Discover new small group wine experiences in France

Calling vinophiles keen on an immersive experience in French wine regions. 

Tauck has opened bookings for its 2027 European land itineraries, including a new eight-day journey through France's Champagne and Alsace regions, and a new exploration of Bordeaux and south-western France.

A Week In… Champagne & Alsace is a new eight-day itinerary averaging 24 guests beginning in the village of Kaysersberg, Alsace, with a three-night stay at Le Chambard Hotel & Spa. Guests explore the nearby wine villages of Ribeauvillé and Colmar, visit a Munster cheese dairy in the countryside and enjoy a private dinner at a chef's home overlooking the Obernai Valley.

The journey continues to the Champagne capital of Reims for three nights at La Caserne Chanzy, a restored 18th-century military barracks. Highlights include a tour and tasting at a renowned Champagne house, an afternoon exploring the vineyards of Épernay by vintage car with a picnic lunch among the vines and an exclusive dinner at Moët & Chandon (above). 

The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Château de Chantilly and a farewell dinner at Château Mont Royal. Departures will run in April, May, June, September and October (from $12,190 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

Tauck has also reimagined its popular Bordeaux, the Dordogne & Biarritz tour. Refined from 14 days to a more focused 10-day journey, the itinerary is centred on south-western France's most interesting regions. 

Beginning with three nights at the very central InterContinental Bordeaux, highlights include a visit to the Cité du Vin wine museum and a château dinner in the Médoc. 

Guests then spend three nights at Hôtel les Glycines in the Dordogne, with a stop in the medieval wine village of St-Émilion, a private visit to Lascaux with dinner, and an exploration of Sarlat's excellent open-air market. 

The journey concludes with three nights at the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz (above), with excursions to Basque country and the historic fishing village of St-Jean-de-Luz and additional free time to explore the coast. From $14,390 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

See www.tauck.com.au.

A 10-day pilgrimage enjoying some of France's best food and drink

Every region of France has its own food and drink specialities, and they can be enjoyed guilt free when you walk off each day's excesses. 

 

Just launched is a new pilgrimage through some of France's greatest gourmet regions: from the great red wines of Cahors, to the Armagnac estates of Gascony, each valley, village and vineyard has its own gourmet story. 

UTracks’ French Food Lover’s Le Puy Camino offers walkers the opportunity to experience the full Le Puy route from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, savouring local flavours and traditions that make each region unique.

Over 10 days, travellers walk some of the most beautiful sections of the French Way of St James (Camino de Santiago), aided by a dedicated group vehicle that makes it possible to traverse this Camino route in one scrumptious journey.

Beginning in Le Puy-en-Velay, the pilgrimage route winds south-west through French countyside, finishing in the Basque foothills near the Spanish border. 

Along the way, walkers can enjoy the scent of wild thyme in the hills above Saugues and a creamy aligot (watch the kilos pile on) served in a stone buron on the Aubrac Plateau.

In Cahors, travellers enjoy a château tasting of the local malbec, and a Michelin-starred dinner, while in Gascony, it is all about Armagnac, hosted by a family who have tended their vineyards and stills for generations.



The tour is supported by both a walking guide and a vehicle, meaning travellers spend each evening in a comfortable hotel. Walks average 10–15 kilometres per day, balancing active exploration with time to meet winemakers, visit local markets and enjoy the slow pace of village life.

“There is so much magic in this trip,” says UTracks guide Jaclyn Beagley, who leads the French Food Lover’s departures each May and September. 

“You really get a feel for how the landscape changes day by day, for the countryside, the architecture, and what’s on the local regional menus. It is such a beautiful way to travel.”

French Food Lover’s Le Puy Camino is a guided walk with culinary experiences and comfortable accommodation. 

For more info see https://www.utracks.com/France/Guided-Walking/French-Food-Lovers-Le-Puy-Camino

Growing interest in culinary adventures in Vietnam

Australians have a growing appetite for food experiences across Vietnam - from street eats to Michelin-starred eateries. 

BestPrice Travel is one of the companies leading the way with food tours designed for Australian travellers who are increasingly seeking immersive culinary experiences. 

Vietnam has emerged as a leading destination for food-focused adventures, the company says.

That coincides with Australian tourism to Vietnam continuing to surge, with a 35.4% increase in arrivals recorded in the 2024-2025 financial year alone. 

More than ever, Australian travellers are seeking authentic, hands-on culinary experiences that connect them to local cultures -through food, farming, and regional flavours.

In recent years, Vietnam has experienced a culinary renaissance. 

With nine restaurants awarded a Michelin star across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang , the Asian country is increasingly gaining global recognition. 

This gastronomic boom has gone hand-in-hand with the rise in food tourism as travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences ranging from street food tours and regional tastings to hands-on cooking classes and market visits.

BestPrice Travel aims to set itself apart by offering culinary journeys that connect Australians directly with Vietnamese chefs, farmers, and coffee artisans. 

“It is no longer just pho and banh mi that travellers are indulging in - Vietnam’s evolving Michelin scene is highlighting new levels of culinary sophistication, all rooted in homegrown produce," says Khuc Tan Dung, founder and CEO of BestPrice Travel.

"Australians, much like Anthony Bourdain, who championed putting Vietnam on the global culinary map, can’t get enough of it and neither can Luke Nguyen, who understands the Australian appetite with over seven TV shows to date focused on Vietnamese cuisine. 

"And it It is not just the food scene; Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture is also drawing attention. The country is home to over 640,000 coffee farms. 

Fuelling this culinary evolution is a new generation of young, creative Vietnamese chefs. 

BestPrice Travel says its "curated culinary journeys" go beyond sightseeing. Strong local networks allow them to design immersive food tours, incorporating sustainable tourism practices that support local chefs, producers, and communities.

The tours allow the chance to visit and dine in a 140-year-old preserved French colonial villa housing Spices Villa in Hanoi’s old quarter. 

“Australians are among the world’s most passionate travellers, especially when it comes to food,” says  Khuc Tan Dung. 

“We don’t’ just organise tours, we’re food story curators, taking guests through Vietnam’s culinary culture journey, from Hanoi street food tables to fine dining in Danang, ending with a simple family meal in the Mekong Delta, where guests have picked the produce themselves and cooked with the host.”

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Tours can be tailored to the needs of individual travellers.

See www.bestpricetravel.com

Vinarchy in SA: global wine giant has big plans for South African brands

The giant new Vinarchy wine business includes two South African brands known for producing affordable bottles.

Straight after taking over Pernod Ricard’s still wine portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Vinarchy confirmed the new brand has big plans for Flagstone and Kumala brands, which were previously part of Accolade.

Accolade was bought out of effective bankruptcy two years ago by a consortium of international backers led by global investment house Bain & Co.

Kumala’s wines are produced in several key areas within the Western Cape, including Olifants River, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

Flagstone, based at Somerset West, occupies the site of a former De Beers dynamite factory an sources fruit from vineyards that stretch from cool Walker Bay region to the warmer Darling district.

The South African labels - which offer the benefit of lower production costs - are part of a stable of brands including Jacob’s Creek, Hardys, St Hugo, Petaluma, St Hallett and Orlando from Australia; Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Mud House from New Zealand; and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Spain.

“South African wine is an important category for our retail customers, particularly in Europe and the UK,” said Ben Clarke, Vinarchy’s executive chair.

“Flagstone and Kumala cater to that market. Our brands will continue to have their own identities under Vinarchy, with the benefit of being part of a global network.

“Through our global distribution network, we are incredibly proud to share our wines in almost every corner of the world,” Clarke told drinksbusiness.

“Our portfolio has something to offer everyone and every hip pocket, from premium fine wine to some of the world’s most popular global brands.”

So expect to see more of the South African brands on the global stage - particular in supermarkets and at lower price points.

“Labour accounts for 60% of any vineyard’s operating costs, and in the South African context, we have sufficient labour,” says Dr Erna Blancquaert, a lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

New market to lift Sydney beachside suburb

The Sydney beach suburb of Maroubra is to get a new monthly food and goods market featuring more than 100 stalls.

The new markets will be held at Broadarrow Reserve from May 5 and will include a selection of fresh produce, artisan food products, fashion, homewares, crafts, plants, flowers, and art.

There will also be onsite dining areas and a variety of vendors selling foods for immediate consumption.

There will also be a section of the market edicated to vintage and recycled goods.

The markets will be a collab between Randwick City Council and market curators Cambridge
Markets.

Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch says the new markets will bring together the community and help
boost the local economy.

“Not only will the Maroubra Beach markets activate a wonderful outdoor public space, but they will provide residents with another great event to look forward to each month and give Sydneysiders from outside the area another reason to visit our beautiful beachside suburb,” Veitch said.

“In addition to the markets, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops at Maroubra Beach for everyone to explore and enjoy.

”“Residents wanted markets that offered a variety of things, from fresh produce to artisan and
general goods.”

Cambridge Markets director Madelienne Andersen said: “We’re so delighted to bring a monthly
market to this beachside location. Markets are such a great way to strengthen community spirit,
bolster local economies and support small business, as well as showcase emerging artisans.

"This monthly event is for everyone to enjoy. Come down for breakfast, lunch or a coffee and browse the incredible array of merchandise on offer. All our stallholders are very passionate and happy to chat with customers about their products."

The markets will run on the first Sunday of each month from 8am–2pm.