Sovino_Winter_2021_FA_WEB

FREE MAG

MORE THAN MARLBOROUGH

ANGOSTURA BITTERS GOOD BETTER BEST

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PERFECT MATCH

HANDLING THE HANGOVER

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STADIUM SPECIALS

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WHAT'S ON? GET OUT AND ABOUT THIS WINTER

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NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 16

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WINTER EDITION EXCLUSIVE TO INDEPENDENT LIQUOR RETAILERS

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‘Eastside’ Shiraz The medium palate weight and silky texture profile are hallmark ‘Eastside’. Black cherry and blueberry fruit point to the wine’s delicious acid structure, whilst hints of aniseed and lightly charred oak provide interest. The long lasting yet soft tannin profile is accompanied perfectly by the bright fruit core to create a balanced finish.

*Not all products available in all stores

www.pikeswines.com.au

SOVINO WINTER 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER 2021

PRODUCT FEATURES

WINTER FEATURE

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Top 5 Winter Warmers

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MORE THAN MARLBOROUGH Discover the many wine regions of New Zealand.

Jameson Caskmates Perfect match De Bortoli Woodfired Shiraz Kings of Prohibition Shiraz Jacobs Creek Double Barrel Shiraz

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Stadium Specials

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Robert Oatley Signature Series

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Old Dog. New Sticks.

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Four Pillars Gin

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New Product Spotlight

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Good Better Best

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Handling the Hangover

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What's on this Winter

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Advertising and editorial enquiries contact:

Young Henry's

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Craig Hazelton T 1300 408 399 E Craig.Hazelton@ilr.net.au

Unit 4, Building 7, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 318 Fyshwick ACT 2609

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FEATURE

MORE THAN MARLBOROUGH WHETHER YOU’RE TRIPPING OR SIPPING, NOW’S A GOOD TIME TO DISCOVER THE MANY WINE REGIONS OF NEW ZEALAND.

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FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

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New Zealand produces just one per cent of the world’s wine, but the varied climates, from sub-tropical to frosty, produce an impressive range of wine styles. A comprehensive wine tour of New Zealand could take you 1600km, from the very tip of the North Island to Central Otago in the south. Working south from Auckland, here are some of the country’s significant wine regions.

1. WAIHEKE ISLAND

This tiny island is just a 35-minute ferry ride from central Auckland. The first vines were planted here in the 1970s but now more than 20 wineries, some with acclaimed restaurants, attract many wine tourists. The thin layer of ancient soils over hard bedrock challenges the vines, producing highly concentrated wines, particularly elegant reds. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends predominately, with Syrah (the New Zealand version of Shiraz) and Chardonnay also important.

2. GISBORNE

Just over an hour’s drive south of Auckland on the east coast, Gisborne is where the migrating Maori first landed in New Zealand and where Captain Cook made his first landfall. NZ’s third largest wine region, Gisborne is famous for producing exceptional Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Malbec. The pedal-powered winery tour, including a vineyard lunch, is a popular option.

SOVINO WINTER 2021

OUR PICK OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC The philosophy of Oyster Bay is to produce fine, distinctly regional wines with glorious fruit flavours.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc is pale straw green in colour with brilliant clarity. A concentration of assertive passionfruit and tropical fruit flavours with an abundant bouquet, bright citrus notes and a refreshingly zesty finish.

3. HAWKE’S BAY

Further down the east coast, Hawke’s Bay bills itself as food and wine country and is famous for its fresh produce. It’s also a hub for craft beer and cider making. The first vines were planted here in 1851 and today you’ll find more than 70 wineries and cellar doors.

The second largest of New Zealand’s wine regions, it is best known for its Chardonnay and its powerful reds: Merlot, Cabernet blends and Syrah.

4. WAIRARAPA

On the southernmost tip of the North Island. next door to the capital, Wellington, Wairarapa is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, a self-drive trail from Hawke’s Bay to Marlborough. The mostly family-run vineyards produce some world-class Pinot Noir. There are more than 20 cellar doors within walking or cycling distance of the village of Martinborough or take a pleasant country drive to the vineyards of Masterton or Gladstone.

5. MARLBOROUGH

Across Cook Strait (around a three hour journey on the ferry) is the Marlborough region. This likely needs no introduction, as Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s biggest wine export. This region produces more than two thirds of New Zealand’s wine and about 80 per cent of that is Sauvignon Blanc.

You’ll also find some excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

6. CANTERBURY

The Canterbury Plains is the area around Christchurch and most of the region’s wineries are just a short drive from the city. A sunny, dry climate, cold winters and long growing season are ideal for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic Riesling and Pinot Gris. The Pinots and Rieslings of the Waipara Valley sub-region are particularly noteworthy. While you’re in the area, the seaside village of Kaikōura is famous as New Zealand’s ‘crayfish capital’.

Perfect with a glass of local white.

7. CENTRAL OTAGO

Set amid snowy peaks and deep ravines, the vineyards of Central Otago have a unique climate, altitude and aspect. The hero variety of New Zealand’s most southerly wine region is definitely Pinot Noir, which makes up more than 80 per cent of the plantings here. There are half a dozen sub-regions and the character of the wines varies from the highly distinctive and complex to the delicate and aromatic.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE

There are more than 2000 vineyards spread over the length and breadth of New Zealand, and many more wine areas than we’ve covered here. The New Zealand Wine website – nzwine. com – is a good place to start if you’re planning a tour. Or even if you’re an armchair traveller wanting to widen your wine experience at home.

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Enjoy Jameson Responsibly *Not all products available in all stores

SOVINO WINTER 2021

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*Not all products available in all stores

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

TOP 5 WINTER WARMERS

TOP 5 WINTER WARMERS 19 CRIMES CALI RED

BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE SHIRAZ

19 Crimes is defiant by nature, bold in character and always uncompromising. We are proud to partner with entertainment icon, Snoop Dogg, who embodies all these qualities, and more, through hard work and perseverance. Snoop Dogg is a culture creator, innovator and a leader in pop culture.

Uniquely expressive in character with depth of flavour, elegance and finesse, this contemporary Shiraz is made to enjoy upon release, yet will reward further cellaring.

The Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz exhibits rich dark plum, enticing notes of vanilla and cedar spice on a silky texture. Welcome to the Barossa Valley.

Full and dense, with strong black & blue fruit from the Petite Syrah, complemented by bright red, slightly candied fruit in the background from the Zinfandel. The dark toasted oak integrates these flavours and finishes on a slightly sweet note.

LITTLE GIANT BAROSSA SHIRAZ The Barossa Valley is typified in the aromas of this wine: plum, red liquorice, chocolate and mocha characters whilst the addition of spicier more elegant fruit of the cooler Eden Valley adds lift, interest and freshness. This is a contemporary Barossa Shiraz having spent maturation time in older oak adding subtle vanilla and earthy nuance.

There’s softness on the finish while maintaining freshness and vibrancy.

WIRRA WIRRA CHURCH BLOCK CABERNET SHIRAZ MERLOT Deep plum with a scarlet edge. Lifted red and black currants, deeper plums and black cherries, fresh-tilled earth and leaf with some spicy cedar. Fresh red and dark fruits provide great flesh and depth to a long, even palate. Grainy tannins and cedary oak add structural support and line to the rich fruit.

*Not all products available in all stores

TOP 5 WINTER WARMERS JACOBS CREEK BAROSSA SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON A dense, full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with delicious ripe black fruit characters. A classic example of the power of premium Barossa fruit.

Crimson red colour with purple hues, aromatic blackcurrant with hints of mocha and spice lead to rich dark fruits accompanied by chocolate and fresh leafy notes.

PERFECT MATCH

t c e f r e P

POT-ROASTED LAMB SHANKS

PEPPER STEAK

SOVINO WINTER 2021

PERFECT MATCH

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • 2 x 150g scotch fillet steaks, approx. 1.5cm thick • 2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns • 2 servings of Fresh Baby Potatoes • 2 servings of Fresh Broccoli • 2 servings of Fresh Carrots • 2 servings of Fresh Peas

METHOD STEP 1 Bring the steak to room temperature. Brush with a little oil.

Sprinkle the crushed peppercorns on both sides of the steak, gently pressing the peppercorns onto the surface of the meat so they stick.

STEP 2 Heat a heavy based pan or BBQ to medium high. Place steak into the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking. Do not turn the steak more than twice.

STEP 3 Serve with Fresh Baby Potatoes, broccoli, carrots and peas.

DE BORTOLI WOODFIRED SHIRAZ

KINGS OF PROHIBITION SHIRAZ

JACOBS CREEK DOUBLE BARREL SHIRAZ

Authentically Heathcote and perfectly crafted to accompany a chargrilled ribeye. Bold, brooding and delicious. Deep red with purple Hues. Concentrated red and blue fruits, fennel and olive spice and dark chocolate. Rich, plush, structural, cured meats, wild spice, authentically Heathcote. Lovely drinking now. Will be delicious in 3-5 years in a good cellar.

Under the cover of darkness premium grapes from around Australia meet, delivering dark cherries and plum aromas, integrate with classy oak and a hint of oak spice. The palate is bold and rich, with structured tannin balanced across with characters of chocolate and dark cherries providing a luscious finish.

The generous ripe fruit flavours and spicy complexity are enhanced by the careful use of aged Scotch whisky barrels for finishing. A wine to savour.

Deep crimson colour with purple highlights and aromas of Blackberry, waffle cone and savoury notes of pecan nut, with cedar and vanilla bean.

Ripe plum with attractive dark fruits complemented by clove and spice and charry oak notes.

*Not all products available in all stores

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

Wines of character and integrity from the Oatley family.

“Brilliant work” THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN

“Outstanding value” WINE SPECTATOR

“Great value”

GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE MAGAZINE

*Not all products available in all stores

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

Robert Oatley Director of Winemaking, Larry Cherubino.

Robert Oatley wines continue to reap rewards and awards for their wines as their talented winemaker Larry Cherubino weaves his magic turning top class grapes into even more exciting wines.

Australia’s leading critic, James Halliday, continues to recognise this in awarding Robert Oatley his highest red five-star winery rating in his annual Wine Companion and late last year selected the great value Signature Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 in his Top 100 Wines:

“This is first class Margaret River cabernet at an economy price. It has elegance and poise, the cassis and black olive flavours fresh and detailed, the crisp tannins likewise. The colour is bright and clear. Drink by 2033. 95 Points Outstanding Top 20 Reds under $30” Also selected by The West Australian’s Ray Jordan for his Top 100, it has won GOLD at the Royal Hobart Wine Awards.

Another wine to catch the critics’ eye is their McLaren Vale GSM 2018. Huon Hooke gave it 93 pts and TOP VALUE and TOP RANK awards: “The bouquet is super-ripe, dense, thick and oaky, with some sump-oil or creosote notes.

The palate is likewise big and brawny, thickly.

The bouquet is super-ripe, dense, thick and oaky, with some sump-oil or creosote notes.

The palate is likewise big and brawny, thicklytextured and a little chewy, tannic and solid and with no pretence to elegance. A big red for big red lovers, and a typical shiraz-driven GSM. There's a lot of bang for your buck here. Drink 2020-2038.”

Both are outstanding value each-way bets – drinking beautifully now but with plenty of potential to age if you have the patience to cellar.

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

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A FRESH TAKE ON AN OLD FAVE. SINCE 2000, STICKS HAS STUCK TO MAKING WINES THAT THE YARRA VALLEY DOES BEST. Sourcing fruit from right across our coveted region we never seek to follow trends - only to produce our entire range of wines with some serious sipping in mind.

Our winemaker Captain Sticks AF (Anthony Fikkers), is a man with plenty of cred, a sharp wit and a simple philosophy: Craft wines with maximum drinkability; wines that speak less of ourselves and a lot of their place.

Vineyard sourcing is paramount; then, with some careful winemaking and a touch of intuition, he assembles our parcels in a very juicy representation of the Yarra Valley.

20 20 STIC KS PIN OT N O IR Dense sweet/sour cherry and wild raspberry fruits, light spice and savoury earthy notes; delicately balanced with a whisper of tannin, lick of acidity and some jubey fruit to finish. Thirsty?

#ST I C K HEA D S ST I C KSYA R R AVA L L EY ST I C KS. C O M. AU *Not all products available in all stores

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

FEATURE

STADIUM SPECIALS You can’t go past a pie and beer at the footy, but other major sporting events around the world have their own culinary traditions.

WIMBLEDON

PALIO, SIENA

LE MANS 24 HOUR

MELBOURNE CUP

Pimm’s and strawberries

Pasta and Chianti

Champagne and caviar

Bubbles and chicken sandwiches

The tradition of eating strawberries and cream can perhaps be traced to Wimbledon’s 1877 origins as a garden-party tennis tournament. Now a Grand Slam event – the only one still conducted on grass – each year’s Wimbledon sees around 235,000 glasses of Pimm's downed by spectators, along with 142,000 serves of strawberries and 28,000 bottles of champagne.

The hectic horse race around Siena’s picturesque piazza has been run since 1701.

It’s neighbourhood vs neighbourhood and the competition is fierce.

The night before the race, each neighbourhood (or contrada) hosts a dinner, with long tables set up in the streets and squares.

Visitors can buy tickets to enjoy local cuisine and the region’s famous red wines, including Chianti Classico, produced on the hills between Florence and Siena.

Le Mans is where the tradition of a winning driver spraying champagne instead of quaffing it first hit our TV screens. It happened in 1967. There are countless brasseries and bars along the circuit for this taxing race, but the marquee of La Maison Pommery is a classy choice. With champagne for drinking, not spraying.

Dining at the race that stops the nation has become more eclectic in recent times. But the unofficial Melbourne Cup canape remains the chicken sandwich from Melbourne caterer Peter Rowland. He produces around 20,000 of the white bread triangles every year. Laid end to end they would circle the track more than two and a half times. And racegoers drink more bubbles than tennis fans. More than 45,000 bottles of champagne or sparkling wine are consumed on an average Cup Day.

SOVINO WINTER 2021

SUPER BOWL

US MASTERS GOLF

KENTUCKY DERBY

INDY 500

Chicken wings and beer on the couch

Azalea cocktails and pimento cheese sandwiches

Mint Julep and Benedictine

Pit Lane Lemonade and no peanuts

At the stadium, burgers, pizzas and hot dogs are the go, accompanied by beer. But the truly astounding statistic is the number of chicken wings Americans consume during their Super Bowl parties at home.

In February this year the National Chicken Council was predicting that a record 1.42 billion wings would be consumed while watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers battle for the trophy.

Pimento cheese (a mix of cheese, peppers and mayo) is a traditional sandwich filling in America’s South. And the most famous version is found in the classic sandwich at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the US Masters. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret. The tournament’s signature cocktail is named for the azaleas that bloom around the course. The Azalea is a mix of vodka (or gin), lemon and pineapple juices and grenadine.

The Mint Julep has been the traditional drink at Churchill Downs Racetrack for nearly 100 years. Over the twoday Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend, almost 120,000 of them are served, using nearly half a tonne of mint leaves.

In Kentucky, Benedictine is a sandwich spread, not a liqueur. A mix of cream cheese, sour cream, cucumber and onion, eerily enhanced with green food colouring, it’s also eaten on crackers.

Two hundred laps, 500 miles. The Indianapolis 500 is billed as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. But don’t ask the drivers to eat peanuts.

They’re considered bad luck. There’s a story that peanuts were found on the floor of a crashed car in the 1940s. Pit Lane Lemonade, which features at post-race banquets, is equal quantities of Limoncello and Grey Goose Vodka, topped up with fresh lemonade (that’s the American nonfizzy kind).

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AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE GIN IS NOW THE WORLD’S BEST.

Signature serve: G&T 45mL Rare Dry Gin 90mL (good) tonic water Orange fourpillarsgin.com | don’t drink more, drink better *Not all products available in all stores

FROM SMALL CRAFT DISTILLERY TO BEING NAMED WORLD’S LEADING GIN PRODUCER TWO YEARS IN A ROW. THIS IS A CRAZY RIDE WE’RE ON! It all started back in 2013 with three mates and one extraordinary copper still.

We called her Wilma (after Cameron’s beautiful late mother), and she has since been joined by Jude, Eileen, Beth and Coral.

Six years later, in 2019, Four Pillars Gin was named the world’s leading gin producer by the IWSC in London. We won again in 2020, making Australia’s favourite gin officially the world’s best.

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

LATEST & GREATEST

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

DEE VINE ESTATE D RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

WHITE CLAW MANGO

Early spring rains set up growth for an excellent canopy giving the fruit good protection over the warm dry summer.

Harvested in late March, when the Baume was 13.5 and fermented in stainless steel tanks.

You’ll find as you taste, there is fresh rounded sweetness making the sweet flavour delicate compared to other tropical flavours. White Claw Mango is both captivatingly fresh and light.

The finish is clean and slightly fruity with no artificial aftertaste.

Lush vibrant and intense purple hues with gentle aroma of blackberry with vanillin oak. The palate is full bodied show casing the cassis fruits and fine lingering tannins.

An eruption of fresh mango aroma, completes with subtle tropical notes of balanced scent.

*Not all products available in all stores

JACK DANIELS TENNESSEE APPLE Crisp green apple and classic Old No.7 cues of caramel, oak, and soft spice. Fresh cut apples combine with warm caramel and toffee that balance the classic spice of Old No7. All at 70 proof.

A Rich and smooth with sweet apples and a touch of toasted oak.

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GOOD BITTER BEST From cure to cocktail

Invented in Venezuela, made in Trinidad and an ingredient in Australia’s favourite mocktail, Angostura Aromatic Bitters has a place on every mixologist’s shelf.

Although Angostura Bitters is the best known, there are many similar herbal liquors.

Originally produced to treat digestive disorders, in the 19th century bitters began to add zing to the earliest cocktails.

Angostura Bitters was invented in Venezuela in 1824 by a German doctor, Johann Siegert, to treat patients in a military hospital. He formed a partnership with his sons, exhibiting his bitters in London and Europe in the 1860s. The product was first advertised in Australia in 1861.

The colonial connection The ubiquity of Angostura Bitters is linked to British colonialism. Adopted by officers of the Royal Navy as a sea-sickness remedy, it was added to their gin.

Pink gin became popular in outposts of the Empire, where a non-alcoholic version made with lemonade was called a Campbell. A variation using

ginger ale, ginger beer and a dash of lemon juice was called a Gunner. In the 1930s, lemonade and bitters was touted as a cure for car-sickness.

Soft or hard?

Lemon, lime and bitters is an Australian invention and virtually unknown anywhere else in the world. It has long been a favourite with nondrinkers and as a ‘grown up drink’ for the kids. However, Angostura Bitters is nearly 45 per cent alcohol. This has led some pubs to refuse to serve lemon, lime and bitters to minors, even though the alcohol content of the whole drink is immeasurably small.

The controversy continues.

About that label There’s a story that the oversize label started as a mistake, but continued as a point of difference. In any case, it makes space for a wealth of information (in tiny print). There’s the brand

history, the British Royal Warrant, Doctor Siegert’s signature, and a whole lot of recipes. It seems you can add Angostura to almost anything, including salad dressings, fruit pies and chicken soup.

Mixing it with the best It’s said that you can judge a new cocktail bar’s success by how quickly they need to open a second bottle of Angostura Bitters. A quick search online will net you dozens of cocktail ideas. Among the most famous is the Old Fashioned.

Drop two dashes of Angostura onto a sugar cube, muddle with a splash of soda, then top up with bourbon or rye whisky and garnish with a twist of orange peel. Add vermouth and orange bitters and you’ve got a Manhattan. For a Champagne Cocktail, splash a sugar cube with the bitters, drop it into a flute and top up with Champagne.

Cheers

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*Not all products available in all stores

SOVINO WINTER 2021

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SOVINO WINTER 2021

HANDLING THE HANGOVER Prince Harry allegedly swears by strawberry milkshakes while Paris Hilton suggests a hamburger and fries. The ancient Romans used deep fried canaries.

But is there really any way to beat a hangover?

Sadly, there’s only one sure way to prevent a hangover. Stop before you’ve had that one (or, more likely, several) too many. And the only proven cure is time. That hasn’t stopped the proliferation of myths about ways to avoid the unpleasant after effects of a big night.

Let’s get our facts right.

It’s not what, but how much The big breakfast

Eyeballs anyone?

“Beer before wine and you’ll be fine” goes the saying.

Not true. Experts say it’s the total amount of alcohol you consume that makes the difference. That being said, dark liquors like brandy, rum, dark beers and red wine have substances called congeners, which break down into toxins like formaldehyde and formic acid, making your hangover worse.

You’re probably never going to encounter the Mongolian cure for a hangover: a pair of pickled sheep’s eyeballs in tomato juice. But if you’re brave you could try a prairie oyster: a whole raw egg in tomato juice with Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco (eggs have amino acids that help your liver break down toxins). The less said about the ancient Greek cure (sheep lung and owl eggs) the better. Pickle juice is touted by many, but is usually very high in salt so don’t overdo it. And don’t expect miracles.

Don’t pop the paracetamol Taking a painkiller before bed won’t ward off the morning headache. In fact, if it’s paracetamol, it could aggravate an already over-worked liver. If it’s aspirin or ibuprofen, it can stir up your stomach. So save the painkillers for after you wake up.

A hair of the dog?

Your hangover is at its worst when your blood alcohol level hits zero, so a morning Bloody Mary might give you a temporary lift.

But you know this is only postponing the inevitable, don’t you? Omit the vodka, stick to the tomato juice.

Uh uh. Greasy food puts a load on your liver as well as your stomach. Go for a banana, or avocado on toast, to replenish your potassium levels. And maybe swap the coffee for water, fruit juice or herbal tea. Caffeine is a diuretic, and you’re already dehydrated.

Herbs and hydration Some studies have found supplements like ginger, red ginseng and prickly pear helpful for hangover symptoms. But it’s best to talk to your pharmacist before you take a new supplement.

One thing most experts agree on is that drinking water is essential, to rehydrate your poor, suffering body and brain. Take it steady though – drinking too much water at once can be dangerous.

And remember, tomorrow you’ll feel a whole lot better.

"I FEEL BAD FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T DRINK. WHEN THEY WAKE UP IN THE MORNING, THAT'S AS GOOD AS THEY'RE GOING TO FEEL ALL DAY.” Frank Sinatra

WHAT’S ON

SOVINO WINTER 2021

WHAT'S ON THIS WINTER WE’RE CROSSING OUR FINGERS FOR A RETURN TO SOMETHING APPROACHING NORMAL FOR SPORTING, FOOD AND WINE AND CULTURAL EVENTS THIS WINTER. TIME TO RUG UP AND GET OUT THERE. Yulefest 1 June – 31 August Blue Mountains NSW There may or may not be snow, but Christmas in July (or June or August) is a tradition of more than 40 years’ standing in the Blue Mountains. Most of the action is on Saturday nights when you can enjoy gala dinners with all the Christmas trimmings. Santa is even making regular appearances in the caves at Jenolan.

Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival 1-30 June Pokolbin NSW Think open fires, outdoor fire pits, hearty reds, and lazy lunches that roll into dinner, celebrated under the crisp winter open skies. Australia’s oldest wine region welcomes you with a whole month of master classes, tastings and gourmet treats, plus the family friendly Wine & Beer Festival on 19 June.

NRL State of Origin

Tatts Finke Desert Race

9 June, 27 June, 14 July Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney

11-14 June Alice Springs NT

This year there’s no waiting until November! The series kicks off at Melbourne’s MCG on 9 June and moves to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium for Game II, with Sydney’s Stadium Australia scoring the finale on 14 July. Will the home crowd see the Blues regain the Origin shield?

Yes, it means a trip to the NT, but the Finke Desert Race is the ultimate off-road thriller.

For three days, 650 bikes and quads and 150 buggies and trophy trucks compete at this one-of- a-kind race. Entrants from all over Australia (and the world) compete for the King of the Desert trophy, racing from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community.

The Truffle Festival

Scenic Rim Eat Local Week

Vivid Sydney

City2Surf

12 June – mid-August Canberra Region

25 June – 4 July Beaudesert, Scenic Rim Area QLD

6-28 August Sydney Harbour NSW

8 August Sydney NSW

Billed as the festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney is back this year.

The festival brings together light artists, music makers and brilliant minds to share their creativity, through large-scale light installations and projections, free family events, music performances and thought-provoking talks, workshops and conferences.

It’s back! The 14-kilometre course from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach has now become one of the most loved and largest community events in the world. Even if you don’t think the words “fun” and “run” belong in the same sentence, you can cheer from the sidelines (and have a good laugh at the many bizarre costumes).

Now in its 13th year, the Festival has grown to an annual celebration of not just truffles, but of the Canberra region in winter. Throughout the season you can join in truffle hunts, enjoy an indulgent truffle degustation or shop for truffles at local markets. Meet the growers for tips on how to make the most of this magical fungus.

Scenic Rim Eat Local Week is your backstage pass to the farms, wineries and food stories of the Scenic Rim, with a program of festivals, farm-gate events and culinary experiences to suit foodies of all ages. Enjoy long table lunches, pick your own produce and celebrate all things local at the Winter Harvest Festival at Aratula on 3 July.

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*Not all products available in all stores