Read the article here ... The Bugle News 13 February 2026 by The Bugle News - Issuu
Read the article here ... The Bugle News 6 Feb 2026 by The Bugle News - Issuu
Media
Media Quotes - Mick Turner, Founder of The Drink Show
Why did you start The Drink Show?
“People are increasingly interested in premium wines and craft spirits, but many independent producers don’t always have the opportunity to connect directly with new audiences outside their own region. The Drink Show was created to bring those two worlds together in a structured tasting environment that works for both producers and guests.”
Why host the Show in Newcastle?
“Newcastle is the gateway city to the Hunter Valley and sits at the centre of one of Australia’s most recognised wine regions. It’s a natural location for the Show and allows us to bring together outstanding wineries and craft distillers from across the state in one accessible city venue.”
Why is the Show wine-led?
“Wine is the foundation of the NSW drinks industry, particularly with the strength of the Hunter Valley and other regional producers across the state. Leading with wine gives the Show its structure, while selected craft distilleries add variety and depth without losing the premium tasting focus.”
Why limit the number of exhibitors?
“We deliberately cap exhibitor numbers to protect the quality of the experience. Guests should be able to meet the makers, taste responsibly and have real conversations, rather than moving through a crowded festival environment.”
What makes this different from a typical drinks festival?
“The Drink Show isn’t a high-volume festival. It sits somewhere between a cellar door experience and a trade showcase, with controlled numbers, responsible service and a strong focus on premium producers.”
Why include craft spirits alongside wine?
“Craft spirits complement the wine beautifully when they’re presented in the right environment. We only include a limited number of distilleries so the event keeps its wine-led identity while still offering guests something different to discover.”
What is the biggest challenge in running a wine and spirits event?
“Logistics is always the biggest challenge. Producers are transporting stock, equipment and staff, so the event has to deliver real value - whether that’s direct sales, new customers, or trade relationships.
If the event works for exhibitors, it works for everyone.”
What kind of audience does the Show attract?
“The Show attracts a quality-focused audience rather than a party crowd. Guests come to discover premium wines, meet the makers and learn about the stories behind the products, which creates a much better environment for both visitors and exhibitors.”
What makes the Newcastle Show so unique?
“It’s one of the few wine-led tasting events in New South Wales that brings together producers from multiple regions in one place. You can meet Hunter Valley wineries, regional NSW producers and craft distillers all in the same room, which is something you normally only experience by travelling.”
Why only one official show per state?
“The format is designed as a touring series with only one official event held in each state per year. That keeps demand strong, protects exhibitor value and allows each edition to feel like a flagship event rather than just another festival on the calendar.”
Tell us about the founder
“I’ve been producing consumer and trade events for many years, and I saw a gap for a drinks event that sat between a festival and a cellar-door experience. The Drink Show was created to give independent producers a professional platform while offering guests a more relaxed and meaningful tasting environment.”
Where do you see the Show in the future?
“The focus right now is building the NSW Show into a strong annual event. Longer term, the plan is a touring format with one edition per state, with future a shows planned for Canberra this October.”
Closing Quote
“At its heart, The Drink Show is about discovery - meeting the makers, hearing the stories, and tasting the wines and craft spirits that make Australia’s independent producers so special.”
Scroll down after press articles for the Organiser's Media Quotes
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