AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO EXECUTIVE TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE ISSUE 4 AUD $14.95
Botanical style
Meet Australasia’s gin producers shaking-up the global scene
Southern wonder With new luxury lodges, stunning hotels and sensational food and wine, Adelaide has become the ultimate flavour of Australia
PLUS CATHAY PACIFIC’S 75 YEARS, THE PERFECT BBQ, BOUTIQUE WINERIES & AUDI’S NEW Q5
BESPOKE LUXURY IN THE HEART OF ADELAIDE www.mayfairhotel.com.au 45 King William Street, Adelaide
www.eosbyskycity.com
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ISSUE FOUR CONTENTS
In this issue. 20
36
74
Delta is rolling out more Premium Select seats than ever before
Celebrating 30 years of Accor in the AustraliaPacific region
Wayfarer’s guide to six of the best hotels in Adelaide, South Australia
DELTA’S PREMIUM MOVES
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CATHAY’S SAPPHIRE JOURNEY
Cathay Pacific notches up 75 years of flying with flair and style
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STYLE IN THE HILLS Inside Sequoia lodge, the hottest new luxury retreat in Australia
ACCOR’S PACIFIC PEARL
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DISTILLING CREATIVITY
How Australasia’s gin producers are pushing the boundaries
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BOUTIQUE MASTERY
Some of the best boutique winemakers in Australia and New Zealand
ADELAIDE’S MASTERPIECES
91
CARRY-ON STYLE Three brilliant and versatile carry-ons for your next journey
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CINEMATIC BRILLIANCE
The Sonos Arc elevated the home cinema experience
100
TRAEGER’S GRILLING POWER
FEATURES
104
BOSS OF E-BIKES
Wayfarer takes the Vamos El Hefe cruiser for a spin
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AWAKENING THE SENSES
Dream away with Volvo’s stunning Concept Recharge
110
QUATTRO MASTERSTROKE
Behind the wheel of Audi’s latest Q5
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ELECTRIC BLUE The affordable and compact MG ZS EV
Why the Traeger Ironwood 885 is the ultimate barbie
Fiji has re-opened to global travellers (p11)
WAYFARER 3
CONTENTS ISSUE FOUR
In this issue. 06
16
Welcome to the edition by James Wilkinson
Essential airline news and reviews from across the world
EDITOR’S LETTER
10
THE HOT LIST
What's on our travel radar across the world right now
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HIGH FLYER
Travel tips from some of the world’s favourite frequent flyers
TAKE OFF
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TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
Hot destinations from across the world and essential accessories
ROOM KEY
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40
Must-have accessories for the global high-flyer
The latest hotel news, reviews and interviews
APPETITTE
We check out some of the best bars, restaurants and hot brands
Meet some of Australasia’s best gin producers (p46)
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73
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
92
TECH CORNER
Hot technology for home, the office and on the road
REGULARS
96
HOME STYLE
A collection of Wayfarer’s favourites for the house and holiday home
106
INSIDE LINE
The latest motoring news and accessories from premium brands
114
ONE PERFECT STAY Wayfarer checks in to California’s boutique Malibu Beach Inn
CARBON NEUTRAL SINCE MARCH 2020. Book confidently knowing we will offset the carbon emitted ww.delta.com/sustainto learn more. when you fly Delta. Visitwdelta.com/sustainability ability
EDITOR'S LETTER
The uplifting desire for travel
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s the world starts to open-up again, with some speedbumps along the way, I get a true sense that the desire for travel is as great as it has ever been. I had an opportunity to be one of the first Australians to head overseas with no return quarantine requirements when I visited the United States in November and Fiji in December and there was a similar vibe across both trips – people on flights that were excited to be in the air again and folks checking in to hotels, for the first time in two years on the large part, were thrilled to receive their room keys. I have seen executive travellers on flights that were happy to see clients again and families reconnecting with hugs and tears on arrival. Despite the latest setbacks, vaccinated people are travelling because they want to see the world, to enjoy tastes of new countries and to experience something different. In every issue of Wayfarer, our premise is to inspire travel and uncover the world’s most amazing destinations. In this, our fourth edition, we turn our
attention to Adelaide, which truly has become the hottest city in Australia, and uncover some of the top hotels, luxury lodges, restaurants and wineries that the great destination has to offer. Adelaide's new and legendary hotels are in focus, as are some of the state's best boutique winemakers and we also get an inside look at the stunning new Sequoia lodge, located in the heart of the Adelaide Hills wine region. Also in the issue, our largest ever at 116 pages, we look at some of the region's most exciting gins, meet legendary winemakers from across Australasia, celebrate Cathay Pacific's 75th anniversary, cook up a storm with Traeger's Ironwood, hop on the coolest e-bike in the world, take Audi's new Q5 for a spin and much more. I hope you enjoy the issue, tell your friends and colleagues about Wayfarer and let me know any feedback you have. Safe travels,
James Wilkinson Editor-In-Chief
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Production Manager JACQUI COOPER jacqui@intermedia.com.au
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Editor-In-Chief
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TONS OF BONUS VIDEO CONTENT!
The digital issue of Wayfarer magazine is loaded-up with over 20 videos. Look for the TV icon throughout the digital magazine and a video will pop-up. For more videos and destination guides to cities across the world, visit wayfarer.travel
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6 WAYFARER
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You are why we fly. We fly to bring hope. We fly to bring comfort. We fly because people need to get home and life-saving equipment needs to get to the lives that need saving. We fly for the same reason we always have and always will...you.
American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. © 2021 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.
DEPARTURES. The executive travel hot list, plus the latest airline and hotel news and reviews from across the globe.
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What needs to be on your radar this season
The latest hotel news, reviews and interviews from around the world
THE HOT LIST
16
TAKE OFF
Essential airline news, reviews and features from the across the sky
ROOM KEY
40
APPETITE
Hot tables, bars and wineries, plus food and drink news from across the world
Air France’s new lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport (p19)
WAYFARER 9
TAG TAG
01
ACE PREPARES FOR AUSTRALIAN DEBUT IN EARLY 2022
Atelier Ace has offered a first glimpse inside the new Ace Hotel Sydney, the chain’s first property in the Southern Hemisphere, which is set to debut in early 2022. The hotel is housed in Surry Hills’ historic Tyne House brick factory — the site of one of Australia’s first ceramic kilns — and the 264-room property will feature the hallmarks the brand is well known for, including stylish guestrooms, a ground floor restaurant, bar and cafe in the hotel’s communal lobby and a restaurant and bar on the rooftop. Ace Hotel Group President, Brad Wilson, said Ace Sydney will invite the “ready rhythm of Surry Hills inside” and the property will be “an active commons for culture, commerce, art and community”. “Though its culture and character are all its own, we’ve always felt a strong affinity with Australia — its intrepid optimism and renegade spirit resonates with Ace’s roots on the Pacific Coast of America,” he said. Wilson said the property has been designed by Flack Studio, led by acclaimed Melbourne-based Founder and Director David Flack, and it will be one of the stand-out hotels in the global network, which includes locations in Seattle, Portland, New York, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Chicago, Kyoto and Brooklyn. acehotel.com/sydney
The Hot List What’s on our travel and lifestyle radar across the world right now.
10 WAYFARER
THE HOT LIST DEPARTURES
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Google debuted its latest wireless Pixel Buds, the A-Series, in August and since then they have again proven to be a popular release, which is no surprise really given they offer a sensational sound experience at a great value price. Pixel Buds A-Series retail for AU$159 and that’s a steal for the high-quality of sound you get, alongside the company’s hallmark offerings like the ‘Hey Google‘ interactivity and real-time translation. store.google.com
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GOOGLE’S LATEST PIXEL BUDS A WIRELESS DELIGHT
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FIJI WELCOMES BACK INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
The amazing South Pacific nation of Fiji has welcomed back international visitors for the first time in 20 months thanks to new quarantine-free travel arrangements. The first jet with international travellers was Fiji Airways flight FJ914 from Sydney on December 1, which carried 300 passengers eager for their first tropical island holiday. Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill, said the country is ready to safely welcome visitors back thanks to a successful vaccination roll out, seeing well over 90% of its eligible population vaccinated with both doses. fiji.travel
04
HURTIGRUTEN ADDS THIRD BATTERY-HYBRID POWERED SHIP
Hurtigruten Expeditions is continuing to push boundaries for green travel, adding the cruise line’s third batteryhybrid powered ship, MS Otto Sverdrup. Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, MS Otto Sverdrup will operate year-round expedition cruises from Hamburg, Germany to the Norwegian coast. Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO, Asta Lassesen, said since the very first expedition cruise in 1896, the company has grown into the world’s largest expedition cruise line, including the first on the planet to introduce batteryhybrid powered cruise ships. hurtigruten.com.au
WAYFARER 11
DEPARTURES THE HOT LIST
05
SINGAPORE BRINGS A TASTE OF EXCITEMENT TO AUSTRALIA
The Singapore Tourism Board has brought a slice of its great nation to Australia as part of the border opening between the nations through a partnership between prominent Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou and gin distillery Tanglin. Polyviou collaborated with Tanglin for a special, limitededition Honey Bean Coffee Gin Liqueur, with the intention on inspiring travellers to visit the popular Asian island nation. visitsingapore.com
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RELAX YOUR MUSCLES WITH THE THERAGUN MINI
When it comes to making sure your muscles are relaxed after long-haul flights or just visits to the gym, you can’t skip past the Theragun Mini. It’s a pocket-sized partner of the legendary Theragun with the same quality muscle treatment with unparalleled portability. The Mini is Therabody’s most agile massage device that’s small enough to fit into a carryon, gym bag and offers fantastic relaxation on the go. therabody.com
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Qatar Airways is partnering up with Discover Qatar for the ‘World’s Best Value Stopover’ packages in Doha, with 4- and 5-star hotels from just US$14 per night. The packages consist of up to a four night stay in Doha for vaccinated travellers and provide an opportunity to experience the World’s Best Airline, as recently awarded by Skytrax, and Qatar’s renowned hospitality in some of the best hotels in the Middle East. qatarairways.com
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QATAR OFFERS THE WORLD’S BEST STOPOVER
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DEPARTURES TRAVEL TIPS
High flyer
Doug Ellin
We’re launching a new travel tips section in this issue of Wayfarer with some of the world’s favourite high-flyers. First-up, the creator of hit TV show Entourage and host of Victory the Podcast, Los Angeles local Doug Ellin.
Italy's Amalfi Coast and (below), Doug Ellin
FAVOURITE DESTINATION
Italy. Love the food. Love the people. Florence is my favourite city in the world aside from New York and the Amalfi Coast is where I’d love to retire to, like I did with Ari on Entourage.
TOP HOTEL
The Il San Pietro di Positano (ilsanpietro.com/) hotel in Positano, Italy for all the same reasons.
GO-TO RESTAURANT
A tough one to answer but I love Emilio’s Balatto (facebook.com/ emiliosballato) on Houston street in New York. Love the feel and love the people there. It’s old school and incredible. 14 WAYFARER
CARRY-ON ITEM
My iPad (apple.com) so I can watch things on the plane.
TRAVEL TIP
Change your watch as soon as you get on the plane and try to get on that city's timezone ASAP to avoid jet lag.
PERFECT DAY IN… LOS ANGELES
My perfect day in Los Angeles would be Jon and Vinny’s (jonandvinnys.com) breakfast, then two hours of pickleball, lunch at Din Tai Fung (dintaifungusa. com), some more pickleball, go for a hike in Malibu and then dinner at Craig’s (craigs.la) in West Hollywood.
Looking for adventure?
We’ve got you covered
Take Off. Essential airline news, reviews and features from the across the sky.
Virgin Australia to retain, relaunch The Club Virgin Australia is keeping its ultrapremium ‘The Club’ lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for its most loyal frequent flyers, following an extensive review and survey of the offering. Speculation was rife in industry circles The Club would disappear, however, Australia’s second largest carrier has vowed to re-open the venues in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane by the end of the first quarter of 2022. Virgin Australia Group Chief Commercial Officer, Dave Emerson, said some changes were afoot though, with ‘The Club’ brand name set to be retired for a new and fresh name that reflects the airline’s future direction, while lounges in Canberra and Perth will not be reopening. He said the new brand, along with updated loyalty benefits and eligibility criteria, and the future premium lounge offering, will be announced soon and while Club lounges have remained closed, members have continued to enjoy the airline’s domestic lounges throughout Australia as well as Club loyalty benefits, including a dedicated phone concierge service, and complimentary Business Class upgrades. virginaustralia.com 16 WAYFARER
TAKE OFF DEPARTURES
Qantas renews global Emirates partnership Qantas and Emirates have renewed their major partnership on routes across the globe for another five years. Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said the partnership means customers and frequent flyers of both airlines will have access to an expansive joint network and millions of reward seats to travel across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK. “This marks the continuation of one of the most significant bilateral partnerships in aviation,” he said. “We called it ‘seismic’ when it launched in 2013 and it has been, especially in terms of what it’s meant for over 13 million people who have travelled on flights that form part of the deal. “The premise of our partnership with Emirates has always been that no airline can fly everywhere but combined we can fly to most of the places our joint customers want to travel to. And that we treat each other’s customers as our own. “We know the international aviation market will take years to fully recover so close collaboration between airline partners is going to be more important than ever,” Joyce said. The airlines have existing approvals from regulators to operate a joint business until March 2023 and Joyce said Qantas and Emirates will seek reauthorisation from relevant regulators. For Emirates customers, the deal provides access to over 55 Australian destinations that Emirates does not fly to, and Qantas customers are able to fly on Emirates to Dubai and access over 50 cities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, that Qantas does not fly to. “The extension of our partnership with Qantas is testament to its success,” said Emirates Airline President, Sir Tim Clark. “It also reflects our commitment to ensure customers travelling to and from Australia, a market which we have served for 25 years, continue to have the best connections and frequent flyer benefits.” He said Emirates has continued to display its strong commitment to the Australian market increasing the size of its operations from three flights a week when it initially launched in 1996 in Melbourne, peaking to over 100 flights per week prior to the pandemic. qantas.com & emirates.com
Air Canada takes out major Skytrax awards As Air Canada continues rebuilding its global network in response to increasing travel demand, including to Australia, the airline has been recognised for its people, products and services at the recent 2021 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Air Canada took the honours for Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, and Excellence for COVID-19. “I am very proud of these recognitions as voted for by our customers, for our service and products as we begin emerging from the pandemic which has impacted travel and our industry for the past 18 months,” said Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Lucie Guillemette. “The two awards for Best Airline Staff in both North America and in Canada are especially significant, as they are a direct reflection of our loyal employees’ unwavering dedication and hard work in taking care of our customers and transporting them safely during a challenging and complex period.” aircanada.com
Air Canada offers legendary service
New deal: Emirates’ Sir Tim Clark and Qantas’ Alan Joyce
WAYFARER 17
Fully electric: an artist’s impression of the Heart ES-19
United goes fully-electric with latest aircraft order
Air New Zealand ups the sustainable cutlery ante
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Air New Zealand has been trialling new serviceware
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United Airlines is again upping the ante when it comes to sustainable aviation, adding 100 Heart Aerospace ES-19 aircraft to its fleet from 2026. Gothenburg, Sweden-based Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-19, a 19-seat electric aircraft that has the potential to fly customers up to 250 miles before the end of this decade. In addition Mesa Airlines, United’s key strategic partner in bringing electric aircraft into commercial service, has also agreed to add 100 ES-19 aircraft to its fleet. The move will also see United Airlines Ventures (UAV), along with Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) and Mesa Airlines invest in Heart Aerospace. United’s Vice President Corp Development and Investor Relations, as well as UAV’s President, Michael Leskinen, said UAV is building a portfolio of companies that focus on innovative sustainability concepts and create the technologies and products necessary to build a carbon-neutral airline and reach United’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals. He said with this new agreement, United is deepening its bold commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 100% by 2050 without relying on traditional carbon offsets, as well as enabling the growth of Heart Aerospace and participating in the development of aircraft that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from flying. Seating 19 passengers, the ES-19 aircraft will also be larger than any of its all-electric competitors and will be designed to operate on the same types of batteries used in electric cars. united.com
Air New Zealand has been trialling new eco-serviceware in the airline’s international economy cabin in a bid to reduce plastic and carbon emissions. The airline recently tested two different casserole dish materials, bagasse and rotable plastic, along with a birchwood cutlery alternative on four of its Rarotonga flights. Switching to a more sustainable serviceware option has the potential to remove around 28 million single-use plastic dishes and knives, forks and spoons from inflight every year, according to Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty. She says now is the right time to be looking at the materials the airline uses inflight. “The serviceware flying today was designed more than a decade ago,” she says. “With an acute awareness of the impacts of plastic pollution, we’re delivering serviceware that is designed for the culinary experiences of the future and reduces vast amounts of single-use plastic from our operation. “We’re on a journey to reduce the impact of our serviceware on the environment by moving away from single-use plastics and trialling more sustainable serviceware across some of our international flights.” airnz.co.nz
TAKE OFF DEPARTURES
Air France stuns at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport /w s:/ tp ht
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Air France has unveiled its brand-new iconic lounge located in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and it firmly celebrates the best of French-style travel, upon arrival at the airport or during transit. Dedicated to Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members travelling on Air France’s short- and medium-haul Schengen network, this lounge is one of the airline’s largest, with 570 seats spread over two levels. In collaboration with teams from Air France and the Group ADP, the entire space and most of the furniture were designed by the Jouin Manku agency, founded by Canadian architect Sanjit Manku and French designer Patrick Jouin. A haven of peace and serenity at the heart of the airport, the lounge, with its curved features and relaxing vibe, is open, airy and uncomplicated at first glance. There is something for everyone, depending on the amount of time customers have before boarding, to rest, freshen up, work or enjoy something to eat and drink. airfrance.com om .c be tu ou w.y
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Parisian chic: Air France’s new lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport
Delta is adding more Airbus A350-900s to its fleet
Delta adds jets as fleet renewal continues Delta has entered into agreements to add 29 used Boeing 737-900ERs and lease seven used Airbus A350-900s as it continues to streamline and modernise its fleet. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the 36 additional aircraft will improve fuel efficiency and enhance the customer experience, while supporting Delta’s fleet renewal strategy focused on simplification, scale, size and sustainability. “These aircraft are an investment in Delta’s future,” he said. “As we look
past the pandemic, Delta’s disciplined, innovative approach to fleet renewal positions us for growth as travel demand returns, while enhancing the customer experience and supporting our sustainability commitments.” Bastian said the widebody fleet renewal is instrumental to Delta’s recovery and will help position Delta for sustained profitability and future growth. As Delta’s flagship aircraft, the A350 provides a world-class customer experience, enhances cargo capacity,
reduces unit cost and contributes to a more sustainable future. In addition to the seven A350s that are part of this announcement, Delta currently has 15 A359s in service and 20 on order. The agreement follows Delta’s decision in April to exercise options on 25 additional A321neo jets, which will start to start to be delivered in 2022 and the carrier says those aircraft offer the lowest seat costs in Delta’s fleet. delta.com WAYFARER 19
DEPARTURES TAKE OFF
Delta is installing Premium Select seats across more of the fleet
Delta ups the Premium ante Delta Air Lines’ brilliant Premium Select was one of the most exciting innovations for the Atlanta-based carrier when it debuted in 2017, and now, thanks to so much demand, the cabin is being rolled-out on more aircraft across the fleet.
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elta’s Premium Select, one of the most popular cabins on the airline’s fleet of fuel-efficient and stylish Airbus A350-900s that operate flagship routes like Los Angeles to Sydney, is being now being rolled-out across on the carrier’s Boeing 767-300 and Airbus A330 aircraft which operate across Delta’s global network. The retrofit of the Boeing 767-300 and Airbus A330 aircraft commenced in May 2021 and will see the jets receive this fantastic, elevated Delta cabin experience that includes a wider seat, additional recline and an adjustable foot and leg rest, alongside brilliant food and wine, a TUMI amenity kit with Malin+Goetz products, noise-cancelling headsets and a blanket and pillow. Further onboard touches include in-seat power, USB outlets, larger entertainment screens, a dedicated in-cabin flight attendant, while passengers will also gain Sky Priority throughout the journey, which includes expedited check-in, security and baggage handling, and premium boarding. Both of the of the Boeing 767-300 and Airbus A330 fleets will also receive additional upgrades like refreshed lavatories, new LED cabin lighting, expanded personal power outlets and memory-foam comfort cushions. That means the Boeing 767-300 and Airbus A330 aircraft will now have four cabin experiences to give customers more 20 WAYFARER
options whether booking for business or leisure: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. “As customers return to travel, we’re bringing them better and more comfortable experiences, and that includes introducing Delta Premium Select to more aircraft in our fleet,” said Delta’s Vice President of Brand Experience Design, Byron Merritt. “We know customers are ready to get back into the world, and that is driving us to accelerate improvements to our aircraft that will give our customers the best onboard products.” Merritt said the fleet modifications will give customers more options for seating as Delta rebuilds its global reach in 2021 with new routes to Iceland and Greece. These fleet modifications, according to the airline, are the latest in a series of efforts Delta is making to modernise the customer experience as travel demand picks up. In recent months, the airline has announced plans to outfit nearly all its domestic mainline fleet with highspeed connectivity, introduced new contactless payment options onboard and shared plans to build a seamless digital experience that takes the guesswork out of international travel. delta.com
y a w a d l r o w A p e t s r oo d r u o y on
Escape to one of the world’s most stunning natural playgrounds right here in Australia. Surrounded by the spectacular Snowy Mountains, with a host of activities, experiences and boutique accommodation choices, unforgettable memories are waiting to be made. LAKECRACKENBACK.COM.AU
DEPARTURES TAKE OFF
22 WAYFARER
Cathay Pacific’s From humble beginnings in 1946 – a freight service from Sydney to Hong Kong – to growing into one of the world’s most celebrated airlines, Cathay Pacific has been on an incredible journey over the past 75 years. Now, as James Wilkinson discovers, it is just the start of some great things to come for an airline born to fly from Australia to Hong Kong and across the world with passion, innovation, determination and pride.
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ne of our favourite airlines, Cathay Pacific, is celebrating 75 years of bringing people together across the world this year and it is a remarkable milestone for one of the world’s most exciting and innovative carriers. Cathay Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, Augustus Tang, said over the past 75 years, the carrier has grown from a small regional airline to one that now spans the globe from Hong Kong, “our energetic, ever-changing home”. “Cathay Pacific has seen exhilarating successes over the past incredible 75 years,” he said. “We’ve connected people to many new destinations, welcomed the arrival of state-ofthe-art aircraft and introduced exciting customer experience enhancements, to name a few. “We hope they will join us in marking our 75th anniversary, and we look forward to many more journeys together,” Tang said. Cathay Pacific is known for its incredible service, both inflight and at airports, and to find out how important the 75th anniversary is for the company’s brilliant employees, Wayfarer caught up with Rae Naidoo, the carrier’s Airport Operations Manager for Brisbane and Perth. >> WAYFARER 23
DEPARTURES TAKE OFF
Rae, you’ve been with Cathay Pacific for 30 years in Australia. Tell us about some of your favourite moments with the airline. There have been so many amazing moments, from winning the esteemed Betsy Award for customer service to watching the 747-8 take off from West Toowoomba (Wellcamp) airport for the first time. But, my absolute favourite was having the privilege of escorting a brand new A330 on a delivery flight from the Airbus factory in Toulouse to Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific has flown some legendary aircraft to Australia like the L1011, Boeing 747 and now the A350. Mine has always been the 747 – do you have a favourite amongst them? I have fond memories of flying on the Tristar for my honeymoon back in 92 and of course the Queen of the Skies (the B747-200, -300 and -400). Nothing can surpass the A350-1000 though when it comes to looks (particularly the new livery), comfort, ambience and gracefulness. It is truly a beautiful aircraft. Cathay’s staff have been some of the best dressed in the industry - do you have a favourite of the uniforms? My favourite stewardess uniforms were in 1962. They are elegant and connects with Cathay Pacific’s heritage. I think the service on Cathay Pacific is sensational. How does the airline provide such great service from check-in to landing? Cathay Pacific’s brand direction ‘Move Beyond’ signifies our dedication to exceeding expectations. We have a strong commitment to our customer experience and in cementing our position as one of the world’s best service brands. When it comes to food and beverage on the ground and inflight, Cathay is truly excellent. What are your thoughts as someone who gets to experience it often? The food onboard Cathay Pacific is excellent. The business class menu however takes this to a whole new level. 24 WAYFARER
“We’re proud to say that for 75 years, we have been connecting people to their families, places and experiences.” Rae Naidoo, Airport Operations Manager - Brisbane and Perth, Cathay Pacific Tell us about Cathay’s commitment to Australia... it is one of the carrier’s most important countries in its network. Our commitment to the Australian market is resolute and we are incredibly proud to have been operating in Australia since 1974. In fact, the very first Cathay Pacific flight was from Sydney to Shanghai on 24 September 1946. Cathay is celebrating 75 years - what are some of the exciting things the airline is doing to mark the milestone? Customers can join the celebrations with limited-edition memorabilia that transforms parts of retired aircraft into metal pens, cardholders and aviation tags, while hundreds of cockpit and cabin crew uniforms have been restitched to create stylish cushions, bags and even teddy bears. What is the excitement like amongst the Cathay staff as the airline celebrated 75 years? It is an amazing milestone to achieve. It truly is an incredible milestone. We’re proud to say that for 75 years, we have been connecting people to their families, places and experiences. For us, our 75th anniversary is a chance to look back at how far we’ve come and to celebrate the many milestones we’ve achieved. If you could name just one, what is Cathay Pacific’s X-factor? Service. Professional but caring and kind and a lovely blend of the East meets West. cathaypacific.com
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Room Key. The latest hotel news, reviews and interviews from across the world.
Stunning: Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa is now open
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Le Méridien makes a splash in the Maldives Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts has made a splash in the Maldives, with the Paris-born brand debuting through a stunning property. The 141-villa Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa, owned by Singaporean developer Chiu Teng Enterprises, is located on Thilamaafushi, the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, and features some of the most chic rooms in the nation. “We are thrilled to introduce the iconic Le Méridien brand to the Maldives, strengthening our presence in this captivating destination,” Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. Spanning nine hectares, Thilamaafushi is defined as “island surrounded by vast lagoon” in Dhivehi, the local parlance of the Maldives. The natural island is an eco-conscious haven abundant with indigenous flora and fauna, enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life, including pods of Manta Rays and turtles. When it comes to style, a selection of one, two and threebedroom villas unite the concept of art and industrial design with clean lines, a muted colour palette and a contrast of renewable materials that fosters simplicity, openness and functionality. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate at the Explore Spa by Le Méridien, in the two infinity pools at the resort and enjoy six restaurants and bars, showcasing global tastes and locally harvested produce. lemeridien-maldives.com
ROOM KEY DEPARTURES
New addition: The Standard Hua Hin, Thailand
Brilliant arrival: Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific London’s striking debut One of the United Kingdom’s most talked-about hotel projects has finally made its debut with Pan Pacific London swinging open its doors at One Bishopsgate Plaza in the heart of the City, in the process pushing boundaries for the Singaporean brand like never before. Pan Pacific’s European arrival has been worth the wait too, with the 237room property brilliantly fusing architecture, contemporary design, wellbeing – including an 18.5-metre infinity pool – and gourmand experiences in an area now known for leisure as much as is for business. Close to Spitalfields, Barbican and hip Shoreditch, the 43-storey bronze tower is also home to apartments, designer shops, restaurants and bars, alongside signature food and beverage offerings inside Pan Pacific, under the direction of award-winning Executive Chef Lorraine Sinclair and renowned Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden, that will become destinations in their own right. panpacificlondon.com
The Standard’s global expansion revealed Standard International’s CEO, Amar Lalvani, says the company’s Standard Hotels brand is set for a massive global expansion, including in Australia, with the group set to add 10 stunning properties over the next five years across the globe. The company’s first Australian hotel is scheduled to debut in Melbourne’s hip suburb of Fitzroy in 2023 and Lalvani expects that opening to be the start of more properties across the nation. “We believe many more hotels will open in Australia once this property is open,” he told Wayfarer from New York. Lalvani said the 123-room hotel in Fitzroy would become the hive of the suburb when it opens and it was the ideal location for The Standard’s debut in Australia. The 2023 opening of The Standard Fitzroy will follow several significant global projects including hotels in Hua Hin, Thailand (December 2021), Bangkok, Thailand (2022), and Ibiza, Spain (2022). Properties are also planned for Singapore (2023), Lisbon, Portugal (2023), Brussels, Belgium (2023), Dublin, Ireland (2025) and Las Vegas, USA (2025). “We are incredibly proud to announce the openings of The Standard, Hua Hin, which is set for December, our incredible Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, which will open next year, as well as our second property in Europe, The Standard, Ibiza,” Lalvani said. Lalvani said he was particularly excited about the opening of The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon, which will “set the benchmark for luxury lifestyle hotels in the city”. The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon will be located in a 78-story mixed-use building that is one of the tallest in Thailand and will featured 55 rooms, penthouse, a terrace pool, fitness center, meeting rooms and a dynamic variety of food, drink and nightlife venues, from The Parlor to the Tea Room and renowned Standard Grill, as well as Thailand’s first outpost of the acclaimed Mott 32 restaurant. standardhotels.com WAYFARER 27
DEPARTURES ROOM KEY
Four Seasons’ electric New Orleans arrival Four Seasons has made a stunning arrival in New Orleans, heralding a new level of luxury in one of America’s most beloved cities. Rising 34 stories above the mighty Mississippi River in the heart of the city, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has a fantastic location just steps away from the historic French Quarter, the Warehouse Arts District and myriad parks and greenspaces, and with direct access to the city’s streetcar line, the best of the city is close. For those who want a relaxing getaway, the 341-room property is firmly an urban resort, with a crescent-shaped rooftop swimming pool, day spa, and several food and beverage offerings, including a spectacular lobby bar. “New Orleans is a destination that has long been on our wish list,” says Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ President of Global Operations, Christian Clerc. “The transformation of this truly iconic building is stunning and serves as a wonderful addition to Four Seasons portfolio of exceptional properties.” Rooms have a light and airy feel, with a palette of clean whites and pale greys accentuated with white-washed oak furnishings, textured fabrics and wall treatments and, above every bed, a striking tri-panel plaster relief depicting South’s signature scent, the magnolia. fourseasons.com
Sax appeal: Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans’ hot lobby bar
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Crystalbrook Vincent is set beneath the Story Bridge
Meet Vincent, Brisbane’s new star Crystalbrook Collection has swung open the doors to the company’s latest stylish hotel, Crystalbrook Vincent, in the heart of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves. Formerly known as The Fantauzzo, Crystalbrook Vincent is set beneath the Story Bridge and is the Collection’s seventh property to open in three years. Crystalbrook Collection owner, Ghassan Aboud, said the acquisition has made the group Australia’s largest independent five-star portfolio of hotels and resorts. “Hospitality has always been an area of business I’ve wanted to invest in,” he said. “I’m very proud of what my team has achieved in the past three years to now lead Australia’s largest independent five-star portfolio.” The hotel, which features 166 rooms, a rooftop bar, restaurant, pool and 24-hour fitness centre, will retain its partnership with namesake Vincent Fantauzzo. Crystalbrook Collection CEO, Geoff York, said over 500 pieces of the acclaimed Australian painter’s artworks feature throughout the six-story hotel, which would also have a key focus on sustainability. crystalbrookcollection.com
DEPARTURES ROOM KEY
The Langham hits top gear in Jakarta After years of anticipation, The Langham, Jakarta has officially made its debut with an ultra-luxurious hotel and lifestyle destination. The stylish and contemporary 65-storey hotel is located within the new prestigious complex of District 8 at SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District), to the city’s most important financial, cultural and entertainment centres. “The opening of this beautiful hotel in Jakarta is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication to delivering the very best product, facilities and service in this international gateway city,” said Langham Hospitality Group, CEO, Brett Butcher. From the 62nd floor sky lobby to the 223 guest rooms, Club lounge and brilliant leisure and food and beverage experiences on offer, The Langham, Jakarta embodies classical design elements, effortlessly fusing glamour with urban sophistication. The rooms and suites feature majestic floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the city, state of the art in-room entertainment complemented by smart technology, opulent marble bathrooms featuring rain showers and free-standing soaking bathtubs. As expected, The Langham Club lounge at the hotel’s 59th floor is designed as a sanctuary for guests who prefer a discerning level of comfort with panoramic and unobstructed views of Jakarta. The Langham, Jakarta also features exceptional celebrity restaurant partnerships that include Tom’s by Tom Aikens, the culinary maestro who has guided his restaurants to accolades by the Michelin Guide, T’ang Court, inspired by its Three Michelin starred Cantonese restaurant namesake at The Langham, Hong Kong, and worldrenowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto from New York City, who will satiate gourmands with haute Japanese cuisine at Morimoto. Also expect a fantastic afternoon tea, brilliant cocktails at the Jakarta outpost of London’s Artesian, divine treatments at the Chuan Spa and Jakarta’s highest indoor infinity pool with spectacular views of the city. langhamhotels.com 30 WAYFARER
The Langham has brought renowned luxury to Jakarta
Perth gets second Holiday Inn hotel
Now open: Holiday Inn West Perth
IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed a deal to convert the Sage Hotel West Perth to a Holiday Inn, with the property joining the global chain’s network on November 1, 2021. IHG Director of Development for Australasia and Pacific, Jael Fischer, said with West Perth fast becoming a vibrant, bustling hub, just out of Perth’s CBD, the hotel promises to take advantage of its locale and deliver on a warm and welcoming experience for guests staying for business or pleasure. “Given the hotel’s prime location, close to Kings Park, one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, Holiday Inn West Perth will be warmly embraced by IHG Rewards loyalty members. We look forward to welcoming guests from November 1,” she said. Fischer said part of the hotel’s charm is the former 1902 Walsh Family residence which sits at the front of the property and a destination restaurant is slated to be a hallmark of Holiday Inn West Perth, as will the two character-filled boardrooms that currently occupy the space. Now the hotel has opened under the Holiday Inn banner, she said all 101 guestrooms will receive a soft refurbishment to bring it in line with Holiday Inn’s standard and the lobby will also be transformed. ihg.com
time to indulge Taste your way around the bounty of Tasmania with Indulgence by Mövenpick, an all-inclusive escape full of local flavour. Soak up panoramic vistas of Hobart before indulging in breakfast and dinner at Tesoro modern Italian – one of Hobart’s hottest new restaurant openings.
Savour the moment today at movenpickhotelhobart.com.au *Conditions apply. Package is subject to availability, blackout dates apply. Includes accommodation in room type of your choice (rates vary), daily breakfast & dinner (3-course menu, excluding beverages).
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DEPARTURES ROOM KEY
Little National Sydney made a stunning arrival
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ROOM KEY DEPARTURES
in the Sequoia lodge has made its long-awaited debut in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills and the stunning product has been firmly worth the wait, with luxurious rooms, hot pools and experiences on offer.
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ount Lofty Estate in the Adelaide Hills opened the doors in August to Australia’s most luxurious new accommodation offering, Sequoia lodge. The AU$18 million addition at Mount Lofty has been several years in the making and the product is firmly one of the best luxury offerings the nation has ever seen. Overlooking the Piccadilly Valley, known for its premium vineyards and artisan producers, Sequoia features 14 luxurious, sustainably-designed suites that were built with the latest in technology and comfort, such as fireplaces and room control panels, alongside natural artesian springfed stone hot pools, an infinity pool, new day spa and a campfire amphitheatre. Sequoia lodge has been a passion project for Mount Lofty Estate’s popular owners David Horbelt and Malcolm Bean, who have turned an incredible dream into a stunning reality. Horbelt said the lodge offers guests an “unparallel journey of discovery based around the region’s iconic food and wine, wellness, history and vast nature experiences allowing guests to delight in the sheer beauty of being”. He said Sequoia connects guests with the unique stories of the region’s place and they will experience a transcendental journey that revolves around the human senses, desire to connect, socialise and seek comfort in the beauty of the moment. “Malcolm and I are delighted to be able to build upon our world-famous luxury offering at neighbouring Mount Lofty House,” Horbelt said. “At Sequoia, we have created an entirely new level of opulence, every detail has been carefully planned to take guests on a journey that will touch the senses, connect with the soul and create a pure sense of delight.
“The lodge and its offering were born out of our passion and deep connection with the beauty for this region, we wanted to share our desire to celebrate life and create a sense of place and connection with nature, combined with exemplary personalised service and fine-dining. “Sequoia truly is unique; we’ve integrated the highest principles of luxury amenity and service with the natural beauty of one of Australia’s most applauded landscapes in the Adelaide Hills,” he said. Sequoia is led by Mount Lofty Estate’s award-winning General Manager, Jesse Kornoff, and a team of ‘Experience Hosts’, who guide guests thought a range of unique local bespoke activities themed around the pillars of food and wine, wellness, nature and history. >>
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Sequoia features striking bathrooms (top) and spacious living areas (below) and outdoor pools are featured off the main building (right)
ROOM KEY DEPARTURES
MEET THE WINE DIRECTOR Mount Lofty Estate’s Liinaa Berry Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant has been recognised as one of the nation’s best regional restaurants and that’s thanks to the passion of owners, David Horbelt and Malcolm Bean, General Manager Jesse Kornoff, Chef Jin Choi and Liinaa Berry, who has grown her role from Head Sommelier to Mount Lofty Estate’s Wine Director. She has succeeded in taking wine well beyond the restaurant to be a key part of guest experience in both Mount Lofty House and now, Sequoia lodge. Over the past couple of years, she has curated the wine list for Hardy’s and in the process taking it from 600 to over 1000 labels, a move that’s resulted in significant recognition in the 2020 Australian Wine List of the Year, with three Glasses and title of the Best Wine List in South Australia. Liinaa is known for creating brilliant events with brands such as Henschke and Ayala and has also worked with region’s winemakers and producers to develop the signature ‘Maker and Somm’ series and ‘Le Neus de vin’ experiences, which connect Sequoia guests with the people and stories behind 25 of the region’s best vineyards. mtloftyhouse.com.au
Kornoff said the experiences take guests on a “journey of learning and self-discovery” that celebrate South Australian stories and many of which are not available to the general public. “From tasting the abundant local produce and fine-dining cuisine, wellness and rejuvenation to guided nature walks through the bush home of the world’s largest surviving koala population, star gazing, private helicopter tours and intimate tastings with some of Australia’s leading vintners, guests will feature centre stage in the region’s iconic attractions,” he said. “Many of South Australia’s strongest luxury brands, including R.M. Williams, Jurlique and the country’s most celebrated wine-makers – think Penfolds, Henschke, and Torbreck – contrasted with exciting and boutique vineyards like Yelland and Papps or Bekkers, taking guests behind the scenes on an intimate journey of discovery.” Impressively, the 75sqm open-plan suites boast 180-degree views of the patchwork Piccadilly Valley below from every part of the suite. The rooms feature sunken lounges complete with stone fireplaces, opulent king-size beds with moon windows, expansive balconies with outdoor daybeds, a hidden television, elevated free-standing bathtubs, switch-glass privacy windows and heated floors along with some of the most technologically advanced automation in any hotel room in Australia. Horbelt worked with local suppliers, craftsmen and artisans to bring the suites to life, which he said has created “a tranquil oasis with a calming colour palette punctuated by warm accents of wood and stone”. Each suite features an original oil painting by resident artist Stephen Trebilcock, who is “renowned for capturing unique local native florals in incredible detail, colour and depth” according to Horbelt. The carefully curated décor at Sequoia by Horbelt includes an exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities including Nick Mount glass, JamFactory ceramics, Jurlique products, Hahndorf Soap and OrganiQ bath salts. Alongside the addition of Sequoia, Horbelt and Bean also created a new Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, which is located in one of the estate’s original cottages and offers three treatment spaces, including two double rooms, and a private posttreatment landscaped garden. Dining for guests at Sequoia is at the three-hatted and HM Awards-winning Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, which offers a la carte and degustation menus, alongside one of the most exciting beverage lists in Australia, curated masterfully by Mount Lofty Estate’s Wine Director, Liinaa Berry. Kornoff said dining options for lodge guests also include private dining on their balconies, elevated regional dining in the Sequoia lounge and regular private events like the lodge’s seven-course Taittinger Champagne dinner later this month. Sequoia is named after the three giant Californian Redwood trees planted by the original owner, Arthur Hardy, that remain on the property. sequoialodge.com.au WAYFARER 35
DEPARTURES ROOM KEY
Accor’s Pacific pearl From one hotel in 1991 to almost 400 today, it’s been quite a journey for Accor in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific as the chain notches up its 30th anniversary. And it’s the start of some big things to come.
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ccor’s story in the Pacific region began in 1991, when it opened Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, a property that has become one of the most popular hotels in not just the nation’s largest city, but all of Australia. The Paris-based chain has grown to be the largest hotel operator in the Pacific region, with almost 400 hotels, resorts and apartments operational today under some 18 brands in four nations – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia. Looking to the future, Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath by 2023, the company will have launched a variety of new premium and luxury brands with the debut of the Mondrian, 25hours, SO/ and Fairmont brands in Australia. “As we celebrate 30 years in the Pacific, I would like to thank our incredible teams for their heartfelt service, our loyal guests for their custom and the support of our partners,” he said. “Now, as we look forward to the tremendous opportunities ahead of us, we have a very strong and exciting future. “We will continue to support our talents, our local communities, our guests and our partners to forge many more successful and meaningful decades,” McGrath said. From the launch of the Mövenpick brand in Australia, to opening two brand new The Sebel properties in Melbourne and Wellington, and three new BreakFree resorts in key regional markets, 2021 has already been a strong year of growth and investment for Accor in the Pacific region. This year also saw Accor joined forces with Qantas to bring even greater rewards for loyalty customers of both businesses, the first venture of its kind between a hospitality group and an airline in the Asia-Pacific region. Qantas and Accor also recently extended a 14-year partnership when it comes to on-ground hospitality, with the chain’s team of professionals providing the Flying Kangaroo’s customers with world-class service across the airline’s network of domestic and international lounges. “In Qantas we have an innovative tourism leader at our side,” McGrath said. “Together we share a commitment to creating exceptional and memorable travel experiences on land and in the air.” Accor have also supported the wellbeing of its team across the past 18 months by providing vital aid through its ALL Heartist Fund. The fund launched in April 2020 and has supported Accor team members and partners through the health and economic impacts of the pandemic by providing more than AU$4.7 million to date in grants across the Pacific region. 36 WAYFARER
For two decades, the Accor Indigenous Programs have been a talent initiative playing a key role in empowering Indigenous success within Australia’s hospitality industry. Accor has made it a purpose to bring Indigenous Australians into customer facing roles to connect with people, history and culture as part of the Accor employment and guest experience. The Accor Indigenous Programs initiative strives to play an active role in Australia’s shared, ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap. This is a shared journey to enable and empower Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to live healthy and prosperous lives. Throughout the past 12 months, McGrath said Accor has maintained its commitment to empowering Indigenous success by sharpening its focus on recruitment, retention and cultural education to maintain strength in its program and Indigenous workforce and the chain will continue this commitment in the coming years ahead. all.accor.com
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
CHECK IN DEPARTURES
“As we look forward to the tremendous opportunities ahead of us, we have a very strong and exciting future.” Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer - Pacific, Accor
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Appetite. Hot tables, bars and drinks brands from across the world.
Penfolds Grange notches-up 70 years alive for a minimum of 20 years’. Tell that to sexagenarian vintages such as ’52, ’53, ’55 & ’62! Stunningly drinkable in 2021! “In modern parlance – under-promise, over-deliver! Long may it continue and modern Grange vintages such as ’08, ’10 & ’16 patiently await judgement in 2071!” Beyond Grange, the Gago says the wines within the Collection stand proudly in a release that offers multi-region and multivineyard blends, single-region wines and a single-vineyard wine. R e/
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“Adored for its aromatic complexity, intensely rich fruit and ripe tannins of Shiraz, Grange’s style and winemaking techniques have not altered since the first experimental vintages in the early 50s,” he says. “After 70 years of unbroken vintage releases, the South Australian heritage icon is renowned by collectors the world over for its unique Australian identity, consistency, and proven ageing potential. “The original aspiration for Grange was to create a red wine ‘capable of staying
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The 2021 release of the Penfolds Australia Collection is finally here and once again you can expect an X-factor from the great Adelaide winemaking brand – this time in the form of flagship wine Grange’s 70th anniversary. Penfolds’ legendary Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago, says the latest release is a testament to the enduring ‘House Style’ that Penfolds winemakers have upheld for over 177 years and the 70th anniversary of Grange is an exciting milestone.
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APPETITE DEPARTURES
Restaurateur Luke Mangan heats-up Kimpton Sydney Popular Australian Chef Luke Mangan is set to helm the new Kimpton Margot Sydney hotel’s restaurant and bar offering when the brand opens its first property in Australia. Renowned and much-loved for his Australian style, Mangan will be at the centre of a rich tapestry of restaurants and bar offerings at the new luxury boutique hotel, with Luke’s Kitchen, an iteration of his neighbourhood favourite, taking centre stage in the historic lobby. “What draws me to Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants is its bespoke offering to guests coupled with heartfelt service,” he said. “The location of Kimpton Sydney is superb with its blend of nightlife from neighbouring Chinatown and Darlinghurst and independent spirit from the nearby Surry Hills, all brought to life in this incredible building that’s connected to Sydney’s heritage. “It felt like a perfect opportunity to not only reinvigorate Luke’s Kitchen but also create a range of innovative culinary experiences that are built on Kimpton’s legacy of locally loved restaurants,” Mangan said. The first opening under IHG Hotels and Resorts’ Kimpton brand in Australia, Kimpton Margot Sydney, will be located at the site of the current Primus Hotel, which is located in a heritage-listed 1930s Art Deco revival of inter-war period architecture. ihg.com
Lark’s new Amaro release an Italian delight Tasmania’s Lark Distilling Co has dropped yet another stunning limited release whisky, this time from Amaro-seasoned barrels in a collaboration with liqueur house Osare. Lark Head Distiller Chris Thomson says the new release, limited to just 1303 bottles, with Tasmanian liqueur house Osare is about blending Italian spiritmaking traditions with contemporary distilling techniques. He says the Amaro has been crafted to reflect Osare’s Italian heritage, when combined with the flavours and aromas of native botanicals come together to deliver a spirit that is uniquely evocative of Tasmania. Thomson says this harmonious pairing was created by leveraging Osare’s housemade Amaro, a bittersweet digestivo liqueur, to season a selection of whisky casks, creating the canvas that this daring release would unfold in. larkdistillery.com
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Tyrrell’s top-flite Shiraz recognised again Tyrrell’s legendary 4 Acres Shiraz has been recognised as one of Australia’s finest again, named the Varietal Award Winner (Shiraz) at the Halliday Australian Wine Companion Awards 2022. Tyrrell’s Managing Director, Bruce Tyrrell, said planted in 1879 with pre-phylloxera material by first generation Edward Tyrrell, 4 Acres is the oldest vineyard on the Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley Estate, ‘Ashmans’. He said the vineyard with its unique red clay soil is situated at the front of the property, to the right of the driveway that leads up to the winery. This 2019 release of 4 Acres celebrates the 140th anniversary of this historic vineyard, he said, noting each vintage a single Foudre is made, and is only released if it is good enough, such as in 2019, where 3,100 bottles were produced.
“The 4 Acres is one of the nine Shiraz blocks in the Hunter Valley on its own roots and over 100 years old,” Bruce said. “If these vineyards had not consistently made great wine they would not still be here. “This award is the culmination of nearly two decades of change that has taken place at Tyrrell’s with our red wines,” he said. “With extra attention and focus on every detail in the vineyard and winery, we believe that we are now making the best red wines in our 163year history. “4 Acres Shiraz is one of the most unique and rare Shiraz wines on the planet and is a wine with a true sense of place that is made from some of the most significant and important vine material in the world.” tyrrells.com.au
Glenfiddich’s stunning 23-year-old Grand Cru whisky For decades, Glenfiddich had been one of the most awarded and popular Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and the brand’s newest expression, the Grand Cru, is one of the best releases we’ve ever seen. Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador Ross Blainey says Grand Cru is an exclusive whisky matured for 23 years and elegantly finished in rare French cuvée oak casks. “This expression fuses Scotland and France’s finest flavours creating a true taste of luxury to be enjoyed with others,” he says. “Daring and unexpected, Grand Cru encapsulates Glenfiddich’s spirit of luxury and craftsmanship while surpassing the very notion of Single Malt as it sets out to redefine moments of celebration through a new and extraordinary drinking experience. “Created for the non-conformists, Grand Cru has been uniquely crafted with a surprising delight at every sip for those tearing up the rule book and wanting to celebrate significant life moments in a whole new way. “The remarkably rich whisky, already intense in flavour thanks to long maturation in American and European oak cask, is finely finessed with influences from French cuvée casks through the art of experimentation. “Every drop of Grand Cru is the result of up to six months of marrying time, adding new layers of luxury with a myriad of aromas from apple blossom to candied lemon and freshly baked bread. “On the palate, rich vanilla, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape build a beautiful harmony of flavours, enhanced by a long, opulent finish for an unforgettable experience to be shared and remembered,” he says. Australia is one of the key markets for Glenfiddich and there is no surprise the release has proven incredibly popular. glenfiddich.com 42 WAYFARER
APPETITE DEPARTURES
Cocktail list
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St-Rémy Signature
St-Rémy, the world’s leading French brandy, recently launched St-Rémy Signature, a new blend designed to inspire the 21st century cocktail connoisseur, behind the bar or at home. Here are three of Wayfarer’s favourite tipples.
01. ST-RÉMY CLUB COCKTAIL
Glass: Coupe Ingredients: 60ml St-Rémy Signature 15ml maraschino liqueur 15ml fresh pineapple juice 2 tsp superfine sugar Aromatic bitters Pineapple wedge (for garnish) Method: Shake hard with ice, and fine strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish: Pineapple leaf or wedge, and aromatic bitters.
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Scottish Highland hidden gem Glenglassaugh lay silent for over two decades before being reawakened in 2008 and since then, the small, coastal distillery has released a range of award-winning boutique whiskies, including a half-century tipple that might be its best yet. Glenglassaugh has recently released of one of its oldest and rarest expressions to date, a 50- year-old, which has been shaped by the influences of land and sea and has gently matured in the distillery’s coastal warehouses overlooking the rolling surf of Sandend Bay. The rare expression, of which there are just 264 bottles available, has been bottled from a single Pedro Ximénez sherry cask from Andalucīa in Spain. After breathing in the elements of the North Sea air for over 50 years, Glenglassaugh Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, said the result is a luscious and rich Highland Single Malt with a flavour profile that boasts a symphony of exotic fruit on a gentle ocean breeze. “Offering a deep and seductive sweetness, the 50- year-old’s flavour profile ranges from caramelised pear to soft exotic cherries; almond and refined oak beautifully intertwine to present a symphony of tropical notes on a gentle ocean breeze with rolling waves of flavour, which intensify and evolve with each sip,” she said. “It’s a privilege to unveil this premium bottling to whisky fans around the world at the beginning of a new chapter for Glenglassaugh celebrating both old and new,” Barrie said. glenglassaugh.com s:/ tp ht
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Glass: Nick & Nora glass Ingredients: 30ml St-Rémy Signature 30ml Apple brandy 20ml Italian sweet vermouth Lemon peel (for garnish) Method: Stir over cracked ice and strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Squeeze lemon oils over the glass and garnish. Garnish: Freshly trimmed, thin slice of lemon peel.
Glenglassaugh debuts epic 50-year-old
03. SIGN YOUR OLD FASHIONED
Glass: Rocks Ingredients: 60ml St-Rémy Signature 3 dashes Orange Bitters 1 dash Angostura Bitters 1 Barspoon Sugar Syrup (10ml) Maraschino cherries (for garnish) Method: Build over ice. Garnish: Maraschino cherries.
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DEPARTURES APPETITE
Leading drinksmith Charlie Ainsbury to lead new Hobart bar
Drinks tzar, Charlie Ainsbury
Hobart’s hottest new luxury property, The Tasman hotel, is set to open its doors soon and inside will be Mary Mary, an intimate bar helmed by world renowned cocktail and spirits creatives, Proof and Company, and one of Australia’s most awarded bartenders, Charlie Ainsbury. Set within the deep old sandstone walls of Hobart, the name Mary Mary stems from the origin of the building in which it resides, the former St Mary’s hospital dating back to the late 1800s, now reimagined as part of The Tasman and Parliament Square, located in the heart of the city. With a setting steeped in history, Mary Mary will bring a modern approach to fine drinking in Tasmania. Considered a legend of the Australian bar industry, Ainsbury brings over 17 years’ experience in some of the top cocktail bars across the world, including This Must Be the Place, Eau de Vie and Bulletin Place in Sydney and The Diamond in Vancouver. “Hobart’s food and drinks culture has long commanded global attention and attracts a discerning customer seeking a compelling experience, which offers us an impressive foundation to build upon,” Ainsbury said. “Mary Mary will be a celebration and dedication to the abundance of exceptional ingredients, spirits and liquors of Tasmania and Australia, with an experience curated for the appreciator of a fine beverage. Most importantly, we want to create a drinking den with a sense of discovery that feels inviting and convivial for our guests.” Proof and Company are behind an impressive portfolio of some of the top globally acclaimed bars, of which six venues are ranked amongst the World’s 50 Best Bars, including their cornerstone venue 28 Hong Kong Street (Singapore), Manhattan Bar (Singapore), ATLAS (Singapore), Pontiac (Hong Kong) and Charles H (Seoul). marriott.com
The Macallan’s new luxury partnership with Bentley
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Two of the United Kingdom’s most iconic and luxurious brands, The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky and automotive manufacturer Bentley Motors, have formed a unique partnership the companies say will “build on their rich heritage to develop distinctive collaborations and further their vision of a more sustainable future”. United by a dedication to mastery, craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, the two world-leading brands say they will share learnings from their respective industries, “while pursuing the un-compromised excellence for which they are renowned”. The Macallan Managing Director, Igor Boyadjian, said by bringing together his company’s mastery of whisky-making with Bentley Motors’ expertise in the world of luxury cars, the collaboration will create immersive experiences and inspirational products that deliver timeless luxury balanced with a commitment to a more progressive world. “The Macallan and Bentley Motors each have a rich past, and shared values of mastery, craftsmanship, creativity and innovation,” he said. Established by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the River Spey in northeast Scotland in 1824, The Macallan is renowned across the globe for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. D4 pm
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Meet Nelson Hernandez, the legend of Venezuela Diplomático’s Master Blender Nelson Hernandez is a legend responsible for producing some of the world’s best rums. Famous for more than just taste (and awards), Diplomático are also one of the only liquor companies, globally, to have earned the ISO 14001 certification, a prestigious recognition for companies delivering on their environmental responsibility. The hard work is courtesy of Hernandez, and Wayfarer caught up with him to find out more about his brilliant career. Nelson, where did you start your professional career? I studied Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Barquisimeto, in Venezuela, and soon I started working at Lagoven, one of the most important oil companies in the country at the time. However, a short time later I decided to change my professional path and moved to Licorerías Unidas (LUSA), today Destilerías Unidas (DUSA), which, at that time, was part of the international group of spirits Seagrams. My first job at LUSA was as Maintenance and Project Manager, from 1986 to 1990, a period in which I focused mainly on improving processes to expand the production capacity of the distillery. What did you learn in that first experience? Having to launch different projects directly related to production, little by little I began to investigate the entire journey of the rum, including some key processes such as distillation, barrel filling or aging. In addition, during that stage I also analysed everything
that happens with waste, both liquid and solid, and its subsequent treatment, also taking into account the electricity supply at the distillery. In those years I already began to collaborate with the rum master Tito Cordero. In 2017 you were named maestro ronero, accompanying Tito Cordero. How did you feel? Above all, a huge gratitude towards DUSA, because it was a unique opportunity to develop a job in which passion is everything. For me, learning with Tito is a true privilege that recognizes so many years of dedication to the company and, above all, to rum, a unique product that, as I say, is not understood without the passion that we all put into each process of its elaboration. Getting up every morning to make one of the best rums in the world is a privilege hard to put into words. What is, essentially, the work of the master rum maker? Basically, it has to do with dominating all the phases of the rum making process, because all of them are essential so that the key moment, the aging, is satisfactory. That is why it is so important to understand each and every one of the processes that take place in the production of rum, from the cultivation of sugarcane to the time of bottling. If I had to summarise, I would say that the master rum maker must have a very good memory of smells and flavours. rondiplomatico.com WAYFARER 45
As the Australasian gin scene continues to grow in spades, producers are coming up with exciting ways to both create and market their take on the popular spirit.
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BUSH APPLE GIN Seven Seasons Spirits, Northern Territory Former AFL player and proud Larrakia man Daniel Motlop’s spirits business Seven Seasons has been taking the world’s oldest flavours and giving them a new spin. The first was Green Ant Gin, with its fresh lime and coriander flavours, which has proved a hit with discerning drinkers, and now there is the Bush Apple Gin, which thanks to its balanced juniper flavours and jammy notes, is a pure delight in a G&T or a Negroni. “It was a dream of mine to create a company that celebrated the learning, culture and ingredients from the Top End,” said Motlop. “After the success of Green Ant Gin, a product I’d always wanted to make, it’s a natural progression to develop these new flavours and showcase what else my people have to offer.” For Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, nature is their
clock. The stars are their calendar. The changes in the wind, plants and animals herald the arrival of the new season. The Larrakia people, whose homelands stretch from the Cox Peninsula to Gunn Point, the Adelaide River to Manton Dam, believe there are seven seasons, each one marked by monsoonal rain, the arrival of dragonflies, the fruiting of native cherries or other natural cycles. “Bush Apple Gin is a product of Monsoon Season, when the heavy rain starts, crocs lay their eggs and the barramundi are flourishing,” Motlop says. “It’s also the time the fruit of the bush apple is ready to be picked from the treetops. “Windy Time is the season of Green Ant Gin. It’s when the wattles bloom and the stingrays are plump. So are the bums of the green bush ants.
“Using a traditional method, the Larrakia people carefully remove juicy worker ants from the nest, avoiding breeding times and queen ants to ensure regeneration for the following season,” he says. Alongside gin, Seven Seasons also has a Native Yam Vodka, which Motlop says reflects the Larrakia Rainy Season. “It’s when the green tree frogs are singing and the native plums are ripe,” he says. “A distinctive bell-shaped flower also appears during this season meaning the yams are ready to be dug from the earth.” In the future, Motlop says more spirits will be released related to the other four seasons – Speargrass, Goose Egg and Knock ‘Em Down Season, Barramundi & Bush Fruit Time, Heavy Dew Time and Build Up Time. seven-seasons.com.au
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APPETITE DISTILLERS
AD CRESCENDUM VAR. FLOSFERAM Underground Spirits, Australian Capital Territory Canberra’s award-winning Underground Spirits has released its latest limited-edition gin in collaboration with the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Known as Ad Crescendum var. Flosferam this new gin features some of the Garden’s best known and loved Australian native and this edition follows on from a successful collaboration in 2020 with the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) launched for their 50-year anniversary. Underground Spirits’ CEO, Claudia Roughley, said collaborating with the gardens means her team had access to deep botanical knowledge which aided the selection, foraging and handpicking of the botanicals that went into this year’s recipe. When trying to find the ‘true taste of Australia’ in the gardens, she said Underground couldn’t go past the new Banksia Garden. Underground have been one of Australia's best producers
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Experimenting with a wide variety of botanicals, the finished gin landed with some really special native specimens like Banksia ericifolia (Red Cluster, Heath Leaved Banksia), Austromyrtus dulcis (Midgen Berry), Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) and Corymbia citriordora (Lemon Scented Gum). Roughley said this collaboration speaks to the wonder of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and the many different plants that call Australia home, with the gin taking you on a journey through the garden and Australian flora. “It’s a taste that is a world first – there’s no native Banksia-inspired gins anywhere on the market right now, and we’re proud to be trail blazing in this space with the Australian National Botanic Gardens team.” undergroundspirits.com.au
SCAPEGRACE BLACK GIN New Zealand Distilling Co, Christchurch One of the most fun and exciting gins in the market hails from New Zealand and is called Scapegrace and you may have heard of it, because it certainly has an x-factor in being the world’s first naturally black gin. “Scapegrace Black’s colour is created by the individual primary colours of its natural extract,” said Scapegrace Marketing Director, Mark Neal. Neal said the natural extracts in Scapegrace have a combination of five distinct flavour characteristics which, when combined, creates the truly unique, delicious taste of black, including Sweet (Aronia Berry), Tropical (pineapple), Savory (saffron), Floral (butterfly pea flower) and Earthy (sweet potato). So then, why does Scapegrace Black change colour? “Scapegrace Black changes colour due to a change in pH level when mixed with anything that contains citrus,” he said. “To create the colour Black (or absence of colour) you need five primary colours: Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue and Purple.
“Scapegrace Black uses all five of these colours and flavours to create its unique black colour and distinct flavour.” Neal said each natural botanical is steeped individually to create the primary colour and distinct flavour. It is then mixed in set amounts at precise temperatures in a defined sequence. “They are blended in set amounts at precise temperatures in a defined sequence, to create something made from nothing and nothing made from something,” he said. Having a drink change colours is part of the fun with Scapegrace, as is the unique flavour thanks to the delicious botanicals its crafted. When it comes to enjoying Scapegrace, it makes for a fantastic base of a cocktail, or keep it simple. “The best and easiest way to enjoy Scapegrace Black is with Tonic Water and a slice of green apple,” Neal said. scapegrace.com WAYFARER 49
Sunshine's Matt Hobson in action
PINEAPPLE PARFAIT GIN Sunshine and Sons, Queensland Queensland’s Sunshine and Sons distillery is helmed by aviator, Matt Hobson, who was formerly the General Manager of Engineering at Alliance Airlines. Earlier this year, he switched his focus from jet engines to Sunshine and Sons, which has been producing notable gins, vodkas and soon, Australia’s first 100% Certified Organic Rum. One of his most exciting drops is the Pineapple Parfait Gin, which pays tribute to one of Queensland’s most famous landmarks and is what Hobson describes as a “contemporary tropical fruit salad gin packed with flavour that tastes like a holiday”. “The Big Pineapple – famous throughout Australia and around the world – is right next door to our Distillery and rainforest home here in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland,” he told Wayfarer. “In August of 2021 we celebrated The Big Pineapple’s 50th Birthday in style, releasing a beautiful and evocative fruit salad gin featuring all the ingredients of the famous Pineapple Parfait Dessert served throughout the heady prime of our famous fibreglass fruity neighbour. “Expect pineapple of course, plus passionfruit, strawberry, mango with coconut and vanilla. It’s simply delicious as a G&T and as we love to say it tastes like a holiday”. The team are having fun and they are firmly movers and shakers in the Queensland distilling scene. This year alone they have expanded production volumes ten-fold, added a licensed 150 guest tasting and cocktail outdoor 50 WAYFARER
event space and have launched the first of their Queensland themed limited-edition spirits honouring local legends and supporting associated charities. They have also released a special edition collectable dry gin honouring three-time Olympian and Sunshine Coast local Raelene Boyle and paid tribute to Australian rock music singer-songwriter and guitarist, Paul Kelly with release of a special edition collectable dry gin, to coincide with ‘The Paul Kelly and Friends’ Concert during July in Dirranbandi. Both releases saw a proportion of proceeds from every bottle of the Limited Editions went to Raelene and Paul’s chosen charities. “We’re a giving company and passionate about supporting our community and our customers,” Hobson said. “We are very privileged to work with a very significant number of not for profits raising funds for their endeavours. “We also want to bottle what it feels to be on and of the Sunshine Coast. Beautiful, clean, fresh and the envy of others. “Our gins have achieved great honours already, so we know we are well and truly on the way,” he said. Recently, Sunshine and Sons’ Original Dry Gin took out Gold at the Australian Gin Awards, the nation’s premier gin competition, while the Barrel Aged Gin also voted the best in style at the same event. sunshineandson.com.au
APPETITE DEPARTURES
BLOODY UNDERHILL SHIRAZ GIN Four Pillars, Victoria The Four Pillars Gin team has been continuing to rise the global ranks since the distillery was founded in in 2013 in the Yarra Valley on the outskirts of Melbourne. Since then, the brand – founded by Cameron Mackenzie alongside drinks industry veteran Stuart Gregor and creative brand strategist Matt Jones – has been awarded International Gin Producer of the Year by the IWSC (in 2019 and 2020), alongside receiving a plethora of medals across the globe for their popular releases, headlined by the original Rare Dry Gin, Olive Leaf Gin, Spiced Negroni Gin, the cult favourite Bloody Shiraz Gin and the world’s most-awarded Navy Strength Gin. This year, the team went one step further and released an even more brilliant red release, the Bloody Underhill Shiraz Gin in collaboration with fellow legendary local brand, Yarra Yering, using parcels of the winery’s famed single-vineyard Underhill Shiraz grapes. Mackenzie produced the Bloody Underhill Shiraz Gin with the assistance of winemaker Sarah Crowe and the result is one of the best gins ever produced in Australia.
“No gin-based drink we have ever seen has tasted quite like this,” he said. “It is far removed from our regular Bloody Shiraz Gin… it is deeper in colour, higher in alcohol, more intense in sweetness and considerably more complex in flavour. “The tannins are stronger and the Amaro-like bitterness adds a dryness that makes this very sippable. “Tasting the final gin may require a couple of ice cubes and, unusually for us, some quiet moments of concentration and reflection. It’s a bit mad and it will definitely challenge perceptions of what gin can be,” Mckenzie said. He said the X-factor was firmly Crowe and the brilliant fruit from the Underhill vineyard. “We could never have done this without Sarah Crowe and the incredible team at Yarra Yering and our own crew have put enormous love, care and attention into this gin,” Mckenzie said. “We hope you enjoy drinking it as much as we loved making it.” fourpillarsgin.com
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APPETITE DISTILLERS
Mixing it up at QT Sydney
ORDERED CHAOS GIN QT Hotels & Four Pillars, Victoria The team at QT Hotels and Resorts are known for their epic collaborations and 2021 saw one of their best to date – an Ordered Chaos Gin in partnership with the team from Victoria’s Four Pillars. “Ordered Chaos Gin celebrates what happens when you check out of the ordinary and into QT,” said QT Hotels and Resorts’ Group General Manager, Callum Kennedy. The gin has been available exclusively at QT Hotels alongside a limited number of bottles for purchase and it was created by the Four Pillars team, led by Cameron MacKenzie, with some influence by some of the leading bartenders in the hotel chain. “In making this gin, Four Pillars started with gentle aromas of spice and citrus, before the QT team injected a colourful combination of fresh coconut milk, raw almonds and bamboo leaves – a chaotic mix inspired by QT Life,” Kennedy said. “The coconut and almond play an intriguing game on the palate, taking turns to come to the fore, with refreshing bamboo taking the final bow.” The QT mixology teams then went on and played with the spirit – with homemade infusions, syrups and tinctures that pack a playful punch – and created some brilliant signature cocktails. “Room Service Rickey showcases the Ordered Chaos Gin in a highly aromatic, botanical, bitter and bubbly concoction that packs a punch,” Kennedy said. “The QT Colada Fizz on the other hand is textural and creamy, highlighting both the coconut and the gin’s slightly nutty and grassy notes. “Bamboo is another super-simple refresher on the menu, a stirred down drink martini variation; light, crisp and a hint of coconut.” qthotels.com WAYFARER 52
Martini style Host the perfect Martini sessions at home with these must-have essentials.
1 The Gin Glass Collection by Luigi Bormioli, including the Diamante Gin (650ml), Bach Gin (600ml), Roma 1960 (800ml) and Mixology Spanish G+T (800ml) glasses. davidjones.com
2 The brilliant Crawley’s Dirty Martini Olive Brine, which helps craft the perfect cocktail every time. simplesyrupco.com
3 When it comes to the gear, don’t skip past the innovative, visually stunning and easy to use products from Überbartools, ideal for the home and professional bar. Wayfarer’s favourites are the ProMix Set and Bartender Classic set. uberbartools.com WAYFARER 53
APPETITE WINEMAKERS
The wine industry in Australia and New Zealand continues to receive global acclaim thanks to brands that have trailblazed for the industry, both big and small. James Wilkinson meets some of the boutique winemaking stars, both established and new, that you need to know right now.
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Charlotte Hardy's Guroo and Shiraz at Clonakilla (left) WAYFARER 55
APPETITE WINEMAKERS
CLONAKILLA Canberra District, New South Wales Over the past 50 years, Clonakilla in Murrumbateman in the Yass region north of Canberra, has been known as one of Australia’s greatest boutique producers thanks to the seemingly never-ending award-winning streak of the vineyard’s flagship Shiraz Viognier. Heading up the Clonkakilla team is Chief Winemaker and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Kirk, who has continued his father John’s brilliant legacy since starting the business in 1971. Tim, tell us the amazing history of the brand and the journey to producing one of Australia’s best reds, your flagship Shiraz Viognier. My father, John Kirk, an Australian government research scientist, began planting the Clonakilla vineyard at Murrumbateman in 1971, 50 years ago this year! In the beginning dad planting a wide range of varieties in an attempt to work out which ones were best suited to the cool Canberra District climate and these deep, granitic soils. Riesling and Shiraz were in the mix of course and over time we saw what wonderful, distinctive wines these two varieties can produce here. Then, 30 years ago, I travelled to Northern Rhone and experienced the epiphany that brought about our Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier. Through a friend in the wine retail trade I scored an invitation in late 1991 for my new bride Lara and myself to visit Domaine Guigal in Côte-Rôtie. I was honoured to meet Marcel Guigal and privileged to taste from barrel his three famous single vineyard wines, La Landonne, La Turque and La Mouline. La Turque and La Mouline are Syrah Viognier blends, with 7% Viognier planted in the La Turque vineyard and 11% in La Mouline. These wines had a profound effect on me. The thrilling amalgam of spice, fruit and floral notes made for ethereal aromas of great allure. The tannin structure was fine but authoritative, the palate seemingly finding the perfect balance on the tension line between sweet and savoury elements. I was really moved by those wines, and 56 WAYFARER
of course I began to wonder whether we could ever produce a wine with that level of finesse and complexity from our vineyard in Murrumbateman here in the Canberra District. By what seemed to me a providence, dad had planted Viognier in the vineyard five years earlier with a view to making a white wine. It was about to crop for the very first time on our return to Australia in early 1992. I suggested to dad that instead of making a white, we should try throwing it in to the Shiraz ferments just as I had observed in Côte-Rôtie. To dad’s great credit he encouraged my youthful enthusiasm and our Shiraz Viognier was born. Tim, you are known as a boutique and cool climate superstar - what makes your wines so unique? Here at Clonakilla we champion the distinct elements of our particular landscape, our terroir, with its warm summers, cool nights, gentle slopes, complex red brown clays and decomposed granitic subsoil. Our approach in the winery follows what might be considered a more European model. For 30 years now we have pursued classic Burgundian and Rhone Valley methods such as the incorporation of whole bunches in the ferments (anywhere from 0-50% depending on the year), a cool start to fermentation allowing for two to three days of pre-ferment maceration, natural yeast ferments, longer maceration times (generally around three weeks for the Shiraz Viognier), co-fermentation of 4-7% Viognier in with the Shiraz and maturation in high quality, tight-grained French oak barrels from a variety of coopers, around a third of them new each year. At the end of the day however it is the vineyard that is the primary driver of quality. We have a wonderful site here at Clonakilla. We want to make sure that our winemaking is working to help express what this particular landscape wants to say, rather than get in the way! clonakilla.com.au
“Over the years the Shiraz Viognier has won numerous accolades, cementing its position as one of Australia’s great Shiraz wines.” Tim Kirk, Chief Winemaker, Clonakilla
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TAG TAG
“I have been very lucky to work at some outstanding wineries and make some great friends along the way.” Ben Mullen, Winemaker & Owner, Mulline Vintners
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MULLINE Geelong Region, Victoria If you haven’t heard about newcomers Mulline Vintners from Victoria’s Geelong Region, then you certainly have now because owners and founders, Ben Mullen and Ben Hine, are producing some of the best wines in Victoria right now. Winemaker, Ben Mullen, looks at what to expect from this rapidly rising star in the Australian scene. Ben, tell us the history of the brand and the journey to producing some of the best wines in the Geelong Region. Mulline was brought into the world in November 2018 by me and my partner, Ben Hine (the brand Mulline is a portmanteau of Mullen+Hine). Our first wines were produced for the 2019 vintage. We focus on single site wines, including the main varieties of Geelong - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. We also make some of the region’s lesser-known varieties like Riesling and Pinot Gris. Our journey so far has been relatively short, but being able to select sites and work with growers in our region means that we Ben Hine and Ben Mullen at Mulline
have been able to work with some of the best vineyards around the Bellarine Peninsula and the Moorabool Valley to showcase the best that our region can produce. We also have a focus on sustainability, working to make every part of the business as environmentally friendly as possible. You are producing some stunning wines, particularly your single vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah releases from your first vintage, 2019. Tell us about them and why they have come out so well. 2019 was a great harvest in Geelong. We had the weather on our side throughout the whole growing season. With the first release being the first showing of Mulline to the world, it was important for us to source the best vineyards for the varieties we wanted to work with. Over the last few years, we have added to the range, showing great sites to make some beautiful wines. You have worked at some legendary wineries, including Craggy Range,
Torbreck and Yarra Yering, which is a fantastic accomplishment in its own right. Which winemakers and wineries have been major influencers on your career? I have been very lucky to work at some outstanding wineries and make some great friends along the way. I have taken knowledge from all of the wineries I have worked. Whether that be in the winery, how the winemaker worked with the grapes they were able to get, or the region/style that they were producing. I always said to myself when I was finishing my degree and going out to work vintages that I would learn as much as I could before I made my own wines. I set out to work with some of the best producers in Australia and the world and I was very fortunate to do that. This has ultimately set where I want Mulline to sit in the Australian wine scene. Mulline has some fantastic labels alongside brilliant wines. Tell us about these. The labels for our wines come from an incredibly talented artist from Geelong named Amy Wright. We commissioned Amy to produce a piece that showcased the beautiful Moorabool Valley Sub Region. All of the labels are extracts from this one painting, which hangs proudly on display. Sustainability is a huge focus for Mulline. Tell us about some of your key initiatives in place. Most importantly, we work with growers committed to best practices (mostly organic) in the vineyard. We also offset our carbon emissions from operations and deliveries with Greenfleet (and publish our certifications). We are currently working with our landlord to install a large solar power system at our winery facility and also assisting with a university study into using grape must (normally just waste) to create high nutritional value dietary supplements. mulline.com WAYFARER 59
APPETITE WINEMAKERS
NORTH WINES Macedon Ranges, Victoria Hailing from Victoria’s exciting Macedon Ranges, North Wines are gaining notoriety across Australia at present thanks to the delicate and sustainable focus from vigneronwinemaker Etienne Mangier. North are known for their premium natural wines, including a Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Crémant and Crémant Rosé that are 100% grape juice fermented and are chemical free from vineyard to bottle. Etienne, tell us the history of the brand and the journey to producing some brilliant wines from Victoria’s Mount Macedon. I arrived in Australia 11 years ago after graduating in France and a world tour of winemaking harvest (South Africa, Canada, Oregon and South Korea). I was working as an assistant winemaker at Hanging Rock Winery and after a couple of years, pushed by my wife and mates (Josh Cooper, Owen Latta, Chris Dilworth), I got the envy of making my own wine label. At the beginning I didn’t want to buy fruits but preferred managing and sourcing grapes from my own vineyard. And one day, by pure luck, or destiny while waiting for my wife at the Macedon pub (she was teaching Salsa over there), I met this guy who planted a vineyard 20 years ago in Mt Macedon but ran out of time and energy to look after it. Few beers later we were friends, and he gave me the opportunity to look after his vineyard in order to get the grapes in exchange for some wines. North Wine was born in a pub, in true Aussie style. We have a small block of one hectare on the top of Mt Macedon, around 800 metres above sea level, and it is planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. You hail from the Jura region of France, which is wellknown for some stunning wines. Which winemakers and wineries have been major influencers on your career? The Jura region is an amazing land with amazing people of great characters. People are really close to nature and work in tight communities. Farmers, vignerons and cheese makers work hand to hand. They make wines to go with the cheeses 60 WAYFARER
and they make cheeses to go with the wines, aka Comté, the greatest cheese in the world. I am in love with vin Jaune produced by Philippe Vandelle at L’Etoile, it’s a stunning beverage, and of course I’m a big big fan of Pupillin Trousseau from Philippe Bornard and Pierre Overnoy, - they are masterpieces. Cerdon, a small region in the neighbourhood, produced some underrated sparkling wines which play a strong part in my approach of winemaking. The Macedon Ranges have been becoming more well known as the home of some fantastic producers. What makes the region so special? The Macedon region is ideal for wine growing due to the cool climate and the great soil diversity. Macedon is a region where the winemakers are laid back but fiercely proud of. The region has been preserved against mass tourism, and has a cool underground winemaking vibe, a little bit ‛punk-esque’. There is a concentration of great vignerons winemakers who pushed the boundaries, like Alain and Nellie from Cobaw Ridge, Josh Cooper, Chris and Loique Dilworth, Oren Latta and more. Your vineyard is free of chemicals and is managed by hand without any interference from heavy machinery. Tell us about your sustainable focus. My approach on the vineyard is pretty simple but labor intensive. I spend lots of time monitoring the vineyard. The wine is made in the vineyard and all this attention early on saves me a lot of stress later on in the winery. I don’t use irrigation at all in order to let the vines root system explore the full potential of the soil. I mow the grass and brush cutting under the vines in order to keep the weeds under control, I refuse to use any weed killer, poison for the soil. And I only spray a Bordeaux mixture (copper and sulphur) when need it to control any mildew. northwine.com.au
TAG TAG
“The Macedon region is ideal for wine growing due to the cool climate and the great soil diversity.” Etienne Mangier, winemaker, North Wines
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“We’ve recently released our 2019 Pinot Noir which has been very well received.” Sam Davies, Winemaker, Amisfield 62 WAYFARER
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AMISFIELD Central Otago, New Zealand Amisfield, outside Queenstown in New Zealand’s Central Otago wine region, is known for producing exceptional new world wines, particularly their globally-renowned Pinot Noir. Recently, Amisfield has also been recognised for its conversion to organic certification, which saw it win Organic Winery of the Year in 2020. Leading the team is winemaker Sam Davies and one of the top viticulturalists in New Zealand, Andre Lategan. Amisfield is a legendary brand in the New Zealand wine scene. Tell us the history and the journey so far. John Darby and Rob Hay planted the first vines at Amisfield in 1999. Formerly a sheep station on the banks of the river Clutha between Wanaka and Cromwell, the site they found was perfect for growing Pinot Noir. Amisfield is protected from the southerlies by the Pisa Range, features stony, free draining soils with plenty of gravel and schist and has the right microclimate too: sheltered and hot in the day with cool nights. That’s what’s great about Central Otago and that’s the magic for pinot. Each morning, the grapes soak up sunshine to grow the fruit, pumping them full of flavour and natural sugars. Then the cool nights preserve the acidity that Amisfield wines are renowned for. The vineyard and onsite winery now have 93 ha of vines and produce a number of styles of Pinot Noir alongside a range of white wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Meanwhile, at Lake Hayes, our restaurant and cellar door has developed style all of its own based around delivering surprising, creative and delicious food made from local, inseason ingredients. The chef and team work with a group of carefully chosen fishers, farmers, hunters and gatherers to select the produce that best represents the region. Since the restaurant opened in 2005, it’s developed a reputation both as a place to share and enjoy great food and as a place that
represents the very highest level of cuisine, culminating in being awarded the coveted three hats in 2019. Well done on winning Organic Winery of the Year in 2020. Tell us about that. Being named Organic Winery of the Year in 2020 was a huge milestone for us. The viticulture and winemaking teams have spent 5 years converting all 93ha to organic practice and it’s taken a huge amount of hard work and no little innovation to get there. The first of our red Pinot Noir wines to be certified organic, the 2017 Breakneck Pinot Noir was named Champion Pinot Noir in the same awards and our Lowburn Terrace Riesling 2020 was named Champion Riesling. That recognition was fantastic to see as it was proof positive that it was all worth it. You can go organic at scale and create really great wine whilst helping to improve working conditions for our people and increase biodiversity and soil health on the vineyard. The 2021 vintage was a landmark one for Amisfield as it was the first vintage from which all of the fruit harvested from our site was certified as organic by BioGro NZ. Tell us about this. It’s taken five years to convert all of the blocks across all 93ha of vines at Amisfield to organic certification by Biogro. We’ve rolled out organic practice over that period and we’re now at a point where every vine has been organic for more than three growing seasons and we’re able to call of our our fruit organic. That’s been really satisfying for us all and we’re looking forward to seeing the wines in customer’s glasses. The first release has been the Pinot Noir Rosé and it’s been really well received. The new whites will be released through this coming spring. amisfield.co.nz
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APPETITE WINEMAKERS
THE STOKE WINES Kangaroo Island, South Australia The Stoke Wines, founded by Nick and Rebecca Dugmore, was born of a six-month conversation that spanned Australia, Bali, Scotland, France and India. Desiring to escape their jobs in commercial winemaking, they set off for a sea-change vintage in Bordeaux, stopping along the way for waves in Bali, and soon the the idea of The Stoke Wines was born. They have quickly become one of the hottest wine brands in South Australia. Nick, congrats on the success of Stoke to date - you are producing some fantastic wines from Kangaroo Island (KI) and getting some fantastic national recognition. Tell us about the journey so far. It’s been a crazy ride. And a lot of fun. The island is very pure and natural and a refreshing place to live or visit. It is a more simple and slower lifestyle that is just what you need a fix of in this digital day and age. My wife (Rebecca) and I started the Stoke in 2016. We started very small and were working full time while getting things off the ground. We are now going into our 7th vintage and have a vineyard on the Island, winery in Mt jagged (on the mainland) and distribution nationwide. We are both conventionally trained winemakers but like to, like a lot of small producers, take a minimal intervention approach. We aspire to makes our wines ‘naturally’ as long as the quality of the fruit allows us to. Our big focus these days in on growing the quality of fruit we need to showcase what the region can do. We also make
“Our wine region is very spread out… you’re lucky to spot a vineyard as you drive across the island.” Nick Dugmore, Winemaker, The Stoke Wines 64 WAYFARER
all the wines wee produce in our winery and a large percentage of them are bottled in house too. The market has changed significantly since I started working with KI wine. People like to experiment with drinking, they like interesting wines with a story to suit and a purity about them that makes you feel good about consuming them. All the wines my wife and I drink these days are from very trustworthy friends who take a lot of care in what they do. Not many would think of wine and Kangaroo Island apart from enjoying it. Tell us why you choose KI. For me KI was a big part of my life for a lot of reasons before wine was the main focus. I chose KI first because I love the place and mainly I love the people there. They are very real and non-judgemental and it allows you to just be you without any pressure or expectation to be anything apart from just nice. I worked doing marketing and sales for another KI wine brand for a few years before starting the Stoke and this opened my eyes to the quality of fruit the island could provide. The growing conditions are perfect for grapes. Due to the mediterranean influence the days don’t get too hot and the nights don’t get too cold through the ripening period. It has a very slow ripening period and this leads to great flavour and tannin in the skins of the grapes at relatively low sugar levels. Stylistically this means we can produce really interesting and complex medium bodied wines that I believe are more European in style. They are powerful yet elegant, complex so they can be drunk alone, but also have structure and body so they will complement your meal without being overpowering. It’s a fine balance. Mainly they are just bloody tasty, that’s what it’s all about in the end right? I’ve really been enjoying your ‘French for Shiraz’ Syrah. What’s the secret to success with this brilliant drop and your other new releases? Oh awesome, I really like that one too. It is picked earlier than most reds are
picked on the island. The climate, as mentioned above, allows for this. I think it is delicate but powerful and really complex. We split this wine up into quite a few different parcels. All fermented with their indigenous yeasts, for one portion we step on some grapes in the bottom of the fermenter to encourage the yeast to get going and producing Co2 which will help lignify (brown off or dry out) the stems of the whole bunches that we put in over the top. Then we start syphoning wine from the whole berry ferment portion and tipping it over the while bunches part way through ferment. This helps concentrate the whole berry portion and it also extracts some nice woody, savoury character from the lignified stems of the whole bunch. It is then pressed just before dry to retain fresh red fruit aroma and goes straight to aged french oak barrels to relax for 6-9 months before bottling. I like to think these different elements are apparent in the finished wine. Savoury undertones, and fresh fruit, good structure, soft and nice natural acid line from early picking. We experiment to an extent with our other releases, but we are also trying to show people what the region can do. For example, we have a very small run of skin contact pinot gris but it only had six days on skins because I didn’t want to ferment out any regionality and it simply become an orange wine. It’s kind of nice making wines from a region with no preconceptions because we don’t have to get to crazy with our production techniques just to stand out in the market. We just want to make really tasty wine that people can trust and feel good opening with their family and mates. You also produce a wine for Charlotte Dalton. Tell us about the Guroo Syrah that’s rather delicious. Charlotte actually makes that wine and Guroo is a project we started in 2019 that is designed to increase regional awareness and to help us producers discover the region on a whole new level. thestokewines.com
Stoke's winemaker Nick Dugmore (left)
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“For every wine, I write a little personality for the bottle as I don’t like to tell people what I think they should be tasting.” Charlotte Hardy, Winemaker, Charlotte Dalton Wines
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WINEMAKERS APPETITE
CHARLOTTE DALTON WINES Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia Charlotte Hardy is one of South Australia’s real characters in the wine industry. For over two decades she has helped produce some of the state’s best drops and now has her own brand, Charlotte Dalton, which has received critical acclaim across not just the Fleurieu Peninsula where she and her family are based, but across the nation. Charlotte, congrats on building such a fantastic brand. Tell us about the journey so far. A journey indeed! I have been involved in making wine for 22 years all with the end goal of my little brand. There was some hard slog in there - I worked some very hard, very long hours for a lot of wine businesses around the world before I started my brand. Every single person I worked for and every single experience has taught me mountains, I still learn such a huge amount every time I talk to anyone else in the business. I started my brand, Charlotte Dalton Wines, in 2015. I knew what I wanted to make and I made that first and second vintage in the shed behind the house I lived in. The community I lived in was beautiful and there was no end of late night barrel tastings and advice. I have always wanted my brand to be about feeling, I feel such a lot joy in the making of it and I want people to feel that joy. I never want the brand to be all about stress or worry - although all small business do have this to a degree of course, but I want the happiness and fulfilment to outweigh that. The brand is definitely a lot more about family now and the wines have changed as our lives have changed. My partner, Ben Cooke, and I had two children 18 months apart so the wine brand wasn’t the most important baby all of a sudden. But it has allowed us to be with our family, to set the rules and decide how much time we spend ‘working’ and how much time we spend as a family and sometimes the two come together as one. Which is absolutely beautiful. We made the move from Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills to the Fleurieu Peninsula three years ago. Ben and I now share a winery and a cellar door in a very vibrant industrial estate in the thriving coastal town of Port Elliot. Ben has a brand called Cooke Brothers Wines and together our brands form a lovely unison our wines are completely different, our styles are different and our packaging couldn’t be more different. It works so well.
responds to some tiny changes in the winery in such a huge way. Things like extended carbonic maceration, destemming grapes and ferments with a portion of whole bunch. I played with all these techniques this year and I am really in even more awe of the Pinot Noir grape now. You also produce a wine with Stoke on Kangaroo Island. Tell us about the Guroo Syrah that’s rather delicious. Yes - this is the most lovely project. Nick and Bec Dugmore are selflessly putting a shining light on Kangaroo Island and I am so honoured to be part of that. I am the first and still current ‘Guroo’. I make a Shiraz off the island with grapes from False Cape Vineyard. I get to travel to KI and play in a new region, and what a region. I have loved making the Shiraz it is such a huge step back to my home country, New Zealand, and my first winemaking experiences. Cool climate Shiraz is so special - it’s all white pepper and spice and elegance. The project has definitely opened my eyes to Kangaroo Island vines and wines. What a region - it should be celebrated more. What can we expect from your next releases? The 2021 Grace Chardonnay (named after my daughter Ada Pixie Grace), the 2021 A Change is Gonna Come Pinot Noir (a Sam Cooke song, and my sons name is Sam Cooke - and surely a change IS gonna come, soon), 2021 Love me love you Shiraz and 2021 Mr Lincoln Rose are all new releases. This year, 2021 was such a beautiful vintage. So needed by so many. Growers have had a tough time the last few years with draught, fire and loss of export markets. All of the grapes I bought from all of my wonderful growers were pristine. If we had a bigger winery we would have made more wines. You can always make good wines from good grapes but you can never make good wines from bad grapes. charlottedaltonwines.com.au
You are producing some brilliant wines, like your Grace Chardonnay and the Love You Love Me Semillon that are hail from wineries across South Australia. Tell us about some favourites in the range. Semillon is hands down my favourite wine to make, it has such peronsality but is also so sure of itself out in the vineyard and in the winery that it really doesn’t need be to do anything - it all ready has all the texture, all the flavour, all the alluring features - all wrapped up ready to be released in the wine. I am also increasingly fond of my A Change is Gonna Come Pinot Noir - every year is a new chance to experiment and I am discovering different ways to express the wine without adding anything to it to alter it, it really WAYFARER 67
LINEAR WINES Canberra District, New South Wales From just two small batch releases with only a couple of tonnes of fruit in 2018 to producing some of the most exciting cool climate wines, it has been an exciting journey for Linear Wines’ founder and winemaker, Nathan Brown, who was formerly a restauranteur for over a decade. Nathan, tell us the history of the Linear brand and your journey in the Australian wine industry to date - I believe Linear all started with just two small batch wines with only a couple of tonnes of fruit in 2018? Linear wines started back in 2018. After a good stint in the restaurant industry, I sold up and decided to make the time to go and work a vintage in Canberra District in 2017 and I got hooked. So, when 2018 vintage was starting, I was keen to make a few wines that I could play with a little and put my own stamp on which is where I started out making the first wines for Linear. At that point the brand didn’t have a name and I was probably very naïve about what it entails to have a wine brand and create meaningful wines. It has been a fun ride and I have learnt a great deal. However, the process of making wine is a journey and I am just still beginning to find my feet. The name Linear came from the concept of what the winemaking process and journey meant to me – linear movement (arranged in or extending along a straight line) and linear narrative (progressing from one stage to another in a single series of steps). Winemaking to me seems like quite a linear motion, 68 WAYFARER
everyone starts at the beginning of the process with some hopefully well-loved fruit. There are many different ways to deviate and criss-cross over the line throughout the grape growing and winemaking process however most winemakers will have the common goal of reaching an end point with an interesting, thought provoking wine. Thus, the line may not be straight, but the process can be Linear. Which winemakers and wineries have been major influencers on your career? Well, the early parts of Linear all happened out of the Collector Wines shed. Alex Mckay is a great winemaker and we worked really well together in the forming years of Linear, so this had a very strong influence. He can be hard to learn from as a teacher but has an outstanding wine mind and when he does manage to shed light on a subject or idea it will be well researched, and he makes sense of the process. I have spent quite a bit of time each vintage with Bill Crowe and he is not only a friend but a great winemaker. He and his wife Jamie let me run wild in their winery and I broke in his new press and thus Linear 2021 vintage wines were born! Hamish at Mada wines is always making interesting wines that make you think outside the box. Then Byran at Ravensworth and Sam at Mallaluka are just awesome guys to chat with. Both of them are always so inspired by what parcels they have on the floor and what they are doing with them that day. I find them both so relaxed about how they go
WINEMAKERS APPETITE
about their winemaking which is inspiring. It’s almost like you think they may have worked together for a few years! You are based in the Canberra District - how exciting is this region to you? Super exciting. Canberra District is such a great place to be working. We are a micro region on a map if you look by district size, but I think, year in year out, the district punches well above its weight. There are some premium wines made right throughout the district and I think there is some real buzz amongst winemakers. I think that really shows with how difficult it is to lock down fruit each year. It just shows how well sought after it is. You’re also sourcing grapes from Hilltops, Gundagai and Tumbarumba, all regions doing fantastic things, right? Yes, we are very lucky in Canberra with the surrounding regions, it has opened the doorway for winemakers here to be able to get hold of varieties that can grow better in different climates. I source some Pinot Noir, Gamay and Gewurztraminer from Tumbarumba, Fiano and Sangiovese from Gundagai and some extra alternate varieties Grenache and Tempranillo from the Hilltops. There aren’t many winemakers in Australia producing Grüner Veltliner and an excellent one like you do. Why is it thriving so well in Murrumbateman for you? Gruner Veltliner has a really small footprint in Australia. It is another great alternate variety that is showing great things
under the Australian climate. It has only been commercially available since Lark Hill (Canberra District) bottled theirs first just a few years ago in 2009. I was really lucky to be able to get my hands on the Gruner Veltliner. Good friends Bill and Jamie Crowe got the site in Murrumbateman grafted over in 2016 and they have since headed to America to start a winery in Washington State. Prior to leaving Bill set it up for the fruit to come my way. So Gruner Veltliner to me is all about that vibrant acidity, little spice and some minerality on the back of the palate which almost indulges you to take another sip! Other favourite wines from the latest vintage, Nathan? I was really happy with the fruit quality across all the 2021 wines. It was quite a cool and wet season, so we had to make sure we were picking at the right times and getting the fruit straight into the winery. On the whites I really enjoyed making the 2021 Gewurztraminer, it is a fun wine with a little skin contact, little barrel ferment and some stainless as well. Then I am really into light reds with good texture and fruit balance, and they are so versatile with food. I managed to get some Gamay from a site in Tumbarumba. I went up early one morning and handpicked it, brought it straight back to the winery and it did 21 days carbonic maceration in stainless steel before it was foot stomped and finished off in some new oak. So really looking forward to releasing that towards the end of the year. linearwines.com.au
“There are some premium wines made right throughout the Canberra District.” Nathan Brown, Winemaker, Linear Wines
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APPETITE WINEMAKERS
HOOSEGG Orange, New South Wales Philip Shaw, one of the legends of the New South Wales drinks industry, has released the 2017 vintage wines for his Hoosegg range and once again they are nothing short of exceptional. The releases, all under the Hoosegg label, include the Jade Moon Cabernet Franc 2017, Mountain Dragon Merlot 2017, Magic Monkey Shiraz 2017, Double Happy Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Seven Heaven Chardonnay 2017 and the Self Made-up Man Red Blend 2017. Shaw says the 2017 vintage Hoosegg wines are all from one of the best vineyards in Orange, New South Wales, where he is based. “The wines are all made from select blocks of our 30-year-old Koomooloo Vineyard,” he says. “The 2017 vintage was warm and dry. The spring rains set up the season and good rains in January allowed very good flavour development whilst maintaining natural acid. “The wines are elegant, vibrant, varietal, intense and complex. They are quintessentially cool climate wines from Orange.” Shaw’s Hoosegg range has been 60 years in the making and it dates back to when he first started working in a number of South Australia’s most famous wineries.
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Since passing over the popular Philip Shaw Wines business to his sons in 2015, Shaw has focussed on small parcels of select fruit from his Koomooloo vineyard, state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, the best new oak and all the lessons learned making wine over the past 60 years. “I wanted time to fulfill my dream – to make small parcels of wine that can stand amongst the finest wines from anywhere,” he says. “This reflects my philosophy on wine making; select an exceptional site and the right varieties. Marry the vineyard and the winemaking. “Every wine should be placed on its own canvas and not replicate others. You should be guiding the direction of the wine, not controlling it, always challenging the achievements.” Shaw has also recently extended an invitation to his customers to join his new ‘HOOSWHO’, a community of like-minded wine lovers who have the opportunity join him for private, guided tastings, have access to the
pre-release and museum wines, access to Hoosegg tickets to events during Orange Food Week and Wine Festival and be part of exclusive Hoosegg wine dinners. “It’s one thing to be in a position to pursue quality for quality’s sake, but the real reward is to be able to sit at a table and share these wines; to taste, discuss, critic and enjoy them,” he says. “This is what we see our HOOSWHO community experiencing.” When it comes to legends in the wine industry, Shaw is up there with the best Australia has ever produced. Shaw has twice won the coveted International Winemaker of the Year at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition, in 1986 and 2000. He was also the 1999 Qantas Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine’s Australian Winemaker of the Year and was awarded the 2000 Graham Gregory Trophy for his outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry. hoosegg.com
“Every wine should be placed on its own canvas and not replicate others.” Philip Shaw, Winemaker, Hoosegg
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www.ovolohotels.com
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE. Guides to some of the world’s hottest destinations, hotels, cars, accessories and much more.
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Six of the best hotels in Adelaide, South Australia
Why the Vamos El Hefe is the hottest e-bike on and off roads
Adelaide Rules
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Wayfarer Essentials
Top travel gear and technology for the home, office and on the road
The boss of E-bikes
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Inside Line
The latest motoring news, plus reviews of the Audi Q5 and MG ZS EV
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One perfect stay Wayfarer checks in to California’s boutique Malibu Beach Inn
Gear up with the Andy from Will and Bear (p89)
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Adelaide's
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ADELAIDE TRAVEL
Adelaide is one of Australia’s most exciting destinations and it is now home to some of the hottest hotels in the nation. James Wilkinson checks in to six hotels that need to be on your radar for 2022.
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ADELAIDE TRAVEL
EOS BY SKYCITY 1 Festival Drive, Adelaide SkyCity Adelaide’s AU$330 million expanded integrated entertainment precinct, including its luxurious new Eos hotel, made a stunning debut at the end of 2020 in South Australia. The transformed SkyCity Adelaide marks a new dawn for the state with the modern establishment featuring Eos by SkyCity, a 120-room five-star luxury hotel, as well as four new restaurants and two new bars. Headlining the expansion firmly is Eos, led by popular hotelier Jodi Brown, who has run luxury hotels across Australia in her impressive career. “Named after the Greek Goddess of Dawn, Eos is an embodiment of optimism,” she says. “We have brought a new, extraordinary realm of luxury guest experience to Adelaide, where we deliver a personalised approach, underpinned by indulgent experiences.” Alongside stunning hotel rooms and suites, EOS also features a day spa, outdoor pool and on the rooftop, Sol Bar and Restaurant. Curated by Head Chef, Kane Pollard, Sol Restaurant has a strong focus on sustainability, with all ingredients locally sourced and everything is prepared, cultured, churned and fermented in-house. On the deck adjacent, expect top-notch cocktails, beers and local wines, ideal for catching Adelaide’s epic sunsets. skycityadelaide.com.au
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“Named after the Greek Goddess of Dawn, Eos is an embodiment of optimism.” Eos by SkyCity General Manager, Jodi Brown
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OVAL HOTEL King William Road, North Adelaide
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Australia’s first accommodation property inside a stadium, the Oval Hotel, opened its doors in Adelaide in October 2020 and since then, the 138-room establishment has firmly been one of the most exciting additions in the history of the state. The property wraps around the exterior façade of the South Australian capital’s premiere sports and entertainment facility – known for its thrilling atmosphere for cricket test matches, AFL games and concerts – and is one of the most unique Australia has ever seen. A showpiece for its striking façade, the property also features some of the most well-appointed rooms in the city, which offer stunning views of the surrounding national heritage-listed parklands, and several exciting food and beverage outlets, including the Five Regions Restaurant and the Bespoke Wine Bar and Kitchen. Oval Hotel General Manager, Bodelle Francis, said the property offers a truly remarkable stay. “The experience we are giving guests here at Oval Hotel is completely unique and we knew that had to extend to every aspect of our offering,” she said. “Adelaide Oval is a world-famous stadium nestled inside nationally heritage-listed park lands, where the view looking out is just as inspiring as the view looking in. “This entirely unique setting and magic atmosphere is what got us thinking about adding another layer to the world-class experience that is Adelaide Oval,” Francis said. Rooms are fitted with locally-sourced amenities, premium fittings and natural textiles, while Five Regions offers exceptional South Australian food and wine. G v= h? tc
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TRAVEL ADELAIDE
MAYFAIR HOTEL 45 King William Street, Adelaide
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Downstairs at Mayflower, it’s all about great service in a stylish setting, local ingredients aplenty and a fun atmosphere. You can expect a fantastic Modern Australian menu from breakfast to dinner and dessert. There’s a luxurious setting at all times of the day and when you look at the food and wine on offer, it makes for a brilliant hotel dining experience. There’s a well-structured wine list that features a selection of handpicked South Australian labels that’s designed to complement the array of dishes on the menu. There are even a couple of delights that feature honey from the bees on the roof and whether you’re coming here for a meal as a couple or with a group of friends, you’ll certainly have a fantastic time. After dinner, there’s one place you want head to and that’s Hennessy atop the hotel. Hennessy is known as one of the best rooftop bars in Adelaide for good reason, because here the cocktails, music and atmosphere are always electric. The bar is designed to be enjoyed year-round and it offers a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. From hand-crafted furnishings and crystal chandeliers to living walls, here it’s about great drinks – the menu features premium champagne, innovative house cocktails and a high-end selection of wine, beer and spirits – in style with mates or clients. Pop in for a drink or kick on until the early hours at one of the best bars in all of Adelaide. ou /y s:/ tp ht
Since 2015, the Mayfair Hotel has been setting new standards for luxury accommodation in Adelaide, thanks to its offering of a brilliant, five-star bespoke experience. The Mayfair has a fantastic location in the heart of the city on King William Street, opposite the bustling Rundle Mall and a short walk from the river and the Adelaide Oval. The hotel’s located in the heritage-listed Colonial Mutual Life Building, and its interiors are as equally impressive as the iconic architecture on offer. Inside, you’ll find a stylish lobby and 170 elegant rooms that feature hand-crafted South Australian furnishings and custom-made beds. The luxurious Mayfair beds have been custom designed and made locally in Adelaide, along with the beautifully handcrafted wardrobes, marble top desks and side tables. Ten different room categories are on offer and they range from executive queens right up to our favourite, the brilliant Mayfair King Suites, which are luxuriously furnished and feature a bedroom where you’ll find their legendary King Size bed, writing desk and media hub. The suites also incorporate a separate lounge area with flat screen TV, sofas, beautiful free standing furniture pieces and a Nespresso machine for the coffee enthusiasts. The luxury also extends to the ensuite where you can pamper yourself in style thanks to spacious showers, bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers and Appelles Black Collection amenities. The Mayfair Hotel is also home to several brilliant bars and restaurants, including the Mayflower, The Den and the bustling Hennessy Rooftop.
mayfairhotel.com.au
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TRAVEL ADELAIDE
SOFITEL ADELAIDE 108 Currie Street, Adelaide Accor’s highly-anticipated Sofitel Adelaide welcomed its first guests on November 4, becoming the first new-build, internationally-branded five-star hotel to open in the city’s central business district in 30 years. The hotel features 251 luxurious guest rooms and suites (Superior, Deluxe, Luxury, Luxury Club, Prestige and Opera Suites), with a choice of city and Adelaide Hills views. South Australia’s Premier and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Steven Marshall MP, welcomed the opening and said the hotel “will play a critical role in the post-COVID recovery of [the State’s] tourism sector.” “As the first internationally recognised five-star hotel to be opened in Adelaide for 30 years, the Sofitel Adelaide is an asset to the State,” he said. In the rooms, stunning fully-open concept bathrooms with luxurious vanities and free standing bathtubs maximise a sense of space, with Balmain Paris room amenities provide an additional indulgent touch. The pièce de resistance is Sofitel’s palatial Presidential Suite. The embodiment of luxury living, Sofitel
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Adelaide’s Presidential Suite includes an extensive dining room and open living room concept, walk-in wardrobe, private study and a grand bedroom with an additional ensuite bathroom. All Luxury Club rooms and suites at Sofitel Adelaide provide guests with access to additional complimentary facilities and services as part of Club Millésime. Situated on level 10, Club Millésime features a private lounge serving complimentary à-la-carte breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés, as well as offering personalised check-in and check-out. Sofitel Adelaide is also a stand-out when it comes to food and beverage overall. It is home to Garçon Bleu, a 90-seat French restaurant set to become Adelaide’s newest gourmet destination, and luxurious street-level Champagne bar, Déjà Vu, which was inspired by the romantic sidewalk cafes of Paris offers a selection of elegant beverages, lighter meals and casual eats seven days a week. all.accor.com
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TRAVEL ADELAIDE
HOTEL INDIGO ADELAIDE MARKETS 23 Market Street, Adelaide IHG Hotels and Resorts’ popular lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo made its Australian debut in Adelaide during March and for a brand well known globally for chic design and fantastic food and beverage offerings, opening first in South Australia was certainly fitting. The 145-room Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets property features intriguing design features, deep connections to the neighbourhood and exemplary culinary offerings, according to General Manager, Thomas Zinn. “Hotel Indigo has paved its way across the globe as a truly fascinating brand designed to draw inspiration and spark curiosity from the roots of its surrounding neighbourhoods,” he said. “With our ideal location right next door to the iconic Adelaide Central Market and near the newly renovated Her Majesty’s Theatre, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is the perfect escape
for visitors and locals looking for a new way to connect with Adelaide.” The property is located next to the bustling Adelaide Central Market and as such, champions local producers in its two restaurants, Market and Meander Eatery and Bar, as well as rooftop raw food bar, Merrymaker. Located next to the lively Adelaide Central Market, the hotel champions local producers in its two restaurants – Market and Meander Eatery and Bar, as well as rooftop raw food bar, Merrymaker which is the highest rooftop bar in Adelaide. Housed on the site of a former textile factory, Zinn said the property’s “Raw and Refined” design ethos celebrates the neighbourhood’s commercial past with an exciting blend of heritage-listed and modern architecture as well as eye-catching contemporary design features.
He said the hotel’s public spaces feature striking brick archways mimicking those in Adelaide Central Market, colourful street art-inspired murals by acclaimed Australian collage artists including Tristan Kerr and an exposed terracotta brick feature wall etched with intriguing neighbourhood references such as ‘Six o’clock Swill’ and ‘Mad March’, the name given to Festival month in the city. The hotel’s 25 suites, some with balconies, feature luxurious Sealy king size beds, espresso machines and minibars featuring locally sourced items including a pre-batched Wattleseed Negroni from Lot 100 in the Adelaide Hills, Floral as Hell Gin by local distiller, Blend Etiquette and the delicious Inch Licorice Block by Adelaide-based Melba’s Chocolates. ihg.com
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ADELAIDE TRAVEL
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CROWNE PLAZA ADELAIDE 27 Frome St, Adelaide Crowne Plaza’s global makeover and re-imagination has seen the popular business and leisure IHG brand open some stunning hotels over the past 18 months worldwide and one of the best is firmly Crowne Plaza Adelaide. The new-build hotel, which debuted in September 2020, features all of the popular brand’s latest design concepts and initiatives, including Wayfarer’s favourite feature, the Plaza Workspace. “Throughout the hotel, our design approach has satisfied the needs of professional productivity, advanced restoration and inspiration,” said Crowne Plaza Adelaide General Manager, Sarah Goldfinch. The Plaza Workspace offers a coworking space for guests, something particularly ideal for travellers who have been working from home during the pandemic. “The Plaza Workspace is Crowne Plaza’s whole new take on the hotel lobby design and really helps our guests move seamlessly from work time to down time,” Goldfinch said.
“It has an abundance of access to power, wireless phone chargers integrated in the tables, and guests will enjoy access to free high-speed WiFi, designed to answer the growing trend in flexible work and life preferences, and people’s desire to work from anywhere. “It is also centred around our vibrant, lively bar, Luna10 which offers a refined drinks list and Japanese small plates… it creates a hub for the hotel and our guests,” she told Wayfarer. On the food and beverage front, Goldfinch said guests can expect top quality food and drinks from Luna10 – which will also serve guests outside by the adjacent pool – and Pan-Asian influenced eatery Koomo, helmed by Executive Chef Patrick Chung. “The culinary focus at Koomo is modern Pan-Asian with a strong Japanese influence,” she said. When it comes to the accommodation on offer, Goldfinch said guests can expect 329 design-led guest rooms starting from 28 square meters and
will be some of the most stylish and technologically advanced in the city. “Our WorkLife guest rooms were designed for the modern traveller,” she said. “The in-room streaming app and plush bedding make relaxing a breeze. “Then, mornings in your room come with floor-to-ceiling windows, unrivalled views of the city, guaranteed wake up calls and an espresso capsule machine to kick start your day.” Alongside the in-room streaming app, the high-tech rooms also feature a digital in-room compendium, Bluetooth-streamed music, a 55-inch LCD TV, free high-speed WiFi and wireless mobile charging. The hotel is a haven for business and leisure travellers – also expect a fully equipped gym with views of the Adelaide Oval alongside the heated outdoor infinity pool – and for meetings and events, Crowne Plaza Adelaide features some of the most advanced facilities in the city. ihg.com WAYFARER 87
LIFESTYLE ACCESSORIES
Pacifico Optical’s Bronte style Pacifico Optical has released two new colour shades of their popular ‘Carter’ frames: Amalfi Blue and Champagne. The Carter is named after the street in Sydney’s Bronte and creates the perfect 1950s to 1960s Panto frame shape. In conjunction with the new colour shades this frame is part of the brand’s sustainable ‘Made to Order’ range which has been designed to resonate with the environmentally conscious consumer. pacificooptical.com
Travel Essentials Must-have gear this season for the global high-flyer.
Mott and Bow’s brilliant staples Soho, New York-based Mott and Bow has been rising up the style ranks of late, thanks to their range of brilliant staples that are ideal for at home and on the road. Our favourites at present include the ‘Hooper’, a French Terry sweatpant made from 100% Peruvian cotton that makes them comfortable, soft, and versatile, alongside the ‘Diggs’ long sleeve crew tee and the slim ‘Barclay’ jeans, that resist fading thanks to the ‘Stay Black’ technology. mottandbow.com
Teva’s ReEmbers an inflight delight Popular brand Teva are continuing in their sustainability initiatives with their new ReEmber, a slip-on reimagined with recycled materials. Striking the perfect balance between a sneaker and a sleeping bag, this hybrid collapsible shoe treads lightly for any adventure, especially for comfort inflight, by offering warmth and high-tech functionality along the way. teva.com
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Will and Bear’s outback stunner The Andy hat is made for minimalists with its simpler aesthetic. This staple, available in cream, oak and autumn, pays tribute to the outback fedora style, featuring a brim edge and a teardrop-shaped crown. The Andy isn’t just a stylish addition to the wardrobe – with every purchase, the Will and Bear team will plant ten trees for each hat sold. willandbear.com
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TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
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ACCESSORIES LIFESTYLE
Carry-on versatility Three brilliant and versatile carry-ons for your next journey that will ensure you are travelling in style.
Aidan Signature Series ’S’ case The Signature Series ‘S’ Case from Aidan, designed to fit in the overhead cabin space of most major airlines, is not just stylish, but also durable and resistant thanks to its polycarbonate shell. It has a capacity of 35 litres, Japanese Hinomoto 360 degree run-silent wheels, a push and release easy-brake system and rubber foot stalls for side-bump protection. The S Series Case is also water-tight thanks to a weather-resistant rubber seal. aidanthebrand.com
dbramante1928 ‘Kastrup’ Denmark’s brilliant and stylish dbramante1928, a climate positive company founded in 2011, is well-known across the globe for its high-quality products that look great and help the environment. One of our favourites is their cabin-sized weekender, the Kastrup 2 (left), which is handcrafted from luxurious full-grain leather and sustainable longlife materials and has a fully lined, large interior main compartment that’s stylish and spacious. dbramante1928.com
Bellroy ‘Flight Bag’ When it comes to carry-ons, most travellers go straight for the wheely bag, but the clever team at Bellroy have come up with the Flight Bag, which offers the same practicality with added convenience. It is made from recycled dura nylon and has a unique clamshell design that has full zip-around access, with a durable YKK zipper, that lets you open the bag flat like a suitcase, for easy packability. It can be carried four ways: held like a briefcase, worn as a backpack, on your shoulder as a messenger bag or slipped over your suitcase handle. bellroy.com WAYFARER 91
Tech Corner Top technology for the travelling executive, at home and on the road.
Meet remarkable, the ultimate note-taker Leading Oslo, Norway-based technology innovator reMarkable launched its next-generation paper tablet, reMarkable 2, in early 2020 and since then it has taken the world by storm. The latest breakthrough device for note-taking and reviewing documents without distractions comes from the Norwegian developers behind the original paper tablet, which broke preorder records during its 2017 launch. At 4.7 mm thick, reMarkable 2 is the world’s thinnest tablet. Armed with weeks of battery life, and the breakthrough second-generation CANVAS display partially powered by E Ink technology, reMarkable 2 is also the most paper-like digital device the industry has ever seen. “reMarkable 2 supports our design philosophy of helping people think better through powerful technology,” said Magnus Wanberg, CEO of reMarkable. “Our latest tablet is paper-thin and our innovations in display technology make it so much like writing on paper that it’s hard to tell the difference.” He said reMarkable 2 is inspired by paper and is a tool for notetaking, reading, and annotating documents without distractions. “Today’s world is a frenzied place of ever-evolving technology that increasingly demands more of our time and attention. reMarkable 2 is a step in a more human-friendly direction. It’s designed to help people think,” he said. 92 WAYFARER
reMarkable 2 features the ability to convert handwritten notes into text, along with options for organizing, sharing, annotating and searching documents. Among a host of other digital features, reMarkable’s cloud service makes content accessible through multi-platform companion apps for desktop and mobile. Its feature set is aimed at anyone who likes writing by hand, but wants to be able to reuse their work in their digital workflow. At launch, reMarkable 2 will be accompanied by a Google Chrome plug-in that will allow users to read clean, reformatted web articles on their paper tablet without distractions. Innovations in ultra-thin, high-friction surface materials and a completely redesigned, second-generation CANVAS display, make reMarkable 2 an unprecedented digital paper device. Millions of physical ink particles lift to the display’s surface, working in tandem with the high precision Marker to deliver exceptional paper-like accuracy. There are also a range of accessories to complement reMarkable 2, including two different Markers (one with a built-in eraser in the top end and stylish folios, including a Book Folio that lets you keep your reMarkable 2 in its cover while working and which attaches magnetically to reMarkable 2. remarkable.com
TECHNOLOGY LIFESTYLE
Sonos’ versatile Roam a dynamic delight
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Sonos is well-known for developing some of the best smart speakers in the world and the latest addition to the range, the Roam, is yet another masterpiece from this brilliant brand. Where the Sonos Roam excels is in the incredible versatility this lightweight speaker offers – one minute it’s on your kitchen bench connected to the WiFi network and the next it’s on your picnic rug in the park, producing over Bluetooth the brand’s signature, refined and stunning sound. Weighing in at less than 500 grams, the Sonos Roam is lightweight, stylish, portable and durable. The Roam is dustproof and fully waterproof – it carries a rigorously-tested IP67 rating – and features silicone end caps and physical buttons to protect against drops or bumps. The stylish and practical design means you can place Roam vertically for a smaller footprint (ideal for small corners in living rooms) or horizontally to provide added stability on uneven surfaces outdoors. When it comes to the all-important sound quality, the Roam certainly does not disappoint. It is incredibly impressive for its size thanks to the tuning – by industry leaders across the music and film sectors to ensure the speaker reproduces content exactly how the creator intended – you’ll find brilliant sound quality. Roam’s ability to have simultaneous connections to both WiFi and Bluetooth means when you’re listening at home, it connects to your system and streams on WiFi, and when you leave Roam intuitively switches to Bluetooth and automatically re-pairs with your mobile device. Versatility is also the key when it comes to pushing content to the Roam, thanks to its ease-of-connection to more than 100 streaming services, including Sonos Radio, and is easily controlled with the Sonos app, your voice with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, or directly from your music service app. It also has a couple of cool features, including Sound Swap. Simply press and hold the play/ pause button on the speaker to switch the music to the nearest speaker in your system, making it easy to move music from room-to-room. That seamless connectivity also unlocks Bluetooth streaming for your entire system, with the Sonos app allowing you to group any of your Sonos speakers to Roam when streaming with Bluetooth. Also expect some decent battery life too. Roam has up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and up to 10 days of battery life when not in use. sonos.com
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LIFESTYLE TECHNOLOGY
Bose’s brilliant, new QuietComfort 45s Like many frequent flyers, we have always been impressed with the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones. Now the QuietComfort 45s have been released and it takes the experience to a whole new level. The new QuietComfort 45 headphones, replacing the legendary QuietComfort 35 IIs, have improved noise cancellation for instant quiet anywhere, thanks to the new ‘Aware’ mode to let the world back in, along with better voice isolation for easier conversations, and 24-hour battery life on a single charge. “QuietComfort headphones are legendary for a reason,” said Bose wearable audio category director, Mehul Trivedi. “Our customers have told us for years that it’s the balance of benefits that make QuietComfort so different and indispensable. They’ve always been a great example of excelling where it matters most. And the QC45s are no different.” Trivedi said the QuietComfort 45s maintain the hallmarks of their predecessor with “amazing audio performance, allday comfort and stability, super- simple controls, rock-solid connectivity”, along with an update to the iconic design that made QCs one of the most recognisable wearables ever. The QuietComfort 45 headphones feature just two settings, which Trivedi said is achieved using a new active noise cancellation system and new electronics package. “In Quiet Mode, microphones inside and outside the earcups combine with a proprietary digital chip to sense, measure and
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respond to more unwanted sounds in mid-range frequencies — those typically found in commuter trains, busy office spaces, and cafés. “The now-famous ‘whoosh’ associated with Bose noisecancelling technology happens in a fraction of a millisecond to tune out entirely or enjoy music, podcasts, or movies with lifelike clarity, detail, and no distractions. “In Aware Mode, QC45 headphones switch to full transparency, where everything is heard again – just as naturally, clearly, and quickly — without ever taking them off.” The QC45s have a fantastic voice isolation feature for easy conversations, anywhere. “For phone calls and commands, QC45 owners can share their noise cancellation,” Trivedi said. “A beam-form array isolates their voice, while a rejection array dampens and blocks the audible distractions around them — like a coffee grinder or barking dog — from being picked up and transmitted to whomever they’re talking to. While the classic design has had an upgrade, the other best new feature is the improved battery life thanks to USB-C. “QC45 headphones have up to 24 hours of battery life — outlasting the longest flights in the world or 20 back-to-back conference calls with time to spare,” Trivedi said. bose.com
TAG TAG
Google unleashes stylish, lightning-fast Pixel 6 range industry-leading AI, also enables entirely new capabilities for your smartphone, and makes Pixel 6 and 6 Pro more helpful and more personal. On the security front, the new phones feature the Personal Safety app and the new Titan M2 security chip helps protect your stuff and your privacy. When it comes to battery life, the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also impress. Thanks to an fast-charging adaptive battery that can last well over 24 hours even on 5G networks, you can reach up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes. For those set to travel the globe as borders re-open, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are ideal thanks to ‘Live Translate’. The Google Assistant is also on another brilliant new level. You can use your voice to quickly type, edit, and send messages with Assistant voice typing in Messages, Gmail and more, and you can also let Assistant help with adding punctuation, making corrections, inserting emojis and sending your messages entirely hands-free. While the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are brilliant from a speed, camera and quality perspective, they are also stylish. A new symmetrical design puts the camera front-and-centre, plus you can choose a device that suits you best with five fresh new colours. store.google.com b tu
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Google has debuted one of the most exciting products in the company’s history, the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones, which are powered by Google Tensor, the company’s first-ever processor, and feature Android 12, making them lightning fast, smart and secure. The new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are an extremely impressive upgrade from the Pixel 5 and are highlighted by not just the speed and performance, but the quality of images and video that can be captured. The Pixel 6 Pro is headlined by a primary sensor that captures up to 150% more light, a telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 20x zoom, and an ultra-wide front camera that records 4K video – that’s then same quality that our Wayfarer travel TV show is filmed in. There are also a number of fantastic features that enhance the overall camera experience, including a ‘Magic Eraser’ that makes distractions in your photos disappear, ‘Motion Mode’ that makes everyday shots epic so you can bring movement to your shots with features like Action Pan and Long Exposure, ‘Real Tone’ where portraits on Pixel represent all people and skin tones beautifully and accurately, and brilliantly, ‘Face Unblur’ that can unblur a face to make it sharper. Another headline for the new phones is Google Tensor, a mobile system on a chip designed specifically around Google’s
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Dyson goes futuristic with the laser-driven V15
Home Style A collection of Wayfarer’s favourite products for the house and holiday home.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K is a streaming winner
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Amazon has firmly upped the ante when it comes to streaming at home and on the road with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, media stick loaded-up with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and access to over 200,000 movies and television episodes. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the company’s most powerful streaming media stick to date and its ease of setup means you can use it in your TV at home or plug it in to hotel TVs when you hit the road. The latest Amazon Fire TV Stick is 80% more powerful in fact than the best-selling Fire TV Stick and it features a new quad core, 1.7GHz processor, that delivers a faster streaming experience, quicker load times, and brilliant picture quality. With Fire TV Stick 4K, you can access Amazon’s vast catalogue of content currently available on Fire TV, which includes thousands of 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ titles. It is the first streaming media stick available with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, two brilliant features that are now available on a number of leading TVs and soundbars, such as the Sonos Arc, Wayfarer‘s favourite home cinema experience product. amazon.com.au
Helping to create a healthier home is now made easier, thanks to Dyson’s new generation of cord-free vacuum cleaners, the V15 Detect. Engineered to detect hidden dust as small as 10 microns, and equipped with an acoustic piezo sensor to enable scientific proof of what’s been sucked up, these new Dyson technologies redefine deep cleaning at home. Developed by a team of 370 engineers globally, the Dyson V15 Detect uses a Hyperdymium motor to generate powerful suction and 5-stage filtration captures 99.99% of dust particles down to 0.3 microns for a deep clean. The Dyson V15 Detect helps create a healthier home at a time when 60% of people are cleaning more than ever before, according to Dyson’s Chief Engineer and Founder, James Dyson. “As engineers our job is to solve daily problems, and the past 12 months has created plenty of new ones with more time spent indoors,” he said. “We are all cleaning more frequently, trying to remove the additional house dust but desperate for peace of mind that our homes are truly clean. “Our latest vacuums use laser technology to reveal hidden dust, integrating a diode laser into the cleaner head that is precisely positioned at a 1.5 degree angle to create the best contrast between dust and floor. “We don’t think detection is enough, so we remove and meticulously size and count the particles 15,000 times a second using an acoustic piezo sensor which converts vibrations into electrical signals, displaying precisely the size and number of particles sucked up on an LCD at the back of the vacuum. “The Dyson V15 Detect is both powerful and intelligent, giving the ultimate reassurance – scientific proof of a healthier, cleaner home.” dyson.com.au
HOMESTEAD LIFESTYLE
Google ups the home security ante “That included smarter alerts, wire-free options for installation flexibility, greater value and beautiful designs, plus enhanced privacy and security. “We wanted our newest line to give you the most comprehensive set of intelligent alerts right out of the box, and easily work with your other Nest products, like displays,” Le Guen says. Then there’s Google Nest Cam with floodlight, the company’s first connected floodlight camera and the second-generation Google Nest Cam a wired indoor camera and what Google says is the “most affordable Nest Cam ever”. “We’ve heard how much people appreciate it when their Nest products all work well together,” she says. “These new devices are no different.” store.google.com s:/ tp ht
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Google is upping the at-home security ante with the release of the next-generation Nest Cams and Doorbell. The Google Nest Cam is the company’s first outdoor/indoor battery-powered camera, while the Google Nest Doorbell is the company’s first battery-powered doorbell. “Google Nest’s mission is to build products that make a more helpful home,” says Google’s Director of Product Management, Sophie Le Guen. “All of this starts with helping you understand what’s happening within the walls of your home and outside of it. “One of Nest’s first goals was to simplify home security, and it helped millions of people across the globe do this. “So when we started dreaming up our next generation of cameras and doorbells, we wanted to incorporate the way the connected home — and your expectations — were heading.
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Style-up the home office with dbramante1928 Denmark’s brilliant and stylish brand dbramante1928, a climate positive company founded in 2011, is well-known across the globe for its high-quality products that look great and help the environment. One of Wayfarer’s favourite ranges in the latest collection is the Desk Mat and Mouse Pad, which give your workspace a completely new look and feel. The Desk Mats and Mouse Pads are handcrafted from one continuous piece of up-cycled full-grain leather in the dbramante1928 100% CO2-neutral factory in Kolkata, India. The underside is backed with a layer of anti-slip suede leather providing excellent protection for your desk and an extra cushioning for your devices and writing materials. You can also roll them up and out without any damage and their edges are handpainted, brushed and burnished to combat wear and tear. The company says they will “age gracefully, developing a beautiful patina with usage” and we can’t wait to see how they look in a few months’ time. dbramante1928.com WAYFARER 97
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HOMESTEAD LIFESTYLE
Sonos Arc’s cinematic brilliance American sound innovators Sonos have produced some stunning products in recent times, including the Arc, which elevates the at-home cinema experience like never before, as James Wilkinson discovers.
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ver the past 20 years, Sonos has become one of the world’s leading sound innovators thanks to the ongoing legendary research and development that has resulted in brilliant cinema-like experiences that few can match. The company’s epic journey started as a vision of founders John MacFarlane, Tom Cullen, Trung Mai, and Craig Shelburne to bring music to every home – wirelessly, in multiple rooms, from PCs and the Internet, with awesome sound – and with each release, their technology is helping benchmark Sonos even further. The inventors of multi-room wireless home audio have most certainly achieved brilliance with their latest range of products, which is headlined by the Arc, which delivers such incredible sound you could be forgiven for thinking you are in a cinema or a sound studio. The Sonos Arc is the company’s latest premium smart soundbar that brings immersive, cinema-quality sound thanks to software-driven audio that surrounds listeners in dramatic detail, crystal clear dialogue and impressive bass. Featuring support for Dolby Atmos this is much more than a soundbar as Arc brings brilliant sound to anything you can stream, whether its a live rugby match on the TV, James Cameron’s Avatar in 4K Ultra HD or music, podcasts and radio when the TV is off. What is brilliant about the Sonos Arc is not just the brilliant surround sound cinematic experience, but when simply streaming music on Spotify or when dialling in to one of the 60,000-plus local and global stations on Sonos Radio, headlined by music, news, sports and more. “Home has never played a more important role in our lives and we’ve always been about making the home more enjoyable with great sounding products and new experiences,” says Sonos CEO, Patrick Spence.
“Arc brings the sounds of our favorite shows and artists to life like never before.” Patrick Spence, CEO, Sonos
“Arc brings the sounds of our favorite shows and artists to life like never before [and] our goal is to make any room you have a television a place you can easily enjoy all of the great streaming video and music that exists today. Arc illustrates our commitment to brilliant sound and premium design, and sets a new standard for soundbars,” he says. One of the real headline features of the Sonos Arc is the addition of Dolby Atmos, which truly helps the latest shows and movies come to life in even higher resolution sound. More than 25 video streaming services are serving Dolby Atmos content and with Arc, you have the ability now to listen to content in the truest form and how it was meant to be enjoyed. Sonos Arc delivers an ultra-wide soundstage and impressive bass, thanks to eleven high-performance drivers, including two that are upward firing for 3D audio and produce dramatic clarity, detail, and depth. Tuned in partnership with Oscar-winning mixing engineers, Arc adjusts its sound profile through software, based on the home theatre set-up and what’s playing, whether stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, or Dolby Atmos. You can refine Arc’s sound in the Sonos app with features such as Speech Enhancement to further clarify vocals, Night Sound to temper loud explosions, and an update to Sonos’ Trueplay tuning technology, adjusting Arc’s acoustic profile based on the room, accounting for horizontal and vertical sound that comes with 3D sound. Arc, available in matte black and matte white, features a 270-degree rounded plastic grille and a calm, seamless exterior for multi-dimensional sound that elegantly fits within the home. You can set Arc in front of a standing TV or mount to the wall (with a separate custom designed wall mount). There’s a simple connection to your TV through HDMI eARC or ARC and the full-set up on the app only takes a few minutes. The Sonos Arc is available for AU$1399 and can also be used as the anchor for a full surround-sound experience by adding other speakers from the range, including the Sonos Sub and a pair of the Sonos One SL or Sonos Five speakers. sonos.com WAYFARER 99
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HOMESTEAD LIFESTYLE
Traeger’s grilling power When it comes to putting on the perfect Aussie barbie this summer, it’s impossible to go past Traeger Grills’ Ironwood 885, the ultimate grilling machine.
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alt Lake City’s Traeger Grills has been revolutionising BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for over 30 years thanks to its all-encompassing cooking solution. Traeger pellet grills use 100% allnatural hardwood fuel to infuse food with flavourful smoke, making food taste delicious and most of all, heaps of fun. As the inventor of the original and world’s top selling wood-fired grill, Traeger utilises wood-fired convection power to provide 6-in-1 versatility – grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ meals and create perfection every time. One of the company’s latest releases, the Traeger Ironwood 885 (AU$2,899), might just be one of the best the grilling masters have ever put on sale. The Traeger Ironwood 885 features 885 inches of grilling space, which is enough to cook 10 chickens, 7 rib racks or 9 pork butts at once. It’s a member, alongside the Ironwood 650, of a new series that has an innovative pill-shaped barrel design, and features Traeger’s DownDraft Exhaust and TRU Convection Systems, which helps food cook to wood-fired perfection in the shortest amount of time. The Ironwood Series also offers Super Smoke Mode, allowing users to increase the smoke and boost the flavour with the push of a button. Both the Traeger 650 and 855 come equipped with the new Ironwood D2 Controller and has a temperature range of 65C to 260C which can be set in fivedegree increments. In addition, the grill features the D2 Direct Drive and ‘WiFIRE’ technology and has a Keep Warm mode to ensure
finished dishes don’t overcook or get cold before eating. Traeger’s all-new D2 Direct Drive drivetrain uses an all-new variable speed fan and auger, providing optimal blue smoke production across a much wider temperature range for the finest hardwood flavour. It also features Turbotemp technology, allowing the grills to get hotter faster so users can get grilling quicker and enjoy more precise cooking temps. The D2 drivetrain is all powered by an industry-first brushless motor, delivering years of reliable performance. For those that don’t know about the WiFIRE technology, it is quite simply epic. WiFIRE lets you monitor your cooking, adjust the grill temperature and access over 1,600
recipes through the Traeger App or select smart home devices. Whether you are at work, the supermarket or at the footy with mates, you can do everything from change temperatures, to set timers and monitor food temps right from your fingertips. Also impressive is Traeger’s GrillGuide, where you can master more foods by downloading hundreds of recipes directly to the grill, enjoying step-by-step guidance through the entire cook cycle. You’ll find some from rom BBQ enthusiast, pit master, and Traeger Grills ambassador, Josh ‘Traeger’ Dixon, including Wayfarer’s favourite, the ultimate beer can chicken. traeger.com/au
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LIFESTYLE HOMESTEAD
Barbecue gear Host the perfect barbecue with these must-have essentials, drinks, rubs and more. 1 Truff white truffle infused hot sauce. truff.com.au 2 Traeger’s impressive chicken ‘throne’. traeger.com/au 3 Match Point Rosé, from Rylstone Estate wines. rylstoneestate.com 4 Sonos’ ultimate outdoor Roam speaker. sonos.com 5 Traeger’s tasty barbecue rubs and sauces. traeger.com/au 6 Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva’s brilliant rum. rondiplomatico.com 7 Traeger’s titanium-coated barbecue shears. traeger.com/au 8 Red Original’s waterproof 18L cooler bag. redoriginal.com 102 WAYFARER
Rylstone, NSW
Burgundy, France
We searched for a location in Australia that shared Burgundy’s cool, inland climate and limestone-rich soils – a ‘terroir’ that produces some of the best wines in the world. We found it above the historic village of Rylstone in NSW. Our family’s range of award-winning wines harness Old and New World winemaking techniques to create wine that is truly one of a kind.
www.debeaurepairewines.com
old new world world ne world
LIFESTYLE OUTDOORS
Boss of e-bikes With a 55-kilometre range, the latest on-bike technology, epic styling and some serious power, the Vamos El Hefe is the hottest e-bike on and off Australian streets, as James Wilkinson discovers.
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he electric bike market globally has been going through the roof of late and Australia has been one country that has seen a flurry of activity. In what’s become a crowded market, a few brands have stood tall and Sydney-based Vamos has firmly been one of the leaders of the e-bike pack, thanks to their brilliant design, high-quality products and marketing flair.One of the keys to success for Vamos has been securing products from high-quality global brands like Samsung, Panasonic, Shimano, Tektro and Kenda for their range of e-bikes, led by Wayfarer’s favourite, the ‘El Hefe’ cruiser. The El Hefe is one of the most exciting and dynamic e-bikes available in Australia, thanks to its epic style, 55km range and a 25km/h on-road speed limit, which allows you to ride your e-bike with no rego and licence requirements, just like you would a pushbike. Thanks to its oversized tyres, you could also be forgiven for thinking you are seen riding an electric motorbike and not a bicycle. “The El Hefe is the closest you will get to an electric Harley,” says owner Conrad Pattinson, who started the Vamos brand with best mate, Michael Fatouris. “This is boss of all e-bikes and not much like this on the Aussie market. Expect high-torque ‘off-road’ fat-tyre power and catch the eye of everyone you cruise past.” The power of the El Hefe is simply outstanding and alongside the fat tyres, is its most exciting feature. “A bike that usually looks like this would struggle to climb hills, but the powerful high-powered high-torque rear motor lets you glide up them,” he says. “The El Hefe was born with us teaming up with our manufacturers and coming up with a bike that works on sand and looks good. “I spent a lot of my life catching public transport to the beach so I wanted to replace this tedious journey with an electric vehicle you could be proud of riding and is affordable,” Pattinson says. When riding on main roads, bike paths or off road, the El Hefe is comfortable, powerful and undoubtedly the most exciting e-bike cruising the streets of Australia today. vamosbikes.com.au
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Inside Line. The latest motoring news and accessories from premium brands.
Audi’s Grandsphere goes First Class Audi calls it a ‘private jet for the road’ and at over 17 feet long and almost six feet wide, the ‘Grandsphere’ sedan concept is all that and more. Audi showcased the Grandsphere at the recent IAA 2021 motor show in Germany and it certainly turned heads, given the concept is all about “combining the luxury of private travel in the greatest of comfort with a comprehensive onboard experience offering”, according to the manufacturer. Audi says the Grandsphere would offer Level 4 automated driving, which makes new dimensions of freedom possible: in this mode, the 106 WAYFARER
interior turns into a spacious sphere of experience without a steering wheel, pedals, or displays. And the front seats become a First Class lounge with maximum space, freer views, and access to all the functions of a holistic digital ecosystem that the Audi Grandsphere is integrated into. Audi says the Grandsphere concept illustrates the “brand’s claim that it is becoming the trendsetter at the top of the automotive industry for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings”. audi.com.au
MOTORING LIFESTYLE
The new Citroën C4 Shine
Citroën shines with latest generation C4 Citroën Australia is welcoming the latest generation C4 to its model range, bringing the popular nameplate back in an impressive single specification ‘Shine’ variant. This newest member of the Citroën family introduces Citroën’s latest design language which, true to the brand’s DNA, is inspired by customer needs and the way they drive. New C4 is a character-laden design with dynamic qualities, its raised stance reinventing the hatchback design by blending muscular Sports Utility Vehicle characteristics with hatchback versatility and stand-out coupé styling,
creating a unique entrant in the small car segment. It has the power to match its stylish looks, too, with a lively 1.2-litre, threecylinder, turbocharged petrol engine delivering 114 kilowatts of power and 240 Newton-metres of torque giving spirited performance. Driving the front wheels through Citroën’s latest eight-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT8), it delivers both impressive performance and thrifty fuel economy figures. Highly specified and characterful, C4 Shine has all the qualities and equipment needed to shake up the small
car segment while meeting the high expectations of Citroën’s customer base. Citroën Australia General Manager, Kate Gillis, said the company is delighted to be expanding its model range with new C4 and the decision to bring the car to market as a single, extremely well-specified model variant with a refreshingly short options list will appeal to buyers. “New C4 Shine is the perfect addition to our model line-up with its stand-out style, strong equipment list and, of course, its Citroën Advanced Comfort features broadening its appeal,” she said. citroen.com.au
Peugeot’s 3008 and 508 go plug-in hybrid electric Peugeot Australia is set to take its first steps on the journey towards electrification with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid electric variant (PHEV) of the popular 3008 SUV and 508 Fastback. The models, which will be officially launched in the first quarter of 2022, mark the brand’s first electrified variants on sale in the Australian market and represent the beginning of an evolution for the Peugeot brand. “Globally, we know that Peugeot has made a commitment to have an electrified variant across the entire model line-up by 2025 and it is with great anticipation and excitement that we take our first steps in the Australian market with the introduction of the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport Plug-in Hybrid AWD and Peugeot 508 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid,” said Peugeot Australia General Manager, Kate Gillis. peugeot.com.au
Peugeot is upping the hybrid ante
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Awakening the senses Labelled a manifesto for Volvo Cars’ future, the pure electric Concept Recharge does much more than showcase the company’s future design language and product strategy, it puts the European brand at the forefront of sustainability and style.
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olvo Cars’ Head of Strategic and Brand Design, Owen Ready, says the Concept Recharge demonstrates the steps the company will take in all areas of pure electric car development to reduce its cars’ and its overall carbon footprint. The company plans to sell only fully electric cars by 2030 and aims to be a climate neutral and circular business by 2040. He says by using sustainable materials inside the car, equipping it with tyres from recycled and renewable material, improving aerodynamics and through other measures, Volvo Cars can take huge steps to reduce its carbon impact through the car itself. When combining those steps with the use of clean energy throughout a decarbonised supply chain, manufacturing process and use phase of the car, Volvo Cars believes it can reduce a car’s lifecycle CO2 impact by 80% versus a 2018 Volvo XC60, without losing the inherent premium qualities that Volvo cars have become known for. This would mean that the Concept Recharge would have an overall life cycle CO2 impact below 10 tonnes, when charged with 100 per cent renewable energy. “As we enter the age of the electric car, how far you can drive on a full charge will be a key consideration,” Ready says. “The easy approach is to add more batteries, but it is not the same as simply adding a bigger fuel tank today – batteries add weight and increase carbon footprint. “Instead, we have to increase overall efficiency to increase range. With Concept Recharge we explore the tension between the need for efficiency and the desire for the same space, convenience and driving experience as in today’s SUVs.” The interior design is rich in sustainable materials, both natural and recycled materials – think of responsibly sourced Swedish wool, environmentally responsible textiles and lightweight composites created from natural sources. Responsibly sourced Swedish wool is transformed into fully natural breathable cloth, free from additives. This warm and soft material is used in the seat backrest and instrument panel top. Meanwhile, the floor and lower doors are covered by a rich carpet of 100% wool. The seat cushions and touch surfaces on the door are made from an environmentally responsible material that contains Tencel fibres from cellulose. This fabric has a great durable strength and is soft to the skin. By using Tencel fibres, which have been produced through a highly water- and energy-efficient process, Volvo designers can reduce the use of plastics in interior parts. The seat backs and headrests, as well as part of the steering wheel, use a new material created by Volvo Cars called Nordico. It is soft material made from bio-based and recycled ingredients that come from sustainable forests in Sweden and Finland, providing a CO2 footprint that is 74% lower than leather. Elsewhere in the interior, including in the lower storage areas, back of the headrest and the footrest, the Concept Recharge uses a flax composite, developed by Volvo Cars in collaboration with suppliers. It uses fibres from the linseed plant, which are mixed with composites to provide a strong and lightweight, yet attractive and natural aesthetic. On the exterior, the front and rear bumpers as well as the sill moldings also consist of flax composite. Using a
flax composite both inside and out in this way results in a significant reduction of plastics used. With the internal combustion engine making way for the pure electric powertrain, tyres play an even more important role. Not only are they crucial for safety, they also contribute largely to the vehicle’s battery range. This means tyres for electric cars always have to be on top of technology development. Hence the Concept Recharge feature special tyres made by Pirelli, which are completely free from mineral oil and are made from 94% fossil-free materials, including recycled and renewable materials like natural rubber, biosilica, rayon and bio-resin. This reflects the circular approach shared by Volvo Cars and Pirelli, with a focus on reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. Beyond its sustainable materials, electric powertrain and special tyres, Concept Recharge also improves the environmental credibility of SUVs through efficiency and aerodynamics. With the Concept Recharge, Volvo Cars envisions the future of aerodynamics. It incorporates innovative aerodynamic features such as exterior design details that smooth the airflow, a new wheel design, a lower roof, and a more upright rear end. As such, it takes the classic SUV shape and improves airflow to increase range, while offering the incredible space opportunities that comes naturally with an electric car and its lower floor. “While consumers continue to drive demand for the benefits of SUVs, we are determined to produce cars that offer all the safety and comfort they look for, as well as slash their environmental impact,” Ready says. With the company’s commitment to fully electric cars by 2030, we can’t wait to see which other concepts are around the corner and a reality in a matter of years. volvocars.com WAYFARER 109
Quattro masterstroke Audi Australia welcomed the arrival of the latest iteration of its popular mid-size luxury SUV range, the new Q5, in early 2021 and it has quickly been a roaring success.
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ombining contemporary design aesthetics, an innovative new user interface, advanced engine technology and an outstanding list of equipment, the new Audi Q5 is set to continue the success of its predecessors. A vision of confidence, the new Audi Q5 is characterised by the latest iconic Audi design language with a completely refreshed exterior design that looks even more powerful than its predecessor. Standard 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels (depending on the model) accentuate its muscular shoulder lines and imposing single-frame grille at the front. 110 WAYFARER
New LED headlights feature standard on the Q5, for optimal visibility behind the wheel, and unique daytime running lights that encapsulate the sophisticated exterior design. World-first digital OLED taillights debut as an option in the new Q5 model range, further enhancing its safety credentials. This technology displays a unique warning signal to drivers within a twometre proximity of the rear of the Q5, by creating a choreographed sequence of flashing lights. Inside the cabin, the new Q5 is endowed for comfort and versatility with intuitive new technology, offering seamless integration of the Audi
smartphone interface via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus provide all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the new 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display. With its crystal clear 1,540 x 720 pixel resolution, the beautifully crafted display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and is only 13mm slender. Despite this, it is a powerful platform that commands all manner of convenient ‘touch or talk’ driving, infotainment and connectivity functions. Additional features include Audi phone box light with the convenience of wireless charging for mobile
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phones (with Qi standard) and two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Digital DAB+ radio and 4 USB outlets (two in the rear). For the first time ever, the new Q5 offers the convenience of Audi connect plus functionality, with the integration of online traffic, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and Google Maps into the Q5 driving experience, together with additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, service request, emergency call and more, thanks to the embedded SIM card. The new Q5 line-up will consist of two TDI drivetrains and one TFSI engine, available in five model variations: Q5 40 TDI quattro, Q5 45 TFSI quattro, Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport, Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport and Q5 50 TDI quattro S line. The new Q5 engine range provides outstanding power delivery, enhanced with progressive Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
technology for strong performance and efficiency. To fully harness the strength of the engine, the Q5 40 TDI and 45 TFSI are equipped with a smooth-shifting seven-speed S tiptronic, directing power to the road via the legendary Audi quattro allwheel drive with ultra-technology. The Q5 50 TDI comes fitted with an 8-speed tiptronic and a quattro system that features a self-locking centre differential. The popular Q5 45 TFSI models are powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine also with 12V MHEV, producing 183kW and 370Nm of torque, reaching 0- 100km/h in 6.3 seconds. The new Q5 offers a substantial amount of equipment as standard across the range, affording comfortable accommodation for the driver and passengers alike. Ease-of- use is a high priority, with features like the keyless convenience key and a multi- function leather steering wheel replete with shift
paddles and new hands-on detection technology, to make the advanced assistance systems even more seamless in their support of the driver’s task. Additional highlights include leather appointed seats, electric front seats with 4-way electric lumbar support, 3-zone climate control air conditioning (with rear digital display), ambient interior lighting, an electric tailgate with gesture control and frameless auto-dimming interior mirror. Safety is a high priority for all Audi vehicles, and the Q5 is no exception. A comprehensive array of safety features includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, attention assist to mitigate lapsing concentration, eight airbags, side assist, active lane assist, exit warning system, hill descent control, cross traffic assist rear, parking system plus with reversing camera, tyre pressure monitor and pre-sense rear. audi.com.au
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Electric blue The electric vehicle segment has continued its record rise in Australia and there’s one compact car that’s proving affordability, drivability and style can all intertwine. Meet the MG ZS EV.
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G Motor’s all-new, full-electric MG ZS EV compact SUV has been in the Australian market for over 12 months now and the affordable ride continues to be one of the most popular in the electric vehicle segment. MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO, Peter Ciao, said it is the company’s vision to make the choice of an electric vehicle a reality for more buyers by eliminating one of the biggest barriers to adoption – the premium up-front purchase price associated with the EV segment. The MG ZS EV has a driveaway price of AU$43,990 and is backed with an 8-year 160,000-kilometre battery warranty, a 5-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and 5-year roadside assist package, to provide owners with significant peace of mind. “MG Motor has worked hard to deliver a vehicle that exceeds its customers’ expectations in the areas of style, performance, safety and durability,” he said. “The MG ZS EV is built for urban environments and has undergone rigorous local testing in both Australia and New Zealand. “Until now, buyers have had to pay a premium price for an EV. This has meant that only a small portion of the public can afford to buy an EV. “Our vision at MG Motor is to change this situation by making electric vehicles available and accessible to everyone. “By removing the affordability barrier, we are seeking to fast track EV adoption in Australia and New Zealand,” he said. The MG ZS EV can be easily detected on the road, with its iconic emotional design of the breathable logo, diamond grille, dual-colour alloy rims and London Eye LED headlights. With beautifully soft materials, leather effects and intricate stitching, the MG ZS EV offers a premium finish to a family- friendly SUV.
The highly efficient electric motor and dedicated calibration of the driving modes make the MG ZS EV a dynamic urban SUV. Fitted with a 44.5-kilowatt battery, the MG ZS EV has a range of 263 kilometres on the WLTP combined cycle. Impressively, the smooth and linear power delivery on the MG ZS EV enables it to reach 0 to 60 kilometres per hour in 3.1 seconds, acceleration that will prove invaluable for families and couples running around town. From urban commutes to country road trips, customers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport modes, allowing the car to fully adapt to their driving needs. Charging is another area of focus for MG Motor, the MG ZS EV comes equipped with a standard CCS2 socket located conveniently behind the grille. This socket handles everything from a household socket to the quickest 350-kilowatt DC supercharger. This means that plugged into a wall socket at home the MG ZS EV will be charged overnight, while on a supercharger it would take just 45 minutes to reach 80 per cent. When it comes to technology, the MG ZS EV also includes as standard an 8-inch colour touchscreen, integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six-speaker surround sound audio, satellite navigation, keyless entry and the Panoramic Stargazer Sunroof, covering 90 per cent of the roof it is one of the largest in the segment. Featuring one of the best-in-class rear interior headroom, flat rear floor and wide-body dimensions the MG ZS EV is more than capable of carrying all the essentials. It also has plenty of interior space and features 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a maximum trunk space of 1,166 litres. mgmotor.com.au WAYFARER 113
TRAVEL WORLD’S BEST HOTELS
One perfect stay
Malibu Beach Inn With its stunning location on the shores of Carbon Beach and views out across the Pacific Ocean, the 45-room Malibu Beach Inn offers one of the most unforgettable stays in California. A 10-mile hop from Santa Monica, this brilliant boutique property, that’s a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is highlighted by the stylish rooms and suites (our pick is the King Premier Ocean Front) with private balconies, the fresh local cuisine at Carbon Beach Club, the tropical cocktails from mixologist Josh Curtis, the treatments at the oceanfront spa and the private stretch of beach afront the establishment – for the perfect start to a day on a deck chair with a coffee in hand. The service on offer is discreet and exceptional and the sunsets here are as spectacular as they get in California. Get to Los Angeles on Delta Air Lines (delta.com) and book-in that late checkout before your flight home. lhw.com
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We are proud and honoured to be Certified with the highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating. One of just six airlines worldwide to currently receive this top recognition.
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