Flyer fined for bomb threat idiocy

Idiot of the Week award goes to airline passenger Liu Jinqi.

The Chinese traveller has fined - but unfortunately not banned for life - for communicating a fake bomb threat to budget airline AirAsia.

Liu, 28, wanted to change her seat, but after several attempts to contact the airline failed, she opted to take drastic action, travel news hub Travel Mole reported.

After attempts to talk to the airline through its website and via email failed to get a response, she took to the airline’s chatbot system.

She wrote: “Human service emergency, bomb dangerous.”

The airline promptly contacted police.

The travel twit was in Malaysia and booked an AirAsia flight from Tawau in Sabah to Kuala Lumpur, ahead of another flight from KL back to Beijing, China.

Liu and her travel companion were tracked down and arrested and Liu pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal intimidation in a Malaysian court.

She was fined RM5,000 (around $1800).

“I only wanted to change my seat," said entitled Liu.

"I had tried contacting AirAsia, but there was no response. That is why I used the word ‘bomb’ so that my message would get immediate attention.”

Wine range celebrates a 1969 "masterstroke"

You have to be impressed by the consistency shown by Adam Eggins and the winemaking team at Clare Valley-based Taylors Wines.

From budget releases to high-end flagships like The Visionary, The Legacy and The Pioneer, Taylors releases deliver bang for your buck.

You’ll probably be familiar with several of the ranges produced by the Taylor family - who are among Australia’s top 20 producers in terms of volume and now source fruit from across South Australia.

The ranges start with budget Promised Land wines and include Taylors Estate, Taylor Made, TWP and Jaraman, heading upwards to the St Andrews range - named after the Taylors’ 1892-established property in the Clare Valley.

In many markets the wines are labelled as Wakefield Estate, given the pesky international presence of a venerable port producer laying claim to the name Taylors.

The 2025 Family Flagship Release features wines from the Masterstroke range - showcase a less publicised trio of reds.

“The Family Flagship Release is always a proud moment for us here in the Taylors winemaking team, and this year is no exception," says Eggins.

"We are showcasing some of the most special vintages we’ve experienced here in the Clare Valley – think 2022 as an absolute standout."

The Masterstoke wines are the 2020 Masterstroke Shiraz, McLaren Vale, the 2021 Masterstroke Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, and the 2022 Masterstroke Cabernet Shiraz, Clare Valley (all $60 rrp) .

I thought the Coonawarra cabernet was an absolute ripper - composed and delicious- with the others not far behind.

The name Masterstroke celebrates the decision patriarch Bill Taylor Snr. made when he established the family winery in the Clare Valley in 1969. He recognised the potential for the region to produce outstanding table wines.

"This range offers the ultimate expressions of varietal character and champions the regional terroir of three diverse South Australian wine regions where each varietal shines," the Taylor family says.

Award-winning landscape photographer Benjamin Goode has captured each of the three wine regions and his images are featured on each of the wine bottles in the range.

For more info see www.taylorswines.com.au

Busy start for Cambodia's new airport

Cambodia's new international airport had a much livelier start than had been expected.

Techo International Airport, the Asian nation's largest aviation infrastructure project, opened last month.

With a design inspired by the nation's cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport began operations as a modern hub for business and tourism and the first flight, operated by Air Cambodia, was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

Within its first month of operations, the airport has seen the opening of two new routes and, unexpectedly, also supported Cathay Pacific by temporarily hosting some of its fleet during Typhoon Ragasa, which ravaged Hong Kong and other regional cities.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), the Techo International Airport has capacity for 15 million passengers annually in its first phase and will strengthen tourism, expand trade flows, and enhance Cambodia's international connectivity.

The project was Cambodian built in collaboration with a consortium of local and international contractors and is located 35 kilometres south of the capital Phnom Penh..

The terminal, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, reflects Angkorian traditions through sweeping roof canopies supported by structural "trees" inspired by the rumduol - Cambodia's national flower.

It served by almost 30 airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

"Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment," said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of infrastructure partner OCIC and CAIC.

"It creates new opportunities for Cambodia - for visitors, businesses, and investors - and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country."

Techo International Airport also features retail and dining offerings. Among the shops and restaurants are Malis, Paul, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, Bodia, and Artisans d'Angkor.

An official inauguration ceremony is set to be held on October 20. For those wondering, The name Techo is a title given to army commanders by the King of Cambodia.  

Monk goes all bubbly with [yellow tail]

TV celebrity Sophie Monk and prosecco would seem to be a match made in heaven.

Both have reputations for being bright, bubbly and just a little frivolous.

No surprise, then, that [yellow tail] has teamed up with Monk to launch a new prosecco range, featuring a Prosecco Classic and Prosecco Rosé.

Following the success of the [yellow tail] Easy to Love x Sophie Monk campaign in 2023, this marks the third year of the vinous partnership and showcases a wine style that Mon "genuinely loves".

Both wines are made using grapes sourced from the Alpine valleys in high country Victoria and aim to cash in on the fastest-growing wine category in Australia.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Sophie Monk to launch a Prosecco that’s as vibrant and fun as she is,” said brand manager Madeleine Legoe.

"We wanted to create a prosecco that reflects the energy of Australia: and Sophie was the perfect person to help us tell that story.”

The singer, actress and model is fully on board.

“I’ve always loved a glass of prosecco: it’s fun, fresh, and perfect for any occasion," she says. "For me, wine has always been about sharing laughs with friends or celebrating special moments with family.

"It doesn’t need to be stuffy or complicated- just really enjoyable. That’s why this collaboration with [yellow tail] felt like such a natural fit.”

Yellow Tail Prosecco and Yellow Tail Prosecco Rosé have been made to identical technical specifications, with an 11.5% abv and 15g/L of residual sugar.

Both are non vintage and are available nationwide now at an RRP of $19 per bottle.

I am clearly not the demographic, but have asked to see the wines. I will report back. 

New rookie owner for acclaimed Patina Wines

 

A wine industry newcomer has purchased leading Orange boutique winery Patina. 

Gerald Naef has sold the business he founded with his wife Angie 26 years ago to finance executive Rod Shields (above). 

Naef developed Patina into one of the Orange wine region’s leading chardonnay producers. 

“I still love making wine, but reality has caught up with me," he said. "I need to pursue some of my other ambitions before too many more birthdays pass.”

Shields has commenced a transition process.

A finance executive with qualifications in economics, accounting and business management, he has been completing his wine studies through Charles Sturt University over the past several years and worked vintage 2024 in Mudgee.

“It was time for me to take the next step and enter the wine industry," he said. "The Orange region is a highly attractive entry point, with a vibrant food and wine culture, growing base of winemaking expertise and an exceptional climate for producing premium quality cool-climate wines.” 

Naef will work with Shields over the next two years. 

“Having Gerald continue to manage the vineyard and guide the winemaking style is a crucial part of the brand’s ongoing success," Sheilds said. "His understanding of the site and attention to detail are second to none.”

The team that Naef has built up over recent years will continue to operate the business, including accomplished winemaker Nadja Wallington who maintains consultant winemaking responsibilities. 

“Having Gerald as a mentor is a real privilege,” Shields added. “I look forward to building on Gerald’s legacy, working with the Orange wine community, and preserving the integrity and heritage of the brand.”

The Patina wines continue to be available online at patinawines.com.au and via select independent bottle shops and restaurants.

New villas for wine lovers visiting the Yarra Valley

Good news for wine lovers frustrated by a lack of weekend accommodation in the Yarra Valley.

In addition to the soon-to-open Levantine Hill Hotel, the RACV this week unveiled plans for a $27 million expansion of its Healesville Country Club & Resort.

Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, just over an hour from Melbourne, RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort's expansion will be a major boost to regional tourism in Victoria.

The development project will feature 12 new premium villas providing luxe two-bedroom accommodation for families and small groups, along with a new golf pro shop and new sports and recreation facilities.

The addition of the new villas and facilities will create over 250 jobs during construction and 26 ongoing positions once operational, injecting an estimated $3.8 million annually into the local economy.

"RACV is committed to investing in regional Victoria and this project is a great opportunity to expand the accommodation options that are available in the Yarra Valley," said Craig Peachey, RACV executive general manager leisure.

"These new luxury villas and facilities will help to meet the growing demand for family and group style accommodation, while enhancing the Yarra Valley’s reputation as a premium tourism and golfing destination.

“During weekends and peak periods, the resort is fully booked in advance, so potential visitors to the region may look elsewhere for their getaway. This expansion will enable the facility to welcome up to 16,700 additional guests annually."

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort offers a choice of Lawn View rooms, Golf View rooms, and Premium Mountain View room, all featuring en suite bathrooms, minibars, and robes.

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort is also home to a day spa, pool and fitness centre, along with the 18-hole golf course, and Banyalla and Riddell's Green restaurants.

Construction is scheduled to commence in mid 2026 with the new villas expected to welcome their first guests by mid 2027.

For more info see racv.com.au/travel-experiences/.