Horizontal Festival in Bowral
Horizontal Festival brings live-fire food, wine tastings, masterclasses and music to Bowral over the October long weekend, with Francis Mallmann headlining.
About the event
Horizontal tastings and live-fire cooking
Horizontal Festival is a food, wine and music program in Bowral, with live-fire feasts, sausage cook-offs, regional chefs, winemakers and producers. The wine format is built around horizontal tastings that compare producers from the same vintage, alongside live-fire cooking, masterclasses and music.
Festival zones and workshops
The named festival zones map out the program across The Sparkling Bar, The Vineyard, Rosé Room, Cheese Den, The Orchard, Hops Garden & Concert Stage, Barrel Room, Sweet Pairings, Wilson & Dorset Connection Tent and the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage. Workshops include Wine & Conversation led by Nick Ryan and Godfather of Fire masterclasses with Francis Mallmann.
Headliners and family programming
Francis Mallmann is listed as the headline chef, and Matt Moran, Mark Best, Mindy Woods, Simon Evans and Lyndey Milan OAM are also named as chef presenters. Family Day takes place on Sunday, October 4 and includes circus workshops, working dogs and children's art sessions.
Dates, venues and admission
The festival grounds run from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, with satellite events from October 1 to 5, 2026. Centennial Vineyards in Bowral is named as the winery venue, while Osborn House in Bundanoon is also listed among featured venues; the venue entry identifies Osborn House as a hotel at 96 Osborn Ave, Bundanoon NSW 2578. General Admission is $59 AUD and the Platinum VIP package is $149 AUD.
Hosts & guests
Francis Mallmann
Chef
Frequently asked questions
What is the wine format at Horizontal Festival?
The festival is structured around horizontal wine tastings that compare producers from the same vintage, with wine also appearing in named zones such as The Sparkling Bar, The Vineyard, Rosé Room and Barrel Room.
What food programming is listed?
The program includes live-fire feasts, sausage cook-offs, regional chefs, producers, the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage and Godfather of Fire masterclasses with Francis Mallmann.
Who is headlining the festival?
Francis Mallmann is listed as the headline chef. Other named chef presenters include Matt Moran, Mark Best, Mindy Woods, Simon Evans and Lyndey Milan OAM.
What family activity is included?
Family Day takes place on Sunday, October 4 and features circus workshops, working dogs and children's art sessions.
Save the places behind the experience
Track visits and discover more of Pearl's hospitality world.