So you want to learn about sparkling wine from the best in the business?

Serious about sparkling wine? 

Want to learn more? 

Leading wine educator and Champagne experty Tyson Stelzer is teaming up with Ed Carr (House of Arras), Natalie Fryar (Bellebonne) and Andrew Pirie (Apogee) for the inaugural Tasmanian Sparkling Immersion on November 13-15. 

The quartet will host five intimate masterclasses, two winery visits, barrel tasting and a vineyard visit in the Tamar Valley and Piper’s River, home to some of the best sparkling wines in the world.⁠

⁠The winemakers have a combined experience of a 134 vintages and the weekend will showcase over 50 of their finest cuvées spanning three decades, alongside some other great sparkling wines of Australia, Champagne and the world. 

Along with three days of tastings and visits, there will a gala dinner, a cocktail dinner, brunch and two lunches at Evenfall, where Apogee and House of Arras will pair their wines with local Tasmanian produce.⁠

⁠The weekend is limited to just 33 guests. 

For more details check out https://www.tysonstelzer.com/tasmanian-sparkling-immersion-13-15-november-2026/

Taste Port Douglas flies in culinary stars

Taste Port Douglas, the major gourmet festival in Far North Queensland, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with over 40 events across four days. 

Presented by Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, the food and drink event will return from August 6-9 with an impressive line-up of leading Australian chefs and international culinary talent. 

Supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, it will see Port Douglas hosting dinners, long lunches (above) masterclasses, chef-led events and some destination experiences.

Guest pan handlers will be jetting in from Singapore, Bali and Vietnam. 

Kirk Westaway from JAAN by Kirk Westaway, Rishi Naleendra of Cloudstreet, both in Singapore, will be joined by Ryan Clift of The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift at The Edge, Bali; Michael Wilson, chef-patron of Marguerite and Hortus in Singapore, and Sam Aisbett of Akuna in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Appearing at Taste Port Douglas for the first time, Mindy Woods of Karkalla, Byron Bay, heads a 
fresh wave of Australian talent. She joins TV favourites Manu Feildel and Laura Sharrad, Colin Fassnidge, Matt Stone and Tasmanian maestro Massimo Mele, along with veterans Guy Grossi and Ray Capaldi. 

Port Douglas sits between two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders, the ancient Daintree Rainforest and festival founders Reina and Spencer Patrick are inviting guests to experience standout locations hosting events. 

“The 2026 program is a celebration of everything Taste Port Douglas has become over the past decade, world-class culinary talent, unforgettable food and drink experiences, and a genuine connection to place,” says festival director Reina Patrick. 

Find out more at www.tasteportdouglas.com.au

Meet some luxe hotels offering special Valentine's Day experiences

Are you leaving it late to book for Valentine's Day?

You might want to check out the romance packages being offered by Sofitel and MGallery Collection Hotels across Australia.

On offer: "Candlelit dining, indulgent spa rituals and dreamy overnight stays designed for two".

Here are some of the deals:

At Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, No35 Restaurant is offering a French-inspired menu that aims to replicate Paris above Melbourne. Choose from a three-course set lunch ($139 per person, including French sparkling on arrival), an early three-course dinner ($199 per person, including Champagne and amuse bouche), or a four-course dinner ($349 per person, including Champagne on arrival and free-flowing beverages). There will be live music in the evening and guaranteed window seats are available for an additional $50 per person. https://www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au/offers/valentines-day-celebrations/

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour's Atelier restaurant offers a "romantic" five-course menu ($160 per person) designed to be savoured slowly, together, finishing with a strawberry rose parfait. Add matching wines for $85 per person. https://www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au/offers/valentines-day/

At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, romance takes on a Asian accent with a four-course Vietnamese–French set menu ($119 per person) starring fresh seafood and signature noodles to the table. For something more classic, Tilda offers a five-course Valentine's Day menu ($139 per person). After dinner, perhaps, a Romantic Escape package that includes an overnight stay, a bottle of Champagne, a romantic in-room gift and a room service breakfast, from $774 per room. https://www.sofitelsydney.com.au/special-offers/valentines-dining-offer

Out of town, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery has three-course dining experience that begins with a glass of sparkling cuvée on arrival, followed by "a thoughtfully crafted menu designed for a memorable night in the mountains". https://www.fairmontresort.com.au/offers/valentines-day-dinner/

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – MGallery Collection is offering a special three-course Valentine's Day dinner at Pastore Restaurant, which begins with house-baked bread and olive oil, followed by a selection of cicchetti, seafood or slow-roasted lamb for main. Priced at $109 per person food only or $164 with each course paired with a selection of Italian and local Victorian wines. Extend the romance with an overnight stay including in-room breakfast for two, a 2pm late check-out and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a box of Koko Black chocolates in your room. Priced from $390 per room. https://www.hotelchadstone.com.au/offer/valentines-day-dinner/

Seafood stars at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection  restaurant Ammos with a Valentine's set menu featuring the restaurant's most-loved dishes, elevated with highlights like Sydney rock oysters; Thessauri Ossetra caviar with blini; wood-fire cooked king prawns; and Kinross Station lamb rump, followed by a chocolate karidopita, and hand-made Ammos truffles to take home. It is priced at $169 per person, including a glass of sparkling on arrival. https://thebrightonsydney.com.au/special-offer/ammos-valentines/

In South Australia, The Playford Adelaide MGallery Collection hotel has a  four-course dinner at the two chef-hatted Luma, which includes a cocktail on arrival. The sharing menu includes a selection of canapes, house-made mini loaf, Atlantic salmon ballontine with sea herbs, cucumber and roe for entrée, a choice of baked snapper or beef fillet for main, and chocolate delice dessert with Adelaide Hills strawberries and coconut sorbet, for $185 per person.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-dinner-at-luma-restaurant-on-14th-february-2026-tickets-1977107839771?aff=oddtdtcreator

Choose between two special Kiwi gourmet weekend options

 

Have you been meaning to visit New Zealand for the weekend but have been waiting for the right opportunity? 

Two of the country's most popular gourmet destinations have wine and food  events scheduled for the same weekend in November, so you will have to choose between the two.

From Hawke’s Bay produce to star New Zealand wines, guests at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers (top image) can enjoy a Perfect Pairing weekend with chef Peter Gordon and wine guru Cameron Douglas, MS, from November 7-9. 

Guests are being offered cooking classes, wine experiences, meals and fun before the main event on Saturday evening: a five-course tasting menu crafted by Gordon, with each dish paired with wines selected by Douglas. 

The event costs $AU2238 per suite per night, double occupancy with a two-night minimum. See rosewoodhotels.com.

Meanwhile, The Rees Hotel in Queenstown will host its annual signature spring Wine Weekend from on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8. See https://therees.co.nz/. 

The Rees has long been renowned for its wine cellar (above) and innovative culinary events, and will celebrate the best of Central Otago and Nelson terroirs with Blair Walter from Felton Road, Bannockburn, and Todd Stevens from Neudorf Vineyards in Nelson.

Think masterclasses and lunches with events culminating in a degustation dinner at The Rees’ True South Dining Room with a menu designed by The Rees’ executive chef, Trent Watson. 

The package comprises two nights in Lake View accommodation, daily breakfast in True South Dining Room, tickets to wine weekend events, with complimentary car parking and late check out. It costs from $NZ552.50 per person, per night with a minimum of two people. 

Makers Festival returns after successful debut

After a successful debut last year, the Meet the Makers Festival will return to the New South Wales South Coast this September for a month-long celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and culinary experiences.

Events will take place every weekend during September, with over 30 events including immersive workshops and dining adventures.

Highlights include a countryside long lunch hosted by MilkHAUS and friends, an intimate Dinner with Dangerous at the Milton Hotel, and a hands-on blending workshop at Cupitt’s Winery where guests can craft their own signature wine.

Beyond food and wine, visitors can also explore their creative side with a floral and art workshop by FRED Flowers, try their hand at ceramics with Motion Ceramics, or create natural skincare products with Delicious Vibrant Beauty.

The festival will run on weekends from Saturday, September 6 until Sunday, September 28.

Full program details will be announced in July 2025.

See @southcoastmakersfestival on Instagram or Facebook for more info. Strangely, the event does not have a website. 

Leading chefs aim to make sweet music with special Opera House dinners

 

Four of Australia's most prominent chefs will be hosting a series of special dinners at Sydney Opera House during August. 

Chefs of the House is a new dining experience starting on August 1 and featuring the four chefs who already pan handle at the Sydney icon. 

The four acclaimed Opera House chefs - Matt Moran (Opera Bar and House Canteen), Peter Gilmore (Bennelong), Mark Olive (Midden by Mark Olive) and Danielle Alvarez (Yallamundi Rooms) will each host two intimate shared-table dinners in one of the Opera House’s unique venues.

As each chef guides guests through their distinct food philosophy, 270-degree projections and live music performances honouring each chef’s theme will complement the dining experience.

Sounds like fun. Sounds expensive. 

Peter Grutt, general manager of food and beverage, says: "At the Sydney Opera House, we're passionate about providing locals and visitors with extraordinary one-of-a-kind experiences - whether that’s on the stage or the plate.

“Chefs of the House is an epic celebration of our chefs’ diverse talent and a uniquely personal way to experience their individual food philosophies.

“We can’t wait to invite guests in to experience the wonder and possibility of the Opera House, and the culinary artistry within.”

Each Chefs of the House menu will feature a signature dish that will also be available at their respective venues at the Opera House throughout August.

Winter Harvest Symphony from Danielle Alvarez (Yallamundi Rooms culinary director) will run on August 1-2. It will be an ode to the art of seasonal gastronomy with matched wines selected by sommelier Louella Mathews. 

Dreamtime by Mark Olive will run on August 8-9 will fuse native ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques and music from First Nations performers Marimayi. 

The Icons of Bennelong with Peter Gilmore will be held on August15-16 and will explore 50 years of Bennelong menus, showcasing premium Australian produce with paired fine wines. 

“It's an absolute honour to represent Bennelong and our incredible team for Chefs of the House," says Gilmore. 

The final dinners will be Ocean to Table by Matt Moran on August 29-30 with chef Moran reimagining the ‘Paddock to Plate’ philosophy he helped pioneer in Australia. The menu will be built on sustainably and locally sourced seafood served on bespoke plates glazed with crushed mollusc shells from third-generation ceramicist Sam Gordon.

“I’ve curated a menu that features some of my favourite seafood from around Australia," Moran says.

For details: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/chefs-house

Luxury resort showcases global female star chefs

The Datai in Langkawi, a resort with a global reputation for excellence, will showcase some of the world's top female chefs for its 2024-25 edition of The Chef Series.

The Malaysian rainforest retreat has been a drawcard for 30 years now. Here is my report from a decade ago: https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2014/08/a-magnificent-jungle-resort-with-superb.html.

The Datai's signature dining programme aims to celebrate gastronomic talent from around the world.

With a chef selection boasting nine Michelin stars between them, cuisines from across Asia and Europe will be showcased.

Each chef will create a bespoke menu guided by the produce of Langkawi and the organic ingredients cultivated in the resort’s zero-waste Permaculture Garden.

The names featured in The Chef-fe Series 2024-2025 are:

June 2024:
Florence Dalia of 16 by Flo, Taipei, Taiwan (formerly two Michelin stars)

August 2024:
Cristina Bowerman of Glass Hostaria, Rome (one Michelin star)

October 2024:
Angela Hartnett of Murano, London (one Michelin star) with
Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote, Lancashire, UK (one Michelin star) and
Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, London (one Michelin star)

January 2025:
Ana Roš (below) of Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia (three Michelin stars and one Michelin green star)



Most of the dinners will be held at the resort’s spectacular fine dining venue, The Dining Room, overlooking the main pool and the Andaman Sea. It's a dramatic setting.

Selected chefs will also offer cooking demonstrations, some giving guests the chance to join a cooking masterclass.

Arnaud Girodon, CEO of Datai Hotels and Resorts, said: “This year’s ‘Chef-fe’ edition of The Chef Series promises to bring some truly extraordinary culinary experiences to our guests, who have come to know and love our resort for its exceptional dining in the dramatic surroundings of the rainforest.

"Through our guest cheffes, who represent some of the very best gastronomic talents from around the world, we are honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the bounty of exquisite local produce grown on-site and supplied by ethical producers and artisans who share our vision.”

The Datai is situated on the north-west tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. It has 121 rooms, villas, and suites. See www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/the-chef-series

Culinary stars align to lift spirits in Far North Queensland

A very popular food festival in Far North Queensland (FNQ), Taste Port Douglas, will return to the tropics from August 8-11 for its eighth year.

Some of my all-time favourite chefs are among the line-up this time around with organisers predicting this year's festival is set to the biggest and best yet, with dining experiences spanning across both its home of Port Douglas and, for the first time, Cairns.

Following a turbulent start to the year, weathering Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Taste Port Douglas’ co-founders Reina and Spencer Patrick are excited to bring the area back to life, welcoming an all-star line-up of some of the nation’s top culinary talent. 

Chefs involved include the great Mark Best (ex Marque in Sydney, my one-time special occasion favourite); Colin Fassnidge, who I first met when he was cooking fresh off the plane at Le Grande Bouffe in Rozelle in 2004, working in a hole-in-the-wall kitchen, and Massimo Mele (top image), who has created Peppina, the tremendous Italian-accented eatery in Hobart's The Tasman hotel.

Other standouts include local hero Nick Holloway from perennial favourite Nu Nu, and Victorians Ian Curley, Adam D'Sylva and Raymond Capaldi, all of whom will escape the Victorian winter to show off their talents, along with several TV cheffie types including Manu Feildel.

On the menu this year will be a smorgasbord of events, masterclasses and tropical parties, backdropped by the reefs and rainforests of the tropics.



Local eateries will welcome a series of chef-led events, including the long seaside luncheons, ‘A Night of Fire’ at Flames of the Forest (above), and several new events.

There will be a total of 25 events taking place over the four-day weekend.

Following a turbulent start to the year, weathering Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Taste Port Douglas’ co-founders Reina and Spencer Patrick say they are excited to bring the area back under a positive spotlight.



“This year's Taste Port Douglas will be a culinary celebration like no other, with a spectacular line-up of events and masterclasses hosted by some of the best talent in the country," says Spencer Patrick.

"Following the cyclone in December it’s been a tricky start to the year for the local community and businesses, and we’re now excited to see the festival bring FNQ back to life, welcoming both interstate and international guests to feast with us once again.

“We hosted more than 10,000 visitors at Taste Port Douglas last year, many of whom travelled from overseas to feast with us, and this year we anticipate an even bigger crowd with bringing our capital city into the action.”

Tickets ware on sale now at tasteportdouglas.com.au, where you can also see the full festival program.

Discover a whole month of chardonnay celebrations

May is the best month of the year for chardonnay lovers to visit the Adelaide Hills.

Bookings are now open for the month-long Chardonnay May festivities in the Hills - just a short drive from downtown Adelaide.

Throughout May, cellar doors and venues across the region will offer special tastings of the wine variety. There will be over 30 chardonnay tasting experiences to choose from across 22 wineries in the Hills.

Some producers will debut their new vintages, while and others will bring out aged gems from their cellars.

There will be 16 chardonnay tasting experiences on offer over the month, including food and wine pairings.

For those with a hunger to delve deep into the world of chardy. there will be masterclasses with Sidewood Estate, The Lane Vineyard, and Deviation Road.

There will also be three long lunches at Golding, Lobethal Road and Karrawatta.

Night owls may prefer one of the five chardonnay dinners, including the Tasting Australia event "Adelaide Hills Chardonnay Heroes" dinner, which sold out last year and this year is over two nights at Fourth Hill Providore.

Chardonnay will be when paired with its best friend, cheese, at Hesketh with Udder Delights, and at Murdoch Hill with Section 28 cheese. or maybe dance with a glass of Chardonnay in hand at Simon Tolley's French-themed disco.

At Tapanappa, they will team up with Patch Kitchen & Garden to host a four-course Chardonnay and succulent pig feast on May 23.

You'll find all the details here: https://www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/chardonnay-may/?mc_cid=bffaec2ac6&mc_eid=c8d5c5375d

 

Michelin-starred chef brings his skills to Sydney for two meals

Alan Geaam is not your average Michelin-starred chef.

Born in Liberia to a Lebanese family, he grew up in Lebanon and was penniless when he moved to France at the age of 20, sometimes sleeping rough. 

He started in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher, but self-taught Geaam has in recent years helped lift the global profile of Lebanese flavours.

And now he is heading for Sydney for a guest stint at acclaimed AALIA restaurant in Martin Place, alongside executive chef Paul Farag.

For just two nights: October 24-25, the duo aims to present Middle Eastern food in a unique style.

Geaad is the only Lebanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Paris with his eatery in rue Lauriston in the 16th arrondisement - just a couple of blocks from where we used to live.

His culinary style is described as "Lebanese heritage dishes in a sophisticated French style".

A sneak peek at the proposed menu reveals dishes like hummus cornet with trout roe and nuts; lobster with freekeh and arak and sweet brik pastry baklava with cashew ice cream and preserved quince.

"I am so excited to delve into Sydney's fresh and local ingredients to bring a creative, beautiful, and delicious menu to life with chef Paul and his team," says Geaam. "I am beyond excited to give Australian diners the best possible experience."

To complement the menu, Head Sommelier Eleonore Wulf has curated two wine pairings and one non-alcoholic pairing for the evenings, showcasing a selection of Lebanese wines.

The Guide Michelin describes Geaam's food as featuring "original recipes [that] skilfully combine France’s rich heritage with touches from Lebanon in a true mixing of cultures".

He has also set up a number of casual eateries in the city’s 3rd arrondisement - Qasti Bistro, Qasti Shawarma and Grill, and Saj, la Galette Libanaise - as well as a small food store, Le Doukane, and a recent outpost in Marseille.

Tickets are priced from $220 per person. Visit www.aaliarestaurant.com/alan-geaam.

Meet the regional wine festival that lasts a whole month

"Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends".

Most wine festivals are held over one weekend, occasionally over a week, or perhaps a 10-day period including two weekends.

In Orange, in Central West New South Wales, their 2023 Orange Wine Festival started last weekend and runs until October 29.

There are over 50 events across the month, with something for everyone from neophytes to seasoned wine aficionados.

Among the remaining star attarctions are: Vintners Table at Heifer Station Homestead this Saturday (October 7), a celeberation of the changing of the guard with Phillip and Michelle Stivens handing over the reins to new owners Mark and Sally Sydney, with winemaker Simon Gilbert in attendance. There will be a five-course lunch on the homestead verandah prepared by renowned local chef Josie Chapman.

The Orange Wine Show Tasting will be held on October 14, offering the chance to taste all wines entered into the Orange Wine Show, including the trophy and medal winners. Platters of local produce will also be available. There will also be an Orange Wine Show Trophy Masterclass on the same day.

The Vintners Table - An Evening Under the Stars at Swinging Bridge will be held on October 20, hosted by owner/vigneron Tom Ward and sommelier Rhys Baker. Food will be prepared by Chef Dave Wright .

The next day, the Ross Hill Vintners Table will see James and Chrissy Robson host a barrel room five-course meal prepared by chef Josie Chapman matched with Ross Hill Wines from the Museum Collection.

On October 21, the Winemaker's Invitation Dinner with Josef Chromy will feature the Tamar Valley in Orange as Printhie teams up with the Tasmanian winery for a special winemaker's dinner to showcase the flagship wines of two cool-climate regions. Head chef Jack Brown will prepare a four-course degustation experience at Printhie Dining.

On the final weekend, Food & Wine @ Altitude will feature a walk through the altitude of cool-climate wines of the Orange region at Lake Canobolas. Visitors can stop at various wine and food stations along the route culminating at a final lake-side feast on the banks of the water, with live entertainment.

For full event listings and bookings see https://www.orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Wine-Festival 

Enjoy Tasmania's best bubbles over one indulgent weekend

Tasmania continues to grow its reputation for world-class sparkling wines - and the Effervescence Tasmania festival is a chance to try many of them over one indulgent weekend. 

The sparkling wine festival in northern Tasmania returns from November 10-12 and is now in its ninth year. 

The three days of events offer guests an array of opportunities to connect with the people who grow and make these wines, often with views of the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced. 

“Regional events such as Effervescence Tasmania are so important in creating unforgettable experiences for visitors to our state," says Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania. 

"By weaving together some of our world-class sparkling wines and produce against a picturesque backdrop, Effervescence further enhances Tasmania's reputation as a premier food and wine destination, contributing to our state’s reputation as a must-visit for discerning travellers.” 

Jane Thomson OAM, the founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society and Australian Women in Wine, will be this year’s Gala Dinner keynote speaker.

“Tasmanian sparkling wines have long been a quiet favourite of those in the know," she says. "Led by some incredibly talented winemakers and the perfect cool-climate, the region confidently knocks at the door of the world’s best. E

"Effervescence is the perfect opportunity to shine a deserved spotlight and celebrate Tasmania’s sparkling success.” 

A second sparkling dinner, hosted by Wine Truth’s Loic Le Calvez, will be held at Timbre, north of Launceston, on the Friday night.

Highlights of the 2023 program include The Grand Tasting, a public tasting event at Josef Chromy Wines that will showcase over 50 wines from 15 of Tasmania’s best sparkling producers. 

Guests can also enjoy two educational wine masterclasses; Tasmanian Sparkling and International Sparkling, while Bubbles and Beats featuring DJ Damien Goundrie will round out the Saturday program.

The cellar doors of Jansz Tasmania, Clover Hill, Small Wonder and Josef Chromy Wines will host tours and masterclasses throughout the weekend.

Tickets for Effervescence Tasmania are on sale now at effervescencetasmania.com.

Wineries participating include Apogee Tasmania, Barringwood, Bellebonne, Brook Eden, Clover Hill Wines, Delamere Vineyard, Freycinet Vineyard, Henskens Rankin of Tasmania, Holm Oak, House of Arras, Jansz Tasmania, Josef Chromy Wines, Kreglinger Wine Estates, Pirie Tasmania, Small Wonder Wines and Spring Vale Wines. 

Ten days of wine fun and games in Margaret River

Been meaning to visit wine and gourmet hot spot Margaret River?

The Fine Vines Festival, which will run from October 20-29, might be a good opportunity.

The full program for the festival was announced this week, with a range of tastings, dinners and events - 34 in all - on the schedule.

Fine Vines aims to encourage guests to deepen their understanding of - and connection to - Western Australia's leading wine-producing region.

Now in its third year, the festival's 2023 program features several new events plus the return of some favourites.

Debuting at this year’s festival is Liquid Gold, which will take place at the refurbished Edwards cellar door.

To be hosted by wine critic Angus Hughson, Liquid Gold will provide guests with the opportunity to explore and taste the top 40 gold medal-winning wines from the 2023 Margaret River Wine Show.

The program also includes a number of collaborations with Chow’s Table to host House of Cards, Windance, Cullen and McHenry Hohnen for an organic food and wine pairing.

Woodlands Wines will pair with Tiller Dining, Domaine Naturaliste with Meelup Farmhouse, and South by South West Wine with Perth chef Chase Weber.

Returning to the program is Fine Vines’ self-guided wine tour; the Busselton Wine Hop, which features the region’s small-scale wine producers at local venues like Shelter Brewing Co., The Fire Station, Rocky Ridge and a pop-up wine garden at the ArtGeo Complex.

At Margaret River Open Vineyards, guests are invited behind the farm gate for one weekend only to visit vineyards that aren't usually open to the public. Participating winemakers include Theo Truyts and Clare Trythall (Trait Wines), John Frazer (Frazer Woods), Will Berliner (Cloudburst), Rhys and Emma Parker (Vallee Du Venom) and Lara and Jamie McCall (Burnside Organic Farm).

Previous years’ festival favourites Chameleon at Vasse Felix, Wine on the Water with Clairault Streicker, Vintage Matters at Fraser Gallop, and Mozzarella in the Cellar at Juniper Estate will also be returning.

The full festival program and ticket sales are now live and available at www.finevinesfestival.com.au

Image: Lauren Trickett

A popular Adelaide Hills weekend celebrates cool reds

 

The Adelaide Hills Winter Reds wine festival will feature a new Fire + Feast theme in 2023.

To run from July 28-30, the festival will comprise events across the cool-climate region that is just a short drive from downtown Adelaide. 

There will be a total of 48 red wine-focused events happening over the three days, including 

lunches and dinners matched with Adelaide Hills red wines. 

Fireplaces and heaters will be in evidence just in case the temperatures dip too far. 

There will be Tour + Taste events for those who want to experience the Hill’s diversity by visiting a few wineries in one day. 

Think live music and DJs, fire pits, mulled wine, casual food, and wine tastings, of course. 

General admission is $15 and includes entry and a souvenir Riedel wine glass. 

Other premium events incur an extra charge. 

The events themed as Cosy Classes will be hosted by an expert and guests will be taken through curated wine tasting flights, discussing points of interest on each wine. Some classes will compare Adelaide Hills pinot noirs and syrah to their French counterparts. 

In addition, the Adelaide Hills Wine Region has partnered with RAA this year to offer special discounts to its 800,000 members. In particular, RAA members can get 20% discount on the bus loops which depart from Adelaide Franklin Street bus station and Mount Barker.

“Winter Reds is a fabulous example of what the Adelaide Hills wine region does so well," says Alex Trescowthick, president of Adelaide Hills Wine Region. 

"There’s an excellent diversity of red wines on show: pinot noir and shiraz/syrah of course, but also gamay, nebbiolo, mencia and cabernet sauvignon expressing our cool climate with elegance, purity and freshness."

For full details see www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/winter-reds/

Leading chef offers a spiritual Sydney experience

 

Hickson Rd Distillery in Sydney is getting into the spirit of the Vivid Sydney festival with special celebratory distillery dinners on June 8 and 15.

The new Seven Spice Gin will be paired to new dishes created by chef Sean Connolly at Hickson House.

The venue was recently named among Asia Pacific’s Top 10 Best New International Cocktail Bars by Tales of the Cocktail (or so I am reliably informed).

Hickson Rd Seven Spice Gin is spruiked as "a unique culinary gin, created to enhance the meal occasion and provide a credible alternative to beer and wine".

It features seven local ingredients: native lemongrass, mountain pepper leaf, aniseed myrtle, finger lime, wattleseed, bush tomato and lemon myrtle.

Bar maestro Mikey Enright and his bar team have built a range of new cocktails around Seven Spice Gin, collaborating with friend and chef Connolly to create a menu of dishes to match the drinks.

Think dry-aged Muscovy duck paired with Seven Spice carrotini, a savoury-style martini; or scallops with native citrus butter matched to Seven Spice Myrtle Mayhem.

You can find Sean’s recipes with matching drinks here.

“I loved the challenge of creating a botanical-based menu," Connolly said. "Each dish heroes one botanical with the others supporting. Sitting at the bar learning about gins with Mikey and his expert team was a spiritual experience - pun intended.

"As we tasted Seven Spice Gin the culinary magic just happened naturally.”

The Hickson House ‘Distiller’s Table’ dinners cost $195 per person including all food and drinks.

For details see www.hicksonhouse.com.au

Clare Valley Gourmet Week signs up star chefs

Several star chefs have been named to join the festivities at the 2023 Clare Valley Gourmet Week to be held in May.

Callum Hann, Duncan Welgemoed and Jake Kellie are among the names pairing up with Clare Valley wineries and venues to create food experiences.

The Clare is one of Australia's most beautiful wine regions and wine lovers and foodies are being encouraged to register their interest early to make sure of a spot.

Kellie will cook over fire with Jim Barry Wines in their Armagh vineyard.

“This will be my third year cooking at The Armagh Hut and I can’t wait," Arkhe chef Kellie said ."It’s one of my favourite events of the year.” 

The 10-day festival is broken into three sectors: Festival Weekend (May 19-21), Breathe It In (May 22-26) and Land of the Long Lunch (May 27-28).

Early highlights - the itinerary is still being finalised - include the Gourmet Long Lunch @ Taylors by Sprout May 20-21, where Hann will cook a "long lunch" paired with Taylors wines. Tickets also include a cooking demonstration, access to winemakers and a gift bag for every guest.

The Classic Clare Valley Gourmet Feast in the Fields of Firebrands is a new event on May 20 with Africola pan handlers Welgemoed cooking in collaboration with Seed Clare Valley 

Guests can enjoy wines by Matriarch & Rogue and Wines by KT with live music.

Another highlight is the Watervale Hotel Cellars without Doors Dinner on May 19, which features producers who do not have cellar doors. Their wines will be matched with a six-course degustation dinner by South Australian chef of the year Nicola Palmer.

The week will also feature immersive experiences like Wine under the Stars at Eldredge Vineyards on May 23.

Shuttle buses operating on constant loops, linking the valley over the weekends.

An absolute higlight will be the Wendouree Degustation dinner at the Watervale Hotel, open tio just 20 guests.

The full event line up will be released mid-March at www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au

Newcastle Food Month set to expand its footprint

Newcastle Food Month will return in April 2023 with plans unveiled to expand the event even further.

The third edition of the festival has been confirmed by organisers Newcastle Events and will again feature posh pop-up picnic Le Diner En Blanc.

“It has been our long-time dream to make Newcastle Food Month the leading regional food event in the country, and it’s with much excitement that we announce this, our third Food Month, putting us well on our way to realising that dream.” says organiser Louise Maher.

The program will include events for food lovers paired with wine, beer or gin, and music.

Venue options will range from hatted restaurants to cafes and pubs and French, Italian, Thai and seafood degustations.


The Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley, The Flotilla, Harrisons and The Signal Box will all host events during the festival.

Plate Date returns, with over 40 dining establishments offering a brunch, lunch or dinner, including a beverage for only $25.

Maher says: “It’s exciting to see so many early entries into the program, and we are well ahead of where we have been in previous years in planning. There is already something for everyone who likes eating out, and on any budget.

“Over the past two years we have enticed thousands of Novocastrians to dine out in our fabulous restaurants, and this will continue.

"We are committed to expanding our marketing and promotion into the Central Coast and Sydney to draw an increasing number of overnight visitors. In years to come we will turn our attention to the likes of Melbourne and Brisbane, to take advantage of our connections through Newcastle Airport.”

The program launch will take place on February 15. 2023 at which time the full month-long program will be available at www.newcastlefoodmonth.com.au