The origins of Wine Playground date back to 2016, when The Fruitful Pursuit’s James Hopkins decided to gather a selection of Australia’s most exciting winemakers and connect them with the drinking public. He noticed a gap between producer and consumer, seeking to fill it with a casual event with low-key vibes – and the people love it. It’s an informal gathering free of sales reps and pressure, allowing for average punters to ask questions without fear of being judged or shamed for not being an expert. Wine Playground made its Brisbane debut last year and was a huge success, so it’s exciting to see it return even bigger and better.

This year, Wine Playground will bring together 16 ultra-talented winemakers from all around the country to showcase their pride and joy – meaning that punters will have more than 60 wines to taste and try on the day. The whole experience is about removing the pretence from wine and connecting drinkers with producers, opening up an honest and hearty dialogue about the wine world. The crop of talent this year includes some of the most progressive names in the biz – think South Australia’s Delinquente and Architects Of Wine, Swan Valley from Western Australia, Mallaluka from the ACT, plus a stunning return from Queensland’s very own Konpira Maru and La Petite Mort. Due to last year’s overwhelmingly positive response, the 2019 edition of Brisbane’s leg of Wine Playground will expand to include Snack Man, Happy Boy’s neighbouring venue.

Keen to sip, slurp, snack and sample your way through some of Australia’s best vino? The last remaining tickets to Wine Playground [BNE ‘19] are available here – don’t miss out.