Queensland may miss out on Wet Dreams and Rootstock in the way of wine events, but that’s not to say that the Sunshine State will go without. Wine Playground will descend on Brisbane in July. It’s an event that will see The Valley’s Happy Boy become home to an intimate affair where dozens of winemakers mingle with the drinking public. Around since 2016, this is the first time the informative drinking session will reach Brisbane.

Creator James Hopkins will be bringing twelve of Australia’s most progressive winemakers into Brisbane for Wine Playground this year. These include Basket Range (SA), Brave New Wine (WA), Dormilona (WA), Frankly (NSW), Jamsheed (VIC), La Petite Mort (QLD), L.A.S. Vino (WA), LS Merchants (WA), Ravensworth (WA), Shiny (Tas), Small Fry (SA), Somos (SA), and Two Tonne Tasmania (Tas).

Tastings, sales and forums are included in the fee of $64 (which will also include a treat or two to take home with you). There will also be a bottleshop of sorts established at the event, where attendees will be able to purchase one (or more) of the 50 wines presented on the day. It’s a chance to chat to the 13 different creators involved, and discuss wine without the normal pomp and circumstance (Hopkins cites accessibility as his inspiration behind the event).

With Happy Boy as the event’s new home, there will also be plenty of delectable food to line the stomachs of those attending. Small plates of wontons and Taiwanese-style burgers are just an example of what you can expect to nibble on throughout the three-hour affair.

Wine Playground will be hosted on Saturday July 7, with tickets available for purchase online.