Tasmanian wine producer targeting Korean market

South Korea and India are largely unexplored export destinations for Australian wine producers.

Both have large populations with increasingly western focused young populations offering immense potential.

Josef Chromy Wines from Tasmania is one the wineries taking advantage and has partnered with Choix Trading to launch in South Korea’s on-trade sectors, wine industry news hub the drinks business has reported.

Choix Trading is operated by Avec Wine, an importer and distributor with offices in Seoul and Busan.

Avec says on its website: “We import and distribute wines that are not merely for drinking and getting drunk, but to further enhance gatherings with good people."

Josef Chromy Wines has worked with Choix Trading to launch a collection targeting leading Korean sommeliers and hospitality venues. 

The South Korean collection features Josef Chromy Riesling 2024; Chardonnay 2024; Pinot Noir 2024; Sparkling Cuvée NV; Sparkling Rosé NV; and Zdar Chardonnay 2024.

Founded by transplanted Czech native Josef Chromy in 2007, the estate boasts a 61-hectare vineyard at Relbia, south of Launceston.

Choix Trading is a boutique importer recently established to concentrate on higher-end vintages for on-trade channels.

“Josef Chromy Wines represents the type of high quality, terroir-driven estate we are committed to introducing to South Korea’s on-trade market,” said Taeho Choi, CEO with Choix Trading.

“We look forward to building the brand with our on-trade partners and sharing Tasmania’s distinctive cool-climate style with the Korean hospitality sector.”

Meet Ninh Binh, Vietnam's up-and-coming tourism destination

Make a note of the name Ninh Binh, a region in northern Vietnam that is fast emerging as a tourism destination.

Known as "Ha Long Bay on Land," Ninh Binh is a UNESCO-protected province that offers dramatic limestone karsts, rice paddies, and winding rivers.

It is 100km from Hanoi and known for temples, paddleboat tours and climbing vacations.

You can get a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, where 500 steps have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain.

Pullman Hotels & Resorts, part of global hospitality giant Accor, has just announced the opening of Pullman Ninh Binh - the region's first internationally-branded hotel.

Ninh Binh sits approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and Cuc Phuong National Park.

The city's tallest building, Pullman Ninh Binh boasts of offering uninterrupted views across the landscape. The hotel has 283 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the city or surrounding mountains.

Suites include separate living areas and access to the Executive Lounge, while the Presidential Suite offers two balconies, a private kitchen, and a dedicated dining area.

FoodConneXion, located on the lobby floor, offers an all-day dining experience, while Lumi Lounge, is billed as a relaxed gathering space filled with natural light.

Bublx, meanwhile, is a rooftop Champagne bar, while Mad Cow Wine & Grill and Hoa Thuy Tien will be opened later this year.

Pullman Ninh Binh has three swimming pools - indoor, outdoor, and rooftop - a 24-hour gym equipped with smart technology, and full-size sports courts.

“We are pleased to expand our network into Ninh Binh, a destination that is rapidly emerging as one of Vietnam's most compelling places,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

“Introducing Pullman to Ninh Binh reinforces our confidence in the destination's long-term growth potential and our strategic focus on shaping new benchmarks for premium hospitality beyond Vietnam's traditional gateways."

To celebrate its opening, Pullman Ninh Binh is offering an opening offer, with room rates starting from VND 3,300,000++ ($175) per room per night for two guests, including daily breakfast, and VND 500,000 net in food and beverage credit per night.

I haven't visited yet, but have added it to my list for my next Vietnam visit. 

See www.pullmanninhbinh.com.

Final touches added to Coogee's hotel showpiece

An oceanfront pool deck, Club InterContinental with al fresco terrace and new wellness experiences have seen the completion of the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

The opening signalled the final pieces of the multi-million dollar project in Sydney's eastern suburbs with the Èliva Spa set to follow in early May.

At the centre of the experience is the hotel’s pool deck with coastal views.

The infinity-edge pool is heated year-round and surrounded by private cabanas, sun loungers and seating.

The adjoining poolside dining offering has been designed to mirror the ease of beachside living with a menu featuring classics as well as lighter dishes including new ‘Nourish Bowls’.

Club InterContinental at Coogee Beach, meanwhile, features comfortable lounges, low coffee tables and quieter nooks.

For more active guests, the addition of two pickleball courts is a one-of-a-kind Sydney hotel offering.

Èliva Spa will offer magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room alongside a dedicated recovery lounge featuring advanced wellness technologies such as "PEMF infra-red masks, LED facial masks, compression boots and vitamin C-infused showers for a refreshing finish".

Sounds scary!

“These new experiences reflect our vision to create a refined yet relaxed coastal retreat where guests can connect with Coogee’s natural beauty while enjoying a truly elevated stay," says hotel GM Melinda Lampier.

"From the year-round heated pool to the ocean-facing terrace, we have designed spaces that invite both locals and international visitors to linger, unwind and experience the rhythm of the coastline.”

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden St, Coogee, NSW 2034

Click here for hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards.

Fancy buying a bar in a former public toilet block?

The famous Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, with views of the Opera House and Circular Quay, is one of the several restaurants and bars in Australia that are re-purposed public toilet facilities.

If you'd like to own a bar that is a former lavatory there is one on offer right now in the slightly less glamorous setting of Rayleigh in Essex.

A small bar converted from a former public toilet is for sale for £45,000 - under $100,000.

The fully fitted venue offers a rare opportunity for a hospitality enthusiast at a relatively small price, news hub drinks business reports.

Situated just off the town’s high street, the venue is presented as a fully operational business requiring no further investment.

The premises, refurbished two years ago, include a bar area with seating for approximately 18 covers, alongside a small storage space and WC. A decked forecourt provides additional outdoor seating.

The business is described as specialising in craft beer, supported by established supplier relationships. It has built a regular customer base and holds a 4.7 rating on both Google and TripAdvisor, as per the listing on Rightmove.

Rayleigh is a market town between Chelmsford and Southend, 51km east of London.

Bird in Hand celebrates love for Tasmania

Andrew and Susie Nugent have an ongoing love affair with Tasmania and its cool-climate wines.

The founders of Adelaide Hills winery Bird in Hand - known for its outstanding restaurant - now control two vineyards on the island state and have opened their new hospitality venture at the lovely Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart.

With former Saffire head chef Paddy Prenter heading the kitchen brigade, Bird in Hand this week celebrated the opening of its new restaurant, kiosk and a wine tasting facility in the gardens.

The Friday night opening was blessed with some rare balmy autumnal Tasmanian weather.

The tasting room, restaurant and kiosk will all offer different experiences and Bird in Hand will also manage weddings and bespoke events. 

I can't imagine anywhere nicer than the veranda to enjoy a glass or two on a sunny day.

The Nugents expect a restaurant dining dining experience akin to Bird in Hand’s LVN Restaurant at Woodside, with the  spectacular dining room showcasing local produce, art, flora and fauna of Tasmania.

The tasting room will showcase Bird in Hand cool-climate wines - including those from the East Coast and West Tamar vineyards - alongside a selection of other locally crafted beverages.

The 14-hectare Botanical Gardens has housed rare, native and intriguing plants for over 200 years. It also offers a thriving kitchen garden.

"We've long known about the quality of wines from Tasmania, and now we have our own vineyard at Seymour, north of Bicheno, and custodianship of  Waterton Hall in the Tamar, as well as the very special privilege of being in Hobart," Nugent said at the launch. 

"We'd known about the potential of sparkling wines from Tasmania but to be perfectly honest we didn't understand what an extraordinarily special place this is - the beauty of the land and its people is unsurpassed. 

"We want to contribute to the community, to the producers and the environment.

"We will do our very best to do justice to this magnificent site."     

* The writer was a guest of Bird in Hand

Stay for one night, get a second night free

Dusit Hotels and Resorts has adopted a version of "Buy One Get One Free" for direct hotel bookings.

The Thai-based hotel group is inviting travellers to extend their stays with the launch of ‘A Night on Us’, a limited-time offer featuring complimentary nights on eligible stays of two to eight nights.

Available for just six days, until April 27, exclusively on dusit.com, the offer covers a selection of Dusit properties in Guam, Malaysia, the Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

The offer covers island escapes such as Dusit Thani Maldives (above) and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort in the Philippines, to beachfront retreats including Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Dusit Thani Pattaya, and Dusit Thani Guam Resort.

City stays include Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Dusit Princess Chiang Mai, and Dusit Thani Manila.

Guests can enjoy up to four complimentary nights when booking stays of up to eight nights, for stays from now until December 20.

The deal is: Pay for 1 night, stay for 2; Pay for 2, stay for 4; Pay for 3, stay for 6 or Pay for 4, stay for 8.

Dusit Gold membership is complimentary and can be activated at dusit.com/signup, unlocking benefits including preferential room rates and dining offers.