Calling all wine lovers, boats for Wine Island are departing from the 2nd-4th November 2018 to the stunning Clark Island, Sydney Harbour, headed for Australia’s most tropical and unique wine festival. Take your pick of Australian and International wines and epicurean eats, taking in a treasure hunt or silent disco all with a postcard-worthy backdrop. For the studious sippers, there will be a masterclass on offer from the crew at Wine Selectors, with a sweet treat from Ashley Smith (Head Pastry Chef at 12 Micron) over at Dessert Island. You won’t want to wine about missing this one so get your tickets now.

Brisbane tea purveyor Kym Cooper has taken home the champion tea title at the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards. Her Jin Jun Mei Honey Tea was the most successful sip of the day, wowing judges with its honey like aroma. Kim has also launched her own business, The Steepery Tea Co which runs classes, tastings and an online store, a tea-lovers paradise! She’s passionate about redefining traditional tea drinking, encouraging you to ditch the scones and pair your next cuppa with something a little more adventurous.

Offering unrivalled Sydney Harbour views and the best in local cuisine, Taste of the Opera House is back. Dishing up a degustation experience and insider tales of famed rockstars, this intimate dining experience is unlike any other. Make a cocktail with Opera Bar’s top mixologist, garnish your own poke bowl at Opera Kitchen and dig deep into an eight-texture chocolate cake from Bennelong. Book your seat at this Australian icon here.

Returning in all its glory for the sixth year is the Oyster Festival at The Morrison Bar. Running from the 1st-31st August, it’s a month long celebration of the freshest oysters around. A special collaboration with Young Henry’s promises creative cocktails with a salty twist.

You’re invited to Supper Club, an intimate dining series that sees you rubbing shoulders with your favourite chefs. First on the pans is Masterchef’s Kylie Millar who’s sharing trade secrets from the worlds best kitchens. Pair that with an indulgent six-course meal in Melbourne’s Sub-Zero Wolf with matching wines from Wine Unplugged and you’ve got an unforgettable evening of culinary magic. Seats are limited and all are welcome, secure your seat here.

The Sample Food Festival is heading to Bangalow Showground in the Byron Bay Hinterland on the 1st September for a foodie extravaganza. This years program, launched by Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks) welcomes Shannon Bennett (Vue de monde) and Zeb Gilbert (Wasabi). Lose yourself in the sounds and smells of over 100 stalls and 26 restaurants, including Harvest Newrybar and Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. Find out more about this gastronomic gathering here.

Winemakers Kaspar Harman (Onannon) and Rob Hall (Rob Hall Wine) are hosting a family style lunch at Cumulus Up on Saturday 11st August and the 20th October. Wine-enthusiasts can gather together to ask these connoisseurs about their trades and methods while enjoying their matched wines for each course.

Cure Cancer Australia are hosting their tenth fundraiser to support cancer research. Sydney’s most generous bon vivants will gather at Otto Ristorante on the 14th August to raise a glass and dig deep at the world’s best BYO. Some of Australia’s best sommeliers from Bennelong, Quay and Mr Wong will be in attendance, pouring guests prized vintages to accompany each course. Bidding on magnificent prizes from One & Only Resorts, Cloudy Bay, Bulgari and The Fink Group will raise money to fund new researchers at Cure Cancer Australia. Over its ten year history, the event has raised over $1.6 million to fund some of the brightest innovators in cancer research.

In the second instalment of Belles Hot Chicken ‘Ruler of the Roost’ Guest series, Monty Koludrovic of Bondi Beach Public Bar is stepping up to the plate. Showcasing his take on Belles iconic chicken sandwich,(dubbed the Bella Agro Dolce Chicken) this tender beast includes a hash brown and sweet n’ sour sauce (don’t forget the side of gravy and mash!) Available on the 12th August, from 12pm – 5pm at the Darling Square location.

From August until the end of October 2018, the owners of East 9th Brewing will colour over 100,000 of their iconic Doss Blockos bags blue to end child slavery. Proudly partnering with The Polished Man to drive this initiative, the brewery is also giving away trips to New York as incentives to participate. Read more about getting involved and have your chance to win the trip here.

The only thing better than locally-grown, fresh and organic produce is having it all in one place! The Taste Norfolk Island Food Festival is back from 26 – 30 November 2018 boasting over 20 eateries offering a variety of paddock to plate experiences. Think fresh fish, succulent meats and artisanal cheeses galore. To celebrate, Oxley Travel has announced a special 7-night Taste Norfolk Island package that’s sure to entice a midweek getaway. If you’d like to make a week of it, find more details here.

All the way from London, Beam Suntory brings you world influential bartenders James Wheeler and Will Meredith. Hailing from London’s Dandelyan, the duo are taking up residence at Merivale’s Charlie Parker’s on the 27th and 28th August, to educate Sydneysiders on the Dandelyan way. This event has taken a year of cocktail craftsmanship, flavours and stories, bringing the best of London’s bar culture to Sydney’s East. Prepare to be shaken and stirred, this is a sell-out event you won’t want to miss. To make a booking, contact Charlie Parker’s via phone or website.

The iconic Opera Bar is partnering with wellness director and R U OK? ambassador Dann Conn and clinical nutritionist, Ellice Whichello next month to help raise awareness for suicide prevention charity R U OK?. Saturday September 15 will see two wellness sessions held to promote the importance of starting every day with physical activity and nutrition. The hour-long sessions will run from 8.00am or 9.30am on Saturday morning and will kick-off with a 45 minute training session led by former rugby star Dan Conn. Following the training session, Ellice Whichello, clinical nutritionist, marketing guru and trained boxer, will offer 15 minutes of wellness and nutritional advice. “Mental health is the most important part of my everyday happiness”, says Conn. “Not everyday is a good day so it’s crucial to look to your friends and family to check in and find support when you need it. Lifting the stigma and starting meaningful conversations whenever it’s needed could save a life. Everyday is R U OK? Day.” Attendees will receive complimentary breakfast bowls (chia, summer berries, passionfruit and coconut), coffee and cold pressed juice after the session. Tickets are available now online.