Check out a new series of Sydney wine and food experiences

Looking for some fun wine and food experiences in Sydney?

In the suburb of Willoughby, The Bridgeview Hotel is next month launching Bridgey & Barrel, a new monthly dining series celebrating wines, the story behind each bottle, and food.

To be held every second Thursday in the hotel's classic Dining Room, each event will be hosted by a different winemaker, winery ambassador or industry expert for $89 per person.

The series kicks off on Thursday, September 10, with wine family legends Tyrrell's Wines from Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley.

Guests will enjoy a guided tasting, complemented by a three-course menu from chef Rob Phillips.

The experience continues on October with Clarity Cru Wine Merchants showcasing Mudgee producer First Ridge, known for outstanding Italian varietals, before Audrey Wilkinson takes over on November 12, highlighting the its Hunter Valley drops.

Closing out the year, Clonakilla, one of Australia's leading cool-climate labels, will take the floor on December 10. The Bridgeview Hotel, 580 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby, NSW 2068

Bookings for September are now open HERE

Are you ready for semersion therapy?

They do things a little bit differently at Thomas Wines in the Hunter Valley.

Father and son team Andrew and Dan Thomas make a wide range of wines but focus on only two varieties: Hunter favourites shiraz and semillon.

The Thomas team will be hitting the eastern seaboard soon to show off their fresh 2024 vintage semillons - and reports suggest the year has been a cracker.  

“At Thomas Wines, every winter we spend our days counting down to spring, which in Thomas wines speak means semillon season,” says Andrew Thomas.

“Each year on the first day of spring Thomas Wines release our highly anticipated line up of new vintage semillons, and being a shiraz and semillon only specialist means this is big news.

“This year we’re celebrating our annual release with a series of semillon-inspired lunches at top-notch waterside venues around the east coast, culminating in a wine lover’s festival-style event at Thomas Wines Cellar Door.

“From beachside foodie haunts in Newcastle to super new Brisbane River vantages, to two almost sold-out Sydney fine-diners there’s a Semersion coming to a place near you.”

Here are the dates:

Semersion Peregrin Newcastle

Friday August 23

Semersion Supernormal Brisbane

Sunday August 25

Semersion Thomas Wines Hunter Valley

Saturday August 31 12-4pm

Semersion Saint Peter Sydney

Saturday September 7  (SOLD OUT)

Sunday September 8

 

A serious wine and food experience in Queenstown, New Zealand

The Rees is one of New Zealand's finest luxury hotels, known for its focus on fine food and wine. It is a destination I can highly recommend.

The hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown and hosts regular wine and fine events hosted The Rees' director of wines Mark Rose, who is also the general manager.

The first dinner this season features winemaker Kate Radburnd from Radburnd Cellars in Hawke's Bay, who has over 35 vintages in her kitbag. She was formerly chief winemaker with Vidal and Pask, and started Radburnd Cellars in 2017.  

The Rees executive chef Corey Hume will craft a five-course menu to accompany the Radburnd Cellars wines with tickets $165 per person. 

For those who want to stay the night, the Rees' Radburnd Cellars Residential Package costs $302.50 per person including one night’s stay in a lake view hotel room with a complimentary upgrade; two tickets to dinner;  breakfast for two the next morning and a noon checkout.

Email events@therees.co.nz to book.

Future events on The Rees' schedule include:
Friday, June 24 - Esk Valley with Gordon Russell
Friday, September 23 - Ata Rangi
Friday, October 21 - Dhall and Nash
Friday, December 2 - Taittinger Champagne 

For details and hotel bookings see https://www.therees.co.nz/