What’s On: Sydney’s Inner West Ale Trail expands, Wine Island 2024, & more

Inner West Ale Trail sets sights on bolstering Sydney nightlife

Sydney’s Inner West Ale Trail has announced that it will be expanding from 12 independent craft breweries to 18, reflecting the growth of Sydney’s independent craft beer sector since the initiative was first launched in 2012. All of the “hyperlocal, independent microbreweries” on the Trail are located within a 5km radius spanning Marrickville, Enmore, Newtown, St Peters, Rozelle and Camperdown. 

To kickstart the launch of the new expanded collective, the Trail will be releasing free welcome offers available to all Australian consumers. These downloadable offers will deliver $200+ worth of value across all 18 associated breweries, and include promotions such as two for one beer offers. 

An Inner West Ale Trail pop-up tinnie bar will also be present at all AFLW games played at Henson Park throughout October.

“The Inner West is to brewing and distilling what the Hunter Valley and the Barossa are to Australian wine,” said Darcy Byrne, Mayor of the Inner West.

“The initiatives we’re undertaking on behalf of these local businesses will only increase an ever-growing part of our local economy and encourage visitors to come and experience the unique vitality and vibrancy of the Inner West.”

The Inner West Ale Trail has been recognised as a unique destination of local and international tourism appeal, and as a result has received funding from the NSW Government via the Uptown Grant Program & the CID Trial Program. This funding is being used to grow awareness of the initiative via a new website, in person activations, and other promotional opportunities. 

Click here for more information, brewery guides and location details. 

Wine Island 2024

Wine Island, self-described as a “Holiday on the Harbour,” will be taking place from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December at a new Sydney location of Gap Bluff, Watson’s Bay. Nestled among the palm trees and in NSW National Park, the destination offers panoramic views over Sydney Harbour. 

Wine Island Founder and Director Kristen Francis added that the “new destination allows for greater accessibility and affordability, as Wine Island aims to be an experience that everyone can enjoy.”

The 2024 event will feature cellar doors from leading Australian wine producers, such as Kies Family Wines, DAS Juice, Chateau Tanunda, Rameau d’Or, Irvine Wines, Taltarni & Clover Hill Wines, Tar & Roses, and Thomas Wines. Additionally, a selection of drinks from leading holiday hotspots will also be served. This includes NSW South Coast’s Broulee Brewhouse, Byron Bay’s Papa Salt Gin, and Queensland’s Lūla Rum. 

On top of the drinks menu, Wine Island will balance the experience with various food offerings along with creative activities such as pottery workshops and yoga classes.

“The event’s limited capacity remains in place, ensuring it still delivers the intimate first-class feeling that holidaymakers have come to love.  So prepare your palate for a weekend of indulgence as we welcome you to our new home,” said Francis.

Two ticketing options are available: General Admission and VIP. The cheaper tickets include event entry for chosen day, a Wine Island Tumbler, 6 x 30ml wine tastings, wine masterclass with Wine Selectors, Yoga & Unwined, and a complementary beer/house wine from Watsons Bay Hotel. On top of this, the VIP tickets include a Wine Island tote bag, 10 x 30ml wine tastings, and access to exclusive VIP areas including harbour views and Greek wine and food. 

Doe 2024, General Admission tickets will cost $99 per person and VIP tickets will cost $199 per person: “Reducing ticket prices, coupled with our stunning new location, ensures that more people can join us for this unforgettable Holiday on the Harbour,” said Francis. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Frenchies’ Oktoberfeast

On Saturday 28 September, Frenchies Bistro & Brewery will be hosting an Oktoberfeast event at its Rosebery venue, The Cannery. The event will feature three traditional beers developed specifically for the event, including a Kellerbier, Festbier, and German Hefeweizen, brewed in collaboration with Sydney Brewery. 

“Oktoberfest is a key global beer event on the annual calendar, and we love giving people the opportunity to experience this traditional celebration right here in Sydney, albeit with a little Frenchies twist, said Vincent De Soyres, Co-Founder and Brewery Director.

“Our three beers are currently being perfected in their tanks, and we look forward to launching them on the day.”

A food menu has also been crafted to complement the beers and theme. This will include options such as soft pretzels, cheese and potato croquettes, crispy skin pork knuckle drizzled in beer gravy, and weisswurst, bratwurst and currywurst paired with white wine sauerkraut.

Co-Founder and Head Chef Thomas Cauquil said, “it’s always fun to mix our usual service up and bring attendees together for some of life’s greatest pleasures: hearty German fare, and authentic beers to match. The games are always a must for a little bit of lighthearted competition and play, too – and combined, these three key elements will ensure the event is one to remember!”

A range of games will also be held, with prizes up for grabs.

Tickets cost $25 per person and include a branded stein glass which attendees can both sip from during the event and take home with them. For more information, click here.