Why No Vouchers / Tokens
A Better Tasting Experience
At The Drink Show, we’ve deliberately chosen not to operate a compulsory token or voucher tasting system.
Why?
Because The Drink Show is designed as a structured tasting environment - not a high-volume drinking festival.
Our focus is on genuine discovery, meaningful conversations and giving exhibitors the opportunity to properly present their brands, products and stories to engaged consumers and trade buyers.
Taste Freely. Discover Naturally.
Your ticket includes access to tastings across participating exhibitors throughout the event.
We believe visitors should be able to:
explore products naturally,
revisit stands,
ask questions,
compare styles and regions,
and engage directly with producers and portfolio representatives without constantly needing to purchase or exchange tasting tokens.
The result is a more relaxed, premium and conversation-driven environment for both exhibitors and attendees.
A Wine-Led Tasting Philosophy
The Drink Show draws inspiration from professional tasting environments and international trade fairs where tasting is centred around:
discovery,
education,
product evaluation,
brand engagement,
and commercial connection.
Our goal is to create an atmosphere that feels closer to a premium cellar door or trade tasting than a crowded public festival.
Responsible Service Always Applies
While tastings are included, RSA and responsible service remain central to the event.
All exhibitors are expected to serve small tasting pours and follow RSA guidelines at all times.
Typical tasting serves are:
Wine: approximately 15–30ml
Spirits: approximately 5–10ml
Beer/Cider: approximately 60–75ml
RTDs/Cocktails: approximately 30–50ml
To provide perspective:
A standard Australian alcoholic drink contains approximately 10 grams of alcohol.
A typical 30ml wine tasting pour at 12–13% ABV equates to approximately 0.3 standard drinks.
This means approximately three wine tastings may equal one standard drink.
Over the course of an afternoon, multiple tastings can still accumulate depending on pacing, food consumption and individual tolerance.
This is why The Drink Show promotes a slower-paced, structured tasting environment focused on responsible discovery, conversation and product appreciation rather than rapid consumption.
Why Many Exhibitors Prefer This Format
Many producers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional drinks festivals where:
crowds dominate conversations,
tasting becomes transactional,
brand engagement is limited,
and visitors focus on volume rather than discovery.
The Drink Show has been developed as a more focused and meaningful tasting experience built around quality over quantity.
No compulsory vouchers.
No token queues.
No rushed interactions.
Just a carefully structured tasting experience focused on discovery, conversation and connection across the Australian drinks industry.