For five weeks the Yarra Valley is the Place for Pinot

Pinot noir? Pinot gris/grigio? Pinot blanc? Pinot meunier?

Whatever your favourite pinot family member, the Yarra Valley is likely to likely to have something of interest.

From March 20 to April 27, Wine Yarra Valley is launching The Place for Pinot - a region-wide pinot celebration, bringing together 16 wineries for a five-week showcase of the wines the cool-climate region is known for.

Visitors are invited to taste their way across the valley, discovering cellar doors, vineyard stories and pinot experiences along the way.

And to guide the journey: a Digital Pinot Passport.

Visitors can check in at participating wineries, build a pinot trail, and unlock an entry into a draw to win a Pinot Prize Pack - a mixed pinot selection from participating wineries.

They are: Oakridge · Helen & Joey Estate · SOUMAH · Squitchy Lane · Punt Road Wines · Pimpernel Vineyards · Medhurst Wines · De Bortoli Wines · TarraWarra Estate · Giant Steps · Boat O'Craigo · Jayden Ong Wines · Wedgetail Estate · Cellar Door at The Farm · Nillumbik Estate · Buttermans Track Wines.

Find out more at https://wineyarravalley.com.au/the-place-for-pinot/

Covid-19 digital passport gets go ahead

The European Parliament has approved the launch of a Covid-19 digital passport scheme, in a move it hopes will free movement and leisure travel a step closer in time for the northern hemisphere summer.

The EU Covid-19 certificate will show proof of a vaccination, a recent negative test result or that the holder has recovered from the virus, Travel Mole reported.

MEPs also called for "universal, accessible, timely and free of charge testing".


The vaccine passport scheme will be in use for a period of 12 months and is only for travel purposes.


European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a "key step forward towards free and safe travel this summer."


The EU is working with the World Health Organization to ensure the vaccine certificate can be used beyond Europe.

There have, however, been "no contacts" with British officials to make it available to UK citizens yet. So the Brits can stay at home.