HOSTS.

CATE REED
R+R FOUNDER & Director

Cate Reed is a seasoned event strategist and producer with a proven track record of delivering world-class events, incentive programs and brand experiences across Australia and internationally.

As Founder and Director of Rogue + Refined, Cate combines a deep understanding of the corporate events landscape with an unrivalled network across Australia's food, wine and hospitality sectors. Her career has seen her lead major projects for Tourism Australia, Wine Australia, American Express and a range of global corporate clients, delivering everything from executive retreats and VIP client experiences through to large-scale conferences and incentive programs.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail, commercial acumen and calm approach to complex event delivery, Cate leads a team of experienced Rogue + Refined professionals who bring together expertise across event strategy, production, hospitality and client experience. Together, they deliver memorable programs that seamlessly blend exceptional hospitality with flawless execution. Through Rogue + Refined, Cate and her team provide clients with exclusive access to the country's leading food and beverage producers, creating experiences that are authentic, engaging and impossible to replicate.

When she's not producing events, Cate can usually be found discovering new food and wine destinations, planning her next adventure, or taking her “not so mini Groodle”, Bailey, for a run along the beach.

NICK RYAN
A DISTINCTIVE VOICE IN THE WORLD OF WINE

Thrown out of university in Adelaide and moving to Sydney, Nick Ryan used the knowledge he’d gained raiding his old man’s cellar to land a job with one of Sydney’s leading wine merchants.

Realising writing about it was easier than lifting it has led him to where he is now. He’s the Senior Wine Writer for The Australian and a columnist for the world’s most prestigious wine magazine, The World of Fine Wine. In addition he writes regularly on wine and spirits for Halliday Magazine and The Robb Report.

He is a highly sought after wine show judge, hugely engaging speaker and presenter and is a graduate of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial and the inaugural winner of the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator award.

Now based in the Clare Valley, Nick is excited by wines that are just as interesting by the fourth glass as they are at the first and would give it all up to play one game for the Port Adelaide Football Club.

MIKE BENNIE
Independent Wine and Drinks Journalist

When Mike Bennie isn’t wandering vineyards on the four corners of the globe, he is a freelance wine and drinks writer, journalist and presenter. Mike is the wine/drinks editor for Australia's leading food magazine, delicious., Editor-At-Large and contributor/writer to Australia’s most interactive wine commentary website, WineFront.com.au and his work has been found in Broadsheet online, Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine, and a variety of international publications. He is also part of the team of critics that make up the esteemed James Halliday Wine Companion.

Mike is also a co-founder and partner in the landmark P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants, a store and education space devoted to artisan fermented, brewed and distilled products. Mike is also drinks director of the highly-respected WA Good Food Guide.

 He is prolific with his wine and drinks work, is a regular presenter at festivals, corporate and industry events, and between travels to exotic vineyards around the world, enjoys long walks on the beach with a bottle of wine (or mezcal) in his hand. Oh, he also makes a bit of wine in Tasmania.