And then there were two: Arras enters Langtons classification

Leading Tasmanian sparkling wine producer House of Arras has earned a spot on the latest edition of the Langtons Classification - Australia's most respected market guide for fine wines.

The House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged Methode Traditionelle was this week recognised alongside 99 other wines in the newly released eighth edition of the Classificaton.

The only sparkling wine in the previous classification was niche favourite Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz, which retained its spot. The Arras wine is the only traditional sparkling wine to make the list.

In fact, the E.J. Carr Late Disgorged is the first Tasmanian sparkling wine to appear in the Langtons Classification since it launched in 1991.

“Every winemaker knows a spot on the Langtons Classification is no small feat," said House of Arras chief wnemaker Ed Carr.

"We are incredibly proud that the E.J. Carr is recognised amongst such a distinguished list of producers and wines.

“The E.J. Carr represents the very best of what we do, and this new accolade emboldens us on our mission to prove that the finest sparkling wine in the world can be made right here in Tasmania.”

The LangtonsClassification is the most respected secondary market guide to fine and luxury Australian wines. The Classification comprises the most sought-after Australian fine wines based on their strong track record at auction.

The new edition has evolved to only two classification titles - ‘Classified’ and ‘1st Classified’ - with House of Arras joining 18 other new wines that have joined the ranks.

The new recognition caps off another successful year for House of Arras following the acquisition of the sparkling brand by independent Australian winery Handpicked Wines.

The House of Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged 2007 release is now available from select fine wine retailers, the House of Arras Cellar Door in Tasmania and online from www.houseofarras.com.au for an RRP of $266.

For more information about the eighth edition of the Langtons Classification, visit www.langtons.com.au.

Aperol to serve up some tennis refreshment

You know summer has arrived in Australia when the tennis season opens.

And you know summer is here when all the bright young things start ordering Aperol spritzes.

The two will come together throughout the tennis season with Aperol announcing it has signed as an official partner of Tennis Australia for 2024 and the next four years.

Starting with the United Cup in late December (it sounds important but it is a glorified exhibition), through to the Brisbane International, Adelaide International, Hobart International, and finally, the Australian Open in January, Aperol has signed on the dotted line.

“We are back!' says Simon Durrant, Managing Director Australia at Campari Group. "Campari is thrilled to announce that Aperol will be bringing a slice of Italian culture to the Australian Open in 2024.

“The Australian Open is the biggest event in the Australian summer calendar, and with Aperol Spritz being the drink of the summer, this is the perfect partnership. Boasting one of the biggest sporting crowds in the nation, we’re excited to spread the Aperol joy across a terrific summer of tennis.”

Aperol will be "activating" at a number of bars on the ground at the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific. That means flogging some booze.

“We are excited to welcome the tennis fans at the Australian Open to our bespoke bar, Terrazza Aperol, to experience summer in true Italian style. In what promises to be a lot of fun for tennis fans, Aperol Spritz will also be available throughout the many bars across Melbourne Park,” said Durrant.

Here's a link: https://www.aperol.com/en-au/serve-up-summer/.

Australian airlines must do better, CHOICE demands

Australians are sick and tired of shoddy service from airlines, consumer group CHOICE has revealed.

A new survey of almost 9000 supporters has found 40% of respondents had a flight cancelled or delayed in the past 12 months.

My experience indicates a much higher level of delays - and a lack of concern from the carriers.

“As we head into the Christmas season, a huge number of people will be relying on flights to visit family and friends," says CHOICE Senior Campaigns and Policy Advisor Bea Sherwood.

"Unfortunately, our survey of almost 9000 people from across the country has found consumers still face a number of difficulties when dealing with the aviation industry.

“Our survey found two in five respondents had their flight cancelled or delayed in the past year - and this does not bode well for the upcoming busy Christmas and New Year period when airports will be flooded with travellers flying to visit loved ones.

The survey also found: 63% of respondents who had a flight cancelled said there was no reason provided for the cancellation, and 65% said they found the cancellation process somewhat or very hard.

Of those who pursued a refund for a flight cancellation, 47% received it within a month. Others faced significantly longer wait times, with 20% having to wait over six months for a refund.

Meanwhile, 85% of respondents who had a flight delayed were not offered accommodation or meal vouchers.

“The fact that people continue to experience such significant difficulties with air travel is simply not good enough," says Sherwood. "Our survey found people are feeling frustrated as flights continue to be delayed and cancelled, often without reason or sufficient warning.

“To make matters worse, many customers do not receive satisfactory refunds or compensation when their flight is delayed or cancelled. For those who do actually end up receiving a refund, they often have to fight tooth and nail with the airline for months.”

CHOICE has been advocating for reform to the aviation sector for many years, and together with the Consumers’ Federation of Australia have recently made a submission to the Federal Government’s Aviation Green Paper, calling for new airline specific consumer protections.

These protections include the establishment of a new independent travel and tourism industry ombudsman scheme, minimum compensation arrangements for delayed or cancelled flights, clearer rights for refunds, and minimum requirements for travel credits.

“CHOICE looks forward to the Federal Government’s final Aviation White Paper," says Sherwood.

"We hope it will set out a clear plan to strengthen consumer protection in the aviation industry. Sensible reforms such as an independent ombuds scheme will ensure people no longer have to deal with the emotional, financial and logistical hardships so many travellers have experienced over the past few years.”

Image: Antony Trivet, Scopio. 

Bali still beckons for Australian tourists

Indonesia, and Bali in particular, remains the favourite vacation destination for Australians, followed by the USA and New Zealand, the latest Bupa Travel Insurance data reveals.

Long-haul flights to the UK, along with closer destinations Thailand and Fiji, are also popular.

The travel insurance data, based on Bupa customers' travel cover, also reveals lost luggage and lost or stolen personal items are among most frequently claimed items, followed by medical and hospital expenses and claims associated with interrupted travels plans including travel delays, alternative transport, cancellation fees and lost deposits.

Affordability and the party islands in Indonesia, like Bali, make it a top holiday hotspot for those aged under 20 while those aged between 40 and 50 are opting to relax in Fiji and Thailand.

But the data also shows Aussies continue to enjoy exploring their own backyard with Australia coming in fifth of countries visited.

The 21-25 age group are the most frequent flyers to the US for its bright lights and Hollywood appeal, while Japan and the Philippines are most popular for those aged 56-65. I'm amazed more Australians are visiting the Philippines than France. 

Bupa General Insurance general manager Shannon Orbons said the data showed Aussies of all ages were keen to explore the world and travel, especially after not being able to do so during the pandemic.

“When you’re on holidays sunning yourself on a beach, walking through New York City or skiing your way through New Zealand, your travel insurance can be just as important as your passport as it can cover you for those unexpected moments,” he said.

“While we often think ‘that won’t happen to me’, holidays don’t always go according to plan with cancelled or delayed flights, lost baggage, or even a car or motorbike accident that may put you in an international hospital.”

Orbons said medical cover was one of the main reasons people took out travel insurance as the Federal Government does not cover overseas medical bills.

“When you’re on holiday, you want peace of mind you’re covered when something goes wrong, and not left with a hospital bill of up to tens of thousands of dollars,” he said.

The travel data also shows that currently, holidays between six to 10 days were most common followed by two-week vacations, and most people took out travel insurance two weeks before flying out or even just the day before.

The top 10 holiday spots are: Indonesia, US, New Zealand, UK, Australia, Thailand, Fiji, Singapore, Japan, Philippines.

The most frequently claimed items: luggage and personal items, medical/hospital expenses, cancellation fees/lost deposits, travel delays, alternative transport expenses.

Value will be a key driver for hotel guests in 2024

Hotel guests will see getting value for money as one of their primary travel drivers for 2024, an industry insider predicts.

Extending work stays with play, and re-creating the comforts of home in-room, will also be major trends as rising living costs may take high-end or extended travel off the agenda for many, says Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels.

Hooley, whose responsibilities include Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites says that as a nation of committed travellers, the brand is noticing many Australians would rather adapt their travel plans than give them up altogether.

Savvy operators will tap into this mindset and adapt to guests’ changing travel preferences, not just by offering deals, but by incorporating added value through partnerships with aligned brands, offering accommodation options for larger groups who can share costs, or encouraging leisure stays to be added onto work trips to save on flight costs, says Hooley.

“Simple things such as a weekend staycation in your own city, a road trip to a regional destination, or a coastal escape with family and friends are the key ingredients to a happy getaway, which is all about taking a break from the rigamarole of everyday life - and feeling like you’re getting great value for money," he says.

"That is something Oaks delivers with our spacious accommodation, value-add partnerships with familiar brands such as Foxtel, Menulog and The Coffee Club, and in-room kitchens, laundry facilities, and living spaces.”

While locals are still keen to get away despite the rising cost of living, value for money is influencing the way we travel, with guests carefully weighing up location, seasonal deals, loyalty program benefits and additional value-add items, such as in-room kitchens to save on the cost of eating out, in-room streaming rather than pay-per-view movies, and quality in-room coffee to avoid the pricey morning café run.

With hybrid working increasingly entrenched, travellers are adding extra days to work trips to save on purchasing airfares or are choosing to work from a holiday destination then explore after hours or on the weekend.

Again, while the bleisure concept isn’t a new one, it’s gaining traction with the skyrocketing work-from-home culture.

Pretty in pink. Meet Australia's first dedicated rosé wine brand

 

Rosé wines are rarely the focus when a new wine brand is launched. 

But instead of being an afterthought, rosés are front and centre of the new Paddington Lane range of wines, which features three different styles of rosé. 

Paddington Lane is the latest brainwave of the team at Fourth Wave Wines, which is behind several popular labels, including Little Giant and Elephant in the Room. 

The new rosés stand out from the crowd with eye-catching bottles that I have no doubt will do post-drink duty as candleholders. 

The three new releases are all from the 2023 vintage so share a freshness while offering different flavour profiles.

No.1 is described as "Dry Rosé - crisp and refreshing" and is a blend of grenache and cinsault grapes from the Fleurieu Peninsula. 

No.2 is "Savoury Rosé - savoury and textured" and is a combo of Riverland sangiovese and nebbiolo. 

No.3 is "Soft Rosé - soft and slightly sweet" and is a blend of merlot and cabernet Franc from the Limestone Coast. 

In simple terms, No.1 is pale and very dry, perky and full of verve. Think Provence. No.2 is lively and little more complex, and No.3's slight sweetness makes it perfect for beginners but it also has some nice palate grip and brisk acidity. 

Paddington Lane is being touted as Australia's first specialist rosé brand. And with the wines retailing for around $20-25 a bottle, they certainly offer good value.

Get some friends around, taste them blind and see if you can guess which is which.