Australia’s premier celebration of spirits and craftsmanship returns to Sydney this winter, with the 2025 edition of the Sydney Spirits Festival taking over the iconic Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay from 11–13 July.
Following a sold-out debut in 2024 and international recognition as a finalist for Best International Event at the 2024 International Spirits Awards in London, the festival returns with an even bigger, bolder line-up of flavours, makers, and masterclasses. Over three days and five sessions, spirits lovers will be treated to an extraordinary showcase of hundreds of Australian and international labels—from rich single malts and botanical gins to rare vermouths, vibrant soju, smoky mezcals, and artisan liqueurs.
Held against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the 2025 festival will bring together a stellar line-up of Australia’s leading distillers alongside global icons from the world of spirits. Festivalgoers can meet the makers, discover new favourites, and enjoy unlimited tastings of exceptional spirits, including black gin, peanut butter whisky, and award-winning negronis. All tastings are included in the ticket price, with bottles available to purchase direct from the source.
Returning to the festival are legends such as Bill Lark, the godfather of Australian whisky, presenting a series of intimate Single Malt Whisky Masterclasses paired with Tasmanian cheese. Sydney spirits pioneer Mikey Enright hosts an exclusive Oyster Shell Gin Masterclass with fresh oyster pairings, while Ester Spirits’ Felix Clark offers a deep dive into cocktail creation and innovation in his hands-on "Riffs on the Classics" experience. Each premium masterclass includes access to a full tasting session and will feature some of the industry’s most exciting talent.
Alongside the ticketed masterclasses, the free Taste Theatre will offer drop-in sessions on everything from mixology tips to expert tastings, led by the International Spirits Academy. And when it’s time to recharge, visitors can soak in spectacular views of the harbour with a coffee or cannoli from the outdoor Schibello Café.
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy with a curated selection of international cuisines perfectly paired with festival spirits—think vodka and caviar, whisky and Italian pasta made fresh on-site, or tacos and tequila served by the hombres in the sombreros.
For those who like to keep their options open, the “Any Session” ticket offers ultimate flexibility. Perfect for those 11th-hour decisions, these tickets can even be used for sold-out sessions—just hold on to it and decide when you're ready.
Tickets are on sale now, with general tasting sessions priced at $90, discounted multi-ticket bundles starting at $70, and a limited release of $55 early-bird specials. Premium Any Session tickets are $120, and masterclasses start at $180 including festival access.
Festival sessions run across the weekend, with the full schedule and ticket details now available at www.sydneyspiritsfestival.com.
Whether you're a connoisseur, casual sipper, or curious newcomer, the 2025 Sydney Spirits Festival is your passport to a world of flavour, flair, and spirited discovery.
Event Details:
Dates: 11th-13th July 2025
Times:
Friday 11 July 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 12 July 10.00am – 1.00pm AND 2.00pm – 5.00pm AND 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 13 July 12.00pm – 3.00pmSuitable for: 18 years+ and adults
Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay