Raising the bar
If you recognise the name Vasco Rossi, then you know your international rock and roll stars. Rossi is Italy’s answer to Bon Jovi. Named after the Italian singer-songwriter, Sydney’s latest watering hole, Vasco, isn’t a singular tribute to this rock star but more of a general homage to the who’s who in the rock and roll pantheon.
The other Burgundy
For winemaker Grant Taylor, Central Otago’s various sub-regions offer fascinating opportunities to produce complex and top class Pinot Noirs.
Beyond sangiovese
By actively seeking out and planting a variety of indigenous grapes and balancing traditional winemaking with an open mind, Cesare Cecchi has taken his family’s wine estates into a new era in Tuscany.
Risky business
Noemia d’Amico, co-owner of Paolo and Noemia d’Amico winery, took a chance with Tuscia, a little known wine region in Italy, and has been reaping the harvest ever since.
In sparkling form
By fusing a winemaking tradition with a hip image, Giorgio Polegato, president of Astoria winery, aims to broaden the appeal of prosecco enjoyment.
Wine dinners
Head down to La Cicala at Club Street, and Jim Thompson at Dempsey Hill for a wine dinner. Savour Portuguese wines such as Cape Roca Vinho Verde White and Monte Cascas Colheita Red Douro.
Banking on history
Lebanese winery Chateau Muscar may have been founded in 1930, but it can count on the country’s 6,000-year-old winemaking tradition to inspire and drive them to produce quality wines.
A cool Cuban
With slanted, curved glasses and sleek stainless steel jigger and muddler, the Mojito Set, designed by world renowned Spanish mixologist, Javier de las Muelas, acts a touch of urban cool to your bar.
Opening act
As an Indonesian wine producer in Victoria, Hendra Widjaja, director of Stuart Wines Co., is a rare sight in the Aussie wine industry.