Brown Brothers unveils $20 cool-climate pinot noir

 

A $20 pinot noir from a big-name Australian wine producer? Pretty rare. 

Brown Brothers has just expanded its refreshed Classic range with the launch of Brown Brothers Classic Pinot Noir, marking the first time in decades that the 137-year-old family winery has introduced a pinot noir at a major commercial scale. 

With an RRP of $20 RRP, the new release targets one of Australia’s fastest-growing red wine segments, reinforcing a broader brand refresh now rolling out nationally, the wine producer says.

Consumer demand for lighter-bodied, fresher and more versatile red wines continues to drive the growth of pinot noir across the Australian wine category, as drinkers increasingly seek reds that feel approachable, modern and suited to a broader range of occasions, Brown Brothers reports.

This shift is helping to:

• Divert drinkers from heavier red styles

• Increase purchase frequency through more flexible drinking occasions

• Reduce shopper risk through familiar varietals and trusted brands

• Drive incremental growth within the red wine category

The 2025 Brown Brothers Classic Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in cool-climate regions of Victoria, including the King Valley. 

I've asked for a sample, so will report back on value. 

Brown Brothers Classic Pinot Noir and the refreshed Classic range are available nationally at participating retailers and online at brownbrothers.com.au.

Overcrowded Barcelona to double taxes on tourists

Barcelona is crowded and tired of tourists.

Fortunately, there are many great alternative destinations in Spain that still welcome visitors.

Barcelona this week announced it is doubling the existing tourist tax for overnight stays.

City leaders just announced hikes for stays in hotels and short-term rentals effective from next month, new hub Travel Mole reported.

Guests in hotels are impacted the most, with hotel taxes going up to around €12 depending on the star rating.

It includes an increased €5 surcharge, which is a fixed fee.

Vacation rental guests will now pay €4.50 a night up from €2.25, as well as the €5 surcharge.

Cruise guests are spared the increases and will continue paying €6 per night.

The moves are to generate funds which will be used, in part, to alleviate the local housing crisis.

The surge in short-term rentals across the city has severely impacted local housing affordability, which has been the reason for several anti-tourism protests in recent years.

The city has already announced plans in principle to ban short-term rental properties from 2028.

Image: Time Beast, scopio.com 

For five weeks the Yarra Valley is the Place for Pinot

Pinot noir? Pinot gris/grigio? Pinot blanc? Pinot meunier?

Whatever your favourite pinot family member, the Yarra Valley is likely to likely to have something of interest.

From March 20 to April 27, Wine Yarra Valley is launching The Place for Pinot - a region-wide pinot celebration, bringing together 16 wineries for a five-week showcase of the wines the cool-climate region is known for.

Visitors are invited to taste their way across the valley, discovering cellar doors, vineyard stories and pinot experiences along the way.

And to guide the journey: a Digital Pinot Passport.

Visitors can check in at participating wineries, build a pinot trail, and unlock an entry into a draw to win a Pinot Prize Pack - a mixed pinot selection from participating wineries.

They are: Oakridge · Helen & Joey Estate · SOUMAH · Squitchy Lane · Punt Road Wines · Pimpernel Vineyards · Medhurst Wines · De Bortoli Wines · TarraWarra Estate · Giant Steps · Boat O'Craigo · Jayden Ong Wines · Wedgetail Estate · Cellar Door at The Farm · Nillumbik Estate · Buttermans Track Wines.

Find out more at https://wineyarravalley.com.au/the-place-for-pinot/

A taste of South America coming to the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula wine region is set to gain a new restaurant with a distinct Argentine accent. 

Brasa is a new sister venue at Montalto Winery that will celebrate South American-style asado cooking over wood-fired grills. 

Led by a chef (still to be confirmed) who has worked with Argentine grill maestro Francis Mallmann, the menu will focus on premium meats, seafood and seasonal produce, much of it sourced from Montalto’s own gardens, served in a relaxed, share-style format. 

The name Brasa means embers in Spanish and the restaurant will aim to replicate the parrillas of Argentina, particularly Mendoza. 

Slow cooking over embers develops deep, natural flavours. In Mendoza that can include cooking over vine cuttings. 

The menu will be designed for sharing with large cuts of meat carved and placed at the centre of the table, encouraging guests to pass plates, pour wine and gather over food. 

Montalto is a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.

See https://montalto.com.au/pages/brasa-by-montalto

Meet a new limited-edition gin with a purpose

Fancy an Easter tipple that could help save one of Australia's iconic native animals? 

Meet a new limited-edition gin with a conscious. 

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has teamed up with Brisbane-based craft gin distillery BY.ARTISANS ahead of the Easter holiday to launch Burrow & Bloom. 

Sales of the gin will support efforts to save Australia's beloved but threatened Greater Bilby, also affectionately known as the Easter Bilby.

The bilby has suffered population declines since colonisation and the introduction of feral cats, the primary driver of native mammal extinctions and ongoing declines in Australia.

While once found across the country, there is now only an estimated 10,000 bilbies remaining in Australia, with around 3,300 individuals living inside six of AWC’s feral predator-free sanctuaries. 

“Burrow & Bloom was designed to reflect the landscapes the Bilby depends on,” said Alexander Bell from BY.ARTISANS. 

“We’ve used a foundation of classic gin structure, layered with native desert botanicals like roasted wattle seed, saltbush, desert lime and lemon myrtle, to evoke arid soils, dry air and nocturnal foraging. A gentle rose infusion softens the profile as a subtle nod to Easter, without losing the austerity of the desert.”

Each bottle sold will contribute $48 to AWC to support bilby conservation and habitat protection across AWC sanctuaries. 

A maximum of 1,000 bottles of Burrow & Bloom will be produced, at full release, equating to $48,000 in sponsorship support for AWC, and the protection and management of wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.

You can find out more here. 

Image: Judy Moosmueller

Airline warns against online scammers

A major low-cost airline has warned flyers to remain vigilant against scams involving fake customer service contacts circulating on social media.

AirAsia's advisory followed the circulation of online posts displaying a phone number falsely claimed to be an official AirAsia customer service line.

AirAsia confirmed that the number is not affiliated with the airline and is suspected to be part of a scam targeting travellers seeking assistance with their bookings.

AirAsia clarified that it does not operate customer service via phone calls and urged customers to be vigilant about anyone claiming to represent the airline. 

All official customer support services are available either through the AskBo bot, or the airline’s digital support platform.

Guests can access AskBo via the AirAsia MOVE app or through AirAsia’s official digital platforms to receive assistance with flight bookings, schedule changes, travel information and other services.

AirAsia encourages travellers to always verify information through official AirAsia channels, including the airline’s website and verified social media accounts, especially during the peak Hari Raya travel period.

Customers are encouraged to visit www.airasia.com or access the AirAsia MOVE app.