Chardonnay May to showcase one grape in style

The month of May sees wine producers in the Adelaide Hills promoting local chardonnays with tastings, lunches and dinners all featuring the classic white grape for Chardonnay May.

Many of the cellar doors will host curated tastings, new-release showcases, museum and back-vintage pours, and immersive wine experiences.

May will see more than 30 chardonnay-themed experiences, with a Chardonnay Trail Passport available to help guide your trek.

“Chardonnay is the flagship white grape variety for the Adelaide Hills, with examples produced within the region rivalling the very best,” says Adelaide Hills Wine Region president Alex Trescowthick.

“Chardonnay May puts a spotlight on our region’s ability to produce world-class chardonnay, as well as the growing recognition for our Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. 

"For the month of May, we are all things chardonnay as we celebrate the different styles produced throughout the Hills. We invite everyone to come and discover Adelaide Hills chardonnay.”

One of the showcase events is the The Chardonnay Collective on May 16, featuring four courses of food, eight producers and eight wines over one evening.

The event will see some of the Adelaide Hills’ leading chardonnay producers joining together.

Chef John Simpson-Clements at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard will created the four-course degustation showing off seasonal South Australian produce.

Each dish will be served alongside two premium Adelaide Hills chardonnays, showcasing the diversity of the region, from Lenswood to the Piccadilly Valley and beyond. And every wine will be poured blind.

No labels. No hints. Not even the producers know what’s in the glass. Which sounds a lot of fun.

Producers include Ashton Hills , Gentle Folk, Koerner, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Murdoch Hill, Shaw +Smith, Sidewood Estate and Vella Wines.

The event costs $245 per person. Book Here.

Another highlight of the program is the Tasting Australia event Adelaide Hills Chardonnay Heroes, to be held on May 9 at Mount Lofty House.

This special dinner will feature a line-up of the region’s top award-winning chardonnays.

Further details on individual events and offerings can be found at adelaidehillswine.com.au Chardonnay May

Image: Duy Dash 

Sydney celebrates Lunar New Year over two whole weeks

 

The City of Sydney will offer over two weeks of family-friendly music, feasts and performances as celebrations welcoming the Lunar New Year kick off. 

The Sydney Lunar Festival will include a bigger Sydney Lunar Streets featuring its own carousel, a 43-metre walk-through lantern installation with more than 750 individual lights, lion dancing and colourful banner galleries brightening up the footpaths.

Sydney hosts one of the largest celebrations of the Lunar New Year outside Asia, and the City of Sydney has overseen the festival for 30 years.

“All of Sydney is embracing the festival, with increasing numbers of people from communities that don’t traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year taking part and attending events,” says Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney. 

“People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be hard-working, independent and warm-hearted, traits that embody some of the key values of Sydney.

“The lasting impact of our hard work to revitalise Haymarket can be seen along the rejuvenated Dixon Street and is exemplified by the majestic Chinatown gates, whose restoration was completed in June 2025. These exciting improvements balance respect for the area's history with contemporary cultural expression will keep Dixon Street buzzing for generations to come."

Sydney Lunar Festival runs until March 1. 

Giant Jenga, Connect 4 and Snakes and Ladders will be some of the oversized games available to play during the final festival weekend on Hay Street.

Associated events including art exhibitions, food and drink offerings, talks, tours, performances and workshops hosted by several organisations and businesses will also take place throughout the festival.

Visit sydneylunarfestival.com for more info.

Image: City of Sydney, Abril Felman/Phoebe Pratt 

Sydney does NYE in style

Sydney always hosts one of the first - and finest - New Year's Eve celebration on the planet.

The City of Sydney has sent me some image to share, even as many of you are still awaiting your own NYE fireworks.

 








Nearly a million people are estimated to have come together on the night for the traditional fireworks display on Sydney Harbour.

People across the foreshore also observed a minute’s silence at 11pm remembering the victims of the recent Bondi terror attack. “New Year’s Eve is about more than just fireworks and once again we showed the best of Sydney. It was a true reflection of who we are - a diverse, inclusive and creative city,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“I was truly impressed by the phenomenal New Year’s Eve show that brought together fireworks, music, lights and pylon projections into a show Sydney will be proud of.

“In a show of support for the Jewish community, we respectfully marked the horrific attack in Bondi that has brought so much sorrow to Sydney over the last few weeks.

“I was moved to see people right across the harbour embrace the moment of unity, showing the world we will not let this hateful act of terror divide us. We are a respectful, inclusive and welcoming city, and a home to so many people of different nationalities and faiths. Sydney demonstrated to the world that we stand together as one community.

“I’d like to thank our amazing events crew, the thousands of emergency service men and women, security and transport staff, volunteers, as well as our clean up teams who gave up their night to allow us to enjoy the celebrations safely.

“I hope New Year’s Eve gave people the chance to end 2025 on a positive note and I wish everyone in Sydney a peaceful, safe and prosperous start to 2026.”

Nine tonnes of fireworks were shot from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, six city centre buildings and 8 platforms on the harbour.

Images: City of Sydney

Sydney promising New Year's Eve celebrations "as usual"

Sydney is promising New Year's Eve as usual - except for a few more guns. 

The City of Sydney says teams around the harbour are putting the final touches on Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve spectacular as the city comes together to ring in 2026.

At 11pm, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and boats on the water will light up white as a symbol of unity and peace, in the wake of the terrorist attacks at Bondi Beach two weeks ago. 

Sydney will pause for one minute of silence, with crowds invited to switch on phone torches in solidarity. 

The Premier of New South Wales state, Chris Minns, said police will be deployed "in massive numbers" and some will be carrying weapons that "residents have not seen before".

“After a tragic end to the year for our city, we hope that New Year’s Eve will provide an opportunity to come together and look with hope for a peaceful and happy 2026,” said Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney. 

“On our biggest night of the year, Sydney coming together will demonstrate to the world that we stand together as one community, united in love.

“This year’s event will be our biggest New Year’s Eve yet, with more fireworks launched from more locations than ever before. Sydney New Year’s Eve is more than just fireworks, it is a reflection of who we are - a diverse, inclusive and creative city.”

So money will still be made. 

More fireworks than ever before will spring from water, land and aerial platforms, 6 city rooftops and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

“With a footprint spanning 7km along the harbour, we’re doing everything we can to give the people of Sydney a great night with some stunning pyrotechnic moments,” Foti International Fireworks creative director Fortunato Foti said.

“We’ve been delighting and entertaining Sydney New Year’s Eve audiences for 29 years and we strive to make every year bigger and better."

Visit sydneynewyearseve.com to choose a spot to watch the fireworks. 

Image: Credit: City of Sydney/Keith McInnes

Moo Brew set to celebrate 20 years of artisanal beers

Long before there was MONA, there was Moo Brew.

Moo Brew, the oldest and largest craft brewery in Tasmania, will celebrate turning 20 later this month.

With two specially-brewed limited release beers on offer and a party at MONA, beer lovers will be able to raise a glass to two decades of brewing led by MONA supremo David Walsh.

Walsh founded Moo Brew when he discovered a bottle he liked and wanted something to put in it.

The brewery was established in Berriedale at Moorilla Estate in 2005 - several years before Walsh’s museum opened its doors - later moving to their purpose-built home in Bridgewater.

In 2023 the team opened Manky Sally’s in Salamanca, a taphouse and nano-brewery boasting tiny tanks and an oversized attitude.

Moo Brew returns to MONA on Saturday, November 22, taking over the lawns to celebrate its r birthday with the help of the museum’s chef Vince Trim and an all-Tassie music line-up, There will then be a "riotous" after party at Manky Sally’s.

The two new limited-release beers, brewed to mark 20 years, are the Single Hop Tassie Pale Ale and Belgian Golden Strong Ale, brewed by all three of Moo Brew’s former and current head brewers: Owen Johnston (2005-2014), Dave MacGill (2014-2020) and Jack Viney (2020-present).

The Single Hop was re-released this week with the Belgian Strong Ale following on November 27.

The beers will be available in good bottle shops and venues around Tasmania and via Moo Brew’s website. Both will be available to Mona and Manky Sally’s imbibers on November 22 as part of the birthday celebrations.

Moo Brew Head Brewer Jack Viney says: 'It's not often a craft brewery makes it to 20 years, and it’s testament to the enduring love of Moo Brew - and the efforts of the people behind it -that we’re able to pull this off.

"Getting together with our former head brewers was so special, and we’re thrilled to present a traditional Belgian-style beer (a nod to David's beer cellar) in the OG bottle, as well as the much beloved Single Hop tallboy."

Birthday celebrations from 12pm–4:30pm at MONA will feature games, giveaways, flame-grilled lawn food from the Heavy Metal Kitchen, and a stout and oyster bar.

Beers and merch available via www.moobrew.com.au.

Coldstream Hills marks a milestone in style

Coldstream Hills, the Yarra Valley producer founded by wine guru James Halliday, is celebrating its 40th birthday.

Halliday has retired to Sydney and Coldstream Hills has long been part of Treasury Wine Estates, but it remains one of the Yarra's most celebrated wineries. 

Consistency is provided by former Seppelt winemaker Andrew Fleming, who has been chief winemaker since 2001. 

To mark 40 years, The Amphitheatre Experience will be held on November 15 and 16 at the Coldstream Hills cellar door. 

Hosted by wine raconteur George Samios and set overlooking the spectacular Amphitheatre Block - the first vineyard planted by Halliday in 1985 - the tasting will includes eight current and back-vintage wines, paired with an artisanal grazing platter.

The cost is $60 per person. Book Your Tasting. 

There will also be a 40th birthday wine dinner on Wednesday, November 19, at The George on Collins, Melbourne. 

Guests can join Fleming and Samios for a three-course menu matched with rare and current Coldstream Hills wines, plus behind-the-scenes tales of how it all began.

This costs $250 per person. Book your dinner ticket. 

There will also be back vintage tastings every weekend in November at the cellar door. 

Tasters can go into a draw to win a museum magnum selected by Fleming, and receive a bonus bottle of Beenak Pinot Noir with every six-bottle purchase. 

I'd recommend enjoying a glass of the award-winning 2018 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, which I thoroughly enjoyed at a recent tasting. It is lemony and briochey with a very lively mousse. A serious bargain for $35. 

Also try to taste the restrained, elegant and minerally 2024 Beernak Chardonnay ($55), the soft and plush 2024 Deer Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50) and the Coldstream Hills 2024 Reserve Chardonnay ($60), a wine of balance and intensity. 

   
Coldstream Hills Cellar Door, 29 Maddens Lane, Gruyere, Vic. https://www.coldstreamhills.com.au/

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to celebrate the Grateful Dead

San Francisco, the US capital of counterculture, is celebrating 60 years of iconic local band The Grateful Dead. 

The city is celebrating the band's profound influence on San Francisco and American culture with months of special events, concerts, exhibitions, and tributes citywide.

The celebration will reach a zenith August 1-3, when Dead & Company - a re-incarnation of the Grateful Dead that formed after the group's 2015 Fare Thee Well shows - headlines three nights of performances at Golden Gate Park's Polo Field, supported by tribute bands playing throughout San Francisco and City Hall and other landmarks illuminated in tie-dye.

The Haight-Ashbury quarter, the Grateful Dead's home during the transformative 1960s, will again become the colourful heart of festivities.

“From Haight-Ashbury to the Excelsior District where Jerry Garcia grew up, the Grateful Dead's influence is integral to our city's cultural fabric," said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. 

"Sixty years later, we proudly honour their legacy through concerts, community events, and celebrations, reflecting San Francisco's enduring spirit of creativity, connection, and musical innovation.”

Formed in San Francisco in 1965, the Grateful Dead helped redefine rock music with improvised performances blending rock, jazz, and blues. The band's legendary concerts drew devoted fans, creating a global community of “Deadheads” bonded by shared musical experiences.

The 60th-anniversary festivities include Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park with Grateful Dead band members Mickey Hart, and Bobby Weir, joined by John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge and Jay Lane. See deadandcompany.com for details.

The free, annual Jerry Day concert on August 2 commemorates band leader Jerry Garcia's 82nd birthday - he died of a heart attack in 1995 - and the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. 

A commemorative “Jerry Garcia Street” sign will be unveiled at Harrington Street, Garcia's childhood neighbourhood, on August 1 at 11am.

Haight-Ashbury merchants are hosting celebrations on June 21, July 19 and August 16, featuring live music, art showcases, special promotions, and vibrant street activities 

At the annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair on September 7 will showcase performances, art, community spirit, and a line-up of musicians. 

From October 29-November 23, Magic Theatre premieres a musical exploration of Garcia's early years in the Mission District.

Find more information on these and other events celebrating the Grateful Dead's 60th Anniversary here at sftravel.com.

Singapore ready to celebrate major milestone

Planning to be in Singapore in August? Prepare for a busy time.

Singapore will mark a significant milestone on August 9 with the Asian nation celebrating its 60th anniversary of independence.

The city state has prepared a line-up of events to celebrate.

Singapore is implementing a vision for the future through its Tourism 2040 strategy.

Visitors can join joining Singaporeans in celebrating through special arts and heritage events taking place over the coming months leading up to National Day on August 9.

Highlights include:

Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art at National Gallery Singapore (from July 2025): Spanning the 19th century to the present, the exhibition will help visitors better understand Singapore’s history through art.

National Museum’s Experience at the Glass Rotunda (July 2025): This multimedia journey by the National Museum of Singapore will explore what has defined Singapore’s place in the world and the importance of the sea in shaping its history over the past 700 years. The installation includes RFID wristbands, providing an interactive way to engage with Singapore’s history.

National Day Parade (August 9): While tickets to the parade itself are limited, visitors can join in the celebrations in the Marina Bay area. They will be aerial fly pasts and fireworks displays.

Singapore Biennale 2025 (October 2025 to March 2026): The Singapore Biennale 2025 will allow visitors to explore the nation’s evolving identity as contemporary art transforms familiar public spaces including Fort Canning Park and the Rail Corridor.

Singapore’s usual calendar of festivals and events will also continue. See What’s Happening in Singapore | Festivals & Events.

As well as leisure tourism, a major focus is also on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, which is expected to triple its tourism receipts by 2040, contributing 10% of overall tourism revenue.

See www.VisitSingapore.com

All white on the night as New Zealand wines are celebrated

New Zealand makes some iconic wines, including Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and rich Central Otago Pinot Noir.

The Kiwis want Australians to re-visit New Zealand flavours with a Pour Yourself a Glass of New Zealand marketing campaign landing in May.

The focus will be a celebrationof  the country’s finest white wine.

The promo will link with With International Sauvignon Blanc Day on May 2, International Pinot Gris Day on May 17 and International Chardonnay Day on May 22.

 

New Zealand Wine is the group calling on Australian wine lovers to celebrate their neighbours across the ditch.

New Zealand produces world-class white wine varietals from regions including Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Gisborne and North Canterbury. 

White wine makes up a remarkable 95% of New Zealand’s global exports,

Sauvignon Blanc, not surprisingly, represents 89% of NZ’s exports.

Forget that earthquake: tourists told to party on

Thailand is not about to let a minor inconvenience like an earthquake interfere with a festival that is one of its major tourism drawcards.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that Songkran celebrations nationwide will proceed as planned, assuring tourists that travel, transport, and hotels remain unaffected by last week's fatal quake.

TAT announced over the weekend that plans to hold grand Songkran (water festival) celebrations across the country would proceed as scheduled.

TAT said that after assessing the situation following Friday’s earthquake, it found that conditions in Bangkok and other parts of the country had returned to normal.

It noted that Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok continued to operate as usual, with airlines providing normal services.

Additionally, public transportation - particularly the electric railway services operated by BTSC and MRT - remained fully functional. Hotels and entertainment venues in key tourist destinations were also unaffected.

TAT reported that tourists had not cancelled their bookings, and tour group operators had not withdrawn reservations either, newspaper The Nation reported. 

It also confirmed that highways across the country remained undamaged and fully accessible for travel.
To ensure tourist safety, the TAT stated that it would seek cooperation from the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Public Works Department to inspect high-rise hotels.

The authority reassured the public that planned grand Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other locations would not be impacted.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is a nationwide celebration of Thai New Year taking place from early to mid-April across every region of the country.

More than 100 events will take place across Bangkok, where at least 18 people died as a result of the quake, and throughout the country. 

Each Thai location has its own blend of tradition and celebration - from rituals and temple fairs to music festivals and lively water fights - which can be very annoying as young locals arm themselves with giant water guns. 

Festival Highlights Include:

Maha Songkran World Water Festival, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok (April 11-15)
Songkran Music Festival, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (April 12-14)
Chiang Mai Songkran traditions (April 7-16))
Grand Isan Songkran Festival, Khon Kaen (April 8-15)
Coastal celebrations in Phuket, Songkhla, and Surat Thani
Cultural parades in Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani

Bollinger readying for 200th anniversary

Bollinger, one of the most famous names in Champagne, is gearing up for its 200th birthday celebrations.

Over the next few years, Champagne Bollinger will embark on a series of major projects that reflect its values and history - all leading up to its 200th anniversary in 2029.

The project includes the renovation of a historic site featuring a cathedral-like cellar overlooking the vines, and a new oenotourism hub designed to provide unique experiences at the heart of the Champagne region.

Champagne Bollinger is based at 16 Rue Jules Lobet in Aÿ, the historic residence of wine icon Elisabeth Bollinger. 

It was founded on February 6, 1829, in Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Levieux Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger.

In partnership with local stakeholders, Bollinger is also committed to making its vineyards more sustainable and preserving biodiversity.

This includes recycling 100% of its waste, reducing water consumption, and cutting down on waste production, all while enhancing the Maison’s property assets. It is envisioned the new wine tourism site will welcome 20,000 wine enthusiasts annually.



The Bollinger estate will be transformed into a luxurious 20-room retreat, complete with a restaurant nestled among the vines, a wellness centre, and a pool.

This space will offer guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Champagne experience. Visitors will be able to wander through the historic courtyard, where barrels rest before harvest, and explore exclusive tasting rooms and private dining areas.

Additionally, the new hub will feature event and seminar spaces, including meeting rooms and a grand reception hall to accommodate up to 200 guests.

A highlight of the renovations will be the creation of a floor-to-ceiling windowed cellar, with the capacity to hold 5,000 228-litre barrels.

By restoring and expanding their historic Cellier in Aÿ, Bollinger will boast the largest vinification capacity in wood in Champagne, a method that beautifully showcases the region’s finest Grands and Premiers Crus wines.

Aria to mark 25 years in style

In restaurant terms, five years is a good innings, 10 years is an achievement and 25 years is an eternity. 

Matt Moran’s landmark Aria in Sydney marks a remarkable quarter-century this September, celebrating 25 years of fine dining as a key part of Sydney’s culinary fabric. 

In celebration of the significant milestone, Aria will offer two exclusive menus for the month of September that pay homage to the venue’s storied past, including a 25th birthday tasting menu of reinvented legacy dishes and a bar snack menu created by Aria alumni.

"A restaurant is nothing without its people” says star chef Moran. 

“Since 1999, Aria has been more than just a restaurant; our guests have filled our space with joy, choosing to celebrate their special moments with us. 

“Our incredible staff have brought our vision to life with passion and innovation; and our exceptional suppliers have provided the world-class Australian produce and wines that have been the foundation for our enduring legacy. 

“All of these elements make Aria what it is, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to celebrate that, together.”.

Curated by Matt Moran and Aria’s executive chef, Thomas Gorringe (top image) Aria will serve its 25th birthday tasting menu with each dish inspired by standout legacy dishes from its 25 years.

The seven-course menu will be $290 per person and will feature modern interpretations of some of Aria’s most beloved dishes, with standouts including: yellowfin tuna, daikon, bergamot and dashi (a tribute to the earl grey salmon dish of 2010); scallops, Moran Family Farm guanciale, apple and elderflower (a tribute to pork belly which appeared on Aria’s menu in some iteration between 1999-2016); and the chocolate delice, sherry and hazelnut that featured in the Masterchef pressure kitchen. 

Guests are invited to enhance their dining experience with Aria’s wine pairings, with classic, premium and non-alcoholic selections available. 

Complementing the wine offer will be a collection of new cocktails including: The Gin Martini (Never Never, vermouth, brown butter); Tropic Spritz (pineapple rum, Pineau de Charentes, green mango, ginger, Thai basil); Breakfast Cobbler (Hendricks Gin, muscat, earl grey, toasted sourdough); and Lamington Milk Punch (Red Mill Rum, NoDo Coconut, Muscat, raspberry, cacao). 

The new cocktails will be available both in the main restaurant and at the bar.

As part of the celebrations, talented alumni have come together to create a bespoke snack menu to be available exclusively in the bar for the month of September. 

Each chef has created a snack for the menu, which will rotate weekly and features interpretations of some of Aria’s best-loved dishes and proudest creations. 

Menu highlights include: earl grey and kombu cured salmon (by Ben Turner); comte, prune and truffle tart (Elvis Abrahanowicz); lardo, fino sherry and bee pollen (Matt Abé); yellowfin tuna belly, melon croustade (Jason Staudt); scallop, XO and pickled daikon (Simon Sandall); grilled Peking duck dumplings (Jake Kellie); pork croquette, cipollini onion, apple mustard (Ben Turner); and bug boudin, potato, rouille (Paul Baker). 

Limited bar seats are available to reserve, and bookings can be made via Aria’s website.

Passing Clouds set to celebrate half a century of winemaking

Very few wineries can boast of having switched regions - but Passing Clouds has been based in two different parts of Victoria during its 50-year history.

Passing Clouds co-founders Graeme Leith and Sue MacKinnon began by planting cabernet sauvignon and shiraz grapes at their original Bendigo vineyard in Kingower, but had the prescience to later past cool-climate varieties at Musk. 

For the past 15 years Passing Clouds has been a popular destination at Musk, just outside of Daylesford in the Macedon Ranges. 

The Leith family, still custodians of the brand, will celebrate 50 years of winemaking later at a special tasting on September 10 - a business "built on story-telling, celebrations, resilience and the wine in the bottle". 

Cameron Leith, who took over from his father in 2007 after a vintage in France, today juggles making the classic Passing Clouds Bendigo wines with the cool-climate varieties - pinot noir and chardonnay - grown at Musk. 

Since 2010, the Macedon Ranges has been become Passing Clouds’ new home, although the vineyards were long established, having planted by Graeme in 1998. 

Today Cameron and Marion Leith and their three children call Musk home and the property now boasts an excellent Dining Room offering lunch, its ow train platform, extensive gardens and an architecturally designed cellar door.

Passing Clouds is at 30 Roddas Lane, Musk, Victoria, and its cellar door is open seven days a week. 

Grazing plates are available on Thursday in the cellar door 11am-3pm while the Dining Room is open for lunch Friday-Monday from noon. 

Bookings are essential for dining. www.passingclouds.com.au/dining-room-bookings 

Hotel to shine a light on Vivid celebrations with fun cocktails

One hotel that's really getting into the spirit of Sydney's Vivid festival is the Hyatt Regency Sydney.

Two of its venues - Zephyr Sky Bar and Jackalberry - will be joining in the colourful fun of Vivid from May 24-June 15.

In partnership with Four Pillars Gin, these venues are promising "an unforgettable Vivid experience" including immersive activations, cocktails and views over Darling Harbour from Zephyr Sky Bar.

Sky Bar offers panoramic views of Darling Harbour, making it a perfect vantage point to soak in the Vivid lights.

Guests will be treated to a theatrical cocktail experience as signature Vivid cocktails are crafted tableside from a mobile cocktail trolley.

During this period, the bar will be decorated with décor including neon signs, Vivid-inspired media walls, and vibrant decals. I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds like fun.

The limited-edition Vivid cocktails include Shiraz Breeze (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, lime, sugar, mint, topped with soda) and Strawberry Blush (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, strawberry-infused Oscar Sweet Vermouth, Rubi Mistelle and Marionette Bitter Curacao).

At Jackalberry, guests can dive into Vivid cocktails featuring glow-in-the-dark concoctions and funky glassware.

The venue will be transformed with neon signs and quirky coasters, creating a Vivid-styled ambiance.

Limited-edition Vivid cocktails include Jackalberry G&T (Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, cucumber, edible flowers and Fever-tree Elderflower Tonic, served in a light-bulb glass); and Peach Yuzu Fizz (Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Choya Yuzu Liqueur, Massenez Peche shaken with lemon juice and sugar syrup, topped with Fever-tree Soda Water and served in a High-Ball glass).

I suppose a beer would be out of the question?

The hotel is also offering a Savour, Sip, Stay package inclusive of breakfast for two, Vivid-themed cocktails at Jackalberry bar and a late check out.

Visit www.hyattregencysydney.com.

The world's largest hotel wine cellar celebrates 150 years

Created in 1874, the legendary wine cellars at Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are this year marking 150 years - in conspicuous style.

With 350,000 bottles spread over 1.5 kilometres of racks in a 1500m2 space, the hotel cellars are the largest in the world and hold myriad treasures. They will play host to a a series of dinners and masterclasses, The Monaco Tribune reports.

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the group which owns the hotel, is pulling out all the stops,

Stéphane Valeri, SBM’s managing director, says: “The 150th anniversary of the Hôtel de Paris cellars celebrates not only Marie Blanc’s fabulous legacy, but also the passion and talent of our cellarmen and sommeliers, who are keeping this heritage alive, whether in the cellars, or in our 30 or so restaurants and bars today.

"For our group, it’s about sharing and handing down through the years.”

Additionally, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s is renewing its production tradition to launch a Grande Champagne Premier Cru de Cognac, an XO Extra Old quality Champagne Cognac.

The Cognac will be available from this month.

The cellar was carved into the rock under the palace at the request of Marie Blanc, the wife of François Blanc, founder of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

To coincide with the 150th anniversary, the cellars are undergoing a two-stage renovation project, beginning with a new entrance, reception, and tasting room.

Image: Monaco Tribune 

Major milestone for Australia's original wine and gourmet celebration

It was Australia's first food and wine festival: and many would say it remains the benchmark. 

The Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week - held in one of Australia's most beautiful wine regions - is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has announced its 2024 program, which features more than 85 events,

The 10-day festival can be enjoyed in three parts; Festival Weekend (May 17-19), Breathe It In (May 20-24) and Land of the Long Lunch (May 25-26) and kicks off with new events, including Fire and Wines at Skillogalee Estate with Africola ace Duncan Welgemoed cooking over fire. 

Another debutant is Sip, Savour, Celebrate: A Homage to 40 Years of Clare Valley Gourmet at Pikes Wines’ Slate Restaurant - a culinary journey over five courses and a walk down memory lane with a re-creation of dishes over the four decades of Gourmet. 

The official 50th birthday party for Knappstein Wines will be the VinoVibe Fest, which will include a fusion of flavours, melodies and festive good times. 

Guests can round out each day with The Sailing Club – the Unofficial Afterparty at the Clare Showgrounds. 

The team from Mitchell Wines (above) will be marking their 50th birthday during the event. 

Crowd favourites returning including the Cellars without Doors Degustation Dinner on the Friday night, where wines from winemakers who do not have cellar doors are matched with a six-course degustation dinner by state Chef of the Year Nicola Palmer at the stunning Watervale Hotel. 

Many of the region’s favourite cellar doors will open in collaboration with pop-up restaurants, food vans and live music with shuttle buses operating on constant loops, linking the valley over the weekends.

At the Sevenhill Cellars' new event space, winemaker Will Shields will showcase 2024 vintage samples while guests sitting around a campfire. 

Shiraz will star at Explore Kilikanoon Shiraz, where guests can compare different bottles of shiraz across the Kilikanoon range. 

Returning to the program is Wines by KT Clare Valley Gourmet Sips From the Cellar, which will feature tastings of museum wine flights as well as current release wines.

The event wraps up with The Land of the Long Lunch, featuring events in both unique locations and well-loved venues. 

Some of Clare’s most celebrated Clare Valley “wine industry” women, Ali Paulett, Kerri Thompson and Marnie Roberts, will host a tasting matched with light plates to highlight the diversity of people, wine and the Clare Valley environment at Navigating Diversity. 

Gourmet ambassador Nick Ryan - one of Australia’s leading wine writers - said the festival is the original and the best.

“I spend my life travelling to the greatest wine regions across the globe, and there is only one that I choose to call home," he said. 

"The Clare Valley is quintessentially Australian and a special part of the world. The wineries here consistently deliver phenomenal wine and Gourmet Week is a great opportunity to experience everything this region has to offer, and I can guarantee you will have a great time doing it.” 

# To mark the 40th anniversary, a special Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation will be held at O’Leary Walker Wines on the evening of Friday, May 24. 

Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week is presented by the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association and sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo. 

For details see clarevalleygourmet.com.au. 

Images: Matt Turner images 

Major milestone for one of the world's top wine regions

Younger wine lovers may find find it hard to believe, but there was a time when Marlborough sauvignon blanc did not exist. 

While the style is now ubiquitous - and arguably more famous than Sancerre - Marlborough's rapid ascent to become New Zealand’s major wine-growing region has happened quickly. 

This year, the region’s winemakers and growers are celebrating 50 years since Marlborough’s official beginning as a wine region - and its progression to international renown. 

Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens says although planting vines in Marlborough 50 years ago might have appeared to be a gamble, the region has the perfect climate for grapes.

“For many of our winegrowing pioneers - Frank Yukich, the Rose, Sutherland, Ibbotson, Marris and Scott families, just to name a few - it would have been gut instinct backed by climate science,” Pickens says.

Marlborough’s first vines - containing muscat grapes - was planted at Auntsfield by Scotsman David Herd in 1873. But commercial plantings didn’t begin until 1973, led by Montana Wines (now known as Brancott Estate) in Fairhall. 

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, many boutique wine brands - including Cloudy Bay - opened their cellar doors and, by 1986, the name Marlborough was known around the world. 

Viticulture expanded from 6,831 hectares in 2003 to the nearly 30,000 hectares of vineyard Marlborough boasts today - about 71% of New Zealand's national total. 

Marlborough produces between 300 million to 400 million bottles of wine annually, depending on the vintage. 

“From humble beginnings to now producing 79% of New Zealand wine, celebrating this 50-year milestone is something Marlborough, and the entire New Zealand wine industry, can be proud of,” says Charlotte Read, general manager brand of New Zealand Winegrowers. 

“There is no other wine region of the world that has moved from ‘zero to hero’ in just five decades.

“With the value of New Zealand wine exports at an all-time high of $2.4 billion, this proves that globally customers continue to appreciate the vibrant flavours, commitment to quality and sustainability of New Zealand wines, and the distinctive Marlborough character has laid the foundation for our international renown." 

Beth Forrest is the Marlborough Winegrowers Association Board chair. Her parents first planted vines in Marlborough in 1988, and today farm on over 100 hectares. 

She says Marlborough has diverse microclimates in a small space, which contributes to some of the region’s signature sauvignon blanc styles.

“You don’t have to go far to experience a change in soil profile," she says. 

"Sauvignon blanc from the mid-Wairau has an old-school elegance and is austere and mineral-driven. But in the Lower Wairau it has more of a tropical fruit profile. And then in the Awatere it has that punchy, herbal tomato-leaf character."

Although Marlborough is best-known for its sauvignon blanc, Pickens says the region has been well-regarded by aficionados since the 1980s for its traditionally made sparkling wine and, from the late 2000s, for its pinot noir. 

“Wine has made Marlborough an area with a real global presence," Pickens says. "It’s just changed the demographic and made it more multinational. It’s a connection to the rest of the planet that has brought vibrancy and innovation to the region.” 

Pickens hopes the 50-year milestone inspires wine appreciators to re-visit the region. 

“Wine in Marlborough is a big high-value tourism drawcard. The diversity of our wines, particularly our aromatic varieties. It is a real draw - everyone who comes to the region is surprised at the range we have to offer."

See https://www.marlboroughwinenz.com/ and https://www.nzwine.com/

Coonawarra celebrates in style

Coonawarra Vignerons and community members got together on March 16 to celebrate the start of the the 2023 Vintage (aka. V23).

The famous landmark the Coonawarra Railway Siding was the venue for the first official Vintage Launch ceremony in many years.

Featuring a traditional grape stomp and the christening of the new vintage with a bottle smash (similar to that of a ship setting sail on her maiden voyage), the launch was aimed at bringing the whole Coonawarra Community together.

That means grape growers, cellar hands, vineyard workers and machine operators, to lab managers, winemakers and vignerons and everybody in between was involved.

Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Hugh Koch said the event emphasised the importance of vintage, not only to the Coonawarra community, but for the entire district.

“Vintage in Coonawarra is more than when a wine's grapes are harvested," he said. "It heralds the anniversary of a new year in Coonawarra, where we reflect and say goodbye to the previous season.

“As a community it is the commencement of the economic driver that sustains our economy, creates our jobs, gives us our services, drives our visitation, and continues to put us on the map as one of the most pre-eminent wine regions of the world."

Coonawarra Vignerons president Dan Redman says: “A vintage brings the whole community together, working in unison to ensure that grapes are picked for optimum quality and that winemaking teams can produce wines of a world-class standing."

With a nod to Coonawarra’s founding father John Riddoch (a Scotsman) , Coonawarra Vignerons Patron Doug Balnaves piped in the event on his bagpipes.

Celebrating 150 years of one of Australia's iconic pubs

One of Australia's most famous hotels - the Coogee Bay Hotel - is celebrating 150 years in 2023 with a year-long party kicking off with a birthday bash this March in The Garden, before the re-launch of legendary live music venue Selina's. 

The festivities will showcase the venue's history while embracing plans for the future.

The celebrations will be divided into three distinct phases, The Legacy (February-April), Forever Young (May-August) and Many Happy Returns (September-November). 

A specially commissioned mural by local artist Charlie Nivison from Silly Pear will take centre stage during the celebrations. 

Coogee Bay Hotel managing director Chris Cheung says: "We are beyond thrilled to be celebrating 150 years of creating memories at Coogee Bay Hotel, starting off with our Big Birthday Bash at The Bay in March. 

"We invite the community to come reflect on decades past with our new historic museum, live music and the debut of a spectacular artwork mural to kick off a milestone year for our venue.

"Our anniversary campaign is a reflection of our past, present, and future and we couldn't be more excited to share it with our valued customers, sponsors, and the community. We look forward to continuing to provide a top-notch experience and giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years."

The Big Birthday Bash will be held on March 26 from noon until late. 

Later in the year, the hotel will be hosting a variety of community-focused events including market days for local producers to display their wares. 

Live music fans will be excited by the re-launch of Selina's, an iconic beachside music venue in the 1980s and 90s that has hosted the likes of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Midnight Oil and INXS. 

To stay up to date on events and activities planned throughout the year see coogeebayhotel.com.au/whats-on

East Coast Tasmania events to chase away the winter blues

Tasmania's East Coast comes alive in winter with a range of events and festivals to help lift the chill.

Among the highlights is the Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival, which is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2022 and will be held from June 10-13. 

The Panorama Hotel, St Helens, will be the venue for the opening ceremony and gala exhibition, a makers market, a traditional smoking ceremony and exhibition of previous winners.

The 2022 Arts Trail ‘Secret People, Secret Places’ will begin on Saturday, June 11. 

For more information and the full program visit www.bayoffireswinterartsfestival.com.au/ 

Further south in Bicheno, family-friendly celebration of light Bicheno Beams (above) returns for a second time. 

In 2022, two different light shows will be presented on alternate nights. 

The show runs from July 1-31 in Bicheno Lions Park. See https://bichenobeams.com/

The Great Eastern Wine Week is a 10-day festival to be held from September 9-18 celebrating boutique wineries and local businesses along the East Coast Wine Trail.

For full details see http://eastcoastwinetrail.com.au/event/