Late on a winter Friday afternoon, wine enthusiasts gathered with a buzz of excitement and anticipation at The Hidden Cellar, tucked away inside Tunnel One at The Coal Loader in Waverton.
Set within a 150-metre historic sandstone tunnel and chambers, the event transforms one of Sydney’s most distinctive heritage spaces into a secret and intimate underground wine destination. Running annually since 2024, The Hidden Cellar brings together wineries, artisanal producers, locally crafted food and a sense of discovery in a setting that feels uniquely Sydney.
Event producer Charlie Rose warmly welcomed us on arrival, with guests receiving a showbag that included a tasting glass to use throughout the session. We were immersed in the experience, from the suspended wine bottles and grapevines to a minecart that complemented the sandstone walls and industrial history of the tunnel.
With more than 100 wines to discover from over 20 wineries and vendors, there is no shortage of tempting tastings. The selection ranges from Australian regional producers, including wines from the Hunter Valley, through to international offerings from France.
Each ticket includes tastings throughout a 2.5-hour session, giving guests enough time to leisurely wander through the chambers, speak with vendors, mingle with the crowd and discover a few unexpected favourites without the experience feeling overly rushed. Bottles can also be purchased directly from participating producers on the day or online to enjoy at home afterwards.
Food is available to purchase throughout the journey, with Italian-inspired bites, nibbles and fresh local oysters providing an excellent accompaniment to the wines. There are also cosy seating areas, with water stations at every corner to help guests stay hydrated between tastings.
We were particularly impressed by the friendly staff, knowledgeable vendors and broad mix of regional and international wines on offer.
One of the more memorable discoveries was Chocolate in a Bottle, a French Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine combined with the delicate aroma of Belgian chocolate. One to seek out if you enjoy discovering something a little surprising.
The relaxed setting encourages guests to move at their own pace, ask questions of the vendors about which varieties of wine to sample, and enjoy the atmosphere without needing extensive knowledge about vineyards or wine.
The event is also a perfect introduction to Australian wine for curious newcomers and international visitors looking to dip their toes into what Australian wineries have to offer. The sampling is all done in one location without the need to travel to several different wine regions. Vendors also provide brochures and QR codes for guests to save their details if they would like to visit or purchase from them later.
An afternoon well spent in good company, The Hidden Cellar makes for a wonderful mini getaway within Sydney — whether you bring a friend, a date or a loved one. Emerging from the underground tunnel and overlooking the water during golden hour added to the experience.
You are likely to leave with a familiar favourite, an unexpected discovery and perhaps the perfect bottle for the wine connoisseur in your life.
Before you go:
The 2026 event runs from 28–30 August at Tunnel One, The Coal Loader, 1 Balls Head Drive, Waverton.
Sessions run for approximately 2.5 hours. The ticket includes a showbag, tasting glass and access to sample from each of the vendors. The event is strictly for guests aged 18 and over.
With limited session capacity, arriving early, using public transport and booking in advance are highly recommended.
For event and future ticket information:
The Hidden Cellar
https://thehiddencellar.com.au/
For visitor information:
Destination NSW — The Hidden Cellar Wine Tasting Journey
https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-north/north-sydney-and-chatswood/events/the-hidden-cellar-wine-tasting-journey
For one of our standout discoveries:
Chocolate in a Bottle Australia
https://chocolateinabottle.com.au/