Discover the magic of wine with Wine Fairy Events
When Katharina Clark first landed in Australia 15 years ago as a backpacker from Germany, she had no idea that the Hunter Valley would one day become her second home or that she’d be guiding people through its rolling vineyards and sharing the very best drops under the name Wine Fairy Events.
“I am from a stunning wine region in Germany and came all those years ago planning to stay for just a year or two to work and travel around Australia. I had a background in event management so, I did a bit of everything from coordinating and planning events to overseeing hospitality operations. But it wasn’t until I started at Audrey Wilkinson in 2018 that I really discovered the wine world,” Kat said.
Since then, Kat has blended her love for events with her growing wine expertise to build a business that’s as much about educating people on wine as it is about pouring.
“During lockdown, I had time to really reflect and I kept coming back to my love for event planning, hosting, and wine. That’s when I thought, why not combine my two passions? That’s where the idea really started.”
Going on to complete her WSET Level 2 (and soon Level 3) Kat has been bringing in house tastings to guests since 2021, and launched her tours just over 12 months ago. Wine Fairy Events combines her two passions – wine and events – into one very magical business.
“I love hosting events, I love educating people on wine, and I love talking about it. And I really wanted to create something fun, educational, and personal.”
At the heart of Wine Fairy Events is a bespoke, in-home wine tasting service that brings premium wines directly to your doorstep (or your event space). Whether you’re planning a hens party, birthday party, corporate gathering, or just a night in with your closest friends, Kat curates an experience to suit your group’s preferences.
“All of my in-house wine tasting packages include German-style sourdough from Stockton’s Starter Stories. It’s a little piece of my heritage that I get to share.”
There’s even a mystery wine guessing game included in every tasting – complete with a prize.
“It’s such a fun way to break the ice,” Kat says. “And I mean, who doesn’t want to win a bottle of wine?”
Current packages available to book include:
Taste of the Hunter Valley
Enjoy eight boutique wines (including sparkling on arrival) sourced from Kat’s local favourites, paired with sourdough served with Pukara Estate dukkah and olive oil.
Cost: $50pp
Wine Fairy Tasting
A journey across Australian wine regions, featuring a curated lineup of reds, whites, and sparkling from boutique producers.
Cost: $65pp
Wine Fairy European Edition
Taste 8 premium boutique wines (red/white) incl. sparkling on arrival + 2 international features (Germany/France/Spain/Italy).
Cost: $75pp
Wine & Cheese Tasting
Featuring eight premium wines, this tasting package also includes individualised cheese platters sourced from Binnorie Dairy.
Cost” $80pp
World Wine Adventure
Enjoy this international wine tasting experience that brings together the top drops from both Australia and further abroad.
Cost: $90pp
There are also optional add-ons like handmade chocolates from Cocoa Nib or a cheese upgrade. Kat has also introduced unique experiences as private romantic couple tastings for two and the Chef’s Table – a collaborative dining and wine pairing event with Estancia Osteria that can be tailored for a casual meal or into a more fine dining experience.
More recently, Kat has taken her wine expertise on the road with Wine Fairy Events Tours, offering private, small-group trips through the Hunter Valley. Departing from Newcastle, Central Coast, and the Hunter Valley, these full or half day tours can be completely tailored – from the wine selection to the cellar doors visited.
“I’ve always loved playing tour guide when friends and family would visit. Whilst I may not originally be from here, I’ve developed such a deep love and understanding of the region – and I’ve built great connections with some of our local cellar doors.”
With prices starting from $110 per person, every tour includes all tasting fees, snacks on board, luxury transport, and of course, Kat’s expert guidance. With her local knowledge and strong industry relationships, you’ll be accessing hidden gems and boutique wineries most people don’t know about.
“I think my guests love discovering the smaller producers and having a local guide who genuinely cares about their experience.”
Amongst her in-house wine tastings and wine tours, somehow, Kat still finds time to host monthly themed wine nights at The Press Book House in Newcastle and is already dreaming up her next collaborative event – like sourdough and wine workshops with Starter Stories or a collaboration with A Tavola!
Whether you’re sipping wine at your dining table, looking over the Hunter Valley vineyards, or at an upcoming collaborative event, Kat ensures each experience is personal, relaxed, and educational.
