SUMMER’S PERFECT POUR
From chilled reds to zesty whites, discover the perfect wines to enjoy this summer
Here’s why it’s the perfect time to embrace the slow living trend
PLATTER PERFECTION
These platter ideas will inspire you to create show-stopping spreads all summer long
PLUS CATCH UP ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CAMBERWELL JUNCTION
4 • SUMMER’S PERFECT POUR
From chilled reds and zesty whites to orange wines and sparkling styles, these are the perfect wines to enjoy this summer.
6 • PLATTER PERFECTION
Love a grazing board? These platter ideas will inspire you to create show-stopping spreads all summer long.
7 • CITRUS CELEBRATION
From breakfast juice to elegant desserts, these citrus fruits will add vibrant colour and tangy flavour to countless dishes.
8 • THE ART OF SLOW LIVING
Here’s why it’s the perfect time to embrace the slow living trend and how it could benefit you.
9 • HOT SUMMER READS
From prize-winning authors to thrilling page-turners, here are the books to take to the beach, park or pool this summer.
10 • CAMBERWELL CATCH-UP
Catch up on what’s been happening in the Camberwell Junction precinct.
As the days grow longer and the sunshine lingers, summer invites us to savour life’s simple pleasures. This issue brings together stories that capture the essence of the season, offering inspiration for how to make the most of these golden months.
Our main feature, Summer’s perfect pour, is your guide to selecting the ideal wines for warm-weather sipping. With expert tips from a sommelier, you’ll discover how to match your summer mood with the perfect drop.
Of course, no summer gathering feels complete without a grazing board. In Platter perfection, we’ve put together creative ideas for every taste, from a Mediterranean-inspired spread to a vibrant tropical fruit fiesta, and even a seafood platter designed for sunny afternoons.
Amid all the activity, we invite you to slow down. In The art of slow living, we explore why a gentler pace is worth embracing, and how small shifts can help you savour the everyday.
If relaxation means getting lost in a good book, then Hot summer reads is for you. Our curated list will help you choose the perfect page-turner to enjoy by the beach, park or poolside.
And finally, stay connected with your local community through Camberwell Catch-up, where we share the latest news and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
We hope you enjoy the reads in this issue – and that they inspire you to create your own perfect summer moments.
- The Camberwell Citizen team
EDITOR
Sharon Green
ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: citizen@assemblo.com
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From chilled reds and zesty whites to orange wine and sparkling styles, these are the perfect wines to enjoy during the summer.
When the weather warms up, our palates naturally shift toward drinks that are crisp, light and refreshing.
Just as summer menus often feature lighter dishes like salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables, wine choices also benefit from a seasonal rethink. The best summer wines are vibrant, versatile, and easy to enjoy at different times of the day.
Pierre Stock, a Camberwell-based sommelier and founder of PS Wine Selections, said when it comes to summer wine, it’s important to look for something “quenching and refreshing”.
“The first thing I usually look for is something quite low in alcohol, that has slightly more acid,” he said.
It may sound unusual to chill a red wine, but in the heat of summer it makes perfect sense. Cooling down certain red varietals softens their tannins, enhances fruit-driven flavours, and makes them more refreshing without losing their depth.
Not all reds are suited to chilling, though. Lighter-bodied styles like Pinot Noir, Gamay and Grenache are excellent options. Their bright red fruit notes – think cherry, raspberry, and cranberry – come alive with a brief chill, delivering the perfect balance of flavour and freshness.
“Gamay is actually really nice in summer because it’s light in structure,” Mr Stock said.
When it comes to food, chilled reds shine alongside charcuterie boards, grilled chicken or a Mediterranean platter. They’re also a wonderful match for summer pasta dishes, such as tomato-based spaghetti or pesto linguine, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Few things are more satisfying on a scorching summer afternoon than a crisp white wine bursting with citrus-driven flavours.
Zesty whites are defined by their refreshing acidity and lively aromatics, offering a palate-cleansing lift that makes them ideal for hot days. When choosing a bottle, look for whites with notes of lime zest, crisp apple or lemon. Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino and Albarino are classic examples, delivering that bright, mouth-watering zing you crave in summer.
Mr Stock said white wines grown in Alpine regions are a good choice, as well as varieties like Altesse from the Savoie wine region or Reisling from Austria or Germany.
These wines pair beautifully with light, fresh meals: seafood platters, sushi rolls, goat’s cheese salads, or grilled zucchini and asparagus.
The acidity in zesty white wines also makes them a natural partner for dishes with a little spice, like Thai-style prawns or Vietnamese rice paper rolls.
For those who want something a little different, orange wine offers a fascinating alternative in summer. Despite the name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges – it’s crafted from white grapes that have been fermented in their skins, a process more commonly used for red wines. This gives the wine its amber hue, textured mouthfeel and distinctive tannic qualities.
The result is a complex flavour profile that can range from floral and honeyed to nutty and spicy, depending on the grape variety and winemaking style. These wines are incredibly food-friendly, especially when paired with summer favourites.
Their structure holds up against grilled vegetables, richly spiced cuisine, and smoky barbecue dishes, making them a versatile choice for outdoor dining.
Few drinks capture the celebratory spirit of summer like a glass of sparkling wine. Light, crisp, and endlessly refreshing, bubbles add a sense of occasion whether you’re enjoying a festive night out or toasting at a backyard party.
When selecting a sparkling wine for summer, look for styles that emphasise freshness rather than heaviness. Prosecco from Italy offers notes of pear and apple with a soft fizz; Spanish Cava is dry and citrusy with a touch of complexity; Australian sparkling wines deliver vibrant fruit flavours; and Pet-Nat (pétillant-naturel) brings a slightly rustic, funky twist for adventurous palates. Sparkling rosé, with its berry fruit profile, is another great summer option.
“My preference, if you’re looking for sparkling to drink on its own without food, is to go for something quite fresh. My aim would be to go towards Tasmania – they make some good cool-climate wine, especially sparkling,” Mr Stock said.
Food pairings are equally versatile. Sparkling wines cut through salty snacks like olives or chips, enhance the freshness of oysters and prawns, and pair well with fried chicken or tempura for a playful contrast. Their effervescence also makes them a reliable match for cheese boards, balancing creamy textures with refreshing acidity.
The beauty of summer wine lies in its diversity. From a lightly chilled Gamay to a citrus-charged Sauvignon Blanc, a textural orange wine or a crisp glass of sparkling, there’s something to suit every occasion. So this season, experiment with your choices, try something new, and let the spirit of summer guide your next pour.
Grazing boards are the ultimate way to serve a little bit of everything, and are guaranteed to please a crowd. From fresh seafood to tropical fruits and even indulgent desserts, these platter ideas will inspire you to create show-stopping spreads all summer long.
Transport your guests to the coast with a Mediterranean-inspired spread. Layer dips like hummus, tzatziki and baba ganoush alongside pita wedges, lavosh and stuffed vine leaves. Add bowls of marinated olives, roasted peppers and sundried tomatoes for colour. A mix of feta cubes and grilled halloumi skewers provides salty richness. Finish with fresh figs, grapes and pomegranate seeds for a vibrant, summery touch that balances savoury with sweet.
Nothing says summer quite like tropical fruit. Pile up juicy mango slices, pineapple spears, dragonfruit wedges and passionfruit halves for bursts of colour and flavour. Scatter coconut chips, dried banana or papaya strips for texture. Add mint leaves or edible flowers to give a lush, fresh look. A yoghurt-honey dip or rum-spiked fruit sauce on the side makes this platter feel indulgent and refreshingly light.
Keep it coastal with a seafood-themed board that feels like summer on a plate. Arrange cooked prawns, oysters on ice, and silky smoked salmon. Provide lemon wedges, cocktail sauce and fresh dill sprigs to brighten the flavours. Serve with blinis, seeded crackers or mini rolls to build bites. Accent with capers, pickled onions and cucumber ribbons for a board that’s elegant, refreshing and crowd-pleasing.
Cheese and wine are summer’s perfect partners. Choose a mix of creamy brie, tangy goat’s cheese, manchego and gorgonzola for depth. Pair with seasonal berries, cherries, or sliced stone fruit for sweetness. Honeycomb, rose jelly or candied nuts elevate the board into something special. Add crackers, baguette slices, and grissini to create balance. Serve with chilled rosé to tie everything together beautifully.
For a lighter take, build a board that stars fresh produce. Use rainbow carrots, crisp radishes, cucumber ribbons and cherry tomatoes for vibrant crunch. Include colourful dips like beetroot hummus, guacamole and whipped feta for variety. Add charred corn ribs or stuffed baby peppers to add unexpected flavours. Garnish with herbs like parsley or dill to keep the board bright, fresh and irresistibly healthy.
Satisfy sweet cravings with a dessert-focused grazing board. Mini pavlovas topped with berries make a light centrepiece, while chocolate-dipped strawberries, macarons and profiteroles add indulgence. Mix in lemon tart squares and meringue kisses for variety. Small pots of whipped cream or berry coulis invite dipping and customisation. This board doubles as a showstopper dessert table. It’s playful, colourful and guaranteed to end a summer gathering on a high.
From breakfast juice to elegant desserts, citrus fruits add vibrant colour and tangy flavour to countless dishes. Here are six standout varieties, each with their own unique taste, aroma and culinary potential.
Oranges are the quintessential citrus fruit and endlessly versatile. Enjoy them fresh, squeeze for classic juice, or use segments in salads and savoury glazes. Grated zest lends fragrant oils to cakes, biscuits and cocktails, while the peel can be candied for teas or desserts. Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges brighten both flavour and presentation, making them a staple for breakfast, baking and wholesome snacks all year round.
Grapefruits offer a balance of sweet, tart and bitter flavour. Eat segments at breakfast, toss into green salads, or broil halves with a sprinkle of sugar for caramelised goodness. Their juice adds crisp complexity to cocktails like the Paloma or Greyhound, while the zest flavours vinaigrettes and cakes. Naturally high in vitamin C and fibre, grapefruits refresh and invigorate, bringing colour and brightness to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Lemons bring sharp, refreshing acidity that instantly lifts sweet or savoury dishes. Lemon juice balances creamy sauces, sharpens seafood and salad dressings. Fragrant zest perfumes cakes, biscuits and cocktails, while thin slices caramelise beautifully on grilled fish. Their natural preservative qualities keep cut fruit fresh and add zing to preserves. Rich in vitamin C, lemons are indispensable for marinades, drinks and desserts, providing tang and aroma with every squeeze.
Enjoyed for their easy-to-peel skins and sweet, floral taste, mandarins are ideal for snacks, lunchboxes and desserts. Their segments bring sweetness to salads, stir-fries or custards, while the juice makes zesty vinaigrettes and glazes for meat or vegetables. The aromatic zest adds a surprising taste to cakes and biscuits. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, mandarins appeal to children and adults alike, adding cheerful colour and flavour to dishes.
Limes deliver concentrated tartness loved in cuisines worldwide. Their juice enlivens guacamole, ceviche, Thai curries and refreshing drinks like mojitos or margaritas. Zest provides aromatic oils for key lime pie, sorbet or tangy tarts. Limes also cut through rich meats, spice up marinades and add sparkle to fruit salads. Bright wedges make striking garnishes, while their vitamin C content supports a healthy diet, proving they pack serious culinary punch.
Blood oranges captivate with crimson flesh and subtle sweetness. Their juice creates vivid cocktails, sorbets and salad dressings, while segments add drama to fruit platters and salads. Zest provides complex notes for chocolate cakes or citrus tarts. High in anthocyanins and vitamin C, blood oranges offer exceptional nutrition alongside unforgettable flavour. Their bold colour and balanced sweetness make blood oranges a spectacular addition to everyday recipes and special-occasion menus.
In a world where instant notifications, endless to-do lists, and packed calendars have become the norm, slow living is a quiet rebellion. At its heart, slow living is about intentionally stepping off the treadmill of constant busyness. It means making deliberate choices to simplify and live with awareness.
Instead of rushing through each day, you create space to enjoy the present moment, whether that’s savouring a cup of tea, taking a mindful walk, or lingering over dinner with loved ones.
Modern life often rewards speed: quick responses, rapid growth, fast results. But that constant acceleration can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.
Camberwell-based burnout prevention coach Annika Egglestone describes slow living as a conscious choice to move through life at a gentler pace.
“Technology and convenience have trained our brains to chase instant gratification and constant productivity, which leaves us feeling wired and exhausted. By doing less, we’re able to better connect with the fact that we are ‘human beings’ not ‘human doings’,” she said.
Slowing down isn’t laziness; it’s a vital reset. It allows us to reconnect with our values, recharge our minds, and remember that life’s richness lies not in how much we do, but in how deeply we experience it.
Adopting a slower pace yields profound benefits. Stress levels drop as we replace frantic multitasking with focused attention. Creativity flourishes when the mind has room to wander. Relationships deepen when we give them the time they deserve. And our physical
health improves – lower blood pressure, better sleep, and a stronger immune system are just a few of the rewards.
“Choosing to deliberately slow down allows us to reconnect with sides of ourselves we’ve become disconnected from,” Ms Egglestone said.
“For example, choosing to cook a meal as a family instead of rushing to get dinner on the table creates an opportunity to connect with each other and also pass on valuable life skills.”
If you’re ready to bring the philosophy of slow living into your everyday life, these simple ideas can help you start small and stay consistent: Simplify your schedule: Say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
• Create digital boundaries: Set phone-free hours to reduce distractions and reclaim focus.
• Practise mindful moments: Pause to notice your breath, the taste of your food, or the feel of sunshine on your skin.
• Prioritise quality over quantity: Choose fewer, richer experiences over a packed calendar.
• Bring nature in: Spend time outdoors or bring plants into your home to ground yourself in the present.
• Savour rituals: Morning coffee, evening walks, or bedtime reading can become anchors of calm.
Slow living isn’t about moving at a snail’s pace; it’s about living at the pace of your own life. By consciously stepping back from society’s race to “do more”, you open the door to greater meaning and joy.
“I recommend starting small. Keep your phone in your pocket during your commute and when waiting for coffee at a cafe. Try to do one less thing a day than you usually would, and see how you feel. You should notice that you derive more satisfaction from the things you do choose to do,” Ms Egglestone said.
“Over time, these tiny pauses create a noticeable sense of peace and calm in our often hectic days.”
The invitation is simple: trade the frantic for the fulfilling, and discover that when you slow down, life becomes not just manageable, but truly beautiful.
From prize-winning authors to thrilling page -turners, here are the books to take to the beach,park or pool this summer.
By Chris Kohler
Journalist Chris Kohler exposes the hidden tricks draining your wallet in How They Get You. From loyalty schemes to late fees, he reveals how everyday systems are rigged, and how to outsmart them. Witty, sharp, and empowering, this guide will make you laugh, rethink your spending, and take back control of your hard-earned money.
By Alice Feeney
When author Grady Green’s wife vanishes without a trace, his life unravels. A year later, broken and unable to write, he retreats to a remote Scottish island – only to see a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife. Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is a gripping tale of love, loss, and the haunting truths between husbands and wives.
By Margaret Atwood
In Book of Lives, Margaret Atwood tells her own remarkable story, from a wild Quebec childhood to the literary worlds that shaped Cat’s Eye and The Handmaid’s Tale Blending memory, art, politics and love in this compelling memoir, she reveals the inspirations behind her work and the life that fuelled one of the boldest imaginations of our time.
In The Emperor of Gladness, Ocean Vuong weaves a tender story of survival, chosen family and unlikely connection. When 19-year-old Hai, on the brink of despair, meets Grazina, a widow with fading memory, their bond transforms both lives. When Hai takes a job at a diner to support himself and Grazina, he finds love and belonging in unexpected places.
By Martha Ackmann
In Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton, Martha Ackmann traces Dolly’s extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood in the Smoky Mountains to global fame as a singer, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. With resilience through setbacks and criticism, Dolly built an empire, gave back through Dollywood and the Imagination Library, and even helped advance the COVID vaccine. Drawing on fresh interviews and rare material, Ackmann reveals the grit, brilliance and humanity behind one of America’s beloved icons.
Keep up to date with events, promotions and activities taking place in Camberwell Junction.
CAMBERWELL JUNCTION
FA M I LY D AY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Congratulations to the winning traders of our annual Camberwell Culinary Awards. The awards celebrate food and dining in Camberwell Junction and members of the public vote for their favourite food venues for the chance to win $500 to spend in the precinct. Congratulations to the winning traders in each category: Best Coffee: Provence Artisan Bakers; Best Sweet Treat: Glenferrie Crepe Cafe; Best Drinking Spot: La Cabra; Best Casual Dining: Con Noi Italian Trattoria; Best Fine Dining: Mongkok Tea House; Best Brunch: Provence Artisan Bakers; Best Takeaway: Trang Bakery; and Best Healthy Option: Boost Juice.
Also, congratulations to Marilyn Nabor, the winner of the voter competition. She has won a $500 gift card.
This festive season, shopping local in Camberwell Junction spreads joy to traders, families, and the whole community. Be sure to show your local shops some love this Christmas.
Enjoy open-air shopping
Strolling Camberwell Junction’s streets at Christmas means festive decorations, unique shops, and fresh air instead of crowded malls. It’s a family-friendly outing filled with holiday cheer, laneway surprises, and seasonal magic at every turn.
Don’t risk late online orders
Skip the stress of delayed parcels by buying in person at Camberwell Junction. With everything you need in one place, you’ll leave with peace of mind and perfectly wrapped gifts in hand.
Support your local shops
Behind every shop counter is a family, a neighbour or a friendly face. Shopping locally this Christmas means giving back to those who give so much to our community year-round.
Whether you are looking for seasonal decorations and homewares, the best fresh produce for your festive feast, or last-minute gifts, Camberwell Junction has everything you need to make your Christmas shine.
And don’t forget, Camberwell Fresh Food Market is taking pre - orders for hams, turkeys and seafood.
You’re invited to join us for Camberwell Junction’s annual Christmas Family Day on Saturday, December 13.
The shopping precinct will offer a range of entertainment including photos with Santa, live music, roving circus acts, and rides on an antique fire truck. Visitors will also have the chance to win $500 to spend in Camberwell Junction by participating in our annual competition, Where’s Rudolph?
Our Christmas Family Day is put on by local traders as a way to thank the community for their support throughout the year.
The day offers a great chance for you to get your Christmas shopping done while enjoying the festive activities on offer in Camberwell Junction. Get more details at camberwellshopping.com.au
Once a month we send out an email newsletter that shares latest offers, competitions, local news and ‘Meet a Trader’ stories. It’s a great way to stay up to date on everything happening in Camberwell Junction. Sign up at camberwellshopping.com.au
Highlights and happenings in the Camberwell Junction shopping precinct.
Learn a new skill and join beginnerfriendly workshops in wheel throwing, hand-building and painting pottery at Blueming Pottery.
Club Pilates offers classic reformer-based Pilates classes but modernised with state-of-the-art equipment for group practice.
Discover delicious bowls of goodness at Lovabowl. Get a classic acai bowl, a peanut butter bowl, or build your own.
Suite 1, Level 3, 250 Camberwell Rd
Alexander Spencer delivers end-to-end financial services including tax, accounting, SMSFs, business advisory, grants and research and development incentives, international expansion, bookkeeping, insurance, finance, and wealth planning.
Shop G08, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd
Baker’s Delight is now operating in Camberwell Place. The concept store is the first of its kind in Australia and offers a refined product range and hot cabinet. Find the shop on the ground level near Coles.
Shop 4, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd
Formerly Rainbow Meats, Camberwell Butchery offers the same quality range and trusted team. With over 100 years’ combined experience, their expertise and product knowledge is extensive.
T2, 765 Burke Rd (enter via car park)
The Dyson Service Centre offers services including product sales, expert demonstrations and advice. They also provide servicing for Dyson products. Enjoy same-day minor fixes or convenient drop-off for larger repairs.
891 Burke Rd
New to the precinct, Johnny’s Ice Cream serves up classic ice cream flavours, scooped high, in a retro 1950s-inspired setting. Pop in for a hit of nostalgia.
Ground floor, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd
This new Chinese and Asian restaurant serves up delicious fresh food at affordable prices. Each meal is made with care and a focus on sustainability.
199A Camberwell Rd
My Little Photography captures life’s precious moments through newborn, maternity, and family shoots. The studio also offers creative and bridal suite hire for photo shoots, complete with styling.
STANLEY & STONE
636 Burke Rd
Discover refined, expressive style at Stanley & Stone, Melbourne’s destination for women’s fashion and lifestyle. From curated apparel, footwear and accessories, to elevated homewares and body and bath treats, every item is selected with heart and care.
Camberwell Catch-up is sponsored by the Camberwell Centre Traders Association camberwellshopping.com.au