Langtons to go global with new international wine classification

Australian fine wine authority Langtons, which publishes the respected classification of Australian wines, is to go global.

Langtons announced today that it will launch its inaugural Classification of International Wine later this year. 

The Classification of Australian Wine has been a trusted guide for benchmarking local wines in the fine
wine market since 1990.

“Australian wine palates are diverse and ever-expanding, with international wines holding an established presence in the collections of the country’s top wine drinkers," says Langtons GM Tamara Grischy. 

"The Langtons Classification of International Wine will be a vital resource for these collectors by highlighting the finest global wines that drive the Australian auction market."

Set to be unveiled in early August, the Langton Classification of International Wine will feature a

collection of 160 wines from across the world’s top wine regions in France, Italy, New Zealand, US, Spain, Portugal and Germany ( but surprisingly not Argentina, or South Africa). 

The list has been developed through secondary market auction data collected over the last five years from every international bottle that has been traded through Langtons. 

Just like its Australian counterpart, the Classification of International Wine is not based on opinion, wine show medals or scores, but data reflective of the country’s top fine wine collectors.

“We look at every bottle of wine internationally that’s sent into Langtons," says Langtons head of auctions Michael Anderson. "This includes aspects such as a wine’s previous bidding history; its clearance rate; and changes to its current value versus when the wine was bought.” 

The purpose is two fold. First, it will provide insights into the secondary market trends to assist those avid investors and collectors of fine wine, and secondly it will also act as an authoritative guide for those in search of a high-quality international wine for enjoying now.

Anderson says that the Classification of International Wine will feature a mix of hard to find cult classics and established titans of the fine wine trade, indicating new shifts in the fine wine space.

See langtons.com.au.

Chef Stone to return home to guide kitchen at Waldorf Astoria Sydney

Internationally acclaimed chef Curtis Stone will return home to open his first Australian restaurant as part of new Waldorf Astoria Sydney hotel.

After decades based in the US - and with e restaurant in Mexico - Stone will bring his culinary vision to Australia's first hotel under the luxury hotel brand.

Melbourne-born Stone will lead the way as the hotel will feature two original dining experiences. It will open in 2027 at One Circular Quay, and will be the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Australia.

Waldorf Astoria Sydney is currently under construction and will be owned and developed by Perth-based developers Fiveight.

“Coming to Australia to create something of this scale is incredibly meaningful for me," Stone said.

"These dining experiences are deeply personal projects, inspired by the producers, seasons, and hospitality culture I grew up with.

”“To partner with Waldorf Astoria Sydney and bring these ideas to life overlooking one of the world’s most spectacular harbours is both an honour and a milestone in my career.”

Marlene Poynder, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, (pictured above on the 25th floor of the hotel with Stone) said: “Waldorf Astoria Sydney represents a defining moment as we introduce the brand to Australia.

"To work with a chef of Curtis’ calibre makes this especially meaningful. 

"Together, we're creating a destination where exceptional hospitality, world-class dining, and perhaps one of the world's most remarkable harbourfront settings come together to deliver an unforgettable guest experience."

* Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is Hilton’s luxury brand of hotels with a legacy that dates back more than a century to Waldorf Astoria New York, the first hotel to offer 24-hour room service.

A winter wine escape on Melbourne's doorstep

Fancy a winter wine escape just a short drive from the Melbourne CBD or airport? 

Marnong Estate offers rolling vineyards, long lunches, glasses of good red and the chance of a chilled night or two away from home. 

Locates in the Sunbury region just 35 minutes from the CBD (and 15 minutes from Tullamarine airport, the lifestyle destination offers Italian dining and boutique accommodation with sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges. 

It's a special spot. 

Wine experiences begin at the cellar door, where guests can build their own tasting experience with a selection of five Marnong Estate wines, or explore more structured flights such as a pinot noir tasting.

Experiences can be enhanced with optional cheese and charcuterie boards, or visitors can also opt for a casual picnic on the lawns of the estate with a bottle and grazing box. Try the 2024 Single Vineyard Montepulciano, an excellent drop. 

La Vètta offers Italian dining that has been recognised with a Chef’s Hat by The Age Good Food Guide and the winter menu leans into seasonal dishes designed for slow dining that can be enjoyed with a glass of estate wine.

For something more casual, Cucina 3064 is a family-friendly Italian eatery offering comfort classics such as lasagna, while Italian street kitchen Caffè Vista, offers al fresco eats perfect for a sunny winter afternoon. Think pizza and a glass of bubbles.

For a serious weekend escape, Marnong Estate offers boutique on-site accommodation overlooking the vineyards. The property includes architecturally designed cabins with studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a beautifully restored 1840’s homestead for groups getaways.

Visitors can also meet the estate’s resident camels and llamas at the on-site petting zoo, enjoy live music, markets and seasonal events. 

Check out the website for the latest updates.

Respected New Zealand wine producer dies

Actor and vigneron Sam Neill has died, his family has confirmed.

“It is with immense sadness that the whanua (family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” they posted on social media.

Northern Ireland-born, New Zealand-based Neill, the star of multiple films including My Brilliant Career and Jurassic Park, was 78.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care,” the family statement said.

“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”

Neill was diagnosed with blood cancer in March 2022, but recovered.

 

Neill was highly respected in the wine industry, having owned and operated his own pinot noir-focused vineyard Two Paddocks in Central Otago for over three decades.

“We started in 1993 with modest ambitions and first planted five acres of pinot noir at our original little vineyard at Gibbston, Central Otago in the deep south of New Zealand,” Neill said on the winery website, which makes no mention of his career as actor. He was serious about wine. 

“I wanted to produce a good pinot noir that would, at the very least, be enjoyed by my family and friends,” he said.

Two Paddocks now consists of four small certified organic vineyards and produces between 3,000-5,000 cases depending on the vintage.

Australia edges towards the 21st century

Australia is finally entering the 21st century when it comes to entry formalities.

Filling out paper forms like the one above will soon be a thing of the past for millions of travellers to Australia as the Government rolls out digital passenger cards following a successful trial.

It will provide $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at airports across Australia.

In a collaborative partnership with the Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Qantas, the Australia Travel Declaration pilot program has delivered a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card.

Since the pilot commenced in October 2024, more than 450,000 passengers on eligible inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have trialled the Australia Travel Declaration, with anecdotal evidence proving the trial has been a significant success.

This new pilot, in partnership with Qantas will continue to be introduced to other capital cities including Perth and Adelaide, before the end of 2026.

The Australia Travel Declaration will then be rolled out to all international airports and seaports in a phased approach over the next 12 to 18 months, initially accessible via a webform option, with an aim to continue to collaborate with industry to co-design in-app capabilities.

The broader rollout of the Australia Travel Declaration will streamline facilitation and reduce manual processes for passengers, enable digital collection of information ahead of time and increase data quality for risk assessments, allow for rapid updates and management of global risks and events, such as biosecurity outbreaks, and meet passenger expectations for a biometric-enabled, seamless digital border experience.

"Making arrivals simpler and quicker means visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer," says Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell.

"This is a win for tourists and a win for our tourism operators, helping make Australia an even easier and more welcoming place to visit."


Major travel hubs like the 29 Schengen Area countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Thailand have largely replaced paper arrival cards with direct passport scans, digital travel authorizations, or online systems


It is a belated change. Major travel hubs like the 29 Schengen countries in Europe, the United States, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and Thailand have already largely replaced paper arrival cards with direct passport scans, digital travel authorizations, or online systems.

Yelland & Papps: Letting the vineyard do the talking

Following a surprise visit to Glenside's notorious Z Ward, where the South Australian National Trust was holding a wine fair in the spooky cells of the former mental asylum, guest contributor Roderick Eime met with Susan Yelland of boutique Barossa winemakers Yelland & Papps, where the pair were showcasing some of their delicious reds and whites. 

He asked Susan to highlight a couple of her favourite vintages, to which she said the philosophy behind Yelland & Papps wines is to let the vineyard speak for itself.

Their single-vineyard Stonewell Shiraz is deliberately crafted as a brighter, more expressive interpretation of Barossa shiraz. 

"We're probably trying to make a more expressive, fruit-driven, easier-drinking style of shiraz from the Barossa."

Whole-bunch fermentation builds fragrance and texture, while the use of only seasoned oak avoids masking the fruit, resulting in a lighter, more aromatic and approachable style that showcases the vineyard rather than the winemaking.

The winery's passion for Rhône varieties is equally evident in its grenache. 

"Grenache, we love grenache. We are very focused on Rhône-style varietals."

Sourced from a pristine 60-year-old vineyard on the sandy soils of Vine Vale, the fruit is harvested in two stages. 

The earlier pick contributes lifted aromatics and delicate Turkish Delight notes, while the later harvest brings structure, tannin and depth across the palate. Together they create a balanced, layered wine that reflects both the character of the old vines and the Barossa landscape.

Rather than chasing mass-market distribution, Yelland & Papps focuses on independent wine merchants and quality restaurants, where they believe wines with authenticity and a strong sense of place are most appreciated.