Discover Britain's great grape robbery

Crafty thieves struck in the middle of the night to carry out Britain's great grape robbery. 

 
A vineyard owner in Norfolk told the BBC he had discovered the theft of about 500kg of his ready to pick wine grapes. 

Lee Dyer, from Winbirri Vineyard (above) in Surlingham, outside Norwich, realised some of his rows had been "completely stripped" when he started this year's harvest.

"The biggest impact is that's 400 bottles we now won't have," Dyer said. He has reported the crime to Norfolk Police.

It was the second year running that thieves had stolen grapes from Winbirri Vineyard, which was set up by Dyer's father Stephen in 2007.

He told the BBC that he believed the theft took place during the evening and it had been committed by a "good picking crew... used to doing what they were doing".

"We have been in the vineyard seven days a week in the middle of our harvest while this happened - to pick 500 kilos is going to take a few people, it's not a one-person operation," he added.

Prominent Tasmanian wine business for sale

Ever dreamed of moving to Tasmania and running a vineyard and wine business?

Now is your chance with Craigie Knowe, the oldest vineyard on the east coast of the island state, hitting the market as a going concern.

The landmark 19.17-hectare estate runs as a hospitality, tourism and agricultural enterprise, with 3.54-hectare vineyard at its heart.

The first vines were planted here in 1979, and the Freycinet Coast business includes a cellar door, vineyard restaurant and potential for events.

The vineyard is planted to pinot noir, Bordeaux red varieties and riesling - and there is potential for vineyard expansion.

Hobart dentist and wine pioneer John Austwick planted vines on the site, which as been owned by Glenn Travers and family since 2013.

The estate is anchored by an impressive circa-1836 stone residence with period features and traditional fireplaces.

The property also includes Flora's Restaurant with a commercial kitchen built in 2022.

 It is also registered as a campground and has storage facilities, workshop facilities, vineyard machinery, bird netting, fencing and sheep yards.

The sale offering also includes approx. $1.3 million of finished and part finished wine stock at cost.

Craigie Knowe Vineyard is available for sale by Expression of Interest. For further information, please contact Andrew ‘Gus’ Dean of AWN Tasmania on 0418 143 577. 

See https://www.awnproperty.net/property?property_id=1864322 

Lufthansa Group bets big on Japanese destinations

German aviation giant Lufthansa Group is going hard on flights to Japan and will offer 50 flights a week during the 2027 summer season.

This marks a significantly expanded service due to a strong increase in demand. 

Lufthansa is resuming its direct Frankfurt to Nagoya service as well as adding an additional daily flight to Tokyo-Narita to its Tokyo service. 

Stablemate SWISS is also expanding capacity the Lufthansa brands as the leading European airline group in this market. SWISS will have up to seven weekly flights from Zurich to Tokyo-Narita.

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important industrial and economic centres with Aichi Prefecture the main centre for the country’s automotive industry and other manufacturing companies. 

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya," says says Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.

"Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network. 

"As the leading European airline group in Japan, we remain committed to connecting people, cultures and economies between Europe and Japan.”

In total, the Lufthansa Group’s hub airlines - Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways will fly to Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Nikkei eatery Chotto Matte to land in Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is to get a mega Nikkei restaurant in time for the summer season.

After making its mark in London's Soho, San Francisco, Toronto, Manchester and Riyadh, the global Japanese-Peruvian fusion eatery Chotto Matte is officially opening its first Australian location on November 22.

Think Japanese precision meeting Peruvian fire: sushi and sashimi, ceviche, a giant robata grill, colourful cocktails, bold art, DJs and plenty of late-night energy, the blurb promises.

All in a 250-seat space in the heart of Bondi.

The opening marks a homecoming for Australian-born founder Kurt Zdesar (below), after an international career that included almost a decade as European director of Nobu. He opened the first Chotto Matte in Soho in 2013.

The Bondi menu will merge Chotto Matte favourites with dishes created exclusively for the Sydney venue, showcasing local seafood alongside ingredients sourced directly from Peru.

"Opening Chotto Matte in Australia feels like I’m bringing the brand home to Sydney, a real milestone and full circle moment for the next chapter in the brand’s international story," Zdesar says.

"Bondi has a vibe that feels very Chotto Matte, and I’m excited to introduce what we’ve created to a city and dining culture I know and love.”

For local owner Rafi Assouline, the Australian opening has also been years in the making, waiting for the right location before approaching Zdesar with the opportunity to open in Bondi Beach.

“I first experienced Chotto Matte in London back in 2018 and immediately felt there was something about it that would resonate in Sydney," he says.

"But it was never about bringing the brand here for the sake of it. I knew I wanted it to be in Bondi, in a large, landmark space that could really match the energy of Chotto Matte, so it became a waiting game until the right location came along.”

Chotto Matte’s culinary identity has been shaped by group executive chef Jordan Sclare, who has worked alongside Zdesar on the brand since opening its Soho flagship in 2013.

For Bondi, Sclare has worked with Zdesar and newly appointed head chef Jay Choi to retain the signatures of Chotto Matte while taking advantage of Australian produce.

The kitchen will centre around the two-metre robata grill.

Hahndorf gets a central new accommodation option

The Adelaide Hills are among Australia's most enticing wine regions and visitors will soon have a new accommodation option. 

  
Hahndorf on Main is a new boutique accommodation offering in the heart of lovely Hahndor. It is set to open next month and is part of the Best Western Signature Collection.

Located on historic Main Street, the hotel offers newly-built contemporary accommodation within easy walking distance of Hahndorf's many restaurants, cafés, galleries, artisan stores, tasting rooms and attractions.

The property features 29 rooms, including accessible accommodation, and is billed as being ideal for couples, short breaks, events and Adelaide Hills getaways.

Walking trails and local wine producers are a short drive into the hills.

The opening marks the third property owner Andrew Chapman has brought into the BWH Hotels network in the past two years, following Best Western Adelaide Airport and Best Western Port Lincoln.

Rod Munro, managing director of BWH Hotels Australasia, said the addition of Hahndorf on Main reflects the strength of the relationship built with Chapman and his growing hotel portfolio.

"Andrew has a deep understanding of the hotel market and is highly strategic in how he positions each property within his portfolio." Munro said. 

"He recognises that selecting the right brand is about more than a name above the door. It's about understanding the property's unique strengths, target guests and long-term objectives."

Chapman said the new property was a natural addition to his growing accommodation portfolio.

"Hahndorf is a unique destination with strong appeal for both leisure and business travellers, and we're pleased to be adding a new accommodation option in the heart of the town," he said.

Bargain air fares on sale for one week only

Are you planning a tropical escape for 2027?

Cebu Pacific has just launched its 10.10 Super Seat Fest, with one-way all-in fares from Sydney and Melbourne to the Philippines from just $308.

Running from October 8-14, the sale covers travel from February 1 to June 30, 2027, giving Australian travellers the chance to lock in a Philippines getaway ahead of time and at a bargain price..

The sale also coincides with Cebu Pacific’s new “Fly to My Happy Philippines” campaign, showcasing the country through food, culture, islands and adventure - encouraging travellers to discover their own version of happy in the Philippines.

For Australians looking beyond the usual Manila itinerary, Cebu Pacific is also making it easier to explore some of the country’s island destinations, with flights from Clark to Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron in Palawan.

And for those chasing surf, scenery and a laid-back island vibe, Siargao (top image) is another destination the airline reckons is worth adding to your 2027 travel list.

CEB currently operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

See www.cebupacificair.com.