Is your favourite wine brand about to be sold or dumped?

Penfolds is the jewel in the crown.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Coldstream Hills have been declared safe. Rouge Homme has been sold.

But what is the future for iconic Australian wine brands including Seppelt, Lindeman’s or Wolf Blass?  What about St Huberts' or 19 Crimes? 

That's all up in the air right now after owner Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) outlined plans to reshape its portfolio around “evolving consumer and customer needs” and to focus increased investment behind its strongest long-term growth opportunities.

The company said it will focus on Penfolds, Californian brand DAOU and New Zealand label Matua, which will be complemented by "regional heroes’ including Frank Family Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard and Stag's Leap in the US, along with Wynns Coonawarra, Squealing Pig, Pepperjack and Coldstream Hills. 

TWE said its goal is to become “a simpler and more focused luxury wine business” investing in fewer, stronger brands, while increasing its emphasis on lighter styles and no and low- alcohol wines". 

Sounds like following fashion to me.  

The restructure is expected to result in a significantly smaller TWE portfolio, from 76 brands possibly down to as few as 30. But it is not known which brands will be sold or dumped.

TWE chief executive officer Sam Fischer (above) said the company was building on strong foundations.

“We have some of the world’s most recognised wine brands, outstanding vineyards and winemaking assets, deep expertise from grape to glass, and strong customer relationships across global markets,” Fischer said.

“Wine continues to play an important role in consumers’ lives, but consumer preferences and market dynamics are changing.

“The future belongs to wine businesses that are more focused, agile and closely aligned to where consumers and customers are heading.”

Fischer said TWE’s new look would be designed around the trends shaping the future of global wine.

“Premiumisation remains a powerful long-term trend, with consumers increasingly choosing to drink less but better,” he said.

“At the same time, we’re also seeing strong growth in lighter styles, more relaxed social occasions and moderation trends, particularly among younger consumers.

“We’re reshaping Treasury Wine Estates to where we see the strongest long-term demand and growth opportunities in luxury red, luxury white, and more contemporary wine experiences.”

New range aims to make an impact in the sub-$20 wine segment

There is a new entry into the competitive sub-$20 wine bracket in Australia.

Newly-launched TERRA, designed for everyday drinking, comes from one of the most famous labels in Australia - McWillam's, which has been under the ownership of the Calabria Family Wine Group since 2021.

The collection of "modern, approachable" wines comprises Shiraz 2024, Chardonnay 2025, Pinot Noir 2025 and Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (all with an RRP of $19).

Scott McWilliam, sixth generation family member, says: “Consumers are drinking less wine and exploring more beverage options, so we must make wine feel relevant in everyday life again.

"That means innovating at the approachable, everyday level, removing formality and bringing wine back to the centre of the table.

“TERRA reflects how Australians are enjoying wine today - fresh, generous and made to be shared.

"With this range, we’re proud to bring McWilliam’s heritage to a new generation of wine drinkers in a way that feels more contemporary and relaxed. TERRA is all about taking the formality out of wine and bringing it back to everyday life, whether that’s a casual dinner, a long lunch or time around the table with friends.

"By focusing on approachability, versatility and pure enjoyment, we’re reconnecting wine with how people actually live and making it a natural part of more moments, not just special occasions."

TERRA has a distinctive pewter thumbprint on the label acting as a modern maker’s mark, a nod to the hands that have shaped McWilliam’s wines across six generations.

I haven't tried them yet, but will report back. 

Available now from major and select independent retailers nationally, and www.mcwilliams.com.au

Where Jackie Chan would like you to go on holiday

Jackie Chan wants you to consider Guilin in China for your you next holiday.

The martial artist and movie star is spruiking the nature, heritage and cultural immersion destination as part of his ambassador role with Trip.com.

Guilin, formerly known as Kweilin, is a prefecture-level city in the north-east of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is situated on the west bank of the Li River and borders Hunan to the north.

It is currently a boom vacation location with international flight bookings to Guilin growing 75% year-on-year in Q1 2026, ranking it among the fastest-growing cities in China among global travellers, Trip.com reported. 

The online travel business highlighted the city's growing appeal at its recent "Guilin Night" event, which brought together more than 3,500 international guests from 78 countries and regions, all keen to join actor Chan, the group's global ambassador for China travel.

Guilin is known for its mist-covered karst mountains, winding rivers like the River Li (above) and impressive scenery, as well as being home to diverse ethnic groups.

"Guilin reminds me that travel is not only about seeing famous sights, but about connecting with the culture of a destination," Chan said.

"The mountains, the rivers, the atmosphere, it feels like walking inside a Chinese painting. But what makes it stand out is that it slows you down in the best way.

In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, life can move very fast, but Guilin shows another side of China that allows you to be more present.

"The Li River is the soul of Guilin. You can sit quietly on the boat and just look around you. The scenery changes every minute."

There are river cruises between Guilin and Yangshuo, which are tourist drawcards, along with the Longji Rice Terraces (below).



Trip.com promotes Guilin as a place to "pause and connect with nature".

Find out more at Trip.com or check out https://visitguilin.org/

Saint Peter marks birthday milestone with a new book

On September 1, Sydney dining icon Saint Peter celebrates its 10th birthday with a new book from chef patron Josh Niland.

Niland and wife Julie opened Saint Peter in 2016 on Oxford St in Paddington.

The restaurant has moved to new digs in the same suburbs, and gained international acclaim along the way. Our dinner there last year was a masterclass in hospitality.

"A lot has happened in the 10 years since," Niland says. "We have met some incredible people, cooked for you - our wonderful guests - and had the pleasure to work alongside and employ some very talented professionals."

The new Niland book is called Saint Peter: Chapter and Verse.

It comprises three essays sitting alongside just over 100 dishes, photographed by David Loftus, published by Hardie Grant Books.

"The essays are about how the restaurant came to be, the business learnings along the way and the incredible highs and lows of the last decade," Niland says. "The recipes are the ones the restaurant has been built on for 10 years and include all the favourites. Documenting, cooking and shooting them all was truly a labour of love."

Pre-orders are now available at good book shops.

"Pre-orders are an important signal to the big bookstores of demand so this is, of course, very helpful ahead of the release," Niland says.

"As a thank you for pre-ordering, Julie has been working on a very special prize draw for Australian pre-orders, plus a gift for everyone who pre-orders worldwide. Keep your email receipt and we will send the full details [to mailing list members] in the coming weeks, including how to enter the draw and how to receive your thank you gift."

Hardie Grant Publishing says: "The book moves between story and craft – tracing the evolution of the restaurant, articulating Niland’s revolutionary whole fish approach, and offering a rare, deeply considered look at the mechanics of service.

"Recipes are presented as ‘verses’, interwoven through the narrative, spanning everything from foundational preparations to the dishes that have defined Saint Peter’s menus, including its most iconic and unexpected creations."

You can have a look at the book here: https://www.saintpeter.com.au/saintpeterbook

Saint Peter Chapter & Verse: The making of Sydney’s legendary seafood restaurant – in over 100 recipes. By Josh Niland. Published September 1 by Hardie Grant Books. $80/$90 NZD.

Woodstock finds its sweet spot

Family wine businesses need to evolve to thrive. 

For more than 50 years Woodstock Wine Estate has been part of the fabric of McLaren Vale, evolving from a family vineyard into one of the region’s best-known wine and hospitality destinations.

The Blewitt Springs winery is entering a new chapter, with third-generation winemaker Peter Collett helping lead an evolution of the family business.

Woodstock’s story began in 1973, when Douglas Collett AM purchased the property following a career in the wine industry and earlier service as a World War II fighter pilot. His vision for premium South Australian table wine laid the foundations for the modern Woodstock business.

That vision was expanded by Doug’s son Scott Collett, who took over management in 1982 and helped establish Woodstock as a respected McLaren Vale wine brand and tourism destination.

Now Scott’s son Peter is carrying the family legacy forward after stepping into the winemaking role in 2022. 

“Dad is still here all the time tending to the gardens, lawns and orchard,” Peter told the South Australian Wine Industry Association newsletter. “It’s still very much a family business, but we’re also evolving and looking at where we want to take Woodstock into the future.”

  
The transition to the next generation has coincided with a period of significant change for the business. 

In 2024, Woodstock closed its long-running Coterie restaurant and undertook major renovations to transform the space into a larger cellar door focused more directly on wine experiences. 

The new cellar door officially opened in November 2024 and now welcomes visitors seven days a week.

The estate has also introduced a more relaxed visitor offering through a partnership with Gin Long Canteen that features casual lawn dining, weekend live music and a strong family-friendly focus.

A wildlife sanctuary featuring rescue kangaroos, emus and native wildlife has become another point of difference for the property, alongside a playground and expansive lawns designed to encourage families to spend time at the venue.

“Not a lot of wineries in the area are so family friendly,” Peter said. “We’ve got the playground, the wildlife sanctuary and lots of open space, so parents can relax with a glass of wine while the kids can safely run around and enjoy themselves.”

The business has also diversified its on-site experiences, with brother Max Collett recently launching Trilby’s Chocolates at the Woodstock property.

In the winery, Peter is steering Woodstock toward a fresher, more contemporary wine style aligned with changing consumer preferences.

The 100% estate-grown portfolio has been refined, and Mediterranean varieties such as montepulciano and fiano are playing an increasingly important role.

“There’s definitely been a shift toward younger, fresher and lighter wines that are easier drinking,” Peter Collett said.

"The key is to capture these aspects in certain wines while not compromising the bold, rich style that our customers have grown to love. It is a subtle evolution."

The estate now comprises 100 acres of vineyards planted with seven grape varieties, with an ongoing focus on estate-grown wines and regional character.

Beyond the Beach: Discovering Koh Chang from The Retreat

Some destinations reveal themselves slowly. Koh Chang is one of them, roving correspondent Roderick Eime reports.

At first glance, Thailand's second-largest island seems to offer exactly what visitors expect: palm-fringed beaches, warm seas and spectacular sunsets. 

Spend a little longer here, however, and a different side emerges. Dense rainforest blankets the mountains, mangrove forests line sheltered waterways and small fishing communities continue traditions that predate tourism by generations.

The Retreat Koh Chang proved an ideal base from which to discover both sides of the island.

Arriving at the family-owned resort, the first impression is one of space and tranquillity. 

Water features, tropical gardens and low-rise buildings constructed from natural materials create a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape. Rather than dominating its environment, the resort seems to blend seamlessly into it.

The guest experience reflects this philosophy. Service is polished without being intrusive, with staff displaying the genuine warmth for which Thai hospitality is famous. Conversations happen naturally, recommendations feel personal, and there is an easy rhythm to daily life around the property.

While the pools and waterfront setting make relaxation tempting, Koh Chang rewards exploration.

One morning begins with a journey through a network of mangrove waterways aboard a traditional wooden boat. Gliding silently beneath overhanging branches, the island feels worlds away from Thailand's busier tourist centres. 

Birdlife darts among the roots while local fishermen tend their boats along the banks. It's a reminder that nature remains central to life here.

Back on land, the island's rainforest reveals another dimension. Koh Chang is home to one of Thailand's richest botanical environments, with more than a thousand recorded plant species thriving in the island's exceptionally wet climate. Waterfalls tumble from forested hillsides and hiking trails offer opportunities to experience an ecosystem that has remained remarkably intact.

The resort encourages guests to engage with these natural assets through curated excursions, wellness experiences and cultural encounters. Island-hopping adventures, paddle boarding, kayaking and cooking experiences provide alternatives to the traditional fly-and-flop beach holiday.

Dining also reflects a strong sense of place. Fresh seafood sourced from nearby communities features prominently, while locally inspired flavours sit comfortably alongside contemporary presentation. Sunset dinners beside the water quickly become a highlight.

What makes The Retreat Koh Chang memorable is not simply the quality of the accommodation or the beauty of its setting. Rather, it is the way the property connects guests with the island itself.

In an era when many tropical resorts could be located just about anywhere, The Retreat succeeds because it feels unmistakably part of Koh Chang. 

And Koh Chang, in turn, remains one of Thailand's most rewarding islands for travellers willing to venture beyond the beach.

More info https://theretreatkohchang.com/

Room rates begin at around $300 a night including breakfast.