Food for Thought
Food for Thought is a relaxed brunch at Ghost Rock Wines, bringing together Tasmanian produce, sparkling wine and thoughtful conversation in one of the state’s most beautiful vineyard settings.
Hosted in partnership with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), the morning explores the ideas behind what we grow, make and pour – from soil health and beneficial insects to innovation in the vineyard.
Expect generous shared brunch courses, a mimosa on arrival and conversations that feel lively, grounded and genuinely interesting.
Date: Saturday 11th April, 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 11.30 am
Location: Ghost Rock Wines
Price: $55 per person (plus booking fees)
Bookings open now
Seats are limited.
What to expect…
You’ll leave with plenty to think about at the newest event in this year’s TrailGraze weekend lineup.
In partnership with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a specialist institute of the University of Tasmania, this brunch brings leading researchers out of the lab and into the heart of Tasmania’s richest produce region. These are the people working behind the scenes of Tasmania’s food system - studying soil health, beneficial insects, climate resilience and the science of wine.
But this isn’t technical or heavy. It’s a conversation. The kind of insight that makes you view what’s on your plate and in your glass a little differently.
Set against the backdrop of Ghost Rock vineyard, with a glass in hand and generous shared dishes on the table, you’ll hear directly from the minds shaping the future of Tasmanian agriculture.
Meet them below.
Bianca Das
Dr Bianca Das is a researcher and lecturer in soil science at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) with skills in biogeochemistry, agronomy, modelling, and agricultural systems analysis. Growing up in New Zealand, Bianca gained a core value of “kaitiakitanga” or land stewardship. This led her to study environmental science, soil, and agriculture. Her main interest is in soil nutrient management because of the challenges New Zealand faces with balancing a productive agriculture economic sector with pristine landscapes and waterways. Dr Das currently leads the project “Circular nutrient economies for climate smart soils” which aims to empower land managers to self-monitor longer-term changes in soil health after applying biowaste products to their soil and to demonstrate their potential to improve climate resilience.
Justin Cappadonna
Justin is an entomologist that enjoys investigating the behaviours of insect pests, predators, parasitoids, and pollinators. His research focuses on improving sustainable agriculture through integrated pest management (IPM). He can also be found sharing his passion for insects and learning about the natural world with everyone around him.
Alison Ctercteko
Currently researching smoke taint in sparkling wines, Alison brings a strong scientific and winemaking background to her work. Her career spans CSIRO grain research, a BSc in biochemistry, microbiology and organic chemistry, vineyard management, and winemaking in New South Wales. She became the thirteenth Australian Master of Wine in 2013 and has since worked in consulting, teaching, wine judging, Master of Wine education and small‑scale vigneron production
