A toast to 30 years of Sculpture by the Sea

One of Sydney’s most iconic cultural events - Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi - is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The exhibition is held annually during spring on the cliffs overlooking Bronte Beach to Bondi Beach via Tamarama for three weeks from late October to early November.

Over 100 sculptures are spread across the coastal walk, which is transformed into a seaside art gallery, promoted as the world's largest free public outdoor sculpture exhibition.

The exhibition runs until November 2 and Sydney Brewery has crafted a commemorative The Sculpture by the Sea Bondi Lager.

Sydney Brewery owner Dr Jerry Schwartz said that Sydney Brewery’s long connection to the eastern suburbs community meant the specially crafted Bondi Lager was the perfect way to commemorate both Sculpture by the Sea’s 30th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the Sydney Brewery partnership.

“Ever since we produced our first brews back in 2005, we’ve adopted Sydney-centric suburb puns and local alliterations for our craft beers and ciders - it’s all about capturing Sydney’s remarkably fresh and fun lifestyle,” he said.

“I’m hoping those who visit Sculpture by the Sea will add a taste of the festival to their visual appreciation of the great art that is always produced for the event.

“The 30 years of Sculpture by the Sea have been very impressive, and it has built a global reputation, which Sydney Brewery has enjoyed contributing to over the past decade.

“The new limited-edition Bondi Lager is the perfect accompaniment to the outdoor cultural event, where art, community and the spectacular Bondi coastline come together seamlessly and spectacularly."

All change on London's famous Oxford Street

Oxford Street in London, one of the most famous shopping precincts in the world, will begin a major pedestrianisation project later this month. 

From October 26, close to a kilometre of the shopping thoroughfare will be closed to all vehicles ahead of the busy Christmas shopping season.

No buses. No taxis. I see anger ahead.

The first phase will cover the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with buses, taxis, bicycles and other vehicles all banned to create a pedestrian plaza in one of Europe’s busiest retail districts, news hub Travel Mole reports.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the transformation would help strengthen Oxford Street’s appeal to shoppers, businesses and visitors, with the new traffic-free zone marking the beginning of a wider regeneration plan.

The project aims to establish a greener public space where major international retailers sit alongside new workplaces, leisure attractions and cultural events. 

Future activities could include sports, fashion and other entertainment experiences, expanding Oxford Street’s role beyond traditional shopping.

Khan said the project had received strong support from Londoners and businesses, describing it as an opportunity to create a world-class pedestrian destination and reinforce the street’s position as a leading retail and leisure location.

But  the plan faces opposition from Westminster City Council, which has raised concerns about the practical implications of removing traffic from the main thoroughfare.

Tim Barnes, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning, said that although a timetable had finally been announced, significant questions remained about how the scheme would operate.

The council wants urgent clarification on vehicle access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety. It also fears that traffic displaced from Oxford Street could spill into smaller surrounding roads, potentially increasing congestion and creating environmental and economic problems for nearby communities and businesses.

I wonder how shoppers laden with Christmas presents will react to finding they can't hail a taxi. 

Why you should be drinking a fiano today

Fiano is a white grape variety from the Campania region of southern Italy that is also grown on Sicily and has been gaining recognition around the world. 

In Australia, it is grown in several vineyards in McLaren Vale - where it was first planted in 2001 - and also in the Riverland, the Clare Valley, and in the Hunter Valley. 

In Argentina, producers in the La Rioja region, north of Mendoza, have also enjoyed success with fiano. 

October 16 is International Fiano with Oliver's Taranga, one of the major producers in Australia, behind a major push to promote the variety. 

Notably aromatic and textural, fiano is known as a grape that can stand heat spikes - important as global warming increases. 

Corrina Wright, winemaker at Oliver's Taranga and known as the "Queen of Fiano", said sales increased last year as part of a Fiano Festa campaign, which is being repeated in 2026. 

"Crisp, textural, full of flavour and perfectly at home in our Mediterranean climate, fiano has won plenty of friends along the way," says Wright, who makes three different styles using the grape.  

Check out more info: https://oliverstaranga.com/pages/join-the-fiano-festa

     

Celebrity chef Matt Moran signs on the dotted line with Pepperjack

Treasury Wine Estates, parent company of Pepperjack Wines, recently axed 170 mostly office roles as part of an overall restructure it says will contribute to $100 million in annual savings. 

But it has found the money to sign up celebrity chef and restaurateur Matt Moran as a brand ambassador for Pepperjack. 

The partnership comes as Pepperjack celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, building on a legacy that began with its signature Barossa shiraz. 

"There's this idea that wine has to be precious, the right glass, the right vintage, saved for the right occasion, or that certain wines can only be enjoyed with particular foods," Moran said. 

"I don’t buy into that, and that isn’t reflected in the way Australians actually eat and drink today. That's exactly the thinking Pepperjack is going into their 30th anniversary with, and why it felt right to be involved.”

Pepperjack and Moran will bring the brand’s “Anything Goes” campaign to life, encouraging Australians to put aside traditional rules and enjoy food and wine in a way that reflects how they eat and entertain today.

Pepperjack and Moran will share approachable pairing ideas, practical inspiration and creative recipes that make it easy to enjoy wine across more meals and moments.

Since joining Pepperjack in 2007, senior winemaker Richard Mattner has grown the brand beyond its renowned Barossa shiraz, overseeing the development of a diverse portfolio that now includes rosé, chardonnay and pinot noir. 

"For a long time, food was matched to wine. What’s exciting about Pepperjack is that we think about it the other way around, creating wines that are made to be enjoyed with food,” Mattner says. 

“When I joined Pepperjack in 2007, the brand was best known for its Barossa shiraz. Today, the range is far broader, but the philosophy stays the same: if the wine doesn’t enhance the dining experience , it doesn’t go in the bottle.”

Moran adds: "For me, this isn't about telling people what to drink. It's about backing the way people actually eat and drink, and showing that a good bottle of wine belongs at any occasion. Cacio e pepe with a glass of chardonnay, or fried chicken with rosé on the couch, it's the same idea to me. Wine that just fits the moment."

See https://www.pepperjack.com.au/

Image: Sreven Woodburn

Australia gets its first Michelin stars

Michelin doesn't come and review restaurants out of the goodness of its heart.

The South Australian Government decided to splash the cash on joining the Michelin Guide family and now that state is the first in Australia to feature.

The newly released Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 recognises 77 restaurants "honouring their craft, creativity and distinct sense of place".

After months of anonymous inspections, Michelin has awarded two stars to Adelaide's Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, led by Chef Scott Huggins.

Anvers Restaurant, Aptos, arkhé, Aurora at ILA, Skillogalee Barrel House, Botanic, Esmay, Hentley Farm, LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand, and Maxwell Restaurant have each received one Michelin star.

Beyond the stars, 16 restaurants have earned a Bib Gourmand for good food at great value, and 50 more restaurants join the Guide as "Michelin Selected".

"South Australia's debut has been very impressive," says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin guide, wholly predictably.

"What struck our Inspectors was the sheer diversity on display - European, south-east Asian and Japanese traditions sitting naturally alongside native ingredients such as quandong, lemon myrtle and native Australian meats, never as novelty, but as an honest expression of place.

"From Adelaide's easy-going dining rooms to the restaurants within wineries of the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills, fire is the thread that runs through it all. It is a food culture unburdened by rigid tradition - technically refined yet relaxed, generous and unmistakably South Australian in its warmth."

The results were particularly applauded in the Adelaide Hills with eight winery dining venues receiving accolades - more than any other wine region.

“Having eight winery dining venues recognised by the Michelin Guide is an outstanding achievement for the Adelaide Hills and a testament to the quality and ambition of our region’s wine and food offering," said Adelaide Hills Wine Region president Alex Trescowthick.

“Our wineries are about so much more than what’s in the glass. They offer visitors memorable experiences that bring together exceptional wines, seasonal local produce, beautiful settings and genuine hospitality."

The full Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 restaurant selection is available on the website and app. 

It will be interesting to gauge ROI for South Australia and see whether other states follow. 

This Formula One racer would like to buy you a beer

If you happen to spot Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas in an Australian pub this summer, you should insist he buys you a beer. 

The Finnish driver, who spends his off-season in Australia, is taking up a summer job with his favourite brewery: Adelaide-based Coopers Brewery. 

Coopers has handed Bottas a Coopers Gold Card, unlocking free Coopers beer around the country - meaning the beers could be on him for punters who spot the Cadillac racing driver in a Coopers venue this summer. 

Bottas has twice finished runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship - in 2019 and 2020 with Mercedes, and has won 10 Grands Prix in total.

Since February 2020, Bottas has been in a relationship with Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and they have a home in McLaren Vale, outside Adelaide.

 

He has been newly appointed as a "Coopers’ Quality Assurance Trainee", tasked with visiting pubs to conduct taste testing of Coopers beers. 

As part of this he will be on the lookout for ultimate freshness, keg quality and perfect pour. 

Bottas, who says his favourite beer is Coopers Australian Lager, visited Coopers Brewery in Regency Park, South Australia, after the Singapore Grand Prix for an induction, training and his own taste test with the Coopers brewing team in the $70m restaurant and microbrewery on site. 

Coopers Brewery managing director Michael Shearer said: “We’re honoured that Valtteri is a huge fan of Coopers, which made him the natural appointment to take on the task of tasting our ice-cold Coopers beer in venues across Australia this summer. 

“We are delighted he has taken on the role and expect he will be tapping his Coopers Gold Card frequently as he pops up in pubs nationally. 

“Fans should keep their eyes on Bottas’ socials as we know he has plans to invite fans to have a beer with him this summer. 

It's a marketing exercise - but a fun one. 

“I think Coopers is the best beer in the world and I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time," Bottas said. 

"I’m very honoured to have this job. I tasted Coopers when I first came to Adelaide in 2020 and I fell in love with the taste. 

“I’ve travelled a lot and I always try the local stuff. With Coopers, it’s just the taste, the way they make it and the story of being family owned.” 

# Founded in 1862, Coopers Brewery is a sixth-generation Australian family company and the nation’s largest independent brewer.