery Affinity Gin martini. Not only will we tantalize your taste buds, you'll walk away with the know-how to wow family & friends with your culinary prowess! And to top it all off, one lucky masterclass attendee will walk away with a Straight To The Source gourmet hamper of NSW artisan products valued at over $300 so run, don’t walk, to secure your seat on the day!

2:45 - 3:15

The World of Bourbon & Bees

By Makers Mark

3:45 - 4:15

Flavour First Spirits

By Karu

Join Brogan Clark as he takes you through the latest releases from Karu Distillery. Start this masterclass off with a Outcask Barrel Aged Rum Old Fashioned, the perfect expression of Karu's love of barrel aging spirits and bespoke craft cocktails. This will be followed by our Outcask Rum, a 2.5 year aged Australian Rum. The last product is our flavour forward vodka Morita. This award winning vodka is one the touch points in a new category of flavoured vodkas. Our masterclass will runt through the present and into the future of craft spirits in Australia.