ITA to be the newest member of Star Alliance

Leading global airline program Star Alliance officially has a new member.

ITA Airways - the replacement for now defunct Alitalia - has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). 

Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance chief executive officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. 

"The decision by our CEB underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways, was also enthusiastic. 

“We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach," he said. 

"This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network."

ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

Co-owner Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance, said  Dieter Vranckx, chief commercial officer of the Lufthansa Group..

“I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance," he said. 

"As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. 

"ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio.” 

The Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

See www.staralliance.com

Lowe goes back in time to keep it minimal

David Lowe didn’t just turn back the clock - he kicked it all the way back to the bronze age, our New South Wales correspondent Rick Allen reports.

The Mudgee winemaker, always one to try new things and a passionate believer in organic and biodynamic practices, has produced a shiraz using techniques he says are 4000 years old, the Newcastle Herald wine scribe reports.

The Lowe Amphora Shiraz 2023 ($65) was fermented in a clay amphora vessel buried in the ground alongside the vines - a method he describes as “minimal intervention at its purest”.

“I’m always experimenting with new techniques, but this one blew me away,” he said. “Digging the hole for the huge terracotta amphorae was no mean feat, I can tell you.

“The earth next to the Block 5 vineyard comprises stone, shale and quartz … a tough dig; real blister material.”

To create the wine, the best grapes from Lowe’s Block 5 vineyard were hand-harvested on days aligned with the biodynamic calendar.

Half of the fruit was whole-bunch pressed, with the remainder crushed and fermented in three 500-litre terracotta amphorae, buried underground, five metres from the vines, for nine months.

Lowe has been experimenting with amphorae since 2021, without actually going this far before.

An amphora (plural amphorae) is a large vessel, usually clay, used to ferment and age wine - think of it as an oversized terracotta jar with a narrow neck and two handles -historically used by ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans to store and transport liquids.

“These days, it's popular to ferment wine in oak barrels or steel tanks,” Lowe explained. “Amphorae sit somewhere between an oak barrel and a steel tank in terms of oxidisation.

“Steel keeps oxygen completely out, oak allows a little in, but the amphora allows micro-oxygenation through the pores of the clay. It’s a subtle but important difference.

“It doesn’t impart flavour but slightly alters the wine’s texture and mouthfeel.

“By burying the vessel in the earth, you naturally regulate the wine’s temperature in with the earth.

“We packed around the amphorae with peat moss to minimise the contraction and expansion of the soil, which risks breaking the clay pot.”

And the result?

“With the earth next to our Block 5 pretty solid, it led to a raw, earthy style that is totally unique to the site, so it was worth the hard graft.

“We now have three amphorae buried and are so delighted with the results.”

Vintage 2023 in Mudgee was exceptional, with a long, slow ripening period.

“It was nearly impossible to make bad wine in 2023,” Lowe said.

So if you want to step back into the bronze age, get your Roman sandals on and try your first amphora wine.

In Lowe’s own words … “a raw, yet easy-to-drink shiraz, with great flavour and aroma that’s true to the earth from whence it came - upfront, powerful and fruit forward”.

Gippsland resort puts guests in the picture

RACV Inverloch Resort has officially opened the exhibition Narelle Autio: Selected Watercolours which showcases the work of one of Australia's most celebrated photographers.

The exhibition is on display until June 8.

RACV Head of Visual Arts Mardi Nowak said that Autio's Watercolours series captures the essence of Australians' relationship with the water, presenting images that are both complex and beautiful.

"The collection of photographs provides visitors with an immersive experience into Autio's exploration of Australian coastal life and we are thrilled to host Narelle Autio's Selected Watercolours at RACV Inverloch Resort," Nowak said.

"Her ability to portray the beauty and drama of Australian coastal life aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing enriching cultural experiences for our members and guests."

Autio has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, making her the first Australian recipient. Autio has also won two World Press awards and two Walkley awards

Her photographs are held in collections including such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.

In addition to Narelle Autio: Selected Watercolours, guests visiting or staying at the RACV Inverloch Resort will also be able to enjoy Digital Dreams, Analog Echoes - an Artificial Intelligence-inspired art exhibition.

Victorians and visitors can enjoy Inverloch Resort with the Gippsland Gourmet Getaway offer. From $399, a package includes a two-night stay in a resort room, a two-course dinner for two at the Radius Restaurant and daily breakfast for two.

The offer is valid for bookings until 31/05/2025, for stays to 31/07/2025.

RACV members receive an 11am late check out (not hat late to be honest), a welcome cocktail in Zenith Lounge for two, gourmet chocolates and biscuits, and a bottle of wine.

Inverloch is in Gippsland, 143 kilometres south east of Melbourne.

Visit RACV Travel and Experiences for more details.

Joint wine venture aiming for high marks

The d'Anna family never sits still.

The d’Annas have been selling wine and gourmet products to Melbourne residents for over 60 years at their Boccaccio Cellars store in Balwyn.

The family recently added a new wine bar/bistro, Enoteca Boccaccio, which quickly gained an Age Good Food Guide hat.

The family also owns the much-admired Hoddle Creek Estate winery in the Yarra Valley, producing superb-value wines under labels including 1er Yarra Valley, Hoddle Creek, Wickhams Road, along with several stand-alone offerings.

Hoddles Creek Estate was established in 1997 when the D'Anna family decided to establish a vineyard on the property that has been in the family since 1960.

All the wines are single vineyard, estate grown, and are made in a 300-tonne winery.

Just to make sure there are no dull moments, the d'Anna family is also involved in a small-batch DML VIN venture: D’Anna Middleton Lewis, with Sam Middleton and Jordan Lewis.

The brand focuses on single-site regional pinot noir with the first vintage being released in June 2019. The new 2022 releases are a contrasting pair from the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra wine is more ethereal, the Mornington offering more sturdy, and savoury.

The Mornington pinot is a blend from two vineyards on the Peninsula, one situated in Balnarring and the other in Merricks, while the Yarra wine comes from a well-regarded upper Yarra Valley vineyard. A fascinating contrast in styles.

Four-time AFL premiership player Jordan Lewis, ex Hawthorn and Melbourne, and his wife Lucy developed a love for wine when they spent time in Florence.



Upon returning to Australia, he wanted to explore the world of wine a little bit deeper. Through good fortune he met the d'Anna boys over social media and a friendship through wine was born.



Sam, meanwhile, is a third-generation winemaker from the Middleton family and has held the role of head winemaker at highly renowned Mount Mary since 2011.

His background includes stints at Coldstream Hills and Dominique Portet, as well as working in Burgundy.

Three different inputs; two stylish wines.

For more info see DML VIN

Now Eurostar will have a rival on cross-Channel rail routes

Virgin Trains, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is set to begin operating passenger trains to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel following an announcement by the UK rail regulator. 

Virgin Trains has also announced the acquisition of a fleet of high-speed trains as it gears up to challenge Eurostar, which has held a monopoly on routes to Europe since 1994.

Virgin Trains said this week that there are “no more major hurdles to overcome” before it can begin operating. 

It has acquired a fleet of 13 high-speed trains for future services from London through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, Brussels and onwards to Frankfurt, starting in late 2027.

Thanks to a financial package negotiated with BlackRock, Virgin has purchased the 330 kmh trains from Germany’s Deutsche Bahn. 

The Siemens-built 406 series trains were most recently in service between Frankfurt, Brussels and Amsterdam. Each train is composed of eight carriages and seats 425 passengers, news portal Travel Mole reports.

“The opportunity to purchase these trains now was an offer too good to turn down," Branson told British media. 

"With no need to wait for new trains to be built, we can bring forward our plans for new services through the Channel Tunnel that customers have been demanding. 

"Anyone who has taken one of these trains has been enchanted by their reliability and comfort.”

Virgin Trains will start its services in December 2027, with seven return trips planned each day from 
London to Paris, and six a day to Brussels. Two of the Brussels services will continue to Germany. 

That will make Virgin the first company to offer direct UK-Germany services.

Virgin Trains head of European Operations Jean-Eric Suiscon said “We are happy to have 
found a way to adapt services in Germany for Channel Tunnel services."

Dark Mofo promises a car crash - and lots more

From car crashes to artworks, performances to food and wine, Tasmania's favourite winter festival Dark Mofo returns from June 5-15 and 21.

Organisers today announced an ambitious program designed to entertain locals and bring tourists to the island state during its coldest month.

The mid-winter festival will showcase large-scale public artworks in the Dark Park art hub and across Nipaluna/Hobart, along with annual rites such as the sprawling Night Mass parties, the Winter Feast gourmet festival, the traditional Ogoh-Ogoh burning, and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Dark Mofo Films also make a comeback under new artistic director Chris Twite.

"Once again we will bathe the city in red, filling it with art and taking over disused and hidden spaces all across Nipaluna/Hobart," Twite says.

"Night Mass - the late-night labyrinth of revelry - will carve new paths through the city and a host of Australian-exclusive artists from around the world will storm our stages."

The festival will utilise deconsecrated churches, rooftops, basements, bars, bank vaults and the shores of River Derwent. Dark Mofo will also stretch its tentacles to a theatre in Launceston and the planetarium in Ulverstone.

"It feels incredible to bring so many boundary pushing artists to Tasmania in 2025 for the full-scale return of Dark Mofo," says Twite.

The festival features new artwork commissions from Paula Garcia and Carlos Martiel, the Australian premiere of a massive light installation from Nonotak and performances from the likes of The Horrors, Tierra Whack, Beth Gibbons and Crime and the City Solution.

In Crash Body (above), two cars will engage in an exchange of near misses, building to a visceral head-on collision between Brazilian artist Paula Garcia and a stunt driver. This event will unfolding at the Regatta Grounds over two hours and festival-goers will encounter the aftermath at Dark Park.

SORA by Nonotak will create a dancing, hypnotic firmament inside a cavernous warehouse. Lights on kinetic armatures will spin and pulse at the whim of an invisible wind at times and raging like the apotheosis of an electrical storm at others.

In a brand new Mona exhibition, in the end, the beginning, Italian sculptor Arcangelo Sassolino (ITA) plays with fire.

The Winter Feast will take over Princes Wharf and Salamanca Lawns throughout the festival. This year the Feast welcomes guest chef Niyati Rao from Mumbai restaurant Ekaa.

She will be teaming up with Chef Craig Will and fellow co-owners of Launceston’s Stillwater, Bianca and James Welsh.

This year’s Ogoh-Ogoh ritual solicits fears to feed a giant Maugean skate - an endangered species found only in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour and threatened by polluting fish farms.

Tickets go on sale to subscribers 10am Wednesday 9 April AEST and to everyone else from noon on Wednesday, April 9. Subscribe for updates at www.darkmofo.net.au.

Airline warns of slowing demand for UK-US flights

It's not just the Canadians who are showing a reluctance to travel to the US.

Virgin Atlantic Airways has signalled that demand for flights from the UK to Crazyland has been slowing.

The airline this week reported its first annual profit since the pandemic, but also some caution regarding weakening demand, news portal Travel Mole reported.

CFO Oli Byers said: “We think that is quite a natural reaction to general consumer uncertainty.”

The news comes as trans border travel demand from Canada to the US has seen a huge drop of more than 70% for this summer.

That is specifically down to the trade war and like-for-like tariffs, which could soon impact transatlantic traffic due to political and economic factors, and, perhaps, fear of US entry security goons.

Mainland Europe’s top airlines have cited concerns, but that has yet to translate into a fall in bookings.

“It is concerning for us but as of today, we don’t see any material change in forward bookings,” Air France-KLM’s CEO Ben Smith said.

Virgin Atlantic is highly reliant on US-UK transatlantic bookings.

Discover $199 fares between Australia and Vietnam - but you'll need to be quick

My friends at Vietjet, now the biggest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam, have launched four new non-stop services connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou in China.

These routes mark a milestone in Vietjet’s expansion in 2025, which includes new routes to India, Japan, and Singapore.

Australian travellers now have more opportunities to explore China with a cost-effective transit network through Vietnam.

With many Chinese students studying in Australia, this also offers a convenient travel option for those returning home during holidays or visiting family.

To celebrate thew destinations, Vietjet is offering a limited-time promotion from now until April 5 (so you'll need to be quick) \with all-inclusive one-way Eco-class fares starting as low as $!99 for all routes between Australia and Vietnam.

Australians wanting to explore Vietnam can also find deals when booking domestic flights within the country. The travel period is between April 15 and March 28, 2026, for bookings made via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as between Hanoi and Guangzhou, have already commenced daily services. 

The Hanoi-Beijing route will initially operate three times a week before transitioning to a daily service on April 27 while a new Hanoi-Shanghai service will commence on April 29, offering daily flights.

Since its first flight from Vietnam to China in 2014, Vietjet has strengthened its flight network between the two neighbouring countries, which now covers more than 50 destinations across China. 

“Vietjet is excited to launch four new routes from Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou, major economic, cultural, and tourist hubs in China, as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our flight network," said Vietjet vice chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha. 

"With this expansion, we will continue to provide affordable and convenient travel options for both locals and tourists, further enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and China, and beyond.”

Vietjet is also set to launch its inaugural route between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland in New Zealand in September.

Darwin theory: the best time for gourmets to visit

Foodies planning a trip to Darwin should pencil in a potential visit in August.

This year’s Darwin Festival, to run from August 7-24) will feature its biggest Taste of Darwin program ever with the return of chef Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman restaurant after four years, and the festival debut of the city’s hottest new eatery: Flora’s Temper Mexicantina.

The Festival’s Taste of Darwin program will double in size to feature six events, with two announced today: a City Cocktail Experience, where guests can choose between a glitzy 1920s-style bar hop or a wild Tropical bar adventure; and a Gloom and Gourmet Dinner, a dark feast that transforms Parap Fine Foods into a red-lit, moody banquet hall complete with roving performers belting out eerie murder ballads.

“Last year’s Taste of Darwin events were a huge hit and sold out fast, so we’re excited to not only bring them back but double the offering with truly unique experiences that showcase the spirit of Darwin,” said Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell.

Each Taste of Darwin event will offer something unexpected and exclusive, Taste of Darwin curator Neville Pantazis promises.

“Darwin’s food and bar scene is vibrant, diverse and truly multicultural," he says. "We’re serving up fresh, fun, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the essence of Australia’s northernmost capital.”

The return of Hanuman, arguably the Territory’s most celebrated restaurant, to the line-up of exceptional food offerings at Festival Park, is great news for foodies, added Fell.

“Hanuman’s long-anticipated return brings an iconic flavour back to the Festival, while Flora’s Temper Mexicantina adds an exciting new layer to our culinary landscape. With more reasons than ever for food lovers to head to Festival Park during Darwin Festival, it’s set to be a true celebration of Territory flavours.”



The festival has also announced that its key beverage suppliers this year are local to the Northern Territory, with new partner Alice Springs Brewing Co. joining Darwin’s Willing Distillery.

Darwin Festival, 2024 Gold Winner at the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, will release its full program of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars, and fun family events next month.  

Yelland & Papps celebrates 20 years bigly with a tribute to family

Barossa winemakers Susan and Michael Papps are celebrating 20 years of Yelland & Papps in style.

The pair is releasing a wine in two large formats in tribute to the local family growers that have been a part of their journey. David and Angela Materne, Pete and Sarah Sonntag, Kevin and Helen Schild and Bob and Sandy Modra, and themselves.

"What has become apparent in the last few years are the business relationships that can enable you to successfully grow," says Susan Papps (Yelland).

"Our Twenty Years Five Growers Barossa Valley Shiraz 2024 Limited Edition (Vale LKY & KLY) is a contribution of all five growers that at the time of vintage 2024 had been either from the start or have joined the train as we have travelled along on our journey.

"A blend of shiraz from sub-regions Marananga, Stonewell, Vine Vale, Dorrien and Greenock reflects the soils and grape growers that make up the beautiful Barossa Valley terroir."

She says Yelland & Papps wanted to "acknowledge this milestone for some time to try and reflect, capture and celebrate 20 years of our business and making wine in a turbulent, slightly fractured and vulnerable industry".

The release is tinged with sadness as Susan's brother Leith and father Kelwyn died within a fortnight of each other in 2024.

"When designing a label for this wine, at the forefront was honouring my father and his unwavering support of our business, over the past 20 years," Susan said.

"Although my father was not part of Yelland & Papps business when this was started in 2005 by Michael and myself, he was an intrinsic monetary part of helping us along the way to start and keep progressing forward.

"The most important part of the relationship was the interest and support and his listening ear to the woes and hardships, and although he never had a magic wand to erase these issues he had the advice and was able to relate to his prior farming business."

The label features the colour of her father's prized procession: a "sky mist blue" 1960 Ford Zephyr Ute.

The special release wine has been bottled under large format only: 239 1.5-litre magnums and 28 5-litre jeroboams at $129 and $399.

See yellandandpapps.com.

Where have all the vineyards gone?

The global wine grape harvest in 2024 is estimated to be even lower than the historic low 2023 vintage, reflecting negative weather events combined with active strategies to reduce production, Wine Australia reports. 

In the southern hemisphere, Australia and Argentina both saw substantial increases compared with their 2023 vintages, but remained below their 5-year averages. 

Chile and South Africa both declined to their lowest totals for more than 10 years, and well below their 5-year averages. 

Argentina regained its position as largest southern hemisphere producer, while Chile slipped to third.

Chile is believed to have removed up to 20% of its vineyard area in 2023-24, while New Zealand had a smaller vintage than the past two near-record crops. 

In the northern hemisphere, France saw the greatest reduction: down 23% compared with 2023 and 16%  below its 5-year average. 

Unfavourable weather conditions related to climate change were the main driver, although distillation and removal programs also contributed. 

Italy increased by 7% after its very low 2023 harvest, to reclaim the title of world's largest wine 

producer while Spain saw the largest increase globally - up 18% - to be close to its 5-year average.

International Organisation of Vine and Wine figures indicate that global wine production in 2024 was even lower than 2023, making it two in a row that are the lowest in 60 years.

The 2024 vintage total of 23 billion litres was 10 per cent below the 5- year average. 

Chelsea Social aiming to kick goals in Perth

Perth has a new all day and night dining and drinking spot as of April 1 - and that's no joke.

Housed inside the refurbed ibis Hotel in the centre of the West Australian capital, Chelsea Social "is set to be the city’s premier destination for work and play".

Well, that's what the media release says.

Expect "punchy colours, playful finishes and a London-meets-Perth attitude: this vibrant venue brings something completely new to the city’s dining and social scene".

Open from 6:30am until late, seven days a week, Chelsea Social will be serving up UK-inspired classics with a modern twist.

There will be hearty breakfasts, an all-day dining menu and share platters.



There will also be cocktails, wines and pub favourites, allegedly all with some Chelsea style - the suburb not the football team.

With room for up to 150 guests, Chelsea Social has three distinct spaces: Chelsea Dining Hall, Chelsea Bar, and Chelsea Events.

Open to hotel guests and the public, Chelsea Social will offer a Friday morning breakfast "rave" every week. That means they'll have a DJ. 

"Chelsea Social is designed to be more than just a venue - it's an experience," says hotel manager Sandy Lombardi.

“We’ve created a space that captures the essence of Chelsea London’s refined elegance - where the world’s most coveted brands like Gucci, Chanel, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co are just steps away -beautifully fused with the relaxed charm of Perth to deliver an unparalleled atmosphere in the heart of the CBD."

To mark the official opening, Chelsea Social invites the public to celebrate on Friday morning, April 11, when guests will be treated to free Chelsea Buns throughout the morning while a live DJ spins feel-good tunes.

Let's hope it's not a bunfight.

Ibis Perth, 334 Murray Street, Perth https://all.accor.com/hotel/1773/index.en.shtml

High expectations in Hawke's Bay

Vintage is in full swing across Australia and New Zealand, but there is particular optimism in Hawke's Bay on the north island of Kiwiland. 

It may be tempting fate, but the wine producers of  Hawke's Bay are proclaiming that this year is looming as a great one. 

"Every so often, a vintage emerges that could define a wine region’s legacy," Hawke's Bay Wine proclaims in its latest newsletter. 

"In Hawke’s Bay, murmurs are growing that 2025 may be one of those years - potentially rivalling even the renowned 2013 vintage."

Hawke’s Bay Wine CEO Brent Linn visited wineries across the region to hear first-hand how the harvest is progressing. 

Winemakers from Te Mata Estate, Brookfields Winery, and Craggy Range all reported outstanding fruit quality, with ideal growing conditions delivering pristine grapes at optimal ripeness.

Te Mata Estate senior winemaker Phil Brodie described the season as "unique and potentially legendary," while Brookfields’ Peter Robertson, now in his 51st harvest, noted exceptional quality in both white and red varieties. 

With warm, dry conditions, vintage 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most promising in recent history.

Senior winemaker Ben Tombs highlighted an early harvest with vibrant acidity and excellent structure at Craggy Range.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst joined the visit at Te Mata Estate, emphasising the wine industry’s crucial role in the region’s economy, tourism, and global reputation. 

Sally Duncan, chair of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, reinforced the industry's impact, noting that over 32 million bottles of Hawke’s Bay wine will reach consumers worldwide this vintage.

As winemakers complete their work in the vineyard and turn their focus to the winery, the question remains: Could this be "the one"? 

Europe to formalise NoLo wine terminology

"Alcohol-free", "0.0%"’ and "alcohol light" are the new standardised denominations proposed by the European Commission for no- and low-alcohol wines.

The legislation for NoLo wine products is a bid to enhance their appeal.

As part of its newly presented wine package, the EU executive has proposed the three new classifications seeking to harmonise terminology across member states and support the growing market for non-alcoholic wines.

The overall package introduces targeted measures to help the sector manage its production potential, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and exploit new market opportunities, EuroNews reports.

The overall package introduces targeted measures to help the sector manage its production potential, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and exploit new market opportunities.

The proposed designations define ‘alcohol-free’ as wines with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.5% by volume, while ‘0.0%’ is reserved for wines with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.05% by volume.

The term ‘alcohol-light’ will apply to wines with an alcohol content above 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the minimum strength of the category before dealcoholisation.

Previously, EU legislation used the technical terms “fully and partially de-alcoholised” wines, which were seen as less consumer-friendly.

“The idea is to replace them with names that are more attractive and also more familiar to consumers,” the Commission said.

The three new terms, while already widely used, are currently regulated differently across member states, and the new rules aim to ensure uniform wine labelling throughout the EU.

Image: Carmen Ramon Cami, Scop.io  

Forget that earthquake: tourists told to party on

Thailand is not about to let a minor inconvenience like an earthquake interfere with a festival that is one of its major tourism drawcards.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that Songkran celebrations nationwide will proceed as planned, assuring tourists that travel, transport, and hotels remain unaffected by last week's fatal quake.

TAT announced over the weekend that plans to hold grand Songkran (water festival) celebrations across the country would proceed as scheduled.

TAT said that after assessing the situation following Friday’s earthquake, it found that conditions in Bangkok and other parts of the country had returned to normal.

It noted that Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok continued to operate as usual, with airlines providing normal services.

Additionally, public transportation - particularly the electric railway services operated by BTSC and MRT - remained fully functional. Hotels and entertainment venues in key tourist destinations were also unaffected.

TAT reported that tourists had not cancelled their bookings, and tour group operators had not withdrawn reservations either, newspaper The Nation reported. 

It also confirmed that highways across the country remained undamaged and fully accessible for travel.
To ensure tourist safety, the TAT stated that it would seek cooperation from the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Public Works Department to inspect high-rise hotels.

The authority reassured the public that planned grand Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other locations would not be impacted.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is a nationwide celebration of Thai New Year taking place from early to mid-April across every region of the country.

More than 100 events will take place across Bangkok, where at least 18 people died as a result of the quake, and throughout the country. 

Each Thai location has its own blend of tradition and celebration - from rituals and temple fairs to music festivals and lively water fights - which can be very annoying as young locals arm themselves with giant water guns. 

Festival Highlights Include:

Maha Songkran World Water Festival, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok (April 11-15)
Songkran Music Festival, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (April 12-14)
Chiang Mai Songkran traditions (April 7-16))
Grand Isan Songkran Festival, Khon Kaen (April 8-15)
Coastal celebrations in Phuket, Songkhla, and Surat Thani
Cultural parades in Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani

Champagne exports dip in key markets

Is Champagne in crisis?

Exports to several major markets, including the UK and Australia, dipped dramatically in 2024.

Imports of Champagne to the UK fell by almost three million bottles in 2024 – taking the market back to its size in 1997.

The total amount of Champagne sent to the UK in 2024 was 22.3 millon bottles, down 12.7% on the year before.

And in Australia, the number of bottles arriving fell to 7.29 million, a drop of 17.6%.

The only years when UK shipments to the UK have been lower than in 2024 were in 2000 – when the country was overstocked from an excessive amount of Champagne imported in advance of Millennium celebrations – and 2020, when the first wave of Covid-related lockdowns took their toll, trade media outlet the drinks business reported.

But the market performance of 2024 means that the UK retained its position as second-biggest export market for Champagne behind the US, while Australia ranks No.7.

The Comité Champagne has said that the political and economic climate that has led to a reduction in sales.

Shipments in 2024 - as opposed to consumption - were also negatively impacted by an excess of stock in the market at the start of last year, as sales over the festive period in 2023 were not as high as expected.

In 2024, Champagne shipped a global total - including the domestic market - of 271.4 million bottles, which was down 9.2% compared to the previous year.

While 80% of Champagne is sold in eight countries, new markets such as Canada, South Africa and South Korea are showing growth, the Comité Champagne says.

The top 10 markets are: 1. US, 2.UK, 3. Japan, 4. Germany, 5. Italy, 6. Belgium, 7. Australia, 8. Switzerland, 9. Spain, 10. UAE.

Image: Andrii Omelnytskyi, Scop.io

Triple celebration for MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique this week marked significant milestones for three World Class ships in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The delivery of MSC World America (above), coincided with the coin ceremony - a traditional shipbuilding event - of MSC World Asia and the steel cutting for the newly named MSC World Atlantic.

The importance of the occasion meant attendees included Captain Gianluigi Aponte, founder and group chairman of MSC, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique GM Laurent Castaing.

MSC World America is the 23rd ship in the cruise line’s modern fleet and is set to be officially named on April 9 in the US at the company’s new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, the largest in the world.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division, MSC Group, said: “Today is a proud moment for all of us at MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we mark these major milestones in the development of our fleet.

"Our new flagship is a testament to our long-standing, innovative partnership spanning over 20 years, resulting in five ground-breaking prototypes and 19 ships.

"Together, we continue to push boundaries, combining cutting-edge design, the latest technologies, and a richness of experiences to set new standards in cruising and always striving to further improve the environmental performance of each ship. We look forward to raising the bar even higher with the upcoming MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic.”

A coin cermeony sees commemorative coins placed inside a ship as a sign of blessing during construction and to bring good fortune to the ship.

The third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony to officially start the construction of the line’s fourth World Class ship, MSC World Atlantic, due to enter service in 2027.

MSC World America's inaugural season from Miami starts on April 12.

She will sail alternating seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico and MSC Cruises private island Ocean Cay and seven-night Western Caribbean voyages to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, Isla de Roatan, Honduras, and Ocean Cay.

Paddy's re-imagined: discover Sydney's new gourmet market

Sydney has a new gourmet destination with the launch of Hay St Market at Paddy’s - which opened this week.

The concept is described as "a celebration of food, culture and community, bringing together a dynamic collection of traders under one roof in the heart of Haymarket".

It has to be an improvement on some of the dire recent local offerings.

Spanning 3,000 square metres of Paddy’s Markets, Hay St Market is home to over 48 traders offering more than 25 different cuisines.

At its heart, it’s an open, bustling space that shifts from morning to an after-dark foodie destination. I'm told that "visitors can snack on the go, kick back with a bite, grab something for home or chill out at Cans & Crates or Traders Bar".

The multi-million dollar transformation is designed to revitalise the Haymarket precinct, increase tourism and create more than 300 jobs.

“We’ve left no stone unturned in creating Hay St Market at Paddy’s - an affordable destination that Sydney can be proud of, where visitors can eat, drink, and shop," says says Joseph Murray, group CEO and managing director of Doltone Hospitality Group.

"Inspired by some of the world’s best markets, we’ve built something extraordinary that harnesses Sydney’s cultural diversity, offers a twist on tradition, and taps into our collective love of food and beverage.”

Leading chefs including Luke Nguyen (above) and Mark Olive are involved

Also joining the market is Tim Casey, a specialist butcher with over 50 years of experience, including as former head butcher at Rockpool; cheesemonger Christina Murphy, and The Signorelli Bros greengrocer.

Specialty coffee will be roasted in-house with Genovese’s finest beans at Hay St Roasters.

“While our food offering is phenomenal, we are also excited to bring to life the speciality traders within Hay St Market at Paddy’s,” added Murray.

Image: Esteban La Tessa 

Meet Attunement: a new classic Australian red blend

A new-release from St Hugo is a serious discovery for lovers of aged, and age-worthy, Australian red wines.

It is a very impressive blend of Barossa shiraz and Coonawarra cabernet - a classic Australian blend.

"We’re delighted to welcome a brand new shiraz cabernet blend to the St Hugo portfolio: St Hugo Attunement Barossa Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2018," says St Hugo chief winemaker Peter Munro.

"We’ve made this classic blend driven by a singular ambition: to create a wine that promises complexity, elegance, power and refinement, resulting in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"As classic blends go I’d say this is more on the ‘robust end’ but as we know with all blends, it’s about the synergy and why we named this wine Attunement. Precision perfected."

The grapes for the blend, 64% shiraz and 36% cabernet sauvignon, were sourced from two vineyards in the Barossa for shiraz and one for cabernet and one for shiraz in the Coonawarra.

The split between the regions leans towards the Barossa at 52% and 48% Coonawarra.

I liked the immediate drinkability on offer here, the synthesis between the two grape varieties and regions, and the cellaring potential.

"Vintage 2018 was fantastic across South Australia, a little warmer than usual, resulting in pure fruit flavours from both regions," says Munro.

"The fruit was de-stemmed and crushed into static and open fermenters with pumping over regularly to achieve excellent extraction, flavour and tannin.

"The fruit was then drained and pressed followed by malo and ageing for 17 months in new French oak (76%). The team then sat down for the final blending; very much in true St Hugo style: all precision and attention to detail.

Attunement will cost you around $100 a bottle and will be available at selected Dan Murphy stores nationally.

Canberra's arts scene comes alive in April

Despite the presence of some boofheads elected to represent us in Parliament, the national capital of Canberra is also a city of art and culture.

 
Canberra is regarded as one of the nation's creative hubs - just don't tell Barnaby, Sussan and Angus.

 

The sprawling city boasts diverse arts scene, several national attractions and a thriving community of creatives.

This April brings four highly anticipated exhibitions to Canberra: the first solo exhibition for multidisciplinary contemporary Australian artist Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery; a celebration of female artists at the National Gallery of Australia and a showcase of the works of glass maker Katie-Ann Houghton and industrial designer Tom Fereday at the Canberra Glassworks.

The Immersive World of Thom Roberts - National Portrait Gallery
https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025 

From April 12 to July 20 with free admission 

Australian artist Thom Roberts (below), known for his bold portraits that morph people with trains and buildings, is bringing his first solo exhibition to the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition showcases more than 100 works including paintings, installations, animations and some of his newest works.

Know My Name: Global - National Gallery of Australia
https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/know-my-name-global/
From April 2025 with free entry, this collection features works of inspiring female artists from around the world who have pushed the limits of artistic practice. Expect to see the works from creative trailblazers such as American feminist artist Judy Chicago, Order of Australia artist Vivienne Binns and American neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer.

Arum + Meander - Canberra Glassworks
https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2/

https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2-kah/
From April 3 to June 8 with free entry Sydney-based designer Tom Fereday's solo show Arum celebrates the transformation of raw material into glass and highlights his interest in the tension that lies between natural materials and contemporary design. Glassmaker Katie-Ann Houghton, meanwhile, explores her fascination with urban landscapes in her newest exhibition Meander.

For more information visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/

Canadians say "no thanks" to flights to the US

Canadians are voting with their wallets when it comes to choosing whether or not to travel to the US.

Donald Trump's continued threats to make Canada "the 51st state" of the US are having a major effect on air travel demand.

ICE arrests at US borders are apparently also hitting hard as air travel demand between Canada and the US has plummeted by more than 70%, aviation analytics company OAG reports. See oag.com/

It could be a long-term issue, too, industry news hub Travel Mole reports.

Major capacity cuts have been made throughout the northern hemisphere summer until October 2025.

Comparing the total number of scheduled one-way seats between the two countries filed on March 3 and those filed on March 24, shows that over 320,000 seats have been removed by airlines operating between the two countries through to the end of October.

The most noticeable cuts are in July and August - the two peak summer season months - where airlines have cut capacity by some 3.5%

Advance bookings are down as much as 76%, OAG says.

Some Canada travel agencies have also noted a lack of demand, and in many cases cancellations of existing bookings, as well as for cruise vacations departing the US.

Canadian airline WestJet has added an additional 114 flights to Europe as it actively places capacity outside of the US with Dublin and Edinburgh are two airports benefiting from changes in capacity.

Moran launches his own range of gourmet stock

 

When you are a big-name chef you need to be careful which products you endorse. Each time you put your reputation on the line. 

Celebrated chef and restaurateur Matt Moran has this week launched a range of gourmet stock preparations to help home cooks create chef quality dishes at home.

There are three products in the My Perfect Stock range (chicken, beef and vegetable), which are now available in some independent supermarkets and at Woolworths, and in Coles stores from late April.

“While not everyone has the time, interest or know-how to make their own stock at home, we all know that a great stock can be the difference between a good dish and an exceptional one," Moran said.

"My Perfect Stock makes it so much easier to maximise depth of flavour and elevate home-cooked meals such as roasts, pastas and curries. 

"I’ve done the hard work for the home cook, using quality ingredients which have been slowly simmered with the right balance of herbs and spices.”

Moran has a plethora of awards to his name, has hosted TV shows, written best-selling cookbooks and owns celebrated dining establishments including Aria, Chiswick and North Bondi Fish.

The three products in the range, all have an RRP of $5.90/500ml. 

Stock is the foundation for countless dishes and is one of the first 

Moran has created several recipes to provide inspiration for the home cook using his chef quality stocks. The recipes, including Matt’s pea risotto, his Asian-style poached chicken and his much-loved  braised lamb shank pappardelle ragu, will be available on the back of the products and via his own website.  

“I have always been passionate about the Australian country and have profound respect for our farmers," he added. 

"My Perfect Stock uses 100% Australian beef and chicken, and these products are made in Australia using top-quality ingredients. Through my work I aim to nurture the bond between the land and the family dinner table and educate Australians about the journey of our food from farm to table." 

Bastille celebration moves to Adelaide

 

A popular Sydney festival is set to offer French-accented fun in Adelaide this winter. 

Bastille Festival, a French food, wine, art and culture expo, will make its Adelaide debut from May 30-June 1. 

Known for transforming Sydney’s Circular Quay and The Rocks into a celebration of all things French in July, the Adelaide edition will be earlier in the year - at Festival Plaza. 

“Bastille Festival finding its second home in Adelaide is no coincidence,” says festival founder and director Vincent Hernandez. 

“With its passion for European living, its taste for exceptional wines and flavours, and its vibrant appreciation for the arts, Adelaide embodies the spirit of Bastille.

"We’re igniting that legacy, freedom, boldness, and pure joy through a thrilling fusion of food, wine, and art, perfectly matched to this city’s lively soul. 

"Festival Plaza, with its dynamic energy and beating heart, is the ideal canvas."

Adelaide's three-day event will feature over 30 food stalls operating from breakfast to dinner. 

Think raclette, crepes, and pastries. 

Wine lovers can prepare for a journey through French regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Alsace with at least 15 boutique wines imported from France.

Organisers also promise over 40 free performances along with market stalls and - reminiscent of French Christmas markets - a fire pit and mulled wines. 

Admission to Bastille Festival Adelaide is free, with ticketed experiences like the Wine Walk, Food Passport and Fire Pit Experience available for purchase. 

Gladiators, comedians, vinegar and a new way to hydrate

 Celebrity spirits are 10 a penny nowadays. Celebrity wines are commonplace.

But how about celebrity canned hydrating drinks? 

Comedian and wine lover Merrick Watts is putting his weight behind Posca Hydrate - a fizzy sports drink that he has just launched in Australia. 

The blurb tells me Posca Hydrate has been "reinvented by Merrick Watts to hydrate modern-day warriors and health-conscious consumers". 

I'm assured that "combining ancient wisdom with modern science", Posca Hydrate is Australia’s first sugar-free sparkling hypertonic drink in a can – an alternative to traditional sports drinks, with zero  sugar, all-natural ingredients and 100% stimulant-free.

Posca Hydrate apparently has a hypertonic formulation, enriched with four essential electrolytes and boosted with the addition of red wine vinegar, a rich source of antioxidants.

The original Posca recipe dates back to ancient Rome, and was widely regarded at the time as the beverage of choice of soldiers and gladiators. 

“Over the past 10 or so years, I’ve become a self-confessed health and fitness nut and like many of us, I have been disappointed with the lack of sugar-free, all-natural sports drink options available on the market," co-founder Watts says. 

"Aussies are increasingly becoming more health conscious and searching for a better alternative to stay hydrated - without a crash, without sugar, without stimulants, without regrets. 

“It was during the depths of the Covid lockdown of 2021 that I came across the original Posca recipe and its fascinating stories, buried in the [online] history books. It got me thinking that there is a thing or two we can learn about hydration and health from the ancient world. 

"Given Posca was the drink of actual gladiators, there is no doubt it is the original sports drink.”

In 2021, leveraging his expertise in liquid formulations and understanding of beverage balance from his wine knowledge, Watts created his first batch of Posca Hydrate. 

Available in three flavours: grape, yuzu and pineapple, Posca Hydrate is available nationwide at major and independent convenience stores, petrol stations and other outlets. A 330ml can costs an RRP of $6.50, or a 12-pack can be purchased at poscahydrate.com for RRP $59 or on Amazon.

The yuzu is very spritzy with tropical flavours to the fore and is definitely my pick of the flavours I sampled. The pineapple is also fun but the grape did not tickle my fancy. 

Time to say farewell to Vintage Cellars and First Choice stores

 

It is time for Australians to say goodbye to Vintage Cellars and First Choice liquor stores.

Coles Liquor Group has today announced it will commence the national alignment of Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor Market under the Liquorland brand.

This follows a "successful trial" which will see the Coles customer offering changed nationwide.

Starting in April, a national roll out will see all Coles Liquor stores unified under three banners: Liquorland, Liquorland Cellars and Liquorland Warehouse. So three brands - just like before. 

Coles says this will deliver "a consistent experience and greater value for customers" no matter where they shop.

It is said the new store formats will simplify the customer offer across 984 stores by aligning product range, promotions, Flybuys loyalty program, and omnichannel service - all underpinned by Liquorland’s new price match promise.

To me that sounds like less choice.

A 16-week pilot program – trialled at 14 selected stores in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland "demonstrated increased brand awareness and customer engagement, repeat visit and overall greater shopping satisfaction".

Coles Liquor chief executive Michael Courtney said the announcement represented a significant milestone for the business by bringing together the best elements of all three brands across value, range and convenience.

“This is the biggest transformation in the history of Coles Liquor Group, and we believe it will have a meaningful impact on how we serve customers the drinks they want, when they want them, and how we partner with suppliers to deliver value,” Courtney said.

“As we move towards a unified promotional strategy, we are strengthening our value proposition for customers with consistent and competitive pricing under one brand and one website."

The Price Match Promise apparently means if you see a better price at another retailer, then Liqourland will match it.

“In terms of range, we are bringing a more tailored and relevant drink selection from the three banners under one roof," Courtney added.

"This means we will be unlocking the best-selling premium drops from Vintage Cellars and great value drinks from First Choice Liquor Market, and making them more accessible to customers through Liquorland across the country.

“The results of the pilot program exceeded our expectations across all measures. We were pleased to see brand awareness improve by 16% and found customers visited our stores more frequently, and 30% of customers who shopped at our pilot stores said they plan to shop with us more often compared to before the rebrand.

“These results give us full confidence that uniting under the Liquorland brand is the way forward not just for us as a business, but for our customers.”

Around 160 Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor Market stores will be transformed as part of the national roll out, expected to be completed by end of 2025.

Liquorland first launched in Australia in 1971 and currently has 818 stores across the country.

I remain unconvinced, but will watch with interest. I fail to see how a shrinking range will be good for customers.

Image: Coles Liquor chief executive Michael Courtney at Liquorland, Richmond Traders, Victoria

Pilot forgets passport; delays international flight

A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai diverted to San Francisco over the weekend after a pilot realised "they forgot their passport"

The Boeing 787-9 left LAX on Saturday for a 13 hours and 50 minutes flight to the Chinese city, Airlive.net reported.

The aircraft flew for about 1 hour and 45 minutes before the crew decided to turn around over Pacific.

The airline initially cited the incident as a “crew-related issue” but CNN reportedone of the pilots realized he forgot his passport. How he was able to depart LAX without a travel document was not explained, but this is the 'new" US.

The flight UA198 was diverted to San Francisco. Passengers were given $15 meal vouchers to make up for the inconvenience.

The flight with the new crew took off around 9 p.m. and landed in Shanghai about six hours behind schedule.

A replacement crew boarded the aircraft later to resume the flight to Shanghai.

United Airlines said in a statement: “Your flight diverted to San Francisco due to an unexpected crew-related issue requiring a new crew."

Wine industry body slams Federal Budget

The wine industry is not happy with the federal budget - but its response does sound, how shall we say, a little whiny.

Australian Grape & Wine has expressed deep disappointment at the Albanese Government’s failure to deliver meaningful support to the grape and wine sector in the 2025-26 Federal Budget, describing it as a second major missed opportunity in as many years.

“This Budget is another blow for growers and winemakers across Australia,” said chief executive Lee McLean. 

“It fails to deliver the targeted programs or strategic investment needed to address the serious challenges facing one of Australia’s most iconic and economically important regional industries.”

Australian Grape & Wine acknowledged the Government’s pre-budget announcement to increase the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) producer rebate cap to $400,000 from July 1, 2026, describing it as a welcome measure for some small and medium-sized producers.

“We welcome the increase to the WET rebate cap - it will assist some producers with much-needed tax relief in the years ahead,” said McLean. “But tax relief alone doesn’t address the structural crisis gripping our industry, largely driven by the lingering impacts of trade impediments our producers did not initiate, or deserve.”

The Budget includes $6.8 million for international agricultural engagement and market access, which may benefit some wine exporters. But Australian Grape & Wine warned that this falls well short of the coordinated, sector-specific investment required to diversify markets and rebuild export momentum.

“This isn’t the bold action our sector has been calling for -  it’s a modest allocation spread across all of agriculture,” McLean said.

 “We asked for targeted investment in sustainability programs, export assistance, and domestic tourism development. None of that has materialised.

“The re-opening of the China market is a welcome development, but it’s not a silver bullet. The oversupply of red wine alone sits at more than 330 million litres. Businesses are selling water rights to put food on the table or pay power bills. They're laying off staff, and many growers haven’t drawn a wage in years. The impact on regional economies is profound - and the need for support has never been more urgent.”

Australian Grape & Wine remains committed to fighting for growers, winemakers, and the future of wine communities across the country.

“We’re not giving up,” said McLean. “Our industry contributes $45.5 billion to the economy yet has once again been left to wither on the vine. It’s time for the Government to step up and show it values the people, regions, and industry that have contributed so much to this country. Before it’s too late.”

Sorry. To me this sounds just a little self-centred at a time many Australians are doing it tough. 

Kuruvita pops up on the Gold Coast with Sri Lankan flavours

Star chef Peter Kuruvita will be bringing the flavours of Sri Lanka to the Gold Coast until the end of April. 

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa restaurant Citrique has launched a Chef Spotlight series which will highlight the heritage, flavours and ingredients of regions around the world.

The series kicks off with a My Sri Lanka Spice Trail available from now until the end of April. 

Designed by Sri Lankan-Australian chef Kuruvita in collaboration with JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa executive chef Paul Smart and the Citrique team, the menu will take guests on a culinary journey to the sub continent. 

“Last year we launched the Producer Spotlight series, which celebrated unique ingredients from leading suppliers around the country," Smart said. 

"Following the success of the series, we wanted to continue connecting Citrique diners to experimentative ingredients and flavours in a refreshing format. 

"We’ve now partnered with Australia’s best culinary talent for a Chef Spotlight series which draws on their multicultural culinary backgrounds to bring a taste of the world to Citrique.”

Kuruvita, of Flying Fish fame, is celebrated for his expertise in taking traditional Sri Lankan flavours that draw on his background and family recipes. 

Citrique’s weekend buffet - which features a variety of locally sourced seafood, meats and international favourites - will be complemented by an additional array of bold dishes like spiced roasted chicken, prawn tamarind-glazed barramundi, Lankan black pork tacos, masala potato dumplings, dhal soup and bibikkan coconut cake.

During the week, diners will be able to enjoy the vivid flavours of Sri Lanka as part of the a la carte menu through dishes like Goroka glazed beef short rib with crispy chickpeas; roasted tamarind-glazed toothfish with sugar snap peas and egg curry; and butter-poached king prawns with string hoppers and pol sambol.

A cocktail menu by Dilmah Watte Tea will complement the weekend buffet and a la carte menu, featuring the likes of black tea and Ceylon tea in innovative blends that infuse each drink with the aromas of Sri Lanka. 

My Sri Lanka Spice Trail is available until April 27. 

You can sneakily use the code LOCAL when booking weekday a la carte dining at citriquerestaurant.com to receive 15% off the total bill and complimentary self-parking.

Reservations are essential. 

Yarra Valley celebrates chardonnay diversity

The Yarra Valley produces some of Australia's finest chardonnays - made in a range of styles. 

Now Yarra Ranges Tourism and Wine Yarra Valley has announced an "All Chardonnays Great and Small" campaign. 

The initiative runs until the end of April and celebrates the region's diverse chardonnay offerings. 

The program invites wine enthusiasts and visitors to explore the many expressions of chardonnay crafted by the valley's winemakers.

Many local cellar doors will be hosting special tastings as part of the showcase. 

The region’s cool-climate and diverse microclimates allow for an exceptional range of styles, from lean and crisp to rich and textured. 

Chardonnay grapes are cultivated worldwide but the Yarra has proved to be fertile ground for the grape variety. 

Chardonnays made by Oakridge, Seville Estate, Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills, Giant Steps, De Bortoli, TarraWarra Estate and many more are regularly recognised as being among Australia’s best.

See All Chardonnays Great & Small | Visit Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges for details.

Shining a light on First Nations culture

Autumn is when Australia's Northern Territory comes alive with festivals, including Parrtjima - A Festival in Light - which celebrates light, colour, and artistry while celebrating the rich cultures, diversity, and inclusivity of people of Central Australia.

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light has unveiled the full program for its milestone 10th edition, which runs from April 4-13 in Alice Springs. 

The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima will feature more than 20 First Nations artists across six installations, alongside more than 100 performers and special guests spanning music, comedy, art, workshops, and talks. 

The free, all-ages festival will debut four new installations by both emerging and established artists. 

Along with art, Parrtjima will feature nightly live performances, including Troy Cassar-Daley’s only free performance announced for the remainder of 2025, and a historic ticketed orchestral performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. 

Additionally, Parrtjima will host its inaugural comedy night with stand-up performances by Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra, plus interactive workshops and talks led by notable figures such as Bundjalung chef Mark Olive, language holder and ecologist Veronica Perrule Dobson, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, and ABC Radio National’s Rudi Bremer.

For details see https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/