Jim Barry adopts lightweight bottle for 2024 rieslings

Even small steps are good steps when it comes to helping protect the environment.

Leading Clare Valley wine producer Jim Barry Wines has launched a new proprietary lightweight riesling bottle, which is says reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Its reasons: to reduce the overall environmental impact of the business, and significantly lower the company’s carbon footprint.

Beginning with the award-winning Watervale Riesling, which celebrated 50 vintages in 2023, the new bottle is 48 grams lighter than a standard riesling bottle.

The winery says that although this seems minimal, it equates to a total reduction in glass usage of 48 tonnes per year.

“As the market leader for premium Australian riesling, we are excited to be the first to produce a proprietary light-weight riesling bottle,” says sales and marketing director Sam Barry,

“This bottle plays a critical role in the future sustainability of the sector.”

The Clare Valley, of course, has a history of innovation.

The region was the first in Australia to collectively embrace the screwcap in 2000 and the new lightweight bottle is billed as the next evolution of that innovative thinking.

“Our family have always worked to minimise our environmental impact," Sam Barry says.

"This bottle in just one way we are reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring our business is sustainable for future generations.”

Jim Barry Wines is now a Toitu – carbonreduce-certified organisation. The business is also a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and will undertake the certification audit in October 2024.

The new lightweight bottles will begin appearing on the market in the coming weeks, and will eventually be used for all Jim Barry Wines rieslings for the 2024 vintage.

A sparkling idea: become a Champagne Specialist

Few wine regions do promotion - or education - better than Champagne.

The Champagne Bureau recently revealed the dates for its new Champagne course - the Champagne Specialist Program.

The course is a professional Champagne training program that has been created by a dedicated education department of Comité Champagne, based in Épernay.

To present the program, the Champagne Bureau has partnered with two of Australia’s most respected wine training institutions - Sydney Wine Academy and Adelaide Wine and Spirits School.

The Sydney courses will run from Monday, September 2, to Monday, September 30, at TAFE NSW in Ultimo, while in Adelaide they will run from Monday, October 28, to Monday, November 11, at TAFE SA in Adelaide.

“We are excited to bring this specialised program to Australia," said John Noble, director of the Champagne Bureau.

“Australia has a dynamic wine and hospitality industry, and we believe that this program will enrich the knowledge and skills of our professionals, helping them to better serve and understand Champagne.”

The course is part of Comité Champagne’s new global education platform and is aimed at wine professionals and hospitality industry personnel who want to develop their Champagne knowledge and skills. But serious Champagne lovers might also enjoy.

As well as providing in-depth knowledge and expertise about the Champagne appellation, the international program includes modules on viticulture, winemaking processes, and the art of Champagne tasting.

The program also emphasises the importance of sustainable practices and the preservation of the Champagne terroir.

On completion, participants will be awarded the title of ‘Champagne Specialist’ recognised globally as a mark of excellence in Champagne education.

More information is available on the Champagne Specialist Program website, or by contacting info@champagne.com.au.

Image: Andrii Omelnytsky, Scopio. 

The one book the wine lover in your life needs

 

I have literally hundreds of wine books in my library.

Reference books, historical tomes, atlases, travel guides, biographies etc.

But there is one wine book that I refer to more than any other: the annual Halliday Wine Companion.

The 2025 edition (they work well ahead, the Halliday team) was released earlier in August, when I was overseas on holiday.

But I wasn't going to miss any news. My email inbox was full of newsletters detailing the high scores some of the lucky recipients received from the Halliday team.

Giant Steps from the Yarra Valley was named Winery of the Year and its 2023 Applejack Pinot Noir has won Best Pinot Noir at the awards. Winemaker Mel Chester describes the accolades as the “big daddy” of wine awards.

I don't refer to the scores that much. One reviewer's 97 is another's 93.

But the info on wineries around Australia is essential stuff.

If I need to check on who used to be the winemaker used to be at Winery X on the Granite Belt, then I know where to find the info.

And if I want to know what year the first vines were planted at Winery Z in the Swan Valley went in, the info will be right there.

The Halliday Wine Companion Award winners were determined collaboratively by the Halliday Tasting Team, including (now former) chief editor Campbell Mattinson, Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale, and Toni Paterson MW.

That's a collection of formidable palates.

The 2025 edition of the Companion includes over 5000 tasting notes and scores, and there are more than 7500 new notes available online at winecompanion.com.au.

The new Hall of Fame inductee was Sue Hodder, from Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate.

In case you've been living under a rock, the major award winners were:

Winery of the Year – Giant Steps, Yarra Valley

Winemaker of the Year – Liz Silkman, First Creek Wines and Silkman Wines, Hunter Valley

Viticulturist of the Year – Bart Molony, Vasse Felix, Margaret River

Best Value Winery – Mulline, Geelong

Best New Winery – Sami-Odi, Barossa Valley

Dark Horse Winery – ChaLou Wines, Orange

Wine of the Year – Oakridge 864 Drive Block Funder & Diamond Vineyard Chardonnay 2022, Yarra Valley

The Sami-Odi award is a little weird as that producer has been around for almost two decades. I also noticed typos, which is disappointing. Kate Hill’s Four Winds vineyard, for example, is called Four Wines. 

The Halliday Wine Companion 2025 has been completely revised and the book provides information about wineries and winemakers, including opening times, contact details and advice on family and dog-friendly vineyards.

It would make a perfect Father's Day gift.

The 2025 Halliday Wine Companion, published by Hardie Grant Books, is now available nationwide at an RRP of $45. winecompanion.com.au

Catalan flavours return to Potts Point

Renowned two-hat restaurant Parlar is returning to Sydney's dining scene after a short break.

Parlar, which showcases Spanish and Catalan flavours, will reopen its doors on September 4.

Head chef Jose Saulog will be manning the pans with the restaurant's interiors showcasing owner Andrew Becher's artwork.

The menu at Parlar celebrates the vibrant flavours of Catalonia, with three five-course set menus on offer.

Think dishes like Loligo squid with chorizo, cannellini beans, tomatoes and smoked almonds alongside offerings such as aged Berkshire pork loin morcilla and white chocolate Tarta De Santiago.

 


“Reintroducing Parlar is a truly extraordinary milestone for us," says Becher with just a hint of hype.

"Our commitment is to infuse world-class dining into the heart of Sydney, harmoniously blending the vibrant energy of artistic expression with a rich Catalan culinary experience.

"We aim to transcend the ordinary by merging exceptional cuisine with a curated art collection that embodies creativity and sophistication. 

"At Parlar, the fusion of outstanding food and distinctive art defines our essence. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to offer an immersive and memorable experience. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you."

Complementing the food and wine is a cocktail menu that infuses classic drinks with a Catalan accents, featuring fortified wines like vermouth and sherry.

“Closing Parlar provided our team with the incredible opportunity to acquire and fine-tune their knowledge overseas, immersing themselves in the rich culinary traditions of Spain and the Catalan region," says Becher.

"This experience has inspired us to bring a fresh perspective back to Parlar, reinforcing our passion for the artistry of food."

Parlar offers three tasting menus: a three course-plus-snacks sample menu for $99 per person is available between 5-6pm, and then the five-course-plus-snacks Essence Menu and Adventure Menu for $129pp/179pp respectively.

For bookings visit parlar.com.au

Images: Steven Woodburn

Penfolds accelerates China wine project

Australian wine giant Penfolds has confirmed its plans to establish a vineyard and winery in China, leading Chinese wine news portal Vino Joy is reporting.

The move would mark a significant step in Penfolds' already advanced project in China. But the timeline and location for the project is unclear.

The announcement came on the heels of two China-produced wines launched in collaboration with local partners coming as tariffs on Australian wines in China were recently ended.

This news was confirmed by Treasury Wine Estates, the owner of Penfolds, in reply to a query from Vino Joy News.

“As TWE has spoken about previously, we have ongoing interest in seeking investments in supply assets that support our luxury brands," the company said.

"China remains a highly attractive long-term growth opportunity for Penfolds and will continue to be an area of interest for us.

“While we continued to explore opportunities, we currently have no confirmed plans.”

Regarding the location selection for Penfolds’ winery in China, Jack Wu, general manager of Penfolds China, mentioned Ningxia and Yunnan - regions where Penfolds already collaborates with local wine producers.

He did not specify if this means Penfolds will build wineries in both regions or choose one.

China has become central to Penfolds’ “multi-origin” product strategy.

Penfolds has affordable and high-end Chinese wines, including CWT 521, a very impressive blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon from Shangri-La in Yunnan and 18% marselan from Ningxia.

Australia to get its first The Hoxton hotel

Australia is to get its first property under the hip The Hoxton hotel brand.

Ennismore, a fast-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, and Alfasi Group, a design-driven property developer, this week announced the signing of The Hoxton in Melbourne as part of the Matchworks Precinct at Church Street, Cremorne. 

The inner suburb is close to Richmond and South Yarra and just three kilometres from the CBD. 

 
Set to open in 2027, the hotel will bring The Hoxton’s chic style to Australia for the first time.

The Hoxton brand was founded in 2006 by Sinclair Beecham, co-founder of sandwich shops Pret a Manger. It launched with The Hoxton, Shoreditch, in East London.

The brand was purchased in in 2012 by Ennismore, owned by Sharan Pashricha, an Indian-born entrepreneur based in London.

The hotel will feature 198 guest rooms in the classic Hoxton categories, including cosy, roomy, and biggy.

The hotel will celebrate its locality through art, design, retail and eclectic programming, with interiors taking inspiration from the building’s history and creative local community and surroundings.

The Hoxton will have three food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining destination, café, bar, and signature restaurant.

Other features will include The Apartment, the brand’s hybrid event spaces centred around a communal pantry, and a gym.

“We are delighted to bring The Hoxton to Australia for the first time," says Pashricha.

"As free-spirited as it is sophisticated, Melbourne has been in our sights for a long time for The Hoxton, and Cremorne is a perfect fit for the brand.

"Our guests and brand followers have long been asking for a Hoxton in Australia, and we’re thrilled to finally make it happen in a brilliant building steeped in history and started life as a matchstick factory. We look forward to making our guests feel at home while discovering the very best of our new neighbourhood.”

The Hoxton has hotels in key cities across the UK, Europe and North America. See ennismore.com

Sydney's second international airport just two years from opening

Western Sydney International Airport is just two years away from being fully operational.

WSI, also known as Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, expects to be open for domestic, international and air cargo services in the second half of 2026.

The 24-hour airport has also confirmed its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines (SIA), confirming its intention to operate out of the new facility.

The new strategic partnership between WSI and the Skytrax certified 5-Star Airline, comes as commercial discussions about the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport in more than 50 years, continue.

Airport CEO Simon Hickey said at the arrangement between WSI and the Skytrax certified 5-Star airline was recognition of the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities that airlines, like SIA, will be able to harness into the future.

“This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks,” he said.

“Western Sydney International Airport’s late-night departure capacity, for instance, could allow Singapore Airlines’ business travellers to finish a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight and arrive in Singapore before their first morning meeting the very next day.

“Late-night departures could also allow passengers to transit more swiftly from Singapore through their award-winning Changi Airport hub to connect to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group.”

Hickey said Western Sydney International Airport was focused on delivering a smooth and simple experience for its customers, underpinned by the latest technology, which was another major drawcard for Singapore Airlines.

“Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board,” he said.

Based a region that is home to more than 150 different nationalities, the new airport will also unlock new opportunities for the region’s residents who often visit family or friends overseas. There have been media reports that Turkish Airlines is also considering a deal.

“With the airport build now more than 80% progressed - including the recent completion of our terminal roof - and this step forward to advance international airline negotiations, our diverse communities can really get a sense of their future airport, and the experience they’ll have flying from here in late 2026,” Hickey said.

Singapore Airlines regional vice president South West Pacific, Louis Arul, said: “This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney, and providing additional services for Australia, which is a major market for the Singapore Airlines Group.

“This is a unique opportunity to work with a greenfield airport to set a new base line for customer experience throughout an airport ecosystem.

“We are working closely with WSI to ensure that our customers will continue to enjoy the comprehensive, end-to-end, world-class experience that is synonymous with Singapore Airlines.”

The airport is located 44km west of the Sydney CBD and 41km west of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which closes between 11pm-6am.
.

Sunshine Coast comes alive in October

The Sunshine Coast is a delightful region north of Brisbane that has become quite a gourmet hotspot.

From coastal stays to hidden gems in the hinterland, the Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of accommodation options.

The showcasing of local products includes the annual Sunshine Coast Pop & Pour Festival, which will take guests on a journey to 10 of the region’s craft breweries and distilleries.

Another upcoming event will showcase the coast’s biggest "Big Thing" when The Big Pineapple Festival returns after a three-year hiatus in October.

Heavy metal bands The Amity Affliction, superstar Tones and I, and hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso are the big names heading this year’s Big Pineapple Music Festival.

The festival, returns on October 19, and is being billed as “an unforgettable day of live music, delicious food and vibrant experiences”.

A week later, on October 26, The Sunshine Coast Pop & Pour Festival is a one-day brewery and distillery adventure. Pop & Pour’s hop-on-hop-off buses will take you on a journey through the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant beverage scene.

Where to stay? Here are a couple of recommendations from local Peter Hook, a global PR master.

Glen Eden Beach Resort is located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most in-demand villages, Peregian Beach. Located just 10-minutes’ from Noosa with direct beach access, the resort is under new management and is getting a fresh new look - with refurbished public spaces and furnishings.

In Mooloolaba, Mirra Chana’s beach-level three-bedroom apartments have undergone renovations with contemporary furnishings, deluxe bathrooms and fully-equipped full-size kitchens. Mirra Chana is billed as "the perfect beachside getaway" with direct access to Mooloolaba Beach and only a short walk from The Wharf Mooloolaba.

Richard Branson’s Sunshine Coast home, Makepeace Island (above), has re-opened to the public following extensive refurbishment including new bathrooms and furniture, a new tennis court and barge. This heart-shaped private island resort caters for groups up to 22 guests, with three two-bedroom villas and four private rooms with en suites in the Bali House.

Ramada Marcoola Beach, meanwhile, is undergoing a $2 million “Hamptons-style” refurbishment of 24 of its holiday apartments and hotel rooms.

Despite being built in 1916, Elsie’s Cottage opened for guest stays for the first time last month. This hinterland retreat is named after the youngest granddaughter of Joseph and Alice Dixon, pioneers of the Sunshine Coast in the 1800s. The cottage has been restored by Joseph and Alice’s great-great-grandson Matthew Clarke and his wife, Sarah. It sleeps four and has en-suite bedrooms along with panoramic views over the Blackall Range to the coast.

Built in 1895, Montville Estate offers a large original homestead as well as a private self-contained luxury cottage on a sprawling country property.

And if your fancy a splurge, Oceanview Helicopters is set to launch a new "Picnic on a Peak" experience that will provide an aerial tourism and local food experience. Guests will traverse some of the Coast’s 100 kilometres of beaches before heading into the hinterland to collect produce from local suppliers before flying to a hidden gem perched on top of the Blackall Range for a gourmet picnic with sweeping views. Sounds fun. 

Recognition for fast-growing Vietjet

Vietjet is an airline on the rise.

Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, with many flights to and from Australia, has just been honoured in the Forbes Vietnam magazine's list of the 50 best companies in 2024.

This list includes leading enterprises across various sectors that have been listed on the stock market for many years.

Based on audited financial reports in 2023, Vietjet ranked 5th in revenue with VND58,300 billion (approximately $US 2.35 billion), marking a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

This reinforced the company’s strong post-Covid recovery and sustainable growth strategy.

To celebrate the recognition, Vietjet is offering a 20% discount on Eco tickets (excluding taxes and fees) from now until September 15 with the travel period running from now until November 15. Use the code VJ200 when booking through Vietjet's website or apps.

Vietjet has been rapidly expanding its fleet and flight network, with a plan to receive an additional 10 new aircraft in 2024.

The airline is committed to sustainable growth, expanding its routes across Vietnam and internationally destinations in Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

I will be flying with Vietjet in October and will present a full report. 

 
Image: Vietjet director/vice president Ho Ngoc Yen Phuong (green Ao dai) receiving the award. 

 

Buy a bottle of wine; do some good

So you like your red wines big, bold and in your face?

You favour the idea of buying a wine that is designed to do some good? 

Sales of Mr Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz have so far helped raise over $220,000 for cancer research. 

The 2022 vintage - now on sale with its eye-catching pink capsule and label sticker - costs $25 a bottle and Mr. Riggs Wine Co. runs its annual Gaffer Month campaign in August, donating proceeds of The Gaffer Shiraz to The Flinders Foundation. 

Now in its 18th year, the pink cap that gives back offers trade incentives to encourage people to support the worthy cause.

The Gaffer is a tribute to Ben Riggs’ great-great-grandfather, John ‘The Gaffer’ Riggs (1814-1902), one of South Australia’s most renowned farmers. 

Since 2006, The Gaffer Shiraz has worn its pink capsule to acknowledge the partnership with the Flinders Foundation and its fight against cancer. 

The fruit is sourced from five vineyards and is matured to oak, 90% French and 10% American. It is then blended just before bottling. 

It is not a shy wine; it packs a punch in more ways than one.

Kyneton Ridge aims for sustainable excellence

It is always exciting to discover a wine brand with which you are not familiar.

That is the case with Kyneton Ridge, a family operation based in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria.

Andrew and Angela Wood bought Kyneton Ridge from John Boucher and partner Pauline Russell in 2019 and their son Patrick is now the winemaker.

New to the wine business, sustainability and regenerative farming are at the heart of their project.

I enjoyed the range of wines, which had a high-acid liveliness to them across the board.

The Woods famly has added nebbiolo, riesling, more chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc to the original plantings, which are pinot noir dominant, but source their shiraz fruit from Heathcote.

Adopting a regenerative viticulture approach, they say they have improved soil microbiology with compost application, companion planting, and inter-row plantings.

Just 5.5 hectares of the property is vines, with the vast majority have been returned to natural habitat after being farmed.

The Woods have joined Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and are preparing for certification audit.

Son Patrick (pictured above with partner Greta and mother Angela) says he has a sustainability focus, using minimal inputs and adapting to specific site and growing conditions. The wines are bottled on site.

The volcanic soils are are ideal for concentrated, complex, and high-quality wines.

The winery, fermentation hall, and cellar door space is home to the Ridge Café, run by Angela Wood, and the Art Space curated by Jordan Wood.

The facility offers tutored tastings, a sharing menu, and a gallery supporting contemporary artists.

The range includes the Kyneton Ridge NV Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay ($42), 2023 Chardonnay ($38), 2023 Cabernet Rosé ($32), 2023 Skipping Rabbit Pinot Noir ($32), a 2022 Reserve Pinot Noir ($40), a 2022 Cabernet Shiraz ($30) and the 2022 Heathcote Shiraz ($40), as well as an NV Sparkling Shiraz ($40).

My favourites were the Cabernet Shiraz blend, which uses fruit from Baynton, Macedon Ranges, and Colbinabbin, Heathcote. It is a very slurpable take on Aussie claret and extremely good value. 

If you want pinot to drink now, The Skipping Rabbit is a very nifty little wine, fun and varietal and  well priced, too. Its sibling is more of a cellaring prospect.

Outstanding, as well, was the vibrant red-fruited Cabernet Rosé, which we paired with a Med-style lamburger. It proved a delicious combo. A wine best served well chilled but enticing with or without food. 

For more details see www.kynetonridge.com.au   

Gamble pays off for small Tasmanian wine producer

Big wine companies can afford to enter wine shows around the world - and showcase their successes. 

For smaller producers, however, every wine show entry costs money - and is an investment in belief.

That investment paid off for a small Tasmanian producer this month when when one of the island's state's pioneering wineries - Bream Creek Vineyard - saw its 2023 Pinot Noir awarded the Tucker Seabrook Perpetual Trophy for “Best Wine of Show” at at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Regular readers will be aware GOTR does not generally cover wine show results but it was the youngest red to win Best Wine in Show for more than 24 years, the first pinot noir to claim Best Wine of Show since 2015 and the first Tasmanian wine to win Best Wine of Show since 2016. 

Plus the team at Bream Creek are top people.

“The young pinot class was a real highlight for our judges this year, and this standard of quality can be reflected in our 2024 Wine of Show winner, the 2023 Bream Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir,” said chief judge Sarah Crowe. 

“For a young red to stand out among over 1,700 entries is impressive, and if that wasn’t remarkable enough, it is also the youngest red to win Wine of Show in Sydney in the last two decades, if not longer. It is quite the achievement."

The winning wine was reviewed here several weeks ago: https://tasmanianwineonline.blogspot.com/2024/07/bream-creek-2023-pinot-noir.html so GOTR readers were ahead of the game. 

Bream Creek was founded by Tasmanian industry pioneer Fred Peacock in 1990. 

“I was very pleased when we were announced as the winner of the Best Pinot Noir Trophy” he said.  “Our 2023 Bream Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir won the same award a little over a month ago at the Royal Queensland Wine Show, so I knew it certainly had the quality to stand out. 

"However, to be called up again for the Best Red Wine of Show and then again for the big one - Best Wine of Show - I must say I was at a loss for words!”

Situated at the top of the historic Bream Creek vineyard - first planted in 1974 and featuring spectacular views over Marion Bay and Maria Island, Bream Creek is also home to one of Tasmania's most spectacular cellar doors. 

See https://www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au/

Twin hotels add a new lifestyle precinct at Melbourne Airport

Choice is a good thing. And that is even more the case when you can choose between different hotel options that are part of the same dramatic building.

If you need to stay at Melbourne Airport you can now choose between the fun and funky ibis Styles, or its sibling, the more serious Novotel Melbourne Airport.

Both share the same reception and lounge facilities, the same signature restaurant and café, and function facilities. And both are just a hop, skip and jump from Terminal 4.

I chose to check out the ibis Styles facilities and was impressed with the whole operation.

 


The twin hotels are the largest hotel opening in Australia this year.

Vibrant pops of colour and striking lighting design greeting guests when they walk through the front doors.

The aerodynamically inspired L-shaped building offers guests a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms). Despite these numbers there is a calm, relaxed vibe.

The architecture was done by award-winning Fender Katsalidis, and interior design by Woods Bagot.

The ibis property has an urban vibe, with the Novotel design a nod to the colours of regional Victoria.



“We’re thrilled to have our doors open and to be welcoming guests into these stunning new hotels," said David Alexander, who is GM of both properties.

"We are more than just your average airport hotel, offering all the facilities of a city hotel but conveniently located at the airport. Plus we are home to Melbourne Airport’s first wellness hub, Higher State, and the airport’s first co-working space, Aerofoil Workspace.

“From what we have created here, you really don’t have to be flying somewhere to enjoy our incredible facilities and hospitality. We welcome guests to stay with us while exploring all that is on offer right on our doorstep within the airport precinct including URBNSurf, Sunbury wine region and the Essendon Football Club, to name a few."

Small Holdings offers café fare, St ALi coffee and freshly baked goods and sandwiches, while Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar celebrates Italian food culture. My review is here: 

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2024/08/airport-hotel-eatery-delivers-fun.html

Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, with craft brews and barbecue flavours, offers another alternative.

There is currently an opening offer of $239 per night at the ibis Styles and $298 per night at the Novotel, but it finishes at the end of the month.

For further information, please visit all.com. Here are direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

 

# The writer was hosted by ibis Styles Melbourne Airport 

An affordable base from which to explore Yokohama

Yokohama is the second-biggest city in Japan.

It is bigger than Osaka and Nagoya and is a major cruise terminal - but it does not feature on the itineraries of many visitors to Japan.

That's a pity, because it is a modern, attractive city with plenty to entertain for two or three days. And it is just a short train ride from Tokyo.

It's the sort of city where you will want to be staying somewhere central - the road system is baffling when you first arrive - but probably not spend too much time in your room.

The Far East Village Yokohama hotel is managed by Far East Hospitality, part of the same group that operates TFE Hotels in Australia (Adina, Vibe, Quincy, Travelodge etc) and is located in Naka, next to Minato Mirai (above), Yokohama's impressively modern new city centre.

You are within walking distance of busy Sakuragicho Station and the main Yokohama railway station is one short bus ride away.

This is a Japanese hotel so room sizes are compact - but prices start from around $65 a night, absurdly low for a city centre property. Reception is manned 24 hours and luggage storage is on offer. 

The hotel's location offers easy access to the city's historic attractions, towering skyscrapers, and buzzing nightlife.

It has a restaurant serving an international breakfast menu with local specialities, access to washing machines and dryers (great if you've been on the road) and has a ground-floor lounge area with free access to hot and cold drinks, snacks etc. 

There are several different room styles on offer. All feature free wifi, functional bathrooms and plenty of plugs and USB slots. 

Yokohama has a population of over three million. It is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama's port was one of the first to open to foreign trade in 1859.

Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan city with one of the largest Chinatowns in the world among its major attractions.

Minato Mirai is blessed with a great location along the water and has a wealth of attractions. 

Visitors to the area will be able to find shopping centres, hotels, a convention space, amusement park, and a relaxation centre with hot springs baths; museums and park space.

Take the Yokohama Air Cabin (above) - a futuristic ropeway that connects Sakuragicho Station with Unga Park next to the World Porters shopping complex. 

You get great views, and a spot to cool off from the summer heat. 

The Cosmo World amusement park has a handful of roller coaster rides, carnival attractions, a kid's zone and the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel (above), which displays the time and was for some time considered the world's largest clock. In the evening the park is illuminated. 

Other tourism drawcards include Sankeien Gardens, with historic buildings, a pond, watercourses, myriad flowers and the surprisingly fascinating Cup Noodles Museum.

Here you can follow the history of instant noodles with interactive exhibits, modern art and hands-on experiences. For a small fee visitors can design their own cup noodle recipe. 

The Red Brick Warehouses used to be port buildings but now offer shopping, some restaurants and floorspace dedicated to events and exhibitions.

As this is a fun city, you might also just come across the odd animated pre-historic creature or two. 

Yokohama Museum of Art focuses on contemporary art as well as Yokohama's role as a port, and its artists.

A good way to get your bearings is to take the Akaikatsu Loop Bus ($2.20), which connects Sakuragicho Station with World Porters, the Red Brick Warehouses and other sights in central Yokohama

Also a short stroll from the hotel is the bustling Noge district with plenty of nightlife, affordable izakaya restaurants and bars, and the Isezaki Mall shopping area.

See https://www.villagehotels.asia/en/hotels/far-east-village-hotel-yokohama    

# The writer was hosted by the Far East Village Hotel

Qantas penny pinching becoming more obvious

We just took two Qantas flights: from Melbourne to Tokyo Narita return. They were very much a mixed bag, as you expect from the airline nowadays. 

First the positives. 

Both Airbus A330 flights were on time, boarding was well organised (no silly groups) and the cabin crew were smart and efficient despite both 10-hour-plus flights being pretty full. 

With Qantas being a full-service airline, you get a pillow, a blanket and headphones in your seat. And a bottle of water is delivered soon after take off.

So far so good, But unfortunately, there are several other elements that reflect the Australian national carrier's relentless commitment to cost cutting. 

That bottle of water is all you get. If you want it re-filled, you can head to the back of the plane and use a tap. 

The wine selection, in 187ml plastic mini bottles, contains several options that are not only not very good, but barely fit for purpose. 

Budget is clearly the defining factor here, not quality. Sad when Australia has so much good wine sitting in tanks. [A very good Seppeltsfield Vermentino was an exception].   

The food ex Melbourne was tasty and warm, with three choices (including one vegetarian option). 

Decent enough, but on the return flight the food, again three choices but two that sounded decidedly unappealing) was less than average (and I'm being kind). 

It is clear Qantas consultant chef Neil Perry has zero say in what is served in the economy cabin. And that's a fail. 

The seats are cramped and uncomfortable, but that is almost a given nowadays. Amenity kits: forget it.  

Then there is the entertainment. Qantas has once again placed the almighty dollar ahead of customer comfort. Whatever you want to watch you'll need to sit through some turgid advertising first. It's like Channel 9 on steroids. 

There has also been a lack of attention to the compilations. Not even a moron in a hurry could think that Cold Chisel should be listed under "Country Music". But they've probably made whoever did that job redundant. 

Even though we paid for our own fares, I wanted to list a factbox with the stories I wrote, giving details of all Qantas flights to Japan, prices and timings etc. 

I emailed the Qantas media team three times asking for those details, but did not even get the courtesy of a reply. Maybe they are too busy addressing complaints, or just don't give a damn. 

Strange when there so many competitors on the route. 

But so much about Qantas is strange nowadays. 

Factbox: Qantas failed to supply details of its flights to Japan despite repeated requests. But the Qantas website tells me return flights from Melbourne to Narita start from $1,202 return until June 2025 and operate four times a week. I hope that info is still current. Maybe Qantas will let know. 

Fast tracking your way around Japan

Forget driving. Catching the bus? No chance. 

If you have to travel long distances in Japan then there is only one way to go: on a bullet train, also known as Shinkansen. 

The fast train network covers most of Japan - and we used rail passes to travel from Tokyo to visit the regional town of Kanazawa and surrounds. 

There are range of Japan rail passes to choose from and you only need to make one or two journeys to cover your costs. 

We used a Hokuriku Arch Pass, which cost around $300 for eight days of travel, including in the Metro Tokyo area. 

The trains are clean, fast and comfortable. And reliable. There is plenty of free luggage storage space, announcements in English and free wifi on board.  

The Hokuriku Shinkansen connecting Tokyo with Tsuruga in the Hokuriku region. 

It is a joint venture between JR East and JR West. 

Stops include Nagano, the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics and Japan's dinosaur capital of Fukui.

The pass can be used from Kansai Airport, Narita Airport, and Haneda Airport, and also includes the Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Kanazawa.

It is also possible to use the Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo, as well as the Limited Express Haruka between Kansai Airport and Shin-Osaka, and between Kansai Airport and Kyoto.

Tokyo to Kanazawa takes under 2 1/2 hours on the fast train - covering a distance of 450km. It would take over six hours - and a whole lot of stress - to drive between the two destinations, and you will have to pay toll fees for at least five different expressways.

But the system can be a complex one. Do your homework before you get to the station. Be aware that the majority of trains require a (free) seat reservation. And be prepared for massive crowds in stations if you travel at peak times.   

The route of the final Hokuriku section to Shin-Osaka was expected to be completed by the late 2020s - but then financial issues struck, Nikkei Asia reported. 

Concerns are emerging that the project may fail to pass a cost-benefit test that is one condition for starting construction.

Extending the line to Osaka is now expected to cost as much as 5.3 trillion yen ($36 billion), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recently told lawmakers - more than double the initial estimate.

Pass holders can actually use their passes between Tsuruga and Osaka - but on slower regional trains.

The sharp increase owes to higher labour and materials costs. The ministry also said construction could now take up to 28 years, up from its previous estimate of 15, owing partly to labour reforms.

The ministry plans to provide information as early as 2025 on whether the project still meets the necessary conditions to go ahead, including on its benefit-to-cost ratio and funding.

Authorities are weighing three options to extend the line from Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka station, with plans to begin construction by the end of fiscal 2025.

All three options under consideration involve building an underground section through Kyoto.

Depending on your destination, a rail pass might be worth considering if you plan to travel in Japan. https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/hokurikuarch.html 

# The writer paid his own way

New Windstar ship keeps it small but chic

If huge ships fill you with horror but you like the idea of more intimate cruises then small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has just unveiled a first look at its Star Seeker - a 224-guest ship that will debut in January of 2026.

Star Seeker will have just 112 suites, with all but 10 featuring either a private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window.

The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship.

“Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquillity in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice-president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises.

“We used light wood and a soothing colour palette of light blues, greens, and natural browns - elements that reflect our Star Class style.

“Inspired by the sea, sky, and landscapes, these colours and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds, and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.”

Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line. Each comes with a wrap-around balcony.

There will be 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing for triple occupancy.

As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins.

Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing from Malaga to Miami.

More at https://www.windstarcruises.com/.

Brits to pay for Brexit but Aussies will also cough up

The majority of Britons voted for Brexit - and they now need to pay for their mistake. 

Britons travelling to Europe next ­summer will need to apply for a €7 visa waiver, officials in Brussels have confirmed. 

Ylva Johansson, the EU home affairs commissioner, said this week that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was on course to launch in the northern spring. 

Passengers visiting the bloc will be required to apply for a waiver - similar to the US ESTA - before thry travel. So even the simplest of cross channel trips will become a hassle. 

The waiver will be valid for three years or until a passport expires, whichever is first. 

Johansson was speaking before the launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which will come into force on November 10. 

Together, the two new schemes, designed to make the Euro bloc’s border more secure in the face of terrorist threats, will make travel significantly more bureaucratic.

Under the EES, all passengers without EU passports (that obviously includes Australians)  will be required to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken on arrival in mainland Europe.

They will be checked on each subsequent visit. It will add two to three minutes processing time per passenger, compared with the present 45 seconds, experts have estimated.

New air link between Shanghai and Melbourne

Get ready for a new choice when flying between Melbourne Airport and Shanghai. 

One of China’s top privately-owned airlines this week announced it will launch flights between Shanghai and Melbourne starting in December.

Juneyao Airlines will operate three weekly flights to and from Melbourne Airport from December 19, increasing to a peak-season daily service for January and February.

The new flights will mark an Australian debut for Juneyao Airlines.

The airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9 will be operated on the route with 324 seats, including 29 lie-flat business class seats.

The new route takes Chinese seat capacity above pre-pandemic levels for Melbourne Airport

“We are thrilled to welcome Juneyao Airlines to Melbourne,“ Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie  Argus said.

Founded in 2006, Juneyao Air is part of Star Alliance. It has also revealed plans to connect Shanghai with Sydney from December 17. 

The airline serves almost 200 destinations in Asia and Europe, with a fleet of 92 aircraft, narrow-bodied Airbus A320s and wide-bodied Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Okonomiyaki: a seriously weird food experience

It is a seriously weird food amalgam.

Okonomiyaki, claimed by both Hiroshima and Osaka, has links to pancakes, noodles, omelette and more.

As we were not visiting either city on our current trip to Japan we opted for an outlet of one of Hiroshima’s best-known creators of the dish, located in a shopping centre in Yokohama. Damn fine it was, too.

The only problem for us was that there were no English menus available. And lots of choices.

So we just pointed at what looked good on the menu. And hoped.

Here is how okononomiyaki is described by Wikipedia: a Japanese savoury pancake dish consisting of wheat flower batter and other ingredients (mixed, or as toppings) cooked on a teppan (flat griddle). Common additions include cabbage, meat, and seafood, and toppings include okonomiyaki sauce (made with [an approximation of] Worcestershire Sauce,  aonori (dried seaweed flakes), bonito flakes, Japanese mayonnaise and pickled ginger.

Sounds dreadful. Tastes good.

They shoot horses don’t they?

The Kosciuszko National Park is a wild area of great natural beauty in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. 

You just need to watch where you walk in case you stumble upon the rotting carcasses of wild horses that have been shot from helicopters. 

The environment minister of the state of New South Wales has been given the go ahead by the courts to continue with the culling of the wild horses, known as brumbies. 

The pro-brumby Snowy Mountains Bush Users Group filed a legal action against the NSW environment minister, Penny Sharpe, in the state’s supreme court in June in a bid to stop the aerial culling, which was approved in October 2023.

After a three-day hearing in July, Justice David Davies handed down his judgment this week and dismissed the case.

In its lawsuit, the organisation claimed the decision to use aerial shooting as a means to control brumbies was “infected by error of law”.

Their lawyers told the court aerial shooting without preference for other control methods was “unnecessarily or unjustifiably” inflicting pain upon the horses and was an act of animal cruelty.

Parts of the park have remained closed during autumn and winter as shooting operations took place to reduce horse numbers, which surged when rehoming was favoured under the previous governments.

Previous counts showed there were more than 20,000 wild horses in the park, government estimates show, which officials say pose a risk to the delicate alpine ecosystem.

“Groundbreaking”? Or marketing nonsense?

I get a lot of press releases every day, but few are as pretentious and hyperbolic as today’s piece of time-wasting nonsense.

OK. Celebrity brands are a thing. But they have to have some credibility. And a name that makes sense.

It turns out that singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (she used to be just Beyonce) has joined forces with Moët Hennessy, a subsidiary of LVMH, to create SirDavis, a “groundbreaking” new whisky.

The hype goes on.

“The first-of-its-kind joint venture reflects a shared vision between Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy, two vanguards of culture and craft, around the future of American whisky.”

And on. And on.

“This unique product was years in the making after Knowles-Carter, a Japanese whisky enthusiast, sought out Moët Hennessy to help craft a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that reflected her whisky ideal.

“Meanwhile, Moët Hennessy had been exploring ways to deepen its presence in the American whisky market, making the timing kismet for a partnership between the world-leading luxury group and Knowles-Carter.”

Then some quotes from the singer.

"I've always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling," says SirDavis founder Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

"When I discovered that my great-grandfather had been a moonshine man, it felt like my love for whisky was fated. SirDavis is a way for me to pay homage to him, uniting us through a new shared legacy. In partnering with Moët Hennessy, we have crafted a delicious American whisky that respects tradition but also empowers people to experience something new and unique in the category. You can taste it better than I could ever tell you - welcome, SirDavis."

SirDavis is apparentlybnamed in honour of Davis Hogue, Knowles-Carter's paternal great-grandfather, who was a farmer and a moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition. 

The story goes that hevstashed whisky bottles in the empty knots of cedar trees for friends and kin to find and enjoy. For Knowles-Carter, it was this discovery that made the idea of creating a whisky brand feel predestined. Four generations later, the legacy comes to life - rather than hidden in the trees, bottles of SirDavis proudly grace the top shelves of fine purveyors of spirits around the world.

"SirDavis is not only a revelatory and exceptional American Whisky, which we are very proud of. It is also a testament of the unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, heritage and innovation shared by LVMH and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter," said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH.

There’s more. Lots more. But I’ve read enough. And so, I suspect, have you.

A new route between Sydney and Bangkok

You might wonder why AirAsia gets a lot of coverage here.

1. They offer a great service.

2. They are very good at communications and special offers.

Today’s news is Thai AirAsia X will welcome flyers beckons back to Thailand ahead of the peak end of year travel season with direct Sydney-Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) flights, to be available six times a week starting from Sydney from December 2, 2024. 

Seats are on sale now starting from just $333* direct to Bangkok - or with a Fly Thru option via Don Mueang Airport to leisure destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi in Thailand and internationally to Da Nang in Vietnam, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad in India and many more. 

Booking are available at the airasia.com website, or the airasia MOVE app between August 19-25 for travel commencing from Sydney from December 

Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X, said: “Thai AirAsia X is returning to Sydney with a better network, schedule and enhanced connectivity spanning over 50 Aussie favourite destinations in Thailand and beyond to meet strong demand.

“At the same time, we are increasing the number of flights between both destinations to fly six times weekly every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (2 flights), and Saturday. Arriving at Don Mueang Airport (DMK) makes the route even more convenient, placing passengers just 30 minutes from central Bangkok via public transport options such as the sky train (Red Line), airport bus, and taxi cabs. 

“Outbound travellers with connecting services will also save time at the airport by being able to quickly pass from check-in through immigration to their gate at the same airport with no need to change airport terminals like before.”

Asian destinations hot for summer travel

Bangkok and other Asian destinations have been summer favourites for travellers booking summer trips on digital travel platform Agoda.

Agoda has just unveiled the top five international flight destinations based on booking data on the platform between June and August 2024.

This year's rankings show a mix of familiar favorites and some shifts in traveller preferences compared to last year.

The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travelers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the warmer months.

Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. 

Seoul overtook Singapore to take the second spot. Kuala Lumpur also sees an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"The summer of 2024 currently shows a trend towards Asia Pacific travel,” says Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda,

“Destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur continue to attract many travelers, reflecting their appeal and the diverse experiences they offer.

“The popularity of these destinations highlights the ongoing fascination with vibrant cities like Bangkok, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. Seoul captivates visitors with its cutting-edge technology and historic palaces, while Kuala Lumpur offers a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. 

“Singapore's futuristic skyline and Tokyo's eclectic neighborhoods also continue to draw travelers seeking both urban excitement and cultural heritage.”

The ranking is based on flights booked on Agoda between June and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Walking the streets of Hida Takayama

Hida Takayama, often known as simply Takayama, is an ideal destination for immersing yourself in Japanese history and food. 

The Hida region is the home of some of the finest Wagyu beef in the world, along with produce from vegetables to mushrooms. 

Here’s a few images taken while wandering around randomly. The freakishly hot weather meant we did not cover as much ground as we might otherwise have managed.

Takayama is located in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture.

The narrow streets of its Sanmachi Suji historic district are lined with wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo Period, and there are also many museums and galleries.

Other highlights include two daily morning markets and hiking and river walks.

Here’s a few random iPhone shots. We got there using the Hokuriko Shinkansen train to Kanazawa and then a local bus. We stayed at the central Residence Hotel Takayama Station. 

For tourism details visit www.hida.jp