The inaugural Horizontal Festival is set to transform Bowral’s stunning Centennial Vineyards into a dream destination for food lovers from October 4–5, featuring a dazzling lineup of acclaimed chefs, unforgettable masterclasses, and immersive festival experiences. This new festival promises Starts at 60 readers a weekend of sensory adventure – blending fine wine, authentic paddock-to-plate fare, art, music, and local culture amidst the rolling hills of the Southern Highlands.

An Epicurean Escape in Bowral

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Centennial Vineyards, the Horizontal Festival isn’t just another food and wine event. Imagine a weekend where every moment promises discovery: taste, learn, and sip your way through curated degustation experiences, hands-on cooking learnings, and engaging performances in a region renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty.

Meet the Chefs shaping Australia’s culinary future

The festival’s signature Masterclass series brings together some of the most respected names in Australian cuisine:

• Mark Best: Known for his trailblazing work in contemporary Australian dining, Mark Best (of Infinity by Mark Best) leads the charge, inviting festival-goers into his creative world where provenance, storytelling, and local ingredients shine.
• Eilish Maloney: Bowral’s own Eilish Maloney returns after stints in Michelin-starred kitchens abroad to spotlight the “hero” producers of NSW and the passion behind everyday local cooking.
• Simon Evans: The innovator behind Bangalay Dining will share his love for native and foraged ingredients, offering festival guests a taste of the award-winning South Coast with inventive, hibachi-grilled dishes like slow-cooked kangaroo tail.
• Mindy Woods: A Bundjalung woman and winner of the 2025 Champions of Change Award, Mindy delivers an immersive First Nations culinary journey, celebrating native food traditions that have shaped our land for thousands of years.

Raise a Glass: Wine and cocktail journeys

Adding to the culinary feast is local wine and spirits expert Sarah McDougall, hosting beverage masterclasses:

• Horizontal Wine Tasting: Sample five NSW wines from the same vintage, and discover how terroir, winemakers, and tradition influence every bottle – each tasting is paired with regional cheeses for a full flavour experience.
• Cocktail Masterclass: Shake up three classic cocktails and learn the secrets behind their enduring allure in Australia’s vibrant drinking scene.

The Masterclass Experience

Each masterclass is designed to be intimate and interactive, giving guests a rare chance to meet leading chefs, taste signature dishes, and delve into the stories behind Australia’s best produce. Sessions such as “A Taste of NSW” and “Ancient Flavours, Modern Tables” combine guided tastings, storytelling, and insider Q&As – with masterclass tickets at $39 per session (with a festival entry ticket).

Session Highlights

• A Taste of NSW: Mark Best and Eilish Maloney spotlight five local producers, inviting guests to sample their creations paired with NSW wine.
• Ancient Flavours, Modern Tables: Mindy Woods shares her On Country Experience – culinary storytelling woven with Indigenous history and flavour.
• Native Flavours: Simon Evans prepares unique native dishes over hibachi, championing sustainable, foraged fare.
• Wine and Cocktail Masterclasses: Led by Sarah McDougall, these sessions embrace both artistry and science in every glass—highlighting the best of local makers.

A Weekend to Remember

Over two days, festival-goers will discover Bowral’s best through concerts, tastings, art installations, and live music – blending the warm, inviting atmosphere of NSW’s highlands with the authenticity of the region’s food and culture. Whether sipping on Platinum wines, chatting with chefs, or exploring the lush vineyard grounds, the festival offers countless ways to connect, learn, and indulge.

Planning Your Bowral Getaway

• When: Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 October 2025.
• Where: Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, Southern Highlands, NSW.
• Session Times: Day (12:00pm–4pm), Evening (5:30pm–9:30pm).
• Tickets: $59 General Admission, $149 Platinum packages; Masterclasses $39 extra for ticket-holders.
• Book tickets (including bus transfers and parking) through Ticketmaster or at horizontalfestival.com.au.