Join the Cellar Dwellers over winter

Winter is when Coonawarra comes out to party.

This July, Coonawarra's annual Cellar Dwellers celebration returns with a month-long program of rare museum wines, intimate cellar door experiences and a collection of fireside, after-dark and seasonal experiences designed to showcase the South Australian region.

Running throughout July, Cellar Dwellers invites visitors to slow down, rug up and experience a different side of Coonawarra, where crackling fires, hearty regional fare, warm hospitality and aged wines combine. 

From vertical tastings and museum wine releases to long-table dinners, stargazing beneath some of
Australia's clearest night skies, mulled wine by the fire and family-friendly experiences, the 2026 program offers more than 40 reasons to visit.

While Coonawarra is internationally recognised for producing classic cabernets, Cellar Dwellers celebrates the ageing potential of the region's full range of red and white wines. 

Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer, Heidi Guyett, said Cellar Dwellers continues to evolve while remaining true to its original purpose - celebrating wines that reward patience.

"Cellar Dwellers has always been about championing wines from the cellar and inviting guests to experience and discover just how well Coonawarra’s wines age, when given the time," she said.

"This year we've expanded that concept with Winter Embrace - inviting guests not only to discover beautifully aged wines, but to immerse themselves in everything that makes winter in Coonawarra so memorable."

One of the program's signature events remains the Cellar Dwellers Back Vintage Tasting, returning to Parker Coonawarra Estate on Friday, July 17.

The walk-around tasting brings together a dozen Coonawarra producers under one roof, offering event attendees the opportunity to compare museum and back-vintage wines from across the region in a single evening.

“What makes this event so appealing is the diversity - it's not just about one wine variety or one winery," said Guyett. 

"You’ll experience the collective story of Coonawarra’s winemaking talent and the remarkable ageing potential of our wines, not limited to its reds. Plus, the warmth and hospitality of the region shine through in every conversation and every pour.”

Another of the events with potential to turn heads (skyward) this year is Constellations and Cluny presented by Zema Estate. 

The full program, event bookings and downloadable guide are available at: 
https://coonawarra.org/cellar-dwellers-2026/

Cheers as whiskey distilling brothers hit jackpot

When brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling opened the first distillery in Dublin for 125 years they could not have imagined they’d hit a financial jackpot.

Fourteen years on from starting their business the Teeling brothers this week completed a deal to sell their entire operation to global drinks giant Bacardi Limited.

The Teeling brothers will, however, remain a part of the brand, shaping its future and driving growth for the long term as strategic advisors.

Bacardi acquired a minority stake in the Dublin-based whiskey company in 2017 and subsequently increased its stake to become the majority shareholder in 2022. The latest deal was worth an additional US $30 million.

“Teeling is the perfect fit for Bacardi,” says Mahesh Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer for Bacardi Limited.

“The brand stands for quality, craftsmanship and a fearless approach to the category with fresh ideas and innovative new whiskeys. The hundreds of awards it’s received say everything about its success.

“There is so much long-term potential for the Irish whiskey category globally and with Teeling we are perfectly positioned to take advantage of every opportunity.”

Teeling whiskey is now exported to more than 80 markets around the world.

“My brother and I both know that at Bacardi, Teeling is in the best possible hands,” says Jack Teeling.

“Working closely with the Bacardi team over the last nine years has proven to us that as a family-owned company, Bacardi appreciates the value of everything the Teeling brand stands for and its commitment to raising the bar for Irish whiskey.”

Bacardi Limited is the largest privately held international spirits company in the world with over 200 brands including Barcardi rum, Patron Tequila, Grey Goose vodka and Bombay Saffire gin. www.bacardilimited.com

Mornington Peninsula wine pioneer remembered

The Mornington Peninsula wine community is this week mourning the death of pioneering winemaker and industry leader Nat White, who passed away peacefully after a long battle with illness.

Together with his wife Rosalie (with whom he is pictured above), White established Main Ridge Estate in 1975, helping lay the foundations for what would become one of Australia's most respected cool-climate wine regions.

A founding member of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association and creator of the region's first licensed winery, he was known not only for his winemaking skill but also for his generosity, mentorship and willingness to support others.

Over five decades, White helped guide countless vineyard owners and winemakers, sharing knowledge freely and helping establish the collaborative culture for which the Mornington Peninsula wine community is known today.

Richard McIntyre of Moorooduc Estate recalled seeking Nat's help when preparing to make his first wines.

"I said, 'I have no idea how to make wine.' Nat said, 'I will hold your hand.' He did for many years."

Garry Crittenden of Crittenden Wines described Nat as the region's "acknowledged technical leader and founding father".

"Whenever I had a problem, I went straight to Nat - problem solved."

Martin Spedding of Ten Minutes By Tractor described Nat as "a giant in the story and development of Mornington Peninsula wine" and credited him with helping create the remarkable collegiate spirit that remains a defining characteristic of the region.

Nat White was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2017 for significant service to the Australian wine industry.

He is survived by Rosalie, their children Dominic and Annalise, and their families.

A private cremation will be held, with a celebration of Nat's life to be announced at a later date.

Fremantle's three days of fungi and games

Fremantle will host three days of fungi and fun next month.

The West Australian port city will host the Fremantle Truffle Festival from July 10-12, showcasing truffle-infused menus, chef experiences, market activations and gourmet events. 

Opening Night will feature a three-course dinner and presentation by Great Southern Truffles. 

Other highlights will include:

Truffle House: A main festival marquee hosted by Great Southern Truffles adjacent to Markets on Henderson Street.

Fremantle Markets: A truffle-inspired culinary showdown of exclusive festival dishes.
Truffle Dog Hunt Demo: Watch a live truffle dog demo at Old Courthouse
Truffles around town: Truffle inspired events and food specials are happening around Freo. Scroll down to the events section.

For detail see https://visitfremantle.com.au/fremantle-truffle-festival

“Western Australian truffles are recognised among the finest in the world and the Fremantle Truffle Festival has become a fantastic platform to showcase that quality." says Adam Wilson of Great Southern Truffles. 

And while you are in Fremantle you might want to check out the recently opened Owston Hotel.

It is located in Fremantle's historic West End, set within the beautifully restored Owston's Buildings on High Street, once home to the Roma Restaurant. 

There are just 11 rooms with options ranging from city views to a corner room with bathtub and sunset views. Guests can also enjoy handmade pasta at Vin Populi and fresh pastries from Common Bakery. 

Air Asia remains upbeat

The airline industry has different positions on the future, but AirAsia X says it remains encouraged by resilient travel demand across key markets, supported by ongoing regional stabilisation. 

The budget airline said this week that it continues to focus on strengthening operational performance and network efficiency, building a more scalable operating model across the network.

The group is progressively restoring aircraft frequencies and capacity across its network, with full capacity expected by August 2026. 

It has announced services to several new destinations, including Busan, Bahrain, London, Batam and other domestic destinations. 

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Group said: "Over the past several months, we have been reminded that resilience is not built during easy times but through how we respond to challenges. 

"Throughout this period, the group remained focused on strengthening our operations, improving efficiency and accelerating the adoption of AI and data-driven tools to support better decision-making and smarter execution across the business. 

"Today, we are a stronger, more agile and more focused ecosystem because of it."

Giant armchairs mark the spot

A slightly unusual new attraction has appeared in Sweden.

After analysing 20 years of solar data together with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, IKEA has identified the exact spot in Sweden with the highest statistical chance of sunshine.

The location, on the island of Gotland, is now marked by a permanent monument consisting of two granite IKEA armchairs.

The project draws on Sweden’s long-standing fascination with geographical landmarks and places people travel to simply because they are what they are. 

In Sweden, months of winter darkness have made people obsessed with making the most of every ray of sunshine and the new monument serves as a lasting tribute to Swede’s love of sunshine.

The site is intended to become a new tourism destination. 

“As the seasons change, so do the ways we live," says Linda Vikström, communications manager at IKEA Sweden. 

"When the sunlight and warmth return after winter, people across Sweden move outdoors. At IKEA, we want to help as many people as possible make the most of life outside. 

"Identifying and marking Sweden’s sunniest square metre is part of that ambition.” 

Funny folk the Swedes.