New beer is a little ray of sunshine

 

Hotels under the Holiday Inn Express banner have signed a deal to serve an exclusive new Express Pale Ale beer, made collaboratively with Local Brewing Co.

The new brew was launched at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast's new rooftop bar.

Eight Holiday Inn Express hotels across Australia: Sunshine Coast, Brisbane Central, Melbourne Southbank, Melbourne Little Collins, Sydney Airport, Sydney Macquarie Park, Newcastle and Adelaide City will be the only places pouring the beer.

Proceeds from every beer sold will go towards meals for those facing food insecurity, through Local Brewing Co.’s charity partner, SecondBite.

Open to guests and locals Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-8pm and Saturdays 1pm-8pm, the new rooftop bar and pool is the highest on the Sunshine Coast, overlooking Maroochydore city.

The bar is the latest addition to the new-build Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, opened in mid-2022, complementing its 181 guest rooms and suites.

“Sustainability and giving back to local communities are core focuses for our Holiday Inn Express hotels,” said cluster GM Daniel Lawder.

“Our refreshing, very drinkable new and exclusive Express Pale Ale not only tastes great, it also supports Australians doing it tough at the moment."

For a limited time, the hotels will also serve up Local Brewing Co.’s seasonal Citrus Hazy Pale, a sustainable beer brewed using day-old bread and surplus fruit sourced from supermarkets, which would otherwise have gone to landfill.

For more information on Holiday Inn Express hotels, visit https://www.proinvesthotels.com/brands/hiex.

Meet a new artisan gin with a uniquely Australian flavour

An animal sanctuary and a boutique distillery may seem unlikely bedfellows but Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and  Brisbane’s newest craft distillery and lifestyle brand BY.ARTISANS, this week announced the launch of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Eucalyptus Gin.

The innovative spirit comes from the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary and is made using eucalyptus leaves, turning waste into a luxe spirit.

Each day, eucalyptus leaves are hand-harvested from Lone Pine, with the freshest leaves reserved to nourish the koalas, while the remaining foliage, previously destined for composting, is given a second life.

BY.ARTISANS harnesses these leaves to craft a drink that "captures the essence of Australia’s natural heritage while supporting koala conservation".

From today, the Eucalyptus Gin will be available exclusively at BY.ARTISANS’ flagship store in Brisbane's West End, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s gift shop and online.

A press release says that 5% of all proceeds will be donated to registered wildlife charities and research groups focused on koala studies and wildlife conservation.

“The koala is an iconic species, but their habitat is under constant threat due to urbanisation and deforestation," said Lone Pine general manager Lyndon Discombe.

"Eucalyptus is vital for koalas, being their sole source of food. This collaboration with BY.ARTISANS helps raise awareness of the challenges koalas face and supports conservation efforts."

Ginn Lai, co-founder of BY.ARTISANS, who conceptualised the project, said: “We wanted to give these eucalyptus leaves a second life, and through this collaboration, we’re telling the story of koalas, the importance of eucalyptus as their lifeblood, and how something as simple as a leaf can be transformed into something extraordinary.

"It’s a celebration of this remarkable native botanical while giving back to the community to help safeguard the future of koalas.”

See www.lonepinekoalasanctuary.com and www.byartisans.com.au.

Australia making more white wine than red

Total sales of Australian wine exceeded production for the second year in a row, but there is still a lot of red wine in tanks waiting for a home.

The good news followed successive small vintages, says the Australian Wine Production, Sales and Inventory Report 2024 released today by Wine Australia.

Wine production was just over 1 billion litres, an 8% increase compared with 2022–23 but still the second-smallest reported production in 17 years, and 16% below the 10-year average of 1.24 billion litres.

Peter Bailey, manager for market insights at Wine Australia, said that the below-average production from the small 2024 vintage was the result of a combination of seasonal factors and economic and market conditions.

“This was another difficult season in many regions, with heavy rainfall and flooding, widespread windy conditions affecting flowering, and dry spring weather leading to cold nights and the potential for frost damage,” Bailey said.

“However, the result has also stemmed from deliberate decisions by grape growers and wine businesses to reduce production or intake, driven by the current economic and market conditions affecting demand for wine.”

The overall increase of 8% cent compared with 2022–23 was made up of a 20% increase in white wine production, partly offset by a 2% decrease in red wine production.

This saw white wine’s share of production increase from 46% to 51% - the first time in 12 years that the production of white wine has exceeded that of red wine in Australia.

Bailey said that this change reflected adjustments made by the sector to counter the oversupply of red wine that had arisen over the past three years.

The total volume of sales of Australian wine in export and domestic markets was 1.08 billion litres - a decrease of 1% compared with 2022–23, with both domestic and export sales showing very small declines.

Bailey said growth in red wine exports was driven by the re-commencement of exports to mainland China following the removal of import tariffs in late March 2024.

“It will take some time before there is a clearer picture of how Chinese consumers are responding to the increased availability of Australian wine in–market,” Bailey said.

“Any increase in production is likely to result in stock levels rising again, unless there is a corresponding increase in sales. This is a particular concern for reds, where the stock-to-sales ratio is still well above the long-term average.”

Bailey noted that the global outlook for Australian wine remains challenging. 

World wine consumption has continued to decline over the past 12 months and is expected to decline further in the next five years, driven by economic constraints, overall alcohol moderation trends and competition for wine from other beverages.

Image: Elena Pasenko, Scop.io 

Minor Hotels snaps up rights to major Brisbane development

 

Bangkok-based Minor Hotels, one of the world’s fastest-growing global hospitality groups, has expanded its Australasian portfolio by announcing the signing of the management letting rights for the landmark Queen's Wharf Residences development in Brisbane.

The residences open early next year and are being marketed as "a new benchmark for urban tourism in Brisbane".

Queen's Wharf Residences, the tallest tower within the Queen's Wharf precinct, is a 64-storey development that redefines the skyline of Queenland’s capital - a future Olympic Games host city.

The property features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with balconies and winter gardens equipped with lift-and-tilt windows, allowing guests to enjoy Brisbane’s subtropical climate year-round.

The design of the tower reflects the soft curves of the Brisbane River.

Guests will have exclusive access to amenities including a pool, spa, steam room, theatre, leisure lounge room and gym, as well as direct access to the precinct’s entertainment options, hotels and dining options including Sokyo, Fat Noodle and Cherry and spectacular views from the Sky Deck.

“Highly sought-after, Queen’s Wharf Residences has become Queensland’s fastest-selling development, offering more than just a place to stay, but an unprecedented benchmark in urban tourism for Brisbane.” said Lauren Sheldon, head of sales and marketing in Australia for property developer Far East Consortium.

“The scale of this project demanded a management partner with unmatched expertise to offer the premium management guests of Queen’s Wharf Residences will expect, and Minor Hotels’ extensive experience in property management across Australasia and beyond instils us with confidence that they are the ideal partner to deliver on this promise."

Craig Hooley, COO for Minor Hotels Australasia, said: “We are excited to add such a landmark Brisbane development to our portfolio, offering a product unlike anything the city has seen before with respect to size and scale, and proximity to Brisbane CBD’s most exciting dining and entertainment precinct.

“Given our extensive experience managing over 550 properties globally, including 11 existing properties in Brisbane CBD, we are well-equipped to manage this pioneering development which further establishes Brisbane’s position on the world stage as a global destination for entertainment, leisure and tourism.”

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating in 56 countries, operating brands including Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow Hotels, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and Oak Hotels and Resorts.

Minor Hotels, founded by US businessman William Heinecke in 1978, is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s biggest group for independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

Wine innovation born of adversity

Sparkling wines called Blanc de Noir are almost always made from traditional Champagne varieties: pinot noir, or occasionally pinot meunier.

But a new release from Best's Great Western is a bubbly Blanc de Noir made, quite unusually, from shiraz grapes.

Fifth-generation winemaker Ben Thomson has chosen innovation to conquer adversity, using his excess shiraz to create the Blanc de Noir Cuvée, as well as a still Syrah Blanc.

The 2024 Blanc de Noir is made from 100% shiraz grapes in response to the challenges of recent vintages.

Thomson saw an opportunity to create something new out of the exceptional fruit from his Sugarloaf Creek vineyard - and the wine has been released ahead of the festive season.

“Making the most of adversity is something winemakers need to do to survive,” says Thomson.

“We’re raising a glass to the triumph of the Blanc de Noir project.  It takes a little while to get your head around the fact that these bubbly beads of delight are made from shiraz grapes.

"Once you get over that, you will discover brilliant clarity with apple, pear, lemon and lime characters dancing away on the palate.”

The fruit is early picked to ensure bright acid. I found the wine quite yeasty on the nose but delicate on the palate - definitely a style suited to enjoying with food.

See https://www.bestswines.com/product/2024-blanc-de-noir. The wines available at fine wine outlets for $30.

Travel trends for 2025 revealed

Relaxation, travelling with the family and exploring new destinations are three key pillars of travel intent for 2025, travel booking website Agoda says 

Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. 

The survey revealed a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travellers.

Agoda's findings indicate that travellers are prioritizing quality time with loved ones and seeking respite from daily routines.

The survey also underscored the growing interest in exploring uncharted territories. Noteworthy is the popularity of theme parks, with one in eight respondents expecting to go on a trip to visit one.

Seven key insights from Agoda's 2025 Travel Trends survey:

1. The more the merrier: Travelling with family tops the list
For many travellers family time equals quality time. More than a third of travellers questioned (34%) plan to travel with family in 2025. 

2. Easy does it: Relaxation is the top travel motivation, by far
Escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by far the most important reason to travel, according to the survey. 75% of respondents cited relaxation as their most important travel motivation.

3. Computer says 'yes': Tech assisting in travel planning
Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping travel plans. A substantial majority of travellers (80%) plan to use travel apps, while about one in eight (12%) are interested in virtual reality tours. 

4. Travel For Less: Journey more, spend smart
Budget considerations remain a key factor, with a significant portion of travellers (65%) planning to spend less than $250 per night on accommodation. But price is not a barrier to international travel - 87% of travellers expect to take the same number of trips or more compared to 2024. 

5. In and Out of Office: Travelling on and off the clock
In addition to traditional business trips, which 28% of respondents expect to embark on, the survey also picked up on the emergence of digital nomads, borderless workers who work remotely. 1 in 25 expects to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. 

6. Inspiration: Many ways to discover new destinations
A whopping 84% of travellers expect to visit new destinations in 2025. 

7. Life is a rollercoaster: Theme Parks are a reason to travel
Asia's many theme parks: Disney in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal in Osaka and Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi will attract 20% of those surveyed.

Image: Hesham Osama, Scop.io

Mexico hits cruise ships with new taxes

Add Mexico to the list of countries that is fighting back against the intrusive and costly wave of cruise ship visits.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has been spooked after the Mexican government passed a new tax on cruise passengers.

Cruise passengers will face an additional US $42 per person in taxes on top of the current average of US $20 in other taxes and fees the FCCA says is required to visit Mexican ports, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The association says this effectively prices Mexican ports out of the cruise market - which may well be the idea given the increasing cost of catering for cruise ships and the damage they cause the environment.

The law was passed without consultation or any input from the cruise industry, the FCCA says, adding the new tax could disrupt the travel plans of over 10 million passengers expected to visit Mexico in 2025.

“We appreciate President [Claudia] Sheinbaum’s assurance that the change will happen slowly and that she’s instructed federal officials to work with our industry, but we haven’t heard from anyone yet,” FCCA CEO Michele Paige said.

The FCCA says member lines are "eager to collaborate with the government to gain clarity on the details of this implementation and work together to chart a constructive path forward".

“Mexico has long been a cornerstone of the cruise market, that has delivered significant economic benefits to both the industry and local communities,” said Paige.

“However, the unilateral decision to eliminate the in-transit tax exemption without engaging industry stakeholders undermines our partnership.”

The association says cruise ship calls generate over $1 billion in direct spending annually and support more than 20,000 jobs across various sectors.

The FCCA wants Mexican officials to engage in immediate dialogue to address industry concerns.

“Joint efforts between the government and the cruise industry are essential to creating sustainable growth that benefits all parties,” Paige added.

“We are hopeful we can work together to find solutions that preserve Mexico’s vital role in the cruise market.”

Image: Lauren Hudon, Scop.io 

Mumm delivers a new world of flavours

You need to make sure you are buying the right Mumm when you step into your local bottle shop.

G. H. Mumm & Cie is a Champagne House that was founded in 1827 in Reims.

Famous for its Cordon Rouge label, Mumm is one of the largest Champagne houses and is owned by Pernod Ricard.

 
The Mumm brand has expanded over the years, however, with iterations from California, Tasmania in Australia and New Zealand - with wines from both Marlborough and Central Otago.

Australian wine drinkers can now sample sparkling wines from all four countries with the arrival of Mumm Napa Prestige Cuvée under Mumm Terroirs collection label.

Mumm Napa Prestige Cuvée is crafted from a blend of 49% pinot noir, 46% chardonnay, and small amounts of pinot gris and pinot meunier by head winemaker Tami Lotz.

All the fruit comes from the Napa Valley, about 80km north of San Francisco: a region renowned for its diverse soils and microclimates.

Kristy Rutherford, marketing director for Pernod Ricard Australia, said: “We’ve seen the remarkable growth of super premium sparklings from the new world in the last few years.

"Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige reached shelves in 2020, followed by the popular launch of Mumm Tasmania in 2022, and more recently the expansion into Central Otago with the Mumm Central Otago Blanc de Noirs and Mumm Central Otago Pinot Noir."

I thought the Napa Valley sparkling was well made with definite brioche-like intensity on the palate. It is very food friendly.

“The US has been in love with Mumm Napa sparklings for 40 years now, and we are thrilled to welcome Mumm Napa Prestige Cuvée to the Terroirs collection in time for the Australian summer season,” Rutherford said.

It would be a great choice for a wine options game but at $45 I think a lot of Australians will prefer the more elegant Tasmanian option.

Mumm Napa Prestige Cuvée is available now at Vintage Cellars, Liquorland, First Choice and independent liquor stores nationally.

Air Canada wants to slug passengers extra for hand baggage

 

Air Canada. The airline that takes a week to get a suitcase they lost back to you. And doesn't give a damn about it. 

Air Canada. The airline that sends your missing bag to Windsor, Ontario. Because your name is Winsor. 

Yes, that Air Canada. 

Now they want to charge you for hand baggage. Following, you guessed it, in the footsteps of no-service US carriers. 

Air Canada, which already had a "no frills" approach to customer service, is now planning to gouge travellers who want to travel with an overnight bag, or even a larger laptop. 

From January 2025, passengers travelling on Air Canada’s economy basic fare (yep, they mean basic) within Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean will be restricted to a single small personal item such as a purse or belt bag, satchel or laptop bag (if the laptop is small). 

The Air Canada website stated this week that larger items such as backpacks, duffel bags and cabin bags - which until now had been included in each economy basic fare – will be charged at $35 in local dollars for the first item and $50 for each additional bag. 

Passengers will have their ticket and carry-on baggage allowance verified at the departure gate - which sounds highly likely to cause delays and prompt arguments - and anybody trying to sneak an extra bag on board will be hit up for $65 at the gate.

Air Canada does say that mobility aids, medical devices and child strollers remain exempt. For now. 

Air Canada boasts it has "an ongoing commitment to excellence". I think they are kidding themselves.

World travel returns to normal post-Covid

Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels.

The latest World Tourism Barometer released by UN Tourism this week, says a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the travel sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.

Four years after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers in the period January to September 2024.

The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most destinations with available data posting double-digit growth compared to 2019.

UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world.

"The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies.”

The Middle East (+29% compared to 2019) continued to enjoy record growth this nine-month period, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels. The Americas recovered to 97% of its pre-pandemic arrivals, while Asia and the Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels.

The summer season in the northern hemisphere was generally strong, with arrivals worldwide reaching 99% of pre-pandemic values in Q3 2024.

Among the world’s top earners, Japan (+59%), Türkiye (+41%) and France (+27%) all recorded double-digit growth through September.

Image: Jerome Quek, Scop.io

Super-premium tequila lands in Australia

Good news for tequila lovers in Australia. 

Patron Tequila, the world's best-selling super-premium tequila, just released its latest expression, Patron El Alto, in time for summer festivities. 

Hand-crafted from 100% Weber Blue Agave grown in the highest parts of Jalisco, Mexico, El Alto is a limited-release aged tequila aimed at aficionados. 

Master Distiller David Rodriguez and his team have combined a selection of the best Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejotequilas.

"Patron El Alto stays true to Patron Tequila's traditional roots in distilling while innovating in a way that achieves the best blended, aged tequila profile possible," said Rodriguez.

“The tequilas that harmoniously come together took four years to focus on only the best of the best and perfect the bold, sweet flavours of this expression the right way: naturally."

El Alto is, I am reliably informed, made using the traditional Tahona production process. This involves a two-tonne volcanic stone being used to crush the baked agave, "which creates a tequila with natural sweetness and flavours of the earth". 

Patron is the leading producer of Tahona-based tequila in the world. 

I'll add some tasting notes shortly. 

Patron El Alto is available in select premium venues and retail outlets Australia-wide now for an RRP of $315.

For more information visit www.patrontequila.com.

Tasmanian brands come together for a spirited experience

Love artisan spirits? Heading for Hobart? This summer, MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart’s "storytelling" hotel, is unveiling a new MACq 01 gin range created in partnership with local award-winning McHenry Distillery. 

The five new gins will take centre stage in the hotel’s new storytelling experience, Gin Tales, from December 9.

Gin Tales brings together MACq 01 Hotel’s dedication to immersive storytelling with premium crafted gins, offering a journey through Tasmania's heritage and characters. 

Working alongside distiller William McHenry, the hotel seeks to bring legendary figures to life through a specially curated range of gins. 

The spirits have been crafted to embody five core Tasmanian character traits that shape the design elements of the hotel and align to the 114 iconic Tasmanian characters that feature on the 114 guest rooms. 

Gin Tales joins the existing range of storytelling tours that guests and visitors to Hobart can join during their stay – hosted by the MACq 01 storytelling team. 

Guests can sip their way through Tasmanian history, guided by a storyteller, matching the bold, quirky and curious stories with the flavours of each distinctive gin. 

Think flavours like Hearty & Resilient, and Curious & Creative. 

Other gins include Grounded Yet Exceptional, Fighting Believers and Colourful & Quirky.

William McHenry describes the collaboration as a way to merge two iconic Tasmanian brands.

“With the new MACq 01 range, we’ve crafting five gins as layered as the stories of Tasmania’s people. It was a great experience bringing the influence of key MACq 01 characters together with the freshest Tasmanian ingredients, often resulting in unexpected combinations. 

"We went in with no limitations - even trialling squid ink in one of the iterations. Each gin reflects a part of Tasmania’s character and we’re thrilled with what we’ve produced with MACq 01.”

McHenry Distillery is located on the Tasman Peninsula. 

At the heart of everything the family-owned business does is clean, soft spring water from the springs on the property. 

The Gin Tales experience highlights include a one-hour guided tasting by a MACq 01 storyteller at MACq 01’s The Story Bar featuring a tasting of five 15ml pours from the MACq 01 collection

Tasting are held at 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and cost $35 per person. The experience is open to both guests and public and bookings are available online or through the MACq 01 Hotel team at hello@macq01.com.au

See macq01.com.au.

Meet Tasmania's stunning new wine tasting facility

One of Tasmania's most successful wine brands has unveiled a stunning new tasting room in the Coal River Valley - but you'll need to make an appointment if you want to eat and drink. 

Tolpuddle Vineyard will open its new Tasting Room outside Richmond - 25 minutes from Hobart - to the public next Friday (December 13). 

In addition to structured tastings featuring current release chardonnay and pinot noir alongside back vintages ($55), there will also be tasty treats on offer for those lucky enough to secure a time slot. 

Tolpuddle, which released its first wines in 2012, has been a global success story with its wines praised by international critics including Jancis Robinson and Tim Atkin and a swag of trophies from leading international wine shows. 

The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room will be managed by Pip Anderson (above), previously general manager of hospitality at MONA, and will be open from Friday to Monday, 11am-5pm with appointments available online.

To accompany the tasting flight, guests can also choose from a tight menu of small share plates with local ingredients featured where possible, such as Tongola Curdy Goats Cheese with Hazelbrae Hazelnuts and Kunzea honey. Caviar is a worthy exception, but the scallops are definitely local.. 

The Tasting Room will also be available for exclusive wine-focused events for 15-30 guests. 

Sam Bray, formerly of MONA and Manky Sally’s, has devised the menu - and the offerings are outstanding (I was lucky enough to attend a sneak preview). 

In addition to the wine flights, wines will be available by the glass ($25-30) and by the bottle.

The building, surrounded by vines planted by visionaries Bill Casimaty, Garry Crittenden and the late Tony Jordan at what was then Strathayr, was designed by Hobart-based Tanner Architects and constructed by local builder Cordwell Built. 

The Tasting Room has large floor-to-ceiling windows providing views over the vines. Salvaged timber from the West Coast of Tasmania features throughout and there is seating both inside and out.

Tolpuddle is owned and operated by two of the canniest operators in the Australian wine business, cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith AM MW (the founders of Shaw+Smith in the Adelaide Hills). 

In 2011, the pair visited Tasmania intending to buy nothing more than lunch. They tasted several wines but were impressed with the quality of wines made using grapes bought from Tolpuddle, which was planted in 1988. 

They made an offer for the vineyard - which was not for sale - and made their first wines the next year. 

“When we first bought the vineyard in 2011, we envisioned a day when we would build a Tasting Room in the midst of the vines to showcase our wines from this special site," Shaw said. 

"We love this vineyard and now have a tasting space so visitors can experience Tolpuddle Vineyard first-hand.”

Hill-Smith says the vineyard team led by Carlos Souris has put in a lot of work over the past 12 years, raising standards. 

"But we have been staggered by what a success it has been," he said. "It has been hugely rewarding the way the wines have been recognised around the world for their quality." 

See www.tolpuddlevineyard.com

Hot new Sydney precinct gets a little bit festive

Sydney Place, tucked behind Sydney's vibrant Circular Quay quarter, is offering a range of pre-Christmas drawcards. 

With a mix of activities for workers, visitors and families until December 20, the precinct is hosting prize giveaways, roving entertainers and festive-themed fun.

Sydney Place has three new, intimate city laneways with a diverse mix of day and late-night attractions. 

The area sits by the 55-storey Salesforce Tower - the city’s tallest office building. 

Ah Toy Lane, Sai Ying Lane and Underwood Street ware home to 23 eating and drinking destinations including Jacksons on George, Joel Best’s Bar Besuto - a Japanese Omakase restaurant and whisky bar - and Lode Pies & Pastries, by Sydney chef Federico Zanellato. 

Live roving entertainment throughout the precinct pre-Christmas includes The Shoppers, a troupe of retro juggling performers, and The Gagliardies (above), a group of circus performers, along with gingerbread men on stilts. Spot them 11:30am-1:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Santa’s Mailbox, meanwhile, is a festive installation inviting visitors to write and deposit their ‘naughty or nice’ lists into Santa’s Mailbox. A QR code on the box offers entry into a giveaway for a series of  prizes.

Shoppers who spend $10 or more at Sydney Place can head over to the festive pop-up Prize Wheel with a chance to win prizes including free drinks lunchtime Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until December 20. 

Relaxed vibe makes TRIBE a hotel success story

Hotel chains with a design element and more relaxed, upmarket hostel-style vibe are all the rage right now.

Mama Shelter was one of the innovators, followed by Moxy, and TRIBE is proving a success for global giant Accor.

TRIBE has just reached 20 hotels around the globe with "contemporary living, offering spaces that are smart, stylish, and encourage social interaction".

Created in Australia in 2017 by Mark and Melissa Peters, there are currently over 40 TRIBE hotels currently under development, including TRIBE Auckland Fort Street (above), which will open in the second quarter of 2025.

“Reaching 20 TRIBE hotels is just the beginning of our journey to redefine modern hospitality,” said Jean-Yves Minet, global brand president, midscale and economy at Accor.

“TRIBE hotels are design-led spaces that are smart, stylish and comfortable, providing everything that guests need and nothing they don't.

"Our designers focus on the things that really matter, creating vibrant and functional places to work, play, or relax, all at a great price. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering innovative experiences, ensuring that TRIBE continues to embody contemporary living for modern travellers around the world.”

Called "the lifestyle segment" this hotel style with shared public spaces is increasingly popular.

“Accor recognised the growing demand for lifestyle-based hospitality and TRIBE more than delivers on this, providing investors and owners an appealing and modern offering for hotel development,” said Camil Yazbeck, global chief development officer, premium, midscale and economy division, for Accor.

“By blending local vibrancy with strong design credentials, TRIBE has carved out a distinctive space that attracts both travellers and locals seeking social experiences and stylish design."

Some of TRIBE's locations are unusual, from Medellin, Colombia, to the vibrant but previously unfashionable Clichy in Paris.

Orange blossoms during FOOD Week

 

Gourmets should mark the dates of March 28 to April 6 in their diaries as one of Australia's most popular food and wine festivals returns to Orange in Central Western New South Wales in early 2025. 

The annual Orange FOOD Week is held in and around one of the most gourmet-oriented towns in the country, a region known for its cool-climate wines and local produce. 

The festival will feature close to 100 events, from Forage - a guided culinary adventure through the vineyards - to intimate dinners, hands-on masterclasses, bustling markets, and family-friendly events.

This year's theme is “Elevate Your Plate” and it emphasises the importance of locally sourced produce and sustainable farming. 

“FOOD Week is more than just a food festival; it's a celebration of the land and the people who work it,” says FOOD Week president Charlotte Gundry. 

“Our region's seasonal produce and talented food and wine artisans make Orange the ultimate destination for those who appreciate high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”

Tickets for FOOD Week 2025 go on sale to the public on Tuesday,  December 17. Patrons are advised to book early, as events have been known to sell out. 

Find out more at www.orangefoodweek.com.au

Flyers warned to prepare for Christmas strikes

Hand baggage only might be the best policy for Australians planning to fly this festive season.

Baggage handlers have overwhelmingly voted to take strike action which could potentially disrupt Christmas travel plans, news portal Travel Mole reports. 

About 1,000 Dnata employees in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have voted for industrial action.

This is the second time workers have rejected Dnata’s pay offer, which is tied to job security and a change in rostering arrangements. 

“Wages for workers getting Qantas planes off the ground have been slashed and suppressed,” the Transport Workers Union (TWU) said.

Dnata provides baggage handling for airlines at airports in Australia and worldwide.

Workers are demanding better rostering and pay.

The union is due for further talks with Dnata.

“Dnata ground workers are, like many in aviation, struggling to stay in this industry under the current pay rates and conditions,” TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said.

“Dnata must come back to the table with a fair offer.”

But the contract company remains defiant. 

“Should an industrial action go ahead, our robust contingency plans will help us minimise any impact,” Dnata said.

Ground handlers at Dnata have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action after twice rejecting a pay deal.

The TWU says 98% of workers supported the protected industrial action ballot.

The union has previously accused the UAE-based airport services provider, whose customers include Qantas, Emirates, Etihad and Singapore Airlines, of “refusing decent improvements on rostering, job security and pay”.

Tamar Ridge releases new super-premium pinot

Leading Tasmanian wine producer Tamar Ridge has launched a new super-premium flagship pinot noir in time for the festive season. 

The 2022 Grand Assemblage is described as the best red wine Tamar Ridge has made and is a blend of seven parcels selected from over 100 barrels by winemaker Tom Wallace. 

"With Grand Assemblage, we wanted to create a pinot noir that truly showcases the pinnacle of what we can achieve at Tamar Ridge," Wallace says. 

"It's a wine that reflects our deep understanding of this variety, our commitment to meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques, and the unique character of our Tasmanian environment.” 

Wallace talks of "alluring aromas of wild strawberries, bright red fruits and subtle spice". 

"This wine is an absolute joy to experience," he says. "The aromatics are captivating, and the palate is a beautiful dance of fruit, spice and earthy complexity. It's a wine that will reward those who take the time to savour it, revealing new layers of flavour and nuance with every sip.” 

The 2022 Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir is available now for $180 per bottle exclusively from the Tamar Ridge cellar door or online at tamarridge.com.au.

It is one of the most expensive still wines made in Tasmania, a list that is headed by Glaetzer-Dixon's limited-release La Judith wines at $220 a bottle. 

A fun festival with a sustainability message

If you like your festivals small and quirky the Tasmania’s ECHO festival should be on your radar.

ECHO, the brainchild of singer and entrepenueur Ange Boxall, combines of activities and experiences in a rural setting on Tasmania's east coast.

The festival, officially launched yesterday, will run from March 14-16 next year, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a celebration of music, local produce, sustainability, creativity, and the natural world.

The festival’s Friday evening signature event: Native Bounty Feast (above) will again showcase Tasmanian produce, this time incorporating elements inspired by the tides.

ECHO Festival is renowned for its hands-on workshops and artisanal demonstrations, and the main day on Saturday will see guests involved with traditional craftsmanship, such as blacksmithing in the on-site 200-year-old forge, where they’ll create unique anchor wall hooks.

Woodworking enthusiasts can craft a boat paddle-shaped spatula from Tasmania’s legendary Huon Pine.

Festivalgoers will also have the chance to explore their creative side at the Writer’s Corner with acclaimed Tasmanian author Robbie Arnott, and dive into the world of bees and pollinators with a special Bee & Honey Workshop hosted by Wild Hives Honey.

Additionally, the festival will feature seaweed activations, highlighting the ecological importance of these coastal organisms.

Throughout the event there will be live music performances and attendees can also enjoy gin, wine, and whisky masterclasses, led by top distillers and producers.

The Trashions on The Field fashion parade, where participants showcase outfits made from recycled materials, will return for another year.

For food lovers, the Farmers Corner will feature a selection of local producers offering fresh Tasmanian products.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.echofestival.com.au.

Images: Dearna Bond

New Zealand wine innovator dies

New Zealand winner innovator Peter Yealands has died at the age of 76.

"It's with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our founder, Peter Yealands," Yealands Wines announced.

"After decades of groundbreaking work and a life dedicated to innovation, Peter leaves a legacy of bold thinking and environmental stewardship. His incredible career spanned construction, engineering, marine farming, agriculture, forestry, and viticulture."

It added: "Peter will be deeply missed, and we’ll continue to be guided by his motto 'Think Boldy, Tread Lightly, and never say it can't be done' in everything we do at Yealands."

I visited Yealands in Marlborough several years ago. He was a force of nature; proud of the use of baby doll sheep in the vineyards, and the use of music to encourage the vines to produce quality grapes.

Yealands, a self-made man who left school at 14, died in Blenheim over the weekend. No cause of death was given.

The winery said: "His curiosity and drive lead him to run many successful businesses in the construction, engineering, forestry, marine farming, agriculture and viticulture sectors.

"Over his extensive career, achievements included obtaining New Zealand’s first marine farming license and pioneering the development of mussel farming in the Marlborough Sounds, setting up Kaiuma Deer Estate, and designing ship buoys and life rafts for the maritime industry.

"In 1998 Peter developed his first vineyard in the Wairau Valley. Two years later, he purchased a block of land in the Awatere Valley and started developing the Yealands Seaview Vineyard.

"At the time, Seaview’s landscape of rugged, undulating terrain and wild coastal winds was considered unsuitable for grape growing, but Peter saw otherwise. 

"In the following years, Peter continued to purchase adjacent farmland to establish what is now one of New Zealand’s largest and most coastal single vineyard sites."

Yealands Estate Winery officially opened for business in 2008 - with a focus on sustainability but Yealands retired in 2018 when the business was taken over Marlbourough Lines.

Yealands Wine Group interim CEO Liam Kelly said: “While Peter hadn’t been involved with Yealands for some time, his legacy lives on in the business built through his inspiring vision and relentless determination.

"A number of our team members worked closely with Peter and still talk fondly about him. We extend our condolences to the family."

Glasses of rosé at $6 make for a very happy hour or two

So your budget is tight, but you still fancy a pre-Christmas treat?

Sydney folk can check out the new Six Til 6 offering at French-accented Armorica in Surry Hills - a happy hour that features $6 glasses of the Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé along with some budget-priced snacks.

Running from 4-6pm daily, the Six Til 6 also showcases charcuterie items starting from just $6.

The happy hour is billed as "the perfect opportunity for after-work catch-ups, pre-dinner drinks, or simply indulging French style because… why not?"

Armorica, named after an ancient region in what is now France, is a French-style brasserie on Crown Street. 

See https://www.armorica.com.au/ 

Rising star winemaker gets new gig

Rising winemaking star Nicole Brasier has been appointed senior winemaker at historic Langhorne Creek producer Bleasdale.

Brasier, who joins after two years working for Accolade Wines at Tintara in McLaren Vale, will be working with winemaker Sam Rowlands (the pair is pictured above) as Bleasdale undergoes a changing of the guard.

There has been recent turnover at Bleasdale with Paul Hotker exiting earlier this year to work as a consultant, and Matt Laube stepping down to work on other projects. Laube will work with Brasier over the changeover. 

Brasier has over 10 years of experience and a degree in winemaking and viticulture.

She has worked with premium fruit from regions including the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, the Hunter Valley, Tumbarumba, Margaret River, Tasmania and Coonawarra inclding stints at Fourth Wave Wines and at Margan Wines.

Brasier has been a judge on the show circuit and recently completed the coveted Len Evans Tutorial.

Sustainability in the wine industry is also one of her passions.

She will be working closely with Bleasdale’s viticulturist and grower liaison officer, Sarah Keough, the Nuffield Australia 2020 Scholarship winner, who is actively involved in the EcoVineyards projects.

It has been a busy time at Bleasdale with wine industry veteran Iain Riggs AM last week named as the new Chair.   

Budget flights between Sydney and Bangkok resume

Budget airline Thai AirAsia X has resumed direct flight services to and from Sydney, Australia, operating from its main hub in Bangkok at Don Mueang International Airport.

The inaugural flight from Bangkok took off on Friday last week and returned from Sydney on Sunday.

The revived Bangkok-Sydney service offers a total of six weekly flights.

The new route launch makes Thai AirAsia X the only low-cost airline providing direct services from Bangkok-Don Mueang to Sydney, offering connections for passengers traveling from Sydney to a range of destinations across the AirAsia Group network.

These include favourite destinations among Australian travellers such as Krabi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, as well as popular international destinations including Japan, South Korea, India, China and more.

“The return of Thai AirAsia X to Sydney comes along with an enhanced flight network within the AirAsia Group that will give travellers the much sought-after convenience and seamlessness," said Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X.

"Guests from Australia will also find the flight schedules between Sydney and Bangkok very favourable and they can choose from six flights per week. As a show of appreciation to our valued guests, we are also introducing a new meal set exclusively for our Premium Flatbed guests.

“Operating from Don Mueang greatly enhances connectivity with AirAsia Group’s extensive network, particularly to destinations in India, where there is a strong and growing demand for travel to Australia.

"Our Fly Thru service also provides a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to travel seamlessly as they only need to clear immigration and collect their luggage at their final destination.”

Thai AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of 10 Airbus A330 aircraft with three seating zones - Premium Flatbed, quiet zone and economy.

The airline now serves eight key destinations from Bangkok, with direct flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), Sydney (Australia) and New Delhi (India).

Meet an airport hotel with a room style for everyone

It is the time of the year when family groups travel together.

There may be young children who need an eye kept on them, or more elderly family members who appreciate being close.

The Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel, which recently celebrated its first birthday, has room configurations that fit just about any family need, along with a location with visibility along both Joyce and Qantas Drive. It offers easy connectivity to the Sydney CBD.

Along with 301 rooms it also houses Moxy Kitchen, Moxy Bar, Little Baxter Café, meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and a guest laundry. 

I've stayed at Moxy properties before - they usually have a fun vibe - and will be checking this one out in the new year. 

There are several different room types, including:

Moxy Queen Sleeper – 228 Rooms
Queen bed, bathroom, AC, safe, wifi, tea & coffee
Airport runway or city views – 18 sqm

MOXY Twin Sleeper – 51 Rooms
Two double beds, bathroom, AC, Safe, wifi, tea & coffee
Airport runway or city views – 20 sqm

MOXY LOFT Airport – 9 rooms
One queen and one single king bed, bathroom, mini fridge, AC, safe, wifi, tea & coffee
Airport runway or city views – 21 sqm

MOXY QUAD BUNKS – 8 Rooms
Four king single beds, bathroom, mini-fridge, AC, safe, wifi, tea & coffee. 

 Airport runway or city views - 21 sqm

MOXY KING SLEEPER – 5 Rooms
King bed, bathroom, mini fridge, AC, safe, wifi, tea & coffee.
Airport runway or city views 39 sqm

MOXY FAMILY ROOM – 5 Rooms
Two queen beds + 1 single king bed, two bathrooms, AC, one mini-fridge, safe, wifi, tea & coffee. Airport runway & city views

MOXY Family Bunkhouse – 4 rooms
Queen bed + four single bunk beds, two bathrooms, AC, one mini-fridge, safe, wifi, tea & coffee. Airport runway and city views.

For details see www.moxysydneyairport.com

On the right track: Vietnam plots a railway revolution

Clunking through rural Vietnam on a slow-moving long distance train may soon be a thing of the past - although probably not soon enough.

I recently spent a whole lot of hours each way on a vey slow train from Hanoi to Hue, and then from Danang back to Hanoi.

I was in a four-berth sleeper cabin and it was an adventure, but not one I'd repeat in a hurry.

While the cabins have been tarted up, they are claustrophobic and the rolling stock rattles and clunks its way up and down the country. How fun your journey is might well depend on who your travelling companions are. Pot luck.

The various classes of travel on Vietnamese trains are soft sleepers, hard sleepers, soft seats, and hard seats, with soft sleepers as the most expensive.

Most tourists opt to journey in a soft sleeper because each berth has a pillow, sheet, a soft quilt, and a personal reading lamp. There are power points - and even wifi most of the time. Snacks are provided and you can buy food from vendors who roam up and down the carriages,

You need to stay on the lower berths in the daytime - and need the agility of a gymnast to scale an upper berth. Make sure to book a lower berth!

But now two sections of Vietnam's north-south high-speed railway - to connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - are slated to begin construction in late 2027, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Vietnam's parliament this week approved a resolution supporting the $67 billion high-speed rail project.

The railway, Vietnam's most ambitious infrastructure project, will eventually run all the way from the capital Hanoi to the southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The 1,541-km (958-mile) project is expected to be completed in 2035.

The Hanoi-Vinh and Nha Trang-HCMC sections will break ground in late 2027, and construction of the Vinh-Nha Trang segment is scheduled to start between 2028 and 2029.

The proposed railway is designed to support trains travelling at 350kph.

Ticket prices will be offered in three tiers, depending on the service class.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has suggested extending the line beyond its current endpoints to include the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay, and to the southernmost province of Ca Mau.

It can't come a moment too soon.

Proposed new airport could transform tourism in Bali

The north of Bali remains largely undisturbed by the mass tourism that clogs the southern half of the Indonesian holiday island.

But that might be about to change with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 of the proposed North Bali International Airport.

NBIA will be Indonesia's second-largest airport. To be built on reclaimed sea land, it will comprise two parts: the Aerotropilis complex and the airport itself.

The latter will consist of a main terminal and three boarding satellites and will have two parallel runways, a heliport and a seaport. The site will also include a cargo terminal and maintenance area.

Indonesia’s Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, spoken to the media this week about how the plans for the major new international airport are rapidly coming together, the Bali Sun reported.

He is anticipating construction to start by 2027 as capacity at the current I Gusti Ngurah Rai International in the south of the island is close to being reached.

'There needs to be a plan to start construction in 2027," he said. "[We can’t] say, ‘oh, it’s still a long time until [we reach] 32 million.'

“[If] we just [begin thinking] to start construction in 2029, it would be too late.”

The Minister echoed President Prabowo Subianto’s comments that the airport would be on par with Hong Kong and Singapore in terms of modern facilities.

The complex will ultimately see a whole new city built at Kubutambahan,in Buleleng Regency, on the far north coast of Bali.

During its first phase of development, the North Bali International Airport will be able to support 32 million passengers annually, with a maximum capacity of over 50 million to be available by completion.

Image: The proposed North Bali International Airport: KUNKUN Visual.

Brisbane gets a distillery with a difference

Lovers of free spirits - and artisan spirits - in Brisbane have a new venue to put on their radar: BY.ARTISANS. 

It sounds like they are shouting, but BY.ARTISANS is billed as a distillery and creative retreat in the inner suburb of West End. 

Opened this week, the Jane Street space is home to tasting rooms, a bar, café, event space, opportunities for interactive workshops and experiences and a retail space with local products.

Co-founder Ginn Lai said BY.ARTISANS was born to bring together brands, artists and creators to craft world-class, Queensland-made products.

“The name BY.ARTISANS reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, shining a light on the artistry and dedication behind every creation,” Lai said.

“There are no shortcuts - each product is hand-made in small batches with carefully sourced ingredients and a focus on quality.”

The opening of the flagship space coincided with the launch of an inaugural product, BY.ARTISANS Signature Gin. 

Co-founder and distiller Alexander Bell said the Signature Gin blended the native botanicals of lemon myrtle, cinnamon myrtle, lavender, wattle seed and the refreshing minty note of eucalyptus, capturing the essence of Australia’s landscape.

Bell, a chemical engineer, designed BY.ARTISANS’ still to use considerably less energy and fewer resources, making the distillery one of the nation’s most energy-efficient.

“This is a first-of-its-kind distillation system, capable of producing not only spirits but also a diverse range of essential oils and hydrosols from local botanicals,” Bell said. 

“What sets our distillery apart is its versatility. We use the same equipment to produce spirits of exceptional quality as we do to craft lifestyle products such as bespoke soaps, candles and natural dye merchandise - all while minimising our energy and resource use.”

BY.ARTISANS Signature Gin’s white bottle (above) is designed by co-founder and brand director Alexander Lotersztain. 

The bottle’s silicone sleeve, custom silicone cap and modern, minimalist white design aim to showcase artistry and collaboration.

“This is a blank canvas because we want this aesthetic to encourage community collaborations," Lotersztain said. 

"There are already strategic partnerships in the works with artists we admire, but we also want to support the undiscovered so would love to hear from emerging local artists too.” 

BY.ARTISANS is at 99 Jane Street, West End. See byartisans.com.au

Images: Florian Groehn