On Saturday February 22, head to Stokehouse Q to discover the selection of emerging variety wines being produced throughout Queensland’s vineyards for the inaugural Queensland International Emerging Wine Variety Challenge. The Challenge will see Queensland grown varieties take on the best of Europe in this unique event. Set to the backdrop of Brisbane River and the city skyline, gather the crew for an educational afternoon tasting emerging varieties from 25 of Queensland’s winemakers.

Kicking off the festivities is a public wine tasting from 1:30–4:00 pm, where you’ll sample Queensland grown and made wines with varieties including Malvesia, Albarino, Saperavi and Montepulciano to name a few, being pitted against wines from around the world. The wines would have been judged by renowned International and Australian judges and even a few guest judges. To gain an insight into the history and development of Queensland’s emerging varieties, there will be a talk and taste session from 4:30–6:00 pm, hosted by sommeliers Mike Hayes and Tony Harper. Expect to be immersed into the world of emerging varieties, including eight wines to nip from.

In the final event of the day, the winners of the Challenge will be announced at the awards presentation dinner, where you can continue to sip on homegrown tipples and snack on a sumptuous dinner from event sponsors Stokehouse Q from 7:30–11:30 pm.

All three events have separate ticketing, so you can choose to go to just one or all three – just click on the tickets link on the left. Grab your tickets now for an arvo of leisurely sipping by the riverside!