MOULD x PINOT PALOOZA returns under one roof

Australia’s favourite cheese and wine festivals are joining forces in 2025, with MOULD x PINOT PALOOZA set to take over Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from July 4 to 5.

The event combines the best of the MOULD Cheese Festival and PINOT PALOOZA, promising a vibrant showcase of Australia’s finest artisan cheese, wine, and gourmet food.

Leading the charge is Jessica Audas, the new head of Revel, who took the reins after working alongside founder Dan Sims for several years.

“I’ve been with the company for two-and-a-half years now. This is my third year of events with them,” she said.

“Dan asked me in my interview where I saw myself in five years – I told him I wanted his job. Now, here I am.”

With a background steeped in hospitality, Jessica has worked across fine dining restaurants, wine-making, and has also competed internationally in restaurant service.

“I represented Australia for restaurant service at World Skills and came second in the world,” she told Inner City News.

That opportunity led to stints living in Copenhagen, and running a vineyard in Gippsland as well as opening a restaurant, where she reconnected with Dan.

Now, she’s bringing fresh energy to Revel with a change in the format of the festival for Melbourne in 2025.

“This year I’ve brought both events under one roof – two festivals for the price of one, really,” Jessica said.

“The cheese people get to experience Palooza’s party vibes, and the wine people get a taste of our best dairy. There’s a DJ, charcuterie, and you can grab a cheese platter and settle in with a bottle of wine.”

The event, which sold out in 2024 across a combined total of seven shows, will host eleven sessions across Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.

“We want people to feel like they’re coming into our home. The way you’d host friends for dinner – wine, dine, and send them home with memories,” she said.

Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building remains a favourite for the festival, and it’s easy to see why.

“It’s our home. It’s such a beautiful, accessible space. You see 2000 people lining up around the fountain, and it’s not even a chore because it’s so beautiful in the gardens,” Jessica said.

As always, the festival offers more than just wine and cheese. Expect everything from lobster rolls and espresso martinis on tap, to award-winning relishes and artisan chocolates.

“Dreaming Goat is back, Noosa Black Garlic is coming for the first time, and Women’s Work is debuting a spicy nectarine relish made just for us,” she said.

MOULD x PINOT PALOOZA is set to be a delicious, memory-making weekend for curd nerds and wine-lovers alike. •