Bolivia named as a travel danger zone

Australians planning to travel to South America have been urged to pay attention to their itineraries.

Government website smarttraveller.gov.au has updated its advice for anyone planning to visit Bolivia.

"We now advise [you] reconsider your need to travel to the Chapare region in the department of Cochabamba due to the risk of violent crime," the website says.

"Criminal groups and gangs linked to illegal drug trafficking operate in this region.

"Authorities may be very limited or unable to provide assistance in this area.

"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia overall due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest."

Most of the rural territory consists of valley rainforests that surround the area's main waterway, the Chapare River, a tributary of the Amazon.

The provincial capital is Sacaba, while the town of Villa Tunari is a popular tourist destination.

Australia joins the UK in warning against visiting the region. It warns against "all but essential travel" to or through the Chapare region.

Image: Cochabamba City, Bolivia

What future for Australian ski resorts?

What does the future hold for Australia's ski resorts? 

The 2026 season marked the hottest winter on record for the Australian Alps, with the highest mean temperatures on record for June to August across much of Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Tasmania. 

The season is shutting down early across the Australian Alps, with resort closures, businesses up for sale, and a severe lack of snow, the Protect Our Winters team says. 

The snow season typically peaks in August and runs through late-September to October, but climate pollution is driving higher temperatures and significant rain events that have greatly reduced snow cover, bringing an unusually early end to the season.

Mt Baw Baw in Victoria and Selwyn Snow Resort in New South Wales both closed for the season last week. Selwyn cited a “challenging winter”, temperature, and rain’s “impact on our remaining snow cover” as the reasons for closure.

Mia Rennie, POW Athlete Alliance, free skier and sports commentator, noted the changes at Selwyn in a media release.

"I grew up skiing at Selwyn snowfields and remember having to dig our front doors out at Cabramurra," Rennie said. 

"That’s now a thing of the past. I have seen first hand how quickly our winters are changing and how quickly we need to respond so future generations can continue to experience the magic of winter that I grew up with.”

Australia’s resort economy is worth over $3 billion annually, supporting thousands of jobs. 

Thredbo Alpine Resort was recently hit with a valuation drop of over 50% from $292 million to $143 million, POW says. 

And coming off the back of Australia’s most successful Winter Olympics, climate change is threatening the future of Australia’s snow sports viability, success, and culture. With diminishing opportunities for training and competition in Australia, athletes are increasingly forced to chase snow opportunities overseas.

Protect Our Winters Australia (POW) is A community-driven, science-backed collective of winter sports enthusiasts, High Country devotees, climate scientists, and regional businesses advocating for systemic climate solutions.

For more info see protectourwinters.org.au.

Image: Mount Hotham slalom gully last week. Supplied. 

Discover Paris's secret cinema

Meet one of the most exclusive cinemas in the world.

Usually used for private screenings and for hotel guests, there is a movie theatre in Paris that most visitors never see. 

Hidden inside the luxury Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, the Cinéma Katara offers a different cinematic experience, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The 99-seat cinema is tucked away inside the hotel and has become a discreet meeting place for movie stars, filmmakers and international personalities. 

But now locals and visitors have a chance to sample the experience with the cinema is opening its doors to a wider audience with a Royal Film Club line-up.

Described as the French capital’s first luxury cinema, Katara combines 35mm, 2D and 3D projection with oversized leather seats designed by Philippe Starck and a professional sound and image team is also on hand for screenings and private events.

The theatre is often used for film industry gatherings, premieres and bespoke events. Hotel guests can also book it for private screenings, concerts, sales events and seminars.

But now, once a month, the doors will be open to the public, giving s moviegoers the chance to watch a film from the same plush seats used by celebrities, while enjoying a choice of food and drinks. 

The experience is designed for families and friends, with a gourmet package featuring sweet treats or a more indulgent “Royale” option served with a glass of Champagne.

Tickets start at €25 and can be booked online.

Details here: https://www.raffles.com/paris/experiences/royal-film-club/

Luang Prabang lights up for annual festival

Looking for an Asian getaway with a difference?

Every rear on the October full moon, Luang Prabang in Laos lights up for Boun Lai Heua Fai, the Festival of Light marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

After dark, illuminated boats built from bamboo and paper move through the streets of the old town to the beat of drums before they are set adrift on the Mekong River.

Lotus-shaped lanterns line the temples, and thousands of small krathong drift downstream, each one carrying a wish into the current.

This year, the festival falls on October 26.

La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang, is offering special packages for the event.

Called The Festival of Light Offer, it pairs a hillside stay with guided access to the parade, the lanterns, and the river itself, arranged by a dedicated guest experience curator (they used to be called concierges).

Every stay booked under The Festival of Light Offer includes:

# Daily breakfast for two at La Brasserie de la Résidence
# Round trip transfers to and from Luang Prabang International Airport or the railway station
# The services of a dedicated guest experience curator for personalized itinerary planning
# A minibar stocked with non alcoholic beverages, replenished daily
# Complimentary shuttle service to and from the old town of Luang Prabang, running from 9am to 9pm.
# A $50 USD resort credit toward dining or spa treatments
# A daily sunset apéritif with wine or cocktails and French canapés for two
# Complimentary laundry for up to six garments daily
# A complimentary three-course dinner for two on stays of three nights or more

Sounds tempting. 

To discover more about the offer, visit https://laresidencehotels.com/phou-vao/offers

Brisbane blossoms with new eateries

Brisbane, host city for the 2032 Olympic Games, is booming with the recent opening of several new eateries.

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Visit Brisbane have provided as list of what is hot and happening:

SAN TELMO

Brisbane City

Bringing its celebrated Argentine steakhouse style to Brisbane, San Telmo (above) has opened in the CBD with a space inspired by the dining rooms of 1960s Buenos Aires. Think plush booths, vintage chandeliers and low lighting. The menu is built around premium Argentine-style steaks cooked over fire, with larger cuts made for sharing. The menu features ceviche, empanadas and grilled king prawns before the meaty main event. he drinks list leans into Argentina, too, with wines, cocktails, craft beers and aperitivos.

DON GINO

West End

Bringing a taste of Sicily to West End, Don Gino has transformed the former Bar Hugo site on Hardgrave Road into a neighbourhood trattoria and wine bar. Sicilian chef and owner, Marco La Perna draws on generations of family recipes and hospitality, with a menu centred on simple southern Italian cooking and premium imported produce.Expect Sicilian favourites including panelle, arancini, fried calamari and mussels Siciliana, alongside hearty pasta dishes. The drinks list keeps the Italian spirit going, with more than 30 Italian and Sicilian wines, along with classic cocktails and imported soft drinks.

EON

Brisbane City

Japanese dining gets a late-night edge at Eon, a new addition in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. The menu honours traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern touch. The food is matched with cocktails with the experience designed to stretch well beyond dinner. It's a sleek new spot for lingering late into the night.

ELOISE & LOU PATISSERIE

Fortitude Valley

Classic French baking has landed in Fortitude Valley with Eloise & Lou, a new patisserie from pastry chef Adrien Marcinowski, formerly of Rise Bakery. The Wickham Street bakery takes a 'back to basics' approach, with Adrien returning to the traditional French techniques that shaped his career. Expect handcrafted patisserie and viennoiserie; buttery pastries and French classics. Coffee, too. 

BISTRO TINO

Fortitude Valley

The team behind Mosconi has opened Bistro Tino in a restored World War II era hangar in Newstead, aiming to bring the feel of a European neighbourhood bar to Brisbane. Designed as an all day eatery, the space draws inspiration from Italy's local corner bars. The menu keeps things simple, moving from breakfast into lunch with dishes including pan con tomate with yellowfin tuna, Italian sausage with silverbeet and butter beans, bifana rolls and market fish. Pastries and $2 standing espressos are a drawcard. 

INTERMISSION

West End

The team behind West End Electric has launched Intermission, a new bar and dining room on Boundary Street inspired by the glamour of London's West End. Cocktails take cues from classic candy bar treats with the Choc Top Martini, Popcorn Sour and Malt-Pleaser. Pair them with burrata, peach and prosciutto loaded crisps or loaded toasties. There's a secret door connecting Intermission directly to West End Electric for ticket holders.

PARKLANDS SOCIAL

Spring Hill

Spring Hill's newest opening aims to bring a slice of New York to Brisbane with a neighbourhood bar and grill inspired by the delis and dining institutions of the Big Apple. Located near Roma Street Parkland, it offers everything from morning coffee to long dinners. Think dishes like matzo ball soup and a Reuben stacked with house-made pastrami. The drinks list keeps the New York theme going with classic cocktails and signatures like the Spicy Vodgarita. 

ILO BAKEHOUSE

Wynumm

Wynnum's waterfront has a new addition with Ilo Bakehouse the latest concept from the team behind Sister, Butter and Alby's. The Scandinavian-inspired bakehouse sits opposite the foreshore in a design-led space. The pastry offering is kept deliberately tight with 12 items at a time, including sourdough croissants, orange and cardamom buns, miso butterscotch almond croissants and seasonal specials.

Sounds like BrisVegas might be worth a gourmet trip. 

New Spanish airline ready for take off

It would seem the height of optimism to launch a new budget airline in the current economic headwinds, but Fly2Galicia is preparing for take off by December. 

In an era of closures and mergers, the new carrier will offer flights linking the Spanish region and major European business and tourism centres non stop.

The Spanish airline has opened reservations ahead of its planned December 1 launch. 

It will initially offer 17 weekly departures from its base at Santiago de Compostela Airport to eight destinations in Spain and Europe.

The network will include Alicante, Zaragoza and Granada in Spain, alongside Brussels, Munich, Milan Malpensa, Prague and Venice Marco Polo. 

Alicante will receive three weekly flights, while the other seven routes will operate twice a week, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The first flights will depart December 1 to Zaragoza and Brussels, followed by Prague and Venice on December 2. Alicante, Granada and Munich begin December 3, with Milan Malpensa following on December 4.

Fly2Galicia will use leased Romania-based aircraft and crew supplied by Romanian operator FLYYO, while Fly2Galicia will handles sales, marketing and the commercial network. 

The company is considering adding a second aircraft for the 2027 summer season, potentially enabling further network expansion.

Thailand promising to crack down on miscreants

Bali recently jailed a badly-behaved Swiss tourist who disrespected Nyepi, the Balinese day of silence, and now Thailand is vowing to crack down on badly behaved tourists.

Thai authorities have warned that tourist visas could be revoked as they move to protect the country’s tourism image, The Nation newspaper reported.

The warning comes amid reports of inappropriate behaviour by foreign visitors in popular destinations including Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Phuket.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said Thailand remains open to visitors of all nationalities but expects them to respect Thai laws, local culture and communities.

He said authorities would not ignore misconduct or allow isolated incidents to escalate into wider problems affecting tourism.

"Thailand is ready to welcome every tourist who respects Thai law and culture, but we will not allow the country to become a venue for symbolic expressions of conflicts that have nothing to do with Thailand,” he said.

The government is prepared to co-ordinate with immigration and other agencies to take immediate action, including visa revocation, against foreign tourists considered to be causing serious trouble.

The issue has received particular attention on Koh Samui, where local concerns have been raised about the behaviour of some Israeli tourists. 

Israeli visitor numbers to Samui and neighbouring Koh Phangan have increased, putting the destinations under greater scrutiny as authorities seek to manage tourism growth.

A Thai activist group submitted a letter outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on August 24, urging Israeli tourists and residents in Thailand to "respect the country’s laws, customs and culture," Khaosodenglish.com reported.

Authorities in Koh Phangan said 13 foreign tourists had already had their visas revoked in recent weeks for inappropriate activities, highlighting the increasingly tough stance Thailand is taking toward unruly visitors.

Thailand has made clear that its tourism destinations should not be used as venues for political or symbolic activities linked to overseas conflicts.

Asked whether visas issued to visitors from particular countries would be reviewed, Surasak said authorities would consider each case individually.

Image: Bangkok, Suparerg Suksai, Scop.io

Two major Hunter Valley destinations to be re-imagined

All change at Hunter Valley resort Cypress Lakes.

Minor Hotels will launch Avani Cypress Lakes Resort in phases from October, ultimately creating Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct across 340 acres.

The completed resort will offer 204 rooms and suites, mark the Australian debut of AvaniWell, and feature an 18-hole golf course, 24 meetings and events spaces, family experiences and new leisure and dining facilities.

The revamp is scheduled for completion late next year.

The development will bring together the existing Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and adjoining Elysia Wellness Retreat.

Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will become the largest Avani property in Australasia.

The resort’s phased transformation will introduce three pickleball courts, an outdoor cinema, a pool bar with a DJ booth, Pilates reformers (sounds dangerous!) and outdoor cold-plunge pools. New dining concepts will include Chakraya, a restaurant inspired by the flavours and culinary traditions of Sri Lanka.

The resort will also offer a range of flexible packages for hotel guests and Hunter Valley residents, bringing together AvaniWell programs, AvaniKids activities, golf, hot-air balloon experiences and resort accommodation.

Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the Hunter Valley had the attributes to become Australia’s home of wellness.

“We believe the Hunter Valley has all the hallmarks necessary to establish itself as Australia’s home of wellness,” said Hooley. “From winery visits and long-table lunches to Pilates classes, cold plunges and educational seminars, modern wellness is personal, flexible and increasingly integrated into everyday travel.

“Avani Cypress Lakes Resort has been designed around this shift, allowing guests to incorporate wellness into a family holiday, corporate retreat, golf escape or weekend break.

"The launch reflects Minor Hotels’ confidence in the continued growth of wellness-led and experiential travel across Australia, particularly in regional destinations.”

Rates and packages for Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be available from October 1.

Avani properties in Australasia include Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in May 2026 and the upcoming launch of Avani Queenstown next month.

For more info see avanihotels.com.

New restaurant offers an authentic taste of Tasmania

Tasmanians and visitors to the Apple Isle have a new venue in which to taste the state.

The Pooley family, among Tasmania's leading wine producers, this week launched a new restaurant identity in their Prospect Country House hotel in the Coal River Valley. 

   

The eatery has been re-named Buscombe’s Restaurant, in tribute to the estate’s historical origins and builders James and Elizabeth Buscombe, who established the elegant Georgian homestead around 1830 and were regional farming pioneers.

“The new name reflects Prospect’s commitment to honouring its heritage, while continuing to deliver elevated, regionally focused hospitality in the heart of the Coal River Valley,” hotel manager and family member Lisa Pooley said. 

Chef James Paul Miller (ex Peppina and Van Bone) leads the kitchen brigade at the historic and gracious mansion with an aim to showcase flavours from around the Apple Isle to be served alongside award-winning Pooley wines. 

Most of the ingredients will be sourced from local farmers, and some from the property's own kitchen garden.

Starters may include Tasmanian scallops on the half shell with celeriac cream, nori butter and toasted almonds.  

Think mains like local orange roughie with saffron potato fondant, confit cherry tomato, snow peas and fish veloute, or mouth-wateringly tender Central Highlands of Tasmania venison backstrap with parsnip cream, roasted root vegetables, toasted walnuts and chocolate jus. 

“With over 17 years of experience in some of Australia’s most respected kitchens, [chef] James brings a refined yet grounded approach to contemporary dining,” said hotel owner John Pooley.

Lisa Pooley (pictured above with chef Miller) said the restaurant menu aims to showcase a farm-to-table experience that reflects both the estate’s heritage and Tasmania’s seasonal bounty.

“Buscombe’s is not only a tribute to our past, but it also showcases the very best of our state," she said. 

The wine list features not just Pooley Wines, but also a selection of bottles from across Tasmania. 

Buscombe's at Prospect Country House, Richmond, and is open seven nights for dinner and Friday-Sunday for lunch. It is 20 minutes from Hobart CBD and 15 minutes from Hobart Airport. 

The hotel has 11 rooms but dining is open to non-residents all year round. See https://prospectcountryhouse.com.au/buscombesrestaurant 

Travelling with peptides? Be very careful

If you are a bodybuilder, biohacker, weight-loss enthusiast or looksmaxxer travelling with peptides then you might want do some research.  

What is perfectly legal in your own country could get you into trouble at your destination. 

Travellers carrying or personally using non-prescribed products could face medical bills, customs action and criminal penalties abroad, new research shows. 

Carrying research peptides across international borders could result in having products confiscated, related travel-insurance claims rejected and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution, Licensed Peptides reports. 

It says Dr Samuel Sarmiento, a physician and medical content reviewer for Licensed Peptides, reports  that travellers may wrongly assume that being able to purchase a peptide online means it can be legally carried abroad or will be covered by travel insurance.

Buying or carrying a research peptide would not necessarily void an entire travel-insurance policy but a claim connected to someone carrying or personally using a non-prescribed or unapproved product could be investigated and potentially rejected under the policy’s drug-use, illegal-activity, experimental-treatment or pre-existing-condition exclusions.

The traveller could then face two separate problems: action from customs authorities and an insurer refusing to pay the resulting costs.

Licensed Peptides says it supplies "research materials strictly for laboratory use. Its products are not approved for human consumption or therapeutic use".

Dr Sarmiento says anyone who personally uses a product carrying that label could find it particularly difficult to argue that it was a normal prescribed medication.

“A ‘research use only’ label is not a prescription, medical authorisation or guarantee of human safety.

If the product explicitly states that it is not intended for human consumption, but someone decides to inject or consume it, a travel insurer may examine whether the resulting medical event falls within one or more exclusions.

Buyer beware. Traveller be aware. 

* Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a specific warning about importing unapproved peptide products. The Australian regulator says products imported unlawfully may be seized and destroyed, while serious cases of illegal medicine importation can result in fines or imprisonment.

Autumn brings art to Sapa hotel

As autumn breaks in northern Vietnam, a leading hotel in the mountains will be showcasing local artists.

Hotel de la Coupole Sapa – MGallery Collection will present Upon the Mountain, Down on the Hill from September 25 to October 25, 2026, featuring 28 works by five contemporary Vietnamese artists.

Presented in collaboration with Hanoi Studio Gallery, Upon the Mountain, Down on the Hill will feature works by Pham Thai Binh, Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, Nguyen Quoc Trung, Pham Tra My and Pham Thuy Tien in the hotel’s lobby-level Art Gallery Area.

Rather than treating the landscape simply as scenery, the exhibition explores its relationship with people, memory and emotion. 

The five featured artists bring experience across painting, sculpture, traditional lacquer, silk and large-scale installations. 

“At harvest time, Sapa’s landscape changes almost by the day, encouraging people to pause and look more closely,” said a representative of Hotel de la Coupole Sapa – MGallery Collection, who mysteriously was not identified in the media release. Very strange. 

“This exhibition extends that experience into the hotel. Visitors can encounter the mountains and terraces outside, then see the different memories and emotions they inspire in the work of five Vietnamese artists. It feels entirely at home in a place where art and storytelling are already part of the journey.”

The exhibition belongs naturally within Hotel de la Coupole’s theatrical interiors. 

Conceived by maverick architect and designer Bill Bensley, the hotel imagines a meeting between the French haute couture of the 1920s and 1930s and the colours, patterns and craft traditions of Sapa’s ethnic communities. 

Paintings, antiques, fashion pieces and collected objects appear throughout the property, placing the new works within a wider encounter with art, history and place.

See HOTELDELACOUPOLE.COM

Three budget airlines to become one

Three high-profile low-cost air carriers in South Korea will soon be just one. 

Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul will merge into a single airline, news hub Travel Mole reports. 

The trio will become a single entity on March 17, 2027, creating the country’s largest budget carrier.

The airlines’ boards approved the merger agreement this month but the deal still requires shareholder approval in December and regulatory clearances before the new airline can begin operating.

The combined carrier will operate under the Jin Air name, while the Air Busan and Air Seoul brands will disappear.

The merger follows the planned integration of parent companies Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. 

Korean Air is scheduled to complete its merger with Asiana on December 17, 2026. 

The three low-cost airlines had a combined fleet of 58 aircraft at the end of 2025. That would put the new carrier ahead of T’way Air and Jeju Air by fleet size, making it South Korea’s biggest LCC.

Jin Air plans to combine the three airlines’ fleets, routes, maintenance operations and other resources to generate economies of scale. 

Radisson has a new focus with its latest Sydney hotel

 

Sydney is get another luxury lifestyle hotel, but this one will be in the Haymarket district, close to Central Station. 

Radisson Hotel Group this week announced the signing of Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket, a 328-room, new-build hotel set to open in 2029. 

The 31-storey hotel will be positioned in the heart of Haymarket granting easy access the Sydney Light Rail, Chinatown and Darling Harbour. 

 “The signing of Australia’s first Radisson RED marks an important milestone in our Australasia expansion plan," said Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer (whew!) for the Radisson Hotel Group. 

"Radisson RED is a distinctive brand that offers a relevant and impactful proposition to both guests and owners. We are excited to partner with Ceerose on this project and are grateful for their trust in our brands and people.”

Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket will feature those 328 rooms, a restaurant, a lobby café-bar, a pool bar, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. 

The hotel will also include a dedicated early- and late-check-out lounge for guests. 

Edward Doueihi, founder and managing director of developers Ceerose, said: “Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket has been conceived as a destination that reflects the energy and transformation taking place across this part of Sydney."

See https://www.radissonhotels.com/

Why now might be a good time to book a Qantas flight

This week is the perfect time for Qantas Frequent Flyers to book a trip to more than 100 destinations across the airline's global network.

All booking made until midnight on September 2 will result in a fast-track to status or a points boost with the return of the Double Status Credits or Double Points offer.

Members who book any Qantas marketed and operated regional, domestic, or international flight can earn either double status credits or Qantas points.

Members can also earn double points on Qantas hotel and holiday booking.

Frequent flyers can register for the offer via the Qantas App and make unlimited flight bookings for travel between September 3, 2026, and August 14, 2027.

Qantas Loyalty and Customer CEO Andrew Glance said the offer remains a favourite for members.

"Whether members want to fast-track their status to unlock lounge access, or boost their points balance for a dream holiday, this offer gives them the ultimate choice as they plan their travel for the months ahead," he said.

Bonus status credits earned through the offer will also count towards lifetime tier balances.

Hollywood star Hemsworth makes a spirited move

Actor and film producer Chris Hemsworth is now a co-owner of leading Australian spirits producer Archie Rose.

The former Home and Away and Thor actor has joined Archie Rose founder Will Edwards and his family with a shared ambition to take Australian whisky to the world.

Later this year, Archie Rose will launch three bespoke whiskies co-created with Hemsworth and made using 100% Australian-grown malts.

The range will launch nationally and, for the first time, in the United States, followed by Asia and New Zealand, before expanding into the UK and Europe in 2027.

As the largest independent distillery in the southern hemisphere, multiple award winner Archie Rose is aiming to put Australian whisky firmly on the global stage.

Founded in Sydney in 2014, Archie Rose has built an international reputation and Hemsworth has been a long-time admirer of the brand.

"I’ve been a fan of Archie Rose for a long time,” the Melbourne-born actor says.

“Wherever I am in the world, tasting an Archie Rose whisky immediately transports me right back home, to that feeling of sitting around a campfire in the Australian bush with my mates.

"Their ethos of only using Australian grown malts to produce flavour packed whiskies at their Sydney distillery is truly awesome. They’re a brilliant example of what Australia does best and I can’t wait to share that with the world.”

Edwards is delighted by the new investor.

"Our approach has always been about championing local ingredients to create spirits that taste truly Australian," he says.

"Having Chris join the business as a co-owner allows us to bring that ambition to the world. We aren't just making spirits; we are using Australia’s raw materials and ingenuity as the base for producing the world’s best whisky, gin and other spirits, telling the stories of the growers and the land beneath them."

For more info see archierose.com.au

Ciao! to a new Italian-style soft drink range

Tired of ultra-sweet, unhealthy soft drinks? 

Sanpellegrino, the Italian sparkling beverage brand, might have something of interest. 

It is launching Sanpellegrino CIAO! in Australia, in three flavours, lime, blood orange and peach, combining fruit juice and no added sugar in a low-calorie, Italian-inspired format.

 
Promoted as being ideal for lunches, picnics, and casual entertaining, the new range is aimed at health conscious consumers looking to shift away from sugary beverages.

Here's the blurb: CIAO! is inspired by Sicilian summer traditions which began with combining sparkling water, fruit juice, and a pinch of salt. 

The range is designed to be enjoyed chilled, or poured over ice, and is available in a 330ml four-pack from $9.50. It might also work added to gin, or vodka. 

It will be available through select retailers now, and at national stores from August 31. 

Damian Giorgini, the Sanpellegrino marketing manager, talks the talk. 

“CIAO! is more than a greeting; it’s an invitation to connect and celebrate. We wanted to bring Australians that feeling with bright fruit flavours, bubbles, and Sicilian flair. It's a drink made for sharing, embracing the lighter side of life, and adding a little Italian sunshine to your day.”

I'm trying the range now and will report back on my favourite. 

See www.sanpellegrino.com/au.

Western Sydney to get major new hotel

South-western Sydney is booming with the imminent opening of the city's new international airport. 

The new Atura Oran Park hotel will tap into that when it opens 20 minutes away from Western Sydney International Airport in October. 

Oran Park is in one of Australia's fastest-growing communities and the Atura is being developed in partnership between the Perich family and EVT Hotels & Resorts, which will operate the 184-room hotel on the site of the former Oran Park Raceway.

An Italian-inspired restaurant and bar (below) will anchor the hotel's social offering, while a resort-style pool and terrace will aim to invite guests to slow down and linger. 

Oran Park is forecast to expand to more than 50,000 residents over the coming decades, while Western

Sydney International Airport will welcome millions of passengers annually.

Already established in Blacktown, Albury, Dandenong and Adelaide Airport, Atura Oran Park will mark the brand's fifth Australian location. 

Shannon Craig, Area General Manager of Atura Oran Park, said the opening represented an exciting new chapter for both the hotel and the wider region. 

“We’re opening at a time when south western Sydney is experiencing extraordinary growth and momentum, and being the closest hotel to the new Western Sydney International Airport puts us in a commanding position to support travellers in and out of Sydney,” she said.

“Together with the Perich family, we’ve designed a hotel that feels open, vibrant and full of energy, with beautiful communal spaces, generous outdoor areas and places where people naturally want to spend time. 

"The accommodation has been equally considered, with a mix of room categories catering to everything including both overnight visits and extended stays. It's contemporary and welcoming, with a design language that draws on the region's motorsport ties and the Perich family’s heritage, creating a strong sense of place and connection to the neighbourhood that sits at the very heart of Atura."

Atura Oran Park will be at 135 Podium Way, Oran Park, NSW, 2570. See aturahotels.com

Much-loved Australian wine industry veteran dies

Mick Morris, a much-loved veteran winemaker and and one of the Australian wine industry's most respected figures, has died, his family reported today.

Mick (Charles Henry) Morris OAM, was 98.

Over a lifetime dedicated to his craft, he made an enduring contribution to the evolution and success of the Australian wine industry.

Mick Morris started his first official vintage as winemaker in 1953, quickly becoming a pioneer of durif (petite sirah)  as a table wine varietal, and was known for his world-class fortified wines.

His influence extended far beyond Rutherglen, where Morris Wines is based, helping shape Australian wine's reputation both at home and around the world.

"For all his achievements and honours, what those who knew Mick will remember most was the man himself," his son David and grandson Madden said in a media release.

"Mick was a fine, humble, immensely talented and extraordinarily generous person.

"He shared his knowledge freely, encouraged countless people throughout their careers, and remained deeply committed to his family, community and industry. His legacy will live on not only through the wines he helped create and the industry he helped shape, but through the many lives he touched along the way."

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, September 1. 

Andaz hotel brand set to make its Australian debut

 

The new Andaz Gold Coast is now accepting reservations ahead of its late 2026 opening, marking the debut of the globally known lifestyle hotel brand in Australia and the Pacific.

Located in Broadbeach, the heart of the glitter strip, the 202-room hotel will bring Andaz’s "design-led, locally-rooted" approach to hospitality to the dynamic coastal destination. 

Guests can expect contemporary guest rooms and suites, dining and social spaces, local experiences, elevated wellness and a pool deck designed to aid guests transition from laid-back days to vibrant evenings.

The site is surrounded by resorts, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping, placing guests moments from the beach, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Andaz Gold Coast represents an important milestone as the Andaz brand prepares to debut in Australia and the Pacific,” says David Udell, executive vice president and group president for Asia Pacific at Hyatt. 

“The hotel has been designed to capture the optimism, creative energy and natural contrasts of the Gold Coast, giving guests new ways to experience the destination through design, food, culture and personal discovery."

The design was conceived by Australian architecture firm DBI Architects, with interiors by award-winning design firm Hachem. 

Nove Restaurant and Bar will "reinterpret Mediterranean hospitality through a modern Australian lens" while Vista Lounge and Verde Bar (below) will be a destinations for cocktails and bites. 

The rooms and suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows with select rooms (that means more expensive rooms) will have private outdoor spaces.

The Grand Opening Offer provides 20% off eligible room rates, with World of Hyatt members able to receive an enhanced saving of 25%. The offer is available to book until December 22 for stays between December 14 and June 30, 2027.

Guests seeking an elevated coastal escape can book the Gold Coast Escape package, which includes a $100 dining and drinking credit and complimentary upgrade. World of Hyatt members can receive an additional 5% off eligible rates. 

Australians warned of risks when travelling for medical procedures

Travelling to Thailand, India or Malaysia  for medical procedures or dental work can save you a lot of money - but the Australian Government is preaching caution. 

Despite lower costs, shorter waiting times, and access to services not available in Australia, Australians need to be careful, Smartraveller.gov.au warns. 

 

Having a medical procedure overseas comes with extra risks, it says. Standards of care, infection control and legal protections can be very different in other countries. 

If something goes wrong, you could face serious health problems, extra costs, and trouble getting follow-up care.

Almost half of Australians have travelled or would consider travelling overseas for a medical procedure, according to travel insurance research by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Insurance Council of Australia.

Medical tourism can include cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatment, eye surgery, weight loss surgery and other elective or specialist medical treatments.

Some people combine their treatment with a holiday but Smarttraveller urges those tempted to get reliable, official information before booking a procedure overseas. 

You should confirm the credentials and accreditation of your surgeon or healthcare provider, check the reputation of the clinic or hospital and understand your legal rights if something goes wrong. 

Image: Arindam Paul, Scop.io

Check out a new Melbourne hotel deal

It is a great time of the year to visit Melbourne.

Spring is in the air and the AFL season is approaching its climax - if the players are not too busy sniffing cocaine and partying with escorts in their hotel rooms. Allegedly. 

The latest offer is Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands’ City Breaks deal, with an overnight stay from $169 after a 15% discount off the best available rate - and that includes a bottle of wine on arrival.

The Docklands location makes a convenient base for a Melbourne escape, with Marvel Stadium on the doorstep and the restaurants and waterfront attractions of Docklands nearby, while the CBD is within a stroll.

A bonus: the offer comes with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival.

The deal is available across 365 days, subject to availability, although blackout dates apply..

Details: https://travelodge.com.au/hotel-deals-and-offers/travelodge-city-break/?city=Melbourne

Phnom Penh to get the first Ritz Carlton in Cambodia

Cambodia is a fascinating Asian destination, a little rougher around the edges than some of its neighbours, but all the more interesting for that.

Marriott International and The Royal Group have announced plans to debut The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand in Cambodia in 2032 with The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh.

The plans reveal a new 152-key Ritz-Carlton Hotel alongside 119 branded residences.

“The Ritz-Carlton is defined by its presence in destinations of cultural significance and enduring appeal, and Phnom Penh embodies the promise and vitality we seek in the world's great cities,” said Brad Edman, regional market vice president for Marriott International.

“Combining an unrivalled downtown location with legendary service, sophisticated design, and a remarkable collection of hotel accommodations and branded residences, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh are set to establish new benchmarks for luxury living and hospitality in the Cambodian capital.”

Located in a prime spot on Norodom Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the Daun Penh district of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penhare planned to form part of a new mixed-use development which also features an office tower.

The new hotel will be on the doorstep of the city’s main cultural and commercial attractions, including the Central Market, Royal Palace, and National Museum of Cambodia, while Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport is 20km away.

The rooms and suites will have views across the city and Mekong River. The design plans also include scope for an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness centre, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and five restaurants and lounges, including a sky bar and an exclusive Club Lounge.

For info see www.ritzcarlton.com

New drinking establishments spring up in Victoria's Heartland

Looking for somewhere new to enjoy a drink in the Macedon Ranges and surrounds?

New in Woodend, Josephine's is described as a welcoming new wine bar championing the best of the Macedon Ranges and regional Victoria.

The cosy space, just off High Street, features a rotating selection of natural and minimal-intervention wines paired with a seasonal share-style menu showcasing produce from small organic farmers and artisan producers.

See josephineswinebar.com.au

Set to open in late August, Saint Brigid’s in Daylesford is a new cocktail and craft beer bar from the team behind Daylesford Brewing Co.

Located just off Vincent Street, the venue blends traditional English-inspired charm with a modern touch, offering signature cocktails, local craft beer and share plates from the adjoining Marrow kitchen.

See saintbrigidsdaylesford.com

Also in Daylesford, Leggatt St Bar is billed as an exciting new wine bar from the team behind Daylesford’s popular winespeake cellar + deli.

Leggatt St Bar is set to open on the shores of Lake Daylesford in late August. Featuring a curated wine list and a food offering shaped by the strong producer relationships developed through winespeake, the venue will focus on seasonal, share-style dishes thoughtfully paired with wine.

* Info provided by Victoria's Heartland Tourism. https://www.victoriasheartland.com.au/

Meet the airport where you are most likely to miss your connection

Ever had to make a tight connecting flight at Sydney Airport, where the international and domestic terminals are a public train or bus ride apart? It can be stressful. 

Well Sydney is not even close to being the worst airport at which to make a connecting flight, the results of a new travel survey reveal. 

  
Travel-tech company AirHelp analysed which airports pose the greatest risk for travellers in fear of missing their connecting flights, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The analysis examined internal data on missed flight connections at 196 airports with Italy’s Milan/Bergamo Orio al Serio (Carravagio) Airport recording the highest risk and Brazil’s Florianópolis Hercílio Luz International Airport achieved the highest score of 9, making it the airport offering the best chances for a smooth transfer.

The 15 best airports for connections: 1. Florianópolis Hercílio Luz, Brazil; 2. Tallinn, Estonia; 3. Goiânia Santa Genoveva, Brazil; 4. Indianapolis, US; 5. Florence Peretola, Italy; 6. Newcastle, UK; 7. Columbus John Glenn, US; 

8. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo, Italy; 9. Kansas City, US; 10. Brindisi Papola Casale; 11. Jacksonville, US; 12. Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 13. Billund, Denmark; 14. Santiago de Compostela, Spain; 15. Quebec Jean Lessage, Canada. 

And the riskiest: 1. Milan Bergamo, Italy; 2. Dallas Fort Worth, US;  3. Frankfurt, Germany; 4. São Paulo Guarulhos, Brazil; 5. Philadelphia, US; 6. Atlanta Hartfield, US, 7. Chicago O’Hare, US;  8. Chicago Midway, US; 9. Warsaw Chopin, Poland; 10. Madrid Bajaras, Spain; 11. Charlotte Douglas, US; 12. Denver, US; 13. London Stansted, UK; 14. Munich, Germany; 15. Paris CDG, France. 

 So lots of major US airports with warning lights. 

“One of the most important factors in whether travellers miss their connecting flight is the available transfer time,” says Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO at AirHelp. 

“The more time passengers have between arrival and departure, the lower the risk of missing their next flight.”

Recommended connection times generally range between 30 and 60 minutes for domestic transfers, 60 to 90 minutes for transfers between domestic and international flights, and up to 120 minutes for international connections.

If you are going to miss a connection, it is best to do so in Europe. 

If passengers miss a connecting flight because of a delay, airlines are required under EU passenger rights regulation EC261 to arrange alternative transportation to the final destination.

If the journey must continue the following day, travellers are also entitled to care services such as hotel accommodation, meals and transportation between the airport and hotel.

Under certain conditions, passengers may additionally be entitled to compensation of up to €600, for example if they arrive at their final destination more than three hours late, barring "extraordinary circumstances". 

Source: AirHelp’s May 2026 analysis of 196 airports.

TarraWarra Estate adds new premium wine experiences

One of my very first gigs as a wine writer was attending the opening of TarraWarra Estate in Victoria's Yarra Valley. 

Owners Marc and Eva Besen put on quite a show. 

 

Four decades on, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) has welcomed TarraWarra as the newest member of its collection of premium Australian wineries.

TarraWarra Estate brings together cool-climate wine, food, art and nature across a 400-hectare property in the heart of one of Australia's most-visited wine regions.

The Besens purchased the property in 1979 and launched four or five years later. 

Today, the estate encompasses 23.9 hectares of vines, an extensive nature reserve, cattle grazing, a kitchen garden, cellar door and restaurant, as well as a spectacular art gallery. 

UWEA executive officer Sarah Myers says TarraWarra Estate's combination of wine, food, art, impressive architecture and landscape makes it a natural addition to the collective.

“What makes TarraWarra special is how seamlessly these elements come together. Visitors can spend time exploring the estate, discovering its wines and food, and engaging with the art, architecture and natural environment in a way that feels distinctly Yarra Valley,” said Myers.

“TarraWarra reflects what we look for in an Ultimate Winery Experience – it goes well beyond wine tasting and gives visitors a deeper connection to the winery, its story and the region."

At the heart of TarraWarra Estate is its striking subterranean cellar door, where visitors can explore wines including chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah, alongside barbera, nebbiolo, pinot noir rosé and a roussanne-viognier-marsanne blend from talented winemaker Sarah Fagan. 

The chef-hatted restaurant is led by head chef Daniel Snooks. 

Two signature experiences will form part of TarraWarra Estate's UWEA offering.

The Vineyard Tour & Tasting ($200 per person) takes guests on a guided tour of the vineyards for an introduction to the estate and its approach to sustainable viticulture, before moving into the barrel hall for a private tasting of chardonnay and pinot noir. 

For a deeper immersion, Land, Vine & Vision ($450 pp) sees guests are welcomed at the cellar door before enjoying a six-course lunch with matched wines at the estate restaurant, followed by a visit to the TarraWarra Museum of Art and the Eva and Marc Besen Centre, where they can view works from the museum's collection that would ordinarily be held in storage. A version including private return transfers from Melbourne is also available for $750 per person.

“We are excited to work with Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia and the wineries it represents, each offering a unique perspective on Australian wine and the regions we call home,” said TarraWarra Estate general manager Samantha Isherwood.

TarraWarra Estate is at 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Yarra Glen. 

The cellar door is open Tuesday to Sunday, with the restaurant open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch.

Marlborough cans long-running gourmet festival

One of New Zealand's longest-running gourmet festivals has been shelved, with organisers this week confirming the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival has been placed on hiatus after over four decades.

The 2027 festival had been scheduled for February 13, 2027, but tickets were never released for sale.

Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens said the call followed "a number of difficult but necessary discussions".

"It was a hard decision, particularly given the festival's long history and the special place it holds for our industry and the many people who look forward to it each year," he said.

Pickens underlined mounting pressure on events around New Zealand.

"Events are facing an incredibly challenging time across New Zealand and we have seen those challenges reflected in the festival in recent years," he said.

"After careful consideration, it became clear that the substantial investment required to deliver the event in its current format is no longer the best fit with the organisation's wider responsibilities."

Launched by pioneering winegrowers in 1985, when the region had just four wine companies, the festival grew alongside Marlborough's rise to global recognition for sauvignon blanc.

Wine Marlborough board chairperson Tracy Johnston said the legacy of the festival mattered but members' interests came first.

"The board has carefully considered the benefits of the festival alongside the significant investment and resources required to deliver it, and our wider responsibilities to the Marlborough wine industry," she said.

"This gives us an opportunity to focus our activity on delivering value to members, while exploring alternative ways for the festival's legacy to continue."

Escaping a world of "dysregulation and overwhelm"

There will be a new reason to visit Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art from November. 

Zia McCabe, one of the founding members of American rock band The Dandy Warhols, will reveal a new musical installation in Tasmania.

SEE HEAR NOW will take the form of an "ambient sound-filled, earth-toned, mid-century lounge that responds to visitor interactions". 

As visitors engage with different works in the space, each touch will transform the objects into instruments -producing overlapping soundscapes and reinforcing the relationship between movement, attention, and listening.

The musical component of the exhibition is a non-linear sonata composed by keyboardist McCabe with the support of Tamil Rogeon and Louise Woodward (the duo behind The Dandy Warhols’ symphonic arrangements). The sonata features near-infinite variations that will always sound in harmony, regardless of which combinations are playing.

One of the unique aspects of the musical creation is the unusual marriage of McCabe’s analogue psychedelic synth, and classical instrumentation performed by Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra musicians.

Recorded and mixed at Mona’s Frying Pan Studios by head producer and engineer Chris Townend, the sonata’s different sequences will be connected to the lounge's various artworks, which have been designed by McCabe with visual artists Buckley, James Lambert, Madeleine Stamer and Chaz Barrisson of The London Police.

"I’ve only recently become committed to making installations through the lens of music," McCabe says. 

"But this concept came to me years ago during an open house of a creative space I was renting. During a visit to Mona last year, I was so moved by the incredible artworks, I couldn't help but pitch my own.

"What a dream to have my idea accepted and see it come to life. I am so happy to be featuring some of my favourite visual artists in this space and to know I am offering a unique room for visitors to briefly escape this world of dysregulation and overwhelm. 

"Giving their nervous systems a break, in a way that is still interactive and unpredictable, more psychedelic than opiate, more retro than modern, more harmony than discord."

The Dandy Warhols will launch their next tour of Australia with a performance at the Odeon in Hobart on Tuesday, November 24. 

See mona.net.au

Image: Lauren Krohn

Bangkok greets new hotel brand making its Asian debut

Looking to enjoy Bangkok on a budget? 

After opening in Alice Springs this week, greet, Accor's economy hotel brand, has made its Asia debut with the opening of greet Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 Jono. 

The 65-room hotel brings greet's no-frills offering in an appealing location on Sukhumvit Soi 16, close to Asok BTS Station and Sukhumvit MRT Station. 

That means easy connections to Bangkok's key business districts, shopping destinations and entertainment areas. Benjakitti Park, one of the city's largest green spaces, is also nearby.

The hotel's shared Feel Good Space features lounge seating, a co-working area and a library corner where guests can work, unwind or connect. A 24-hour front desk provides added convenience throughout the stay.

The hotel offers four room categories: Pop Deep Sleep Room, Pop Art Room, Pop Recharge Room and Pop RechargeX Room. 

Each room accommodates up to two guests and is designed around greet's essentials including a king-size bed, reliable wifi, and a shower.

Garth Simmons, Accor’s region Chief Operating Officer, said: "The debut of greet in Asia reflects the growing demand for hospitality that is refreshingly uncomplicated, delivering the feel-good essentials that make every stay genuinely comfortable at a price that makes sense. 

"Bangkok is the ideal starting point for greet's regional journey. As one of Asia's most dynamic travel destinations, the city offers a compelling opportunity to introduce a brand that helps a new generation of travellers feel good through comfort, quality and exceptional value.”

Dan Bergstén, General Manager of greet Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 Jono, said: “We look forward to welcoming guests to a relaxed and friendly hotel designed around the things that matter most. From our comfortable rooms and welcoming shared spaces to our central Sukhumvit location, every element has been considered to help guests feel good throughout their stay.”

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit: https://all.accor.com/hotel/C7B4/index.en.shtml

AirAsia adds Australian flights but cuts Sydney

Good news for some Australian lovers of low-coast flights, but bad news for those based in Sydney

AirAsia today announced it is strengthening its network with planned frequency increases across its Perth–Denpasar, Perth-Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur services.

But as part As part of the rationalisation, the airline has made the "difficult decision" to suspend its Sydney-Kuala Lumpur route.

The decision reflects a combination of increased cost pressures, softer demand and the need to strategically align the airline’s network and fleet, the airline said in a media statement.

From December, Perth–Denpasar services will increase to 35 flights per week, while the strong performance of Melbourne–Kuala Lumpur will see the route return to daily services.

Perth–Kuala Lumpur has also experienced significant growth, with frequencies set to steadily increase to 14 flights per week.

Benyamin Ismail, general manager of AirAsia X said the decision was not made lightly, and acknowledged the Sydney-Kuala Lumpur route is key to supporting Fly-Thru and serves customers who travel to visit friends and family across ASEAN.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, and one that has not been taken lightly," he said.

"Sydney, which was launched back in 2012, has played an important role in our history and in connecting Australians with Malaysia and the wider region.

“The current operating environment requires us to make some tough choices. By accelerating the retirement of older, less fuel-efficient widebody aircraft and adjusting our network, we are taking the necessary steps to build a more resilient and commercially sustainable operation for the future.

“We understand how disappointing this will be for our guests, particularly those who have travelled with us over many years, and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and support."

The airline's teams are contacting affected customers from today, offering refunds which will be completed within 14 days, a Credit Account or date changes.

Accor launches a new hotel brand in Alice Springs

It is increasingly hard to keep up with the growing number of hotel brands.

greet, billed as Accor's feel-good brand, has just launched in Australia for the first time with the opening of greet Hotel Alice Springs.

The brand, launched in 2019 in Beaune, in France, is billed as "bringing its fresh, down-to-earth and great-value hospitality concept" to one of Australia's most distinctive regional destinations.

It is touted as an "eco-conscious, economy brand" that was created for travellers who want comfort, personality and value without overpaying or overthinking.

greet hotels are said to focus on meaningful essentials done right: "a comfortable bed, a great shower, tasty food and beverage, reliable wifi and warm, genuine hospitality".

Located just steps from Todd Mall, greet Hotel Alice Springs is an 80-room hotel owith rooms offering tea and coffee-making facilities, free guest parking and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel also features relaxed communal spaces.

“greet is all about simple, feel-good travel. It is big on personality, low on fuss and designed around the things guests truly value: comfort, cleanliness, friendliness and great value,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region.

“greet Hotel Alice Springs captures that spirit perfectly. It is relaxed, welcoming and locally connected, with everything guests need for a straight forward and satisfying stay in the heart of Alice Springs."

To celebrate its opening, greet Hotel Alice Springs is offering an opening special of 15% off the best flexible rate for bookings made by September 30 for stays until January 31, 2027. Room rates start from $99* per night. Bookings are available via ALL.com.

Your chance to be a pinot noir master

Think you know the attributes of a cool-climate pinot noir?

You can prove your prowess as Tamar Ridge Wines launches new cellar door experience where wine lovers can step behind the scenes and try their hand at one of winemaking’s most creative processes. 

The Tamar Ridge Winemaker for a Day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience is a hands-on experience that invites guests to step into the role of winemaker, tasting individual pinot noir clones and parcels from Tamar Ridge vineyards before creating a blend of their own.

Guided by the Tamar Ridge cellar door team, guests will explore the distinctive characteristics of each parcel and discover how factors such as clonal variety, vineyard site and individual wine components can influence the aroma, flavour, structure and balance of a finished wine. 

Guests can take inspiration from the Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir, experimenting with different components to understand how the final wine comes together, or trust their own palate and create an entirely unique expression.

Katherine Brown, luxury portfolio manager for Brown Family Wine Group, said the experience offers wine lovers a rare opportunity to better understand the craft behind the bottle.

“It’s a great chance for a hands-on experience where guests really get to understand the influence each parcel can have on a finished wine,” she said.

“Pinot noir is particularly fascinating to explore in this way because each component brings something different to the blend. Guests can taste those differences for themselves and then see what happens when they begin bringing the parcels together.”

The experience costs $110 per person. 

For more info see Winemaker for a day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience - Tamar Ridge Reservations

Image: Natasha Mulhall