A Festival of Sound, Sip & Soul
SoundBites Food & Wine Festival
Brought to you by Newcastle Racecourse
Featuring celebrity chef Miguel Maestre & headline performers Hindley Street Country Club
Saturday 28 March 2026 – Newcastle Racecourse
A premium full-day celebration of the region’s best chefs, wineries, brewers, distillers and producers, paired with live music, tastings, chef demonstrations and headline entertainment.
A festival built around food, wine, storytelling and entertainment.
SoundBites brings the Hunter together for a day of eating, drinking, discovery and celebration, featuring:
- The Hunter’s leading wineries
- Boutique microbreweries & distillers
- Live chef demonstrations with Miguel Maestre + six Hunter chefs
- Brewmaster & Winemaker talks with MC-hosted tasting insights
- The Winemaker/Brewer Experience – $5 charity tasting sessions
- Hindley Street Country Club headline performance
- Eating competitions, grape stomping & interactive activations
- Personalised Hat Bar
- The signature Miguel Maestre Trackside Luncheon ($199)
MIGUEL MAESTRE TRACKSIDE LUNCHEON
Join celebrity chef Miguel Maestre for an intimate, flavour-packed dining experience set against the beautiful trackside backdrop. Enjoy a bespoke menu crafted by Miguel and the NJC culinary team, perfectly paired with premium wines from Hungerford Hill, before watching Miguel bring the energy with a live cooking demonstration.
This is the ultimate way to elevate your SoundBites day.
Includes:
– Full festival access = General Entry, 10 x Small Wine Tastings + SoundBites branded tasting glass
– Live cooking demo with Miguel
– Premium curated menu
– Wine pairing from Hungerford Hill included
– Exclusive trackside seating
WINEMAKER / BREWER EXPERIENCE
BOOK NOW – $5pp
100% donated to Ronald McDonald House
Step inside the Courtyard Room for a more intimate, story-driven tasting session hosted by the region’s winemakers and brewers. Enjoy a curated flight, learn the craft behind every pour, and savour a beautifully paired grazing box created by our team.
With only 100 seats per session, this is your chance to experience the Hunter at its most authentic.
Includes:
– Guided tasting with local makers
– Hosted storytelling
– Food pairing/grazing box
– Small-group format (max 100 guests)
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
– Hindley Street Country Club performance
– Eating competitions
– Grape stomping arena
– Personalised Hat Bar
CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS
Featuring Miguel Maestre and six Hunter-region chefs.
A premium showcase of local produce, cooking techniques and storytelling.
BREWMASTER & WINEMAKER TALKS
15–30 minute hosted sessions throughout the day.
Producers deep-dive into tasting notes, craft methods, vineyard stories and brand identity.
Included with every General Admission ticket.
✔ Ten (10) small tasting vouchers
Redeemable at any participating winery or microbrewery.
✔ SoundBites branded tasting glass
All guests receive a festival tasting glass.
✔ How it works
– Choose any winery or brewer across the festival.
– Redeem 1 voucher = 1 small tasting.
– Use them however you like – mix, sample, revisit your favourites.
– Wineries & brewers supply the tasting stock.
A simple, premium tasting experience designed for quality over quantity.
Pre-Sale $55
GENERAL ADMISSION
Includes:
✓ Entry to all festival zones
✓ Ten (10) x small tasting vouchers
✓ SoundBites tasting glass
✓ Live music & headline acts
✓ Access to chef demos & Brewmaster/Winemaker Talks
✓ Activations: grape stomping, eating competitions, hat bar & more
$199 pp
TRACKSIDE LUNCHEON
Includes:
✓ Full GA access
✓ Miguel Maestre live cooking demonstration
✓ Premium dining menu
✓ Curated wine pairing
✓ Exclusive trackside seating
$5 donated to RMHC
WINEMAKER / BREWER EXPERIENCE
Includes:
✓ Guided tasting session
✓ Grazing/pairing box included
✓ 100 guests per session
✓ All proceeds donated to Ronald McDonald House
Ten (10) x small tasting vouchers + a SoundBites tasting glass.
Yes – mix, match or revisit favourites.
Only if they hold an off-premises or off-premises function licence.
Yes, family friendly. ID required for alcohol.
Yes, extensive free parking for guests and vendors.
Contact Us
Phone: 02 4961 1573
Email: reception@njc.com.au