Newcastle Racecourse will host a full-day celebration of food, wine and live entertainment when the SoundBites Food & Wine Festival lands on Saturday, 28 March 2026.
Presented by Newcastle Racecourse, SoundBites is shaping up as a premium showcase of the Hunter’s culinary and beverage scene, pairing local producers with live chef demonstrations, tastings and headline entertainment from one of Australia’s most in-demand live acts, Hindley Street Country Club.
The festival brings together leading Hunter wineries, boutique microbreweries and distillers, alongside chefs and storytellers who will guide audiences through the flavours and craft behind the region’s produce. The whole thing is all about discovery as much as indulgence, with hosted tastings, winemaker and brewmaster talks running throughout the day.
Miguel Maestre headlines the culinary program
Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre will be a major drawcard, appearing across the festival in live cooking demonstrations alongside six Hunter-region chefs. The demonstrations will spotlight local produce, cooking techniques and the stories behind the ingredients, offering a more intimate look at how the region’s food culture is shaped from paddock to plate.
For those looking to elevate the experience, the Miguel Maestre Trackside Luncheon offers an exclusive dining event set against the racecourse backdrop. Priced at $199 per person, the luncheon includes a bespoke menu curated by Miguel and the Newcastle Jockey Club culinary team, premium wine pairings from Hungerford Hill, a live cooking demonstration and exclusive trackside seating, on top of full festival access.
Tastings, talks and charity experiences
General Admission tickets include ten small tasting vouchers and a SoundBites branded tasting glass, allowing guests to sample freely from participating wineries and brewers across the festival. Hosted winemaker and brewmaster talks will run in 15–30 minute sessions throughout the day, offering deeper dives into tasting notes, craft methods, vineyard stories and brand identity.
A more intimate tasting option is available through the Winemaker/Brewer Experience, with $5 per person sessions held in the Courtyard Room. Limited to 100 guests per session, the experience includes guided tastings, storytelling from local producers and a paired grazing box, with all proceeds donated to Ronald McDonald House.
Live music & entertainment
Music lovers will be treated to a headline performance from Hindley Street Country Club, with live entertainment anchoring the festival atmosphere across the day. Beyond the stage, SoundBites leans into playful, hands-on activations, including eating competitions, a grape stomping arena and a personalised hat bar, giving the event a carnival edge alongside its premium food and wine offering.
SoundBites Tickets
General Admission tickets include entry to all festival zones, ten tasting vouchers redeemable across participating wineries and brewers, a branded tasting glass, access to live music and headline acts, chef demonstrations, winemaker and brewmaster talks, and interactive activations. A ticket to Miguel Maestre’s Trackside Luncheon or the Winemaker / Brewer Experience can be added to your General Admission ticket.
SoundBites Food & Wine Festival
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Newcastle Racecourse
With its blend of high-profile talent, local producers and immersive experiences, SoundBites Food & Wine Festival is positioning itself as a one-day snapshot of the Hunter’s food and drink culture.
