Adelaide to gain a new luxury hotel

Adelaide will gain a major new hotel before the end of the year.

Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts has officially opened reservations for Crystalbrook Sam (a peculiar name), which will be its first South Australian hotel, scheduled to open in late December. 

Set on Halifax Street, just three streets south of Adelaide Central Market, the luxury hotel will have 196 rooms. 

Described as "equal parts relaxed and lively@, Crystalbrook Sam "is designed as both sanctuary and springboard for exploring the city". 

Hotel GM Kelvin Dodt says: “Guests can settle into Adelaide's lifestyle without leaving the hotel, from spa afternoons and long lunches to a glass of wine downstairs or dinner with views across the city. 

"Step outside and Adelaide is right there: galleries, laneways, markets, neighbourhoods and festival precincts all within easy reach.”

Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts, said: “Crystalbrook Sam represents an exciting new chapter for Crystalbrook as we bring our personality-forward and locally inspired hotels to South Australia. 

"Adelaide has a distinct creative energy and an extraordinary food, wine and cultural spirit. Crystalbrook Sam has been designed to belong here, bringing together locally made art, South Australian produce and generous Adelaide hospitality.”

Matines restaurant will showcase South Australian produce cooked over fire, local oysters and coastal favourites with views across the city and towards the Adelaide Hills. 

Eléme Day Spa will offer massages, facials and restorative treatments, complemented by the hotel's heated outdoor pool and sauna. A fully equipped gym is also available. 

Interiors will showcase a collection of sculptural art, a program bringing together South Australian sculptors and local makers, with works through the lobby, corridors, guest rooms, wellness and dining spaces.

Opening rates start from $275 per night. 

See www.crystalbrookcollection.com/sam

Coonawarra vignerons hit the road again

One of Australia's most popular and longest-running wine events hits the road again. For the 23rd time.

The 2026 Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow will bring the flavours and stories of Coonawarra to wine lovers across the country, from a spring Sydney Harbour wine cruise and an inner-city tasting with panoramic Melbourne skyline views, to a relaxed beachfront afternoon on the Sunshine Coast.

Backed by a close-knit community of passionate producers - from multi-generational family wineries to innovative new players - the Roadshow continues to champion the depth, diversity, and distinction of medium-bodied Coonawarra wines.

Emma Raidis from Raidis Estate (above) says the Roadshow is one of the highlights of the year for Coonawarra producers.

"We love the Coonawarra Roadshow because it's about so much more than pouring wine," she says.

"It's about meeting people face-to-face, sharing a laugh, telling our family's story and showing why we're so passionate about Coonawarra.

"Seeing the enthusiasm people have for our region reminds us why we do what we do, and we always leave with new friendships and great memories."

Tickets include event entry, souvenir Riedel wne glass, three hours of unlimited wine tastings, complimentary food offerings and the opportunity to meet the makers  

You'll find all the details here: https://coonawarra.org/coonawarra-wine-tasting-roadshow-2026/

Coopers goes dark for its new Vintage Ale

Australia’s largest independent brewery, Coopers, has gone for innovation and given a nod to its craft beer heritage in the hop selection for its annual Vintage Ale.

Each year, the Coopers brewing team creates a unique, premium-quality craft-style beer with a distinctive blend of hops, a release which is awaited by beer lovers around the country.

The 2026 Vintage Ale features an experimental hop - HBC-1134 - delivering floral, citrus and herbal characters, alongside the US hop Krush, with distinct aromas of navel orange, supported by peach, berries, ripe mango, guava and lychee.

The result is promised to be "a smooth and creamy palate featuring fruit-forward flavours of mango, passionfruit and stone fruit which balances the woody notes and malty flavour for which Vintage Ale is renowned".

Coopers managing director Michael Shearer said 2026 Vintage Ale continues the Adelaide brewery's tradition of releasing a full-bodied, extra-strong seasonal ale that is perfectly suited to cold weather drinking.

“Vintage Ale has developed a legion of fans over the decades and we expect this year’s release to be well received by loyal Coopers drinkers,” he said.

“Full of rich and complex flavours, the 2026 brew is a special strong, dark ale which drinks exceptionally well and will pair excellently with hearty winter meals.

“While it’s ready to enjoy right away, Vintage Ale can also be cellared to allow its malty characters to develop and patience is certainly rewarded for those who are willing to wait.

“As with all vintages, Coopers 2026 Vintage Ale is a limited release and expected to be highly sought after, so we encourage fans to secure their carton early.”

This year’s release marks the 26th in Coopers Brewery’s Vintage Ale series since its inception in 1998.

With an ABV of 7.5%, Coopers 2026 Vintage Ale will be available in 50-litre kegs and 355ml bottles from August.

The launch will also be marked with a series of Vintage Ale events held across the country in August and September. 

The verdict: It’s a dark, malty, yeasty beastie. 

How to enjoy Adelaide sights for free

The historic and booming South Australian capital is a destination that rewards leisurely exploration - and it can be done for free. 

Whether you are walking along the banks of the River Torrens or strolling around one of Adelaide’s many parks and squares, the city has a lot to offer.

There’s a beguiling mix of old, new and green, easily traversed because of the city’s grid system. Getting around is easy thanks to the city’s compact layout. Most of the main attractions in the CBD are within easy walking distance.

And if you don’t feel like walking there is an excellent public transport system including trains, trams and buses. The free Adelaide City Connector bus travels to many popular destinations and attractions.

Among them: Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Festival Plaza, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Zoo, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the National Wine Centre, Rundle Mall and the temptations of Adelaide Central Market.

Trams run all the way to Glenelg Beach, while you can catch a bus to Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills.

Adelaide is full of wine bars and restaurants: Africola, Arkhe, Soi 38 and Madame Hanoi are all reliably good.

For nightlife, Peel Street and Leigh Street are home to plenty of bars and pubs.

My recent stay was at slick and modern Eos by SkyCity – part of the casino complex.

There are 120 well-appointed 120 rooms suites here; very comfortable. As a collab with Adelaide's art and design community, the complex has 900 commissioned artworks on display.

BODHI Spa at Eos, a heated outdoor swimming pool, spa pool and expansive leisure deck are all on site, and the breakfasts at ITL are excellent.

Wine lovers can check out Penfolds’ historic Magill Estate in the suburbs, or head to the Adelaide Hills, with several wineries and cellar doors within a few kilometres. 

Hahndorf, originally settled by Lutheran migrants from Prussia in 1839, is Australia's oldest German settlement.

The main street of Hahndorf is lined with elm and plane trees and many original brick and timber cottages remain intact. The town is dotted with restaurants, cafes and providores.

For those who have wined and dined enough, the National Motor Museum is at Birdwood, while Mount Lofty is home to the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and the Mount Lofty Summit, which offers stunning views to Adelaide and beyond.

Check out www.skycityadelaide.com.au and www.cityofadelaide.com.au

AirAsia cancels flights from Australia

Budget airline AirAsia has announced a decision to suspend services between Melbourne and Adelaide and Denpasar in Bali.

Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman, general manager of Indonesia AirAsia, said the current operating environment has made these routes "no longer viable".

“This decision has been made in response to the sustained increase in global jet fuel prices caused by the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East," he said.

"This operating environment has led to the need to re-focus our network on routes that remain operationally viable at this time.

“AirAsia understands the suspension impacts long-made travel plans and we apologise for the inconvenience this decision has caused, and we want to thank our guests for their support and understanding.”

The airline's teams are contacting affected customers directly, detailing the options available.

Where possible, AirAsia is committed to getting guests to their destination either through date changes, or via its Kuala Lumpur hub.

The last flights operating between Melbourne to Denpasar and Adelaide to Denpasar will be on June 18. The impacted services are operated by Indonesia AirAsia.

Opportunity for young Australian wine industry professionals

Are you an ambitious young professional working in the Australian wine industry? 

Applications are now open for a new bursary giving Australian grape and wine professionals aged 35 and under the opportunity to attend the Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium 2027, an influential forum for wine education, ideas and debate.

The bursaries are designed for emerging professionals who want to accelerate their careers, expand their global perspective and bring new thinking back to Australia’s wine sector, Wine Australia says. 

Open to people working across viticulture, winemaking, research, marketing and trade, the program removes cost barriers and provides access to learning and networks that are often out of reach early in a career.

Ten successful applicants will receive financial support to attend the IMW Symposium 2027 and engage directly with global experts, Masters of Wine and international peers. 

Emma Symington MW, Head of Education Development, EMEA at Wine Australia, is one of two co-chairs organising the Symposium and was instrumental in establishing this bursary to ensure young and early-career wine professionals have an opportunity to participate.

“Young professionals want to be part of global conversations early and gain confidence that their ideas belong in the room," she said. 

"But often the cost to attend experiences like the International Masters of Wine International Symposium are out of reach for many. As an organiser of this event, I genuinely want to see more young people attending.”

Jenna Vaughan, who oversees the Rootlings program, the national network for young grape and wine professionals funded by Wine Australia, and said the bursary responds directly to what under 35s are seeking from their careers.

“Young professionals want access, not just information." she said. "Being in the room where big conversations are happening changes how you think about your role and what’s possible. This kind of opportunity helps you bring new ideas back to the workplace and apply them on the ground.”

The IMW Symposium 2027 will be delivered by the Institute of Masters of Wine and hosted in South Australia with support from the South Australian Government. Wine Australia is a major sponsor of the Symposium and delivers the bursary program as part of its long-term investment in industry capability.

More information, eligibility criteria and application details are available here.

New branding for popular Adelaide hotel

There's a big change coming in the new year for Adelaide's Mayfair Hotel.

The centrally located Mayfair has now joined the IHG Hotels & Resorts’ group. That means guests can earning and using their IHG One Rewards to stay in and explore one of Australia’s most charming cities.

Mayfair Hotel will continue to welcome guests under its current name until the end of April 2026 before undergoing a "creative transformation", emerging in the second half of the new year as as Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide - Australia’s second Kimpton-branded hotel, and South Australia’s first.

Constructed in 1934 and transformed into a luxury hotel in 2015, the much-loved 170-room property has long been admired for its grand façade, architecture and celebrated rooftop bar. It's been a comfortable place to stay.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Ark Capital for the first time and together reimagine one of Adelaide’s most famous hotels," said Matt Tripolone, managing director, Australasia & Pacific, for IHG Hotels & Resorts.

"The Mayfair Hotel will be transformed and elevated by the Kimpton brand to offer a boutique luxury lifestyle experience that celebrates Adelaide’s creativity, warmth and sophistication.

“IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio continues to expand rapidly across the country, and the addition of Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide perfectly complements our other hotels in South Australia, as well as the recently announced InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa."

The Kimpton brand launched in Australia in 2022 with the opening of Kimpton Margot Sydney.

Making a statement: Tasting Australia unveils new experiences

Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond has unveiled a series of new culinary adventures that aim to showcase South Australia and its bounty by plane, train and road. 

Three highlights from the festival’s 2026 program went on sale today, each offering a fresh perspective on culinary tourism showcased by leading chefs and beverage producers.

The festival will run from May 8-17, 2026. 

An evolution of popular Tasting Australia by Train invites culinary travellers to board The Ghan in Darwin and travel southbound to Adelaide, joined onboard by chefs including Michelin-starred Nieves Barragán Mohacho, Jo Barrett, Mark Best, Shannon Flemming and host Mandy Hall. 

The three-night journey will include a full day in Coober Pedy, exploring the outback town and its remarkable landscapes, together with lunch at Simpsons Gap, dinner beside the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and a bespoke Bollinger tasting and masterclass. Bollinger was not a South Australian product last time I checked. 

Tasting Australia Airlines will travel to the Eyre Peninsula in celebration of seafood and coastal views.

This full-day experience includes time aboard a historic tuna fishing boat, a visit to Coffin Bay National Park and food from chefs Mindy Woods, Ben Devlin and Jimmy Toone. 

The new Tasting Australia by Road series offers a chance to explore Adelaide’s surrounding regions with local food and beverage identities. Guests will travel in small groups to McLaren Vale, the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, spending time on private farms, orchards, kitchens and at cellar doors.

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the festival’s program would highlight culinary experiences unique to the state.

“We know quality food and wine are the top drivers of interstate visitation to our state, and Tasting Australia is where the very best eating and drinking experiences are brought together,” Bettison said.

“Its next edition is a renewed invitation to discover South Australian people, produce and places – to share adventures and enjoy the warm hospitality we are renowned for.”

Tasting Australia Festival Curator Kane Pollard said the first program release was an exciting milestone.

“These new program highlights speak to the spirit of adventure that runs through this festival, now in its 19th year and with a reputation for consistently raising the bar,” he said.

“South Australia’s hospitality scene is as diverse and delicious as ever. We can’t wait to feature its heroes in joyful events that chart their own course.”

The full Tasting Australia 2026 program will launch in February. 

See tastingaustralia.com.au for more info. 

Images: Melissa Lee

Qantas chooses Adelaide as technology hub

Qantas has chosen Adelaide as the location for a new technology hub opening next year.

The Australian flag carrier is establishing a new Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide to accelerate the delivery of “intuitive, world-leading digital experiences” for the millions of customers who travel with the airline each year.

The Centre is projected to be home to more than 420 highly-skilled technology roles over the next three years, bringing critical innovation capability in-house, the airline says.

The new purpose-built technology and innovation centre, which is being supported by the South Australian Government, will be based in Adelaide’s CBD and open in March 2026.

It will become the home of the airline’s technology product development teams, where product managers, digital experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists will come together to cha ge how customers interact with Qantas.

Qantas is also partnering with Adelaide University to build graduate recruitment pathways directly into the Centre, creating opportunities for South Australian students to help shape the future of travel.

The centre will enable the airline to bring more critical innovation and technology skills in-house, supporting major initiatives, from the growth of its domestic and international network to new customer experiences and AI tools that help frontline teams serve customers better. 

For customers, Qantas says the centre will help deliver better digital experiences at every stage of the journey. From enhanced app functionality, seamless check-in to smarter baggage tracking. It will also develop AI-powered tools that help when travel doesn’t go to plan.

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said the centre would transform how the airline delivers customer experiences.

“Innovation has been a core part of the airline’s DNA for more than 100 years,”Hudson said. “This centre marks a new chapter in our efforts to reimagine the travel experience for the millions of customers who fly with us.

“Technology and AI is critical to lifting the customer experience at every part of the journey, from booking to inflight and baggage collection. This new hub will bring the best Australian skilled talent together to build digital products and experiences that make travel easier and more personalised.

“Adelaide gives us access to world-class universities, a thriving tech community, and the ability to scale our in-house capability. It’s an investment in Australian innovation that will deliver real benefits for our customers.”

South Australian Premier the Hon Peter Malinauskas said:
“This historic agreement with Qantas will help supercharge growth in new highly skilled, high tech jobs.

“Through strategic partnerships under this agreement, including the collaboration between Adelaide University and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), we are building a strong pipeline of talent with advanced AI and digital skillsets. 

“This initiative will ensure South Australia remains at the forefront of emerging technologies and future workforce opportunities.”

The new Qantas Product Innovation Centre is the latest in a series of investments by the national carrier in South Australia, including the recently opened lounge precinct at Adelaide Airport and the return of international flights from Adelaide to Auckland which launched earlier this month.

Qantas links Adelaide with Auckland

 

Qantas has launched its first international service from Adelaide in more than a decade, with direct flights to Auckland taking off this morning.

The route unlocks adds more than 30,000 seats between the two cities, boosting tourism in both directions.

The seasonal route will operate until early May four times per week using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring complimentary wifi. 

It comes as the Australian national carrier announced a major sale across its international network yesterday, including one way economy fares from Adelaide to Auckland from $359 for travel between February and May 2026.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said it was a significant day for the airline and South Australians.

“Today we’re celebrating a major milestone for Qantas and South Australians with the return of international flying from Adelaide.

“South Australians can now reach New York in around 21 hours and with just one stop via Auckland on our QF3 service, while the new route also opens up greater opportunities for inbound connections throughout South Australia and beyond through our domestic network.

“We’ve seen significant growth across our international network over the past 18 months and we’re pleased to bring more of that choice and connectivity to South Australia.“

“We’re excited to welcome Qantas’ international return to Adelaide," said Adelaide Airport managing director  Brenton Cox. 

"This is a much-anticipated milestone, which helps meet the growing customer demand for travel between Adelaide and New Zealand. Along with a direct service to Auckland, the service opens up a one-stop connection with New York.”

Tourism New Zealand CEO Rene de Monchy was similarly enthusiastic, saying: “It’s fantastic to welcome back Qantas’ direct flights from Adelaide to Aotearoa New Zealand. With 1.47 million Australians visiting New Zealand over the past year, these direct services play a vital role in strengthening connectivity and making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless.

“We’re excited to continue welcoming South Australians to New Zealand, now with even more travel options that make it easier than ever to experience the unique magic of a 100% Pure New Zealand holiday.”

Qantas currently operates nearly 280 services per week from Adelaide to more than 14 destinations around Australia.

Accor adds four Elanor hotels to its Australian portfolio

Four high-profile Elanor Investors Group hotels in Australia are to be re-branded to Accor properties next month. 

Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments will re-brand to The Sebel Byron Bay, Barossa Weintal will re-brand to Mercure Barossa Valley, Clare Country Club will re-brand to Peppers Clare Valley and Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide (above) will re-brand to Mantra Wakefield Adelaide. 

The brand conversions "will enable each hotel to benefit from Accor's powerful global distribution, award-winning loyalty platform ALL Accor, and deep regional expertise".

The rebranding of Peppers Clare Valley and Mantra Wakefield Adelaide will follow the completion of planned refurbs. 

The Sebel Byron Bay marks Accor's return to Byron Bay. 

The switches are being delivered in collaboration with 1834 Hotels, which manages the assets of the fund and will oversee day-to-day operations. 

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region, said: “We're thrilled to welcome these outstanding hotels and resorts into the Accor network and to deepen our long-standing partnership with both Elanor and 1834 Hotels.

"These hotels are well positioned in key regional and leisure destinations and we are confident they will see immediate benefit from our scale, systems and support. By joining our franchise network, each hotel gains access to Accor's global distribution system and award-winning loyalty programme - ALL Accor. We take a sophisticated and hands-on approach to franchising, working closely with our partners to provide the tools, insights and local support they need to succeed.”

Double duty for star chef Kellie

There are some busy times ahead for star Adelaide chef Jake Kellie.

Kellie, who guides star eatery arkhé, has this week also taken the reins as culinary director at luxury Barossa estate Kingsford The Barossa.

Kellie will lead Kingsford’s Orleana Restaurant as well as the broader food offering across the boutique hotel.

He is charged with re-shaping the restaurant’s offering that promises to be a celebration of the region's rich produce. 

"Kellie’s bold cooking style and immersive approach to dining is in perfect synergy with the vision for Orleana, a restaurant designed to showcase the depth of produce in the region and complement the legacy and landscape of the Kingsford Estate, says Salter Brothers Hospitality Chief Operating Officer, Andrea Richards.

"He’s built an outstanding reputation with some of the world’s best chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, honing his craft at revered restaurants including The Fat Duck (UK), The Ledbury (UK), Estelle (Melbourne), Aria (Sydney) and most notably as head chef at Michelin-starred Burnt Ends in Singapore that also inspired his own restaurant, arkhé.

“As one of Australia’s finest chefs, his approach to food is fearless, refined, and grounded in deep respect for produce and technique. He pushes boundaries without losing sight of authenticity, which is exactly why he resonates so strongly with today’s guests.”

The dining space at Orleana sits within Kingsford’s luxury lodge, surrounded by 225-acres of native Australian landscape.

The restaurant serves both a la carte and a chef’s selection with ingredients harvested either on-site from the estate’s kitchen garden or sourced via a network of local growers.

A big task given he will also continue to oversee arkhé, his Norwood restaurant.

“This is a place where food is grown with care, cooked with purpose, and served with humility," Kellie says.

"It's a place where guests are invited to connect - with the region, the producers, and the stories behind each plate. I believe that modern Australian cuisine is not defined by trend, but by terroir - and that thoughtful food, grown and cooked with integrity, creates meaningful hospitality.

“For me, Orleana is a chance to bring something fresh and grounded to the Barossa, a restaurant that’s shaped by the seasons, the producers we work with, and the amazing team behind it. I want to create food that feels honest and generous and build a culture that supports that at every level. There’s so much potential here, and I’m keen to bring it to life.” 

See https://kingsfordbarossa.com.au/ 

Town Square to showcase a taste of South Australia

Locals and visitors can get a bite of the Tasting Australia festival by visiting Adelaide's Town Square food and dink hub. 

Town Square will be open from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 11, offering some of South Australia's best eating and drinking experiences.

Based in the heart of Adelaide in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and free to enter across all 10 days of this year’s festival, Town Square is home to Dining Galleries presented by Mitolo Family Farms, Seppeltsfield and Never Never bars, Journey Beyond’s The Ghan Experience and a range of food and beverage events. 

Fifteen diverse food style options will be available to festival-goers in the Town Square this year, including eight new vendors:  Athena Greek Eats, Comida Hahndorf, Dolly Bar and Eatery, Francesca’s Pizza and Sandos, Le Cordon Vert, Motherlode Nuggeteria, Kha Nom and Kombi Crew Coffee. 

They will be joined by seven returning favourites: Africola Canteen, Braising Boy, GANG GANG, · Ong Noi Vietnamese Kitchen, Phat Head Dumpling, The Filipino Project and Shmochi by Shibui. 

Four vendors - Dolly, Ong, Braising Boy and The Filipino Project -  are set to be highlighted in a new series of events to the festival: Town Square Perfect Pair. 

Each will offer a signature dish and plant-based option to be paired with a matching wine selected by the festivals drinks curators Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane.



South Australian visual art will again feature across Town Square, with pieces from Sair Bean and Miles Dunne appearing in the Dining Galleries and a mural from Hari Koutlakis to take its place along one of the site’s walls.

A variety of local musicians, DJs and other entertainment are also set to play each day and evening, while Nature Play SA will invite children to make flower crowns as part of Mother’s Day celebrations in Town Square on May 11..

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said Town Square would be a celebration of the best of South Australia.

“Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond is a joyful showcase of South Australia’s culinary excellence, one with so much to offer locals and visitors to our state,” Bettison said.


“Town Square is its heart - perfect for everything from a casual drink with friends to a special meal to mark a milestone. It’s also a chance to highlight regional venues through elements such as the Canteen series, where chefs and front-of-house teams give city guests a taste of their restaurants."

See tastingaustralia.com.au for more festival information and to purchase entry to ticketed events.

Bastille celebration moves to Adelaide

 

A popular Sydney festival is set to offer French-accented fun in Adelaide this winter. 

Bastille Festival, a French food, wine, art and culture expo, will make its Adelaide debut from May 30-June 1. 

Known for transforming Sydney’s Circular Quay and The Rocks into a celebration of all things French in July, the Adelaide edition will be earlier in the year - at Festival Plaza. 

“Bastille Festival finding its second home in Adelaide is no coincidence,” says festival founder and director Vincent Hernandez. 

“With its passion for European living, its taste for exceptional wines and flavours, and its vibrant appreciation for the arts, Adelaide embodies the spirit of Bastille.

"We’re igniting that legacy, freedom, boldness, and pure joy through a thrilling fusion of food, wine, and art, perfectly matched to this city’s lively soul. 

"Festival Plaza, with its dynamic energy and beating heart, is the ideal canvas."

Adelaide's three-day event will feature over 30 food stalls operating from breakfast to dinner. 

Think raclette, crepes, and pastries. 

Wine lovers can prepare for a journey through French regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Alsace with at least 15 boutique wines imported from France.

Organisers also promise over 40 free performances along with market stalls and - reminiscent of French Christmas markets - a fire pit and mulled wines. 

Admission to Bastille Festival Adelaide is free, with ticketed experiences like the Wine Walk, Food Passport and Fire Pit Experience available for purchase. 

A chance to sample some of Australia's best wines

Coravin, a leader in wine preservation business, is teaming up with Halliday Wine Companion, the definitive guide to Australian wine, to showcase some of the country's top drops in September.

The collaboration will see wine lovers able to taste their way through sparkling wines, riesling, pinot noir, and grenache, from the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards at venues that use the Coravin system.

The tour will be gracing venues across Sydney, Victoria, and Adelaide, for the month of September: Fix Wine Bar & Restaurant in Sydney, Archive Wine Bar in Geelong and 2KW Bar & Restaurant in Adelaide.

The Coravin World Wine Tour special-edition wine list includes Halliday’s recently awarded ‘Wine of the Year: Oakridge 864 Drive Block Funder & Diamond Vineyard Chardonnay 2022.

Patrons will be able to enjoy the winning wines in either full-sized glasses or sample-sized tasting pours.

“When Halliday unveils its top wines, the wine world listens," says Coravin founder Greg Lambert.

"It’s notoriously difficult to get your hands on these truly exceptional wines once they have been announced as winners.

"It's long been our aim to make the world of fine wine more accessible by the glass, so we’ve partnered with Halliday for our second-ever Coravin World Wine Tour in Australia to give wine fans the opportunity to taste the country's top wines without hassle, commitment, or the price tag, of purchasing them by the bottle.”

Coravin devises are used by wine professionals to preserve their wine’s freshness for weeks or even months.

The Coravin World Wine Tour is running in five countries over September, including the United States, United Kingdom.

For more details visit www.coravin.com.au/pages/coravin-world-wine-tour

Coopers unveils swish new space

Much-loved Adelaide brewery Coopers has unveiled a spectacular new $70 million home. 

Family-owned Coopers says it has “created the ultimate Australian beer experience” for visitors to its Regency Park site while also launching into whisky production for the first time in its 162-year history.

Coopers is Australia’s largest independent, family-owned brewery.

Situated adjacent to the existing brewery, the new facility features a restaurant and three bars, along with an outdoor plaza dining and family areas. 

There will aldo be a dedicated tasting room, a microbrewery, whisky distillery, history display and guided tours and underground stillage for 5000 whisky barrels. 

The doors will be open to the public from August 28. 

“This is one of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken in the 162-year history of Coopers Brewery,” managing director Dr Tim Cooper (above) said.

“Our team has been humbled by the public’s interest, excitement and support as this impressive building has taken shape.

 “We wanted every aspect to be truly world-class and of the highest quality. It’s a significant, long-term investment by our family company and our vote of confidence in the future of Coopers and Australia’s manufacturing industry. 

“Coopers is very proud to have created a highly unique and immersive experience that ultimately celebrates the very best of Australian beer. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and overseas into our new home.” 

The new microbrewery will allow Coopers to experiment with craft beer styles which will be made available to the public. 

Given the extended timeline for spirit maturation, it will likely be a few years before Coopers’ first whisky is available for consumption. 

For more information and to book a tour or lunch go to www.coopers.com.au

The new plan to rescue the Australian wine industry

A new plan to help lift the wine industry in Australia was unveiled today in Adelaide.

Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia have launched the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan at the Wine Industry Update 2024 conference.

Developed to support the sector’s recovery from a period of ongoing challenges, the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan aims to chart a clear path of action and to reflects "the sector’s resilience and commitment to forge a vibrant and prosperous future".

The Plan provides the framework for collaborative and co-ordinated action for the sector, as well as a roadmap for achieving the sector's goals and vision articulated in Vision 2050.

Australian Grape & Wine Chief Executive Officer Lee McLean said the Plan’s development is the result of extensive consultation across the entire sector.

“Grapegrowers, winemakers, exporters, industry associations, researchers, business and suppliers have shared their views, insights, aspirations, concerns and expectations on the challenges and opportunities for the sector,” McLean said.

“As a result, the Plan launched today, provides greater linkages to existing plans, such as Vision 2050, demonstrates stronger industry leadership, collaboration and coordination, and provides practical action and guidance for all.”

The Plan provides the framework for collaboration and coordination among all sector players to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2050. Six key themes shape the roadmap for sector success:Our place and product: consumers, customers and community; markets, sustainability, people, systems and infrastructure.

“The breadth of the Australian grape and wine sector is its strength; from family-owned grapegrowers, commercial and premium winemakers, to vertically integrated businesses and corporates," says Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Cole.

"The strength of the Plan lies in our ability to share the load to optimise the opportunities ahead..

“But success is dependent on action: collaboration and shared responsibility, to learn from the past, acting on the challenges of today, to set the course for sector success."

The One Grape & Wine Sector Plan can be downloaded from agw.org.au or wineaustralia.com.

Image: Emanuele Lattarulo, Scop.io 

Quirky Adelaide hotel has a lot to commend it

 

I'm not sure who designed the upmarket Eos by Sky City hotel in Adelaide. 

But they had some seriously weird ideas. Even local taxi drivers have no clue as how to get guests to the reception desk. 

It turns out you need to take a small side road and drive through an underground car park, then make a sharp turn, to get to where you want to be.

Which is odd because the hotel is part of the central casino precinct just back from North Terrace. 

When you do get to check in - and can get your fiddly "disc" key to work in the lifts - there is a pretty good experience ahead. 

The rooms are modern and well-equipped, breakfast (above) in ITL restaurant is excellent, the staff are uniformly helpful and you can charge meals in any of the casino eateries back to your room. 

I can recommend Madame Hanoi (below) for tasty modern Vietnamese dishes. 

The hotel's marketing blurb is confident; some would say cocky. It sounds like it was written by a slightly demented A1 bot. 

"Welcome to a new realm of luxury. Where a love for the unexpected meets deep local knowledge. Where subtle gestures underpin indulgent experiences. With us, your every need is considered, and your every desire answered. Step beyond the everyday and allow us to illuminate the possibilities.

"Always personalised, Eos by SkyCity encompasses the finest in modern hospitality. From signature restaurants and entertainment, to opulent suites and spa experiences, we’re for the pleasure-seekers. This is a precise alchemy designed with you at the centre. Step in or step out: each distinct delight is delivered with a deft touch."

OK. Enough alchemy for one day. 

The entry level rooms are spacious and quiet with free wifi, an in-room tablet (that didn't work), a mini bar with complimentary snacks, free water, hairdryer and straightener, HD TV, luxury bathroom amenities and free movies.

There is a year-round outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and terrace and 24-hour front desk and room service.

My one serious complaint: the wifi is dreadful. It must have dropped out a dozen times over 48 hours, each time demanding that I logged back in. Very annoying. 

Niggles aside, this is a very nice place to stay. 

See https://skycityadelaide.com.au/hotel/eos-by-skycity/

From Adelaide to Paris in 10 seconds

Walk through a doorway in an Adelaide laneway and you are instantly transported from South Australia to a Paris-style bar a vins.

I discovered La Buvette last week - a welcoming cross between Willi's and the Baron Rouge. 

There is the blackboard menu of mainly French wines by the glass; all reasonably priced. 

There is a food  menu featuring  classics like fresh oysters with mignonette; escargots a l'Alsacienne and boeuf bourguinon.

And there is an un mistakeable French joie de vivre.

Apparently it has been on Gresham St for years, with wine industry figure John Retsas a partner. But somehow it had passed me by. My bad. 

I popped in for a glass of Chablis. Next time I'll spend the evening. Maybe start with a Suze Tonic, or pastis and take it from there. 

There is a definite Euro-chic ambience here and seriously knowledgeable staff. 

You can even enjoy a drink on the sidewalk on warmer days. 

La Buvette is open Tuesday-Saturday. 

For more details see https://www.labuvettedrinkery.com.au/

Rex expands its domestic coverage; slams Virgin tardiness

Rex Airlines has announced new routes that will boost its coverage across major Australian airports.

Rex launched flights between Perth and Melbourne last week and today unveiled three flight per week between Perth and Adelaide using an an Embraer E-190 operated by its subsidiary National Jet Express, offering one-way fares from $249 in economy.

It is the 12th intercity route launched by Rex, which has previously focused on regional destinations.

NJE Director Anthony Gibara said flights on the new route are on sale now for travel from June 28 onwards.

"This is terrific news for Perth and Adelaide travellers because more operators means more competition but in the case of Rex, it also means better service and reliability,” Gibara said.

“There were almost 85 cancelled flights by Virgin and Qantas carriers on this route in the first four months of 2024 and in the case of Virgin, its on-time arrivals and departures were terrible.

“Just 56% of its flights arrived on time during that period, while its on time departures were only slightly better at 59%. Travellers deserve better and they will get it with Rex.

The Rex Group now flies to major capital cities and popular destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and the Gold Coast.

South Australia Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the new Rex service will help entice more visitors to South Australia from what is the state’s fourth-largest interstate market.

“It is very welcome news that Rex will start flying Perth to Adelaide, adding more flights into our state and offering another option for visitors from WA to see South Australia,” Bettison said.

All fares include checked baggage and refreshments. See rex.com.au or a travel agent.